Sony WH-1000XM6
Pros
- Industry-leading ANC
- Rich, high-quality audio
- Easy-to-use touch controls
- 30-hour battery life
Cons
- Bulkier than Bose models
- Large carrying case
- No Snapdragon Sound/aptX
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Pros
- Clear, detailed sound
- Impressive ANC performance
- Comfortable and travel-friendly
- Lighter weight (250g)
Cons
- Shorter 24-hour battery life
- Sound may be too colored
- Sony still leads in ANC quality
Feature Comparison
If you’re looking for top-tier noise-cancelling headphones, two names will almost always stand out: Bose and Sony.
Right now, that means comparing the Sony WH-1000XM6 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. Both are among the best over-ear headphones available today.
They offer excellent sound quality, premium design, and advanced active noise cancellation (ANC). When it comes to blocking out external noise, these two models truly excel.
But which one does it better? And which is the better overall choice?
To find out, I tested both the Sony WH-1000XM6 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones side by side. I spent hours listening to music, exploring features, and evaluating build quality.
For in-depth reviews, you can explore my comprehensive reviews of each model. But if you’re looking for a quick, clear comparison, you’re in the right place.
Let’s break down which pair comes out on top.
Table of Contents
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Price and Availability
The Sony WH-1000XM6 launched in May 2025, three years after the WH-1000XM5. They’re priced at $449 / £399 / AU$699, making them more expensive than their predecessors. At launch, the XM5 cost $399 / £380 / AU$649.
However, the XM5 are now often discounted. In 2025, you can usually find them for around $300 / £250.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have also been on the market for a while. Their original price was $429 / £449 / AU$649. Like the XM5, they’re now frequently available for under $350 / £350.
While both models are still premium-priced, discounts make them more accessible than when they first launched.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 comes in three colors:
- Black
- Midnight Blue
- Platinum Silver
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers four options:
- Black
- Deep Plum
- Lunar Blue
- White Smoke
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Features
Both the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones offer a wide range of smart features if you use their companion apps.
They include:
- Multi-point Bluetooth for switching between two devices
- Spatial audio support
- Voice assistant compatibility
- A 3.5mm port for wired listening
But the standout feature for both is active noise cancellation (ANC).
Noise Cancellation
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra has long been considered the best in this category. Even after a year on the market, they still impress. Whether vacuuming, walking through a city, or riding a train, they consistently block out noise with music at 60–70% volume.
However, the Sony WH-1000XM6 takes it a step further. They use Sony’s new QN3 processor, which fine-tunes 12 microphones in real time. The result is even more effective noise cancellation.
In real-world use, the XM6 blocked out train noise and nearby conversations better than the Bose. The difference isn’t huge, but it’s noticeable.
ANC Customization
Both models let you adjust ANC to suit your environment.
- Bose: The Bose Music app offers 10 levels of noise cancellation, Wind Block, and Immersive Audio with or without head tracking. You can also save your settings for future use.
- Sony: The XM6 offers 20 levels of ANC adjustment in Ambient Sound mode. You can also enable Voice Passthrough to hear speech while blocking other noise.
Audio Features
Sony includes DSEE Extreme to upscale low-quality audio and supports LDAC for high-quality Bluetooth streaming. These features are ideal for services like Tidal.
Bose doesn’t offer DSEE or LDAC but supports aptX Adaptive via Snapdragon Sound.
Neither model supports true Hi-Res Audio over USB-C, unlike some rivals like the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 or Sonos Ace.
Battery Life
Battery life is another key difference.
- Sony WH-1000XM6: Up to 30 hours with ANC on. That’s solid, though not class-leading.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Only 24 hours. This is below average for premium headphones and a major drawback.
Sound Customization
Both headphones let you tweak the sound, but Sony offers more flexibility.
- Bose: Includes a three-band EQ, sound presets, Immersive Audio, and CustomTune, which adapts sound to your ears and surroundings.
- Sony: Offers a 10-band EQ, sound presets, spatial audio, and Adaptive Sound Control, which adjusts audio based on your activity and location. There’s also a “Find Your Equalizer” test for personalized tuning.
Both headphones are excellent, but the Sony WH-1000XM6 comes out ahead. They offer better noise cancellation, longer battery life, and more advanced customization options.
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Design
Both the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have a premium look and feel. They stand out in a crowded market with thoughtful design choices and quality materials.
Sony WH-1000XM6
The XM6 is a clear upgrade over the XM5. Sony brought back the foldable design, added a wider, more comfortable headband, and included mesh over the microphones to reduce wind noise.
