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Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless vs Sony WH-1000XM6: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless vs Sony WH-1000XM6, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
-
89
Sound
-
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
-
8.2
Price (USD)
$230
$400

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

New platform

Sony WH-1000XM6 (2025) against Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless (2017). The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 2.1, Top codec LC3 against SBC and LE Audio (LC3). It also adds USB-C.

  • SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless2017
  • WH-1000XM620258 yr newer
What differsSoundLink Around-Ear WirelessWH-1000XM6

Platform

Bluetooth
2.1
5.3
Top codec
SBC
LC3
LE Audio (LC3)
No
Yes

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Level on: Multipoint pairing.

Specifications

SoundLink Around-Ear WirelessWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$230
$400
HearWiki score
Not scored
89
Released
2017
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
2× driver
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
-
dynamic
Driver size
-
30 mm
Drivers per side
2
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
50 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
-
103 dB/mW
Bluetooth
2.1
5.3
Codecs
SBC
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
9 m
10 m
Battery life
15 h
40 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
30 h
Full charge time
180 min
210 min
Quick charge
15 min → 2 h
3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
-
Yes
ANC type
-
adaptive
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
Yes
Controls
buttons
buttons
Voice assistant
No
Yes
Weight
149.4 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
1
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless

The Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless headphones are over-ear wireless models built for steady audio performance across volume levels, with a focus on clear calls and a comfortable, durable design. They offer a long 15-hour battery life, multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, and quick charging for convenient everyday use.

  • Pro:Consistent sound at various volume levels
  • Pro:Comfortable over-ear fit with durable build
  • Pro:15-hour battery life with quick charge capability
  • Con:Only supports SBC codec, no AAC or aptX
  • Con:Uses older Bluetooth 2.1 technology
  • Con:No USB-C charging port

Sony WH-1000XM6

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is a premium over-ear wireless headphone that combines adaptive active noise cancellation with a long-lasting battery and support for high-quality audio codecs. It features multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and a transparent mode, making it a versatile choice for both focused listening and everyday commutes. With a lightweight build and tactile controls, it balances comfort and functionality for extended use.

  • Pro:Adaptive active noise cancellation for personalized silencing
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless device switching
  • Pro:Transparency mode for ambient awareness when needed
  • Con:No water resistance rating for wet conditions
  • Con:No wireless charging option
  • Con:Relies on physical buttons rather than touch controls

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonBose SoundLink Around-Ear WirelessSony WH-1000XM6