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Neither the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) nor the Sony WH-1000XM6 is the right choice for everyone. