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Comparison Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen): Which Should You Buy?

Quick answer

Choose the Sony WH-1000XM6 for features, a folding case and clearer calls; choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) if comfort on long flights matters most.

By Buyzello Editorial Team 1 min read

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Illustration of noise-cancelling headphones (not a photo of this product)
Recommended

Sony WH-1000XM6

Best all-round ANC

Typically $399–$459

Check Price on Amazon at Amazon Paid link
Illustration of noise-cancelling headphones (not a photo of this product)
Recommended

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

Best for comfort on long flights

Typically $379–$449

Check Price on Amazon at Amazon Paid link

Quick comparison

FeatureSony WH-1000XM6Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
VerdictRecommendedRecommended
Typical price$399–$459$379–$449
Best forBest all-round ANCComfort on long flights
Key featureClass-leading noise cancelling with a folding designPlush fit and top-tier noise cancelling
BatteryUp to 30 hours with ANCUp to 30 hours
WeightAbout 9 oz (254 g)—
ChargingUSB-C, 3 min for about 3 hours—
Wired listening—USB-C audio and 2.5 mm cable
Where to buyCheck Price at Amazon Paid linkCheck Price at Amazon Paid link

Main differences

Comfort

Bose is softer and lighter-feeling on the head; Sony clamps a little more.

Noise cancelling

Both are top tier; owners rate them very close.

Portability

Both fold; Sony's case is slimmer.

Extras

Sony has a deeper app and EQ; Bose adds lossless USB-C audio and Immersive Audio.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Sony WH-1000XM6 if you

  • want the most features and EQ control
  • take lots of calls
  • want a slimmer travel case
Check Price at Amazon Paid link

Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if you

  • wear headphones for many hours at a time
  • wear glasses
  • watch movies with spatial audio
Check Price at Amazon Paid link

Which specifications matter?

Focus on the differences above rather than headline numbers. For more options, see our list of the best noise-cancelling headphones.

Not sure about either? Consider these

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, the Sony WH-1000XM6 or the Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen)?

Choose the Sony WH-1000XM6 for features, a folding case and clearer calls; choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) if comfort on long flights matters most.

Which is better value?

The Sony WH-1000XM6 typically costs $399–$459 and the Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) typically costs $379–$449. The better value depends on which differences above matter to you.

Buyzello Editorial Team

Part of the Buyzello research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.

How we test and score Editorial policy

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen): the deciding differences

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen): which should you buy? Choose the Sony WH-1000XM6 for features, a folding case and clearer calls; choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) if comfort on long flights matters most. Typical prices are $399–$459 for the Sony WH-1000XM6 and $379–$449 for the Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen).

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is best for best all-round ANC. Its key feature is class-leading noise cancelling with a folding design. Buy it if you want the strongest all-round noise cancelling, great calls and a case that finally folds flat for travel. Owners and specs point to strengths such as excellent noise cancelling on planes and trains, folding design returns with a slim case and clear call quality thanks to a multi-mic array, while the main drawbacks are pricier than the XM5 it replaces and not rated for sweat or rain.

The Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) is best for comfort on long flights, with plush fit and top-tier noise cancelling as its headline feature. Buy it if you put comfort first on long flights and want noise cancelling that rivals the best. Its strengths include very comfortable for hours, noise cancelling on par with the best and lossless audio over USB-C; the trade-offs are expensive and immersive Audio drains the battery faster.

The differences that matter most: Comfort: Bose is softer and lighter-feeling on the head; Sony clamps a little more. Noise cancelling: Both are top tier; owners rate them very close. Portability: Both fold; Sony's case is slimmer. Extras: Sony has a deeper app and EQ; Bose adds lossless USB-C audio and Immersive Audio.

Choose the Sony WH-1000XM6 if you want the most features and EQ control, take lots of calls and want a slimmer travel case. Choose the Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) if you wear headphones for many hours at a time, wear glasses and watch movies with spatial audio. If neither fits, our list of the best noise-cancelling headphones covers more options at different prices.

Noise cancelling strength matters most for flights and transit; mid-priced models now get close to flagships. Comfort decides whether you'll wear them for hours. Weight and clamping force matter more than looks. Battery life of 24 hours or more covers a long round trip without charging.

Both are excellent. Sony usually wins on features and battery life, while Bose usually wins on comfort. Pick the one that fits your head and your habits. Only if you are deep in the Apple ecosystem and value the build. Sony and Bose offer similar noise cancelling, lighter weight and longer battery life for less.