The earcups are well-padded, the hinges feel sturdy, and the headphones come in three sleek colors:
- Black
- Midnight Blue
- Platinum Silver
However, the earcups are quite bulky. Both I and some colleagues found them a bit large on the head. If you prefer a more compact or subtle look, this might be a drawback. The larger earcups also mean a bigger carry case, though it’s still smaller than the XM5’s.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra also folds and comes in a slightly smaller carry case. Unlike Sony’s magnetic case, Bose uses a zipper closure. The headphones are easy to pack and carry.
They feature a padded headband, a smooth plastic and faux leather finish, and come in stylish colors like
- Black
- Deep Plum
- Lunar Blue
- White Smoke
While they look great, they don’t feel quite as refined as the XM6. The materials feel a bit more plasticky, and the design isn’t as smooth or rounded.
The button layout is also less intuitive. One button handles Bluetooth, power, play/pause, and track skipping, which can be confusing. Another button cycles through listening modes.
Sony keeps it simpler with separate buttons for power and noise cancellation.
Touch Controls
Both models support touch controls, but Sony’s are more advanced.
- Bose: Touch controls are limited to volume and shortcuts.
- Sony: You can control playback, answer or reject calls, and activate passthrough mode by covering the right earcup—great for quick conversations.
Verdict on Design
The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges out the Bose in design. They offer a more refined look, better materials, and more intuitive controls. That said, the QuietComfort Ultra still delivers a strong, stylish experience—especially if you prefer a smaller, lighter design.
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Sound Quality
When the Bose QuietComfort Ultra launched, its sound impressed right away. They deliver deep bass, rich mids, and crisp treble. The bass is powerful but controlled, never muddy or overwhelming.
These headphones aren’t just for bass lovers. Their sound remains clean and distortion-free, even at higher volumes. With aptX Adaptive support, they also offer high-quality Bluetooth streaming for detailed audio.
That said, the Sony WH-1000XM6 sounds even better.
Like the Bose, they deliver strong bass. But Sony balances it more effectively with clear mids and lively treble. Sony worked with top mastering engineers to tune the XM6, and it shows. The result is a more even, natural sound across all frequencies.
One standout feature of the XM6 is its soundstage. They offer a wider, more open listening experience. For example, when listening to A Seagull & Clouds by Himiko Kikuchi, the Bose handled the track well, with smooth bass, clean keys, and steady percussion. But the XM6 gave each instrument more space, making the music feel more expressive and immersive.
Spatial Audio and Immersive Modes
Both headphones offer spatial audio features for a more cinematic experience.
- Bose: Uses immersive audio to simulate sound coming from around you. It works well for movies and creates a speaker-like effect.
- Sony offers a similar feature called Cinema mode. It also upmixes audio for a 3D effect, though standard mode often provides better speech clarity.
Call Quality
Both models handle calls well, but Sony takes the lead here, too.
At Sony’s 5020 Studios in Madrid, I saw a live demo in a noisy room. Despite the background chatter, the caller’s voice came through clearly. That’s thanks to six beamforming microphones and AI-powered noise reduction.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra also performs well on calls. Voices are generally clear, but they can sound a bit quieter compared to the XM6.
Final Verdict on Sound
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers excellent sound with strong bass and clean detail. But the Sony WH-1000XM6 goes further. They deliver a more balanced, spacious, and refined listening experience—whether you’re enjoying music, watching a movie, or making a call.
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Value
Let’s talk value for money.
At full price, there’s not much separating these two. The Sony WH-1000XM6 retails for $449 / £399 / AU$699. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra launched at $429 / £449 / AU$649.
However, the Bose is no longer brand new. You can often find them on sale for around $350 / £350. That’s a solid discount—up to $100 less than the XM6.
But are the Sony headphones worth the extra cost?
Based on performance, yes. The XM6 outperforms the QuietComfort Ultra in nearly every area. They offer better sound, slightly stronger noise cancellation, longer battery life, more intuitive controls, and clearer call quality.
At the launch price, the XM6 is the better deal. Even with the Bose now discounted, Sony’s flagship still delivers more value for your money. They’re one of the most well-rounded headphones you can buy today.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
In this head-to-head, the Sony WH-1000XM6 comes out on top.
They offer immersive sound, excellent comfort, a refined design, and best-in-class noise cancelling. They’re a true all-rounder.
That said, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is still a fantastic choice. Their ANC is top-tier, the sound is rich and exciting, and the design is sleek and travel-friendly.
But in the end, Sony wins by small but meaningful margins across the board. The WH-1000XM6 takes the crown.
Your Turn
Which one would you choose? Let us know your pick in the comments!
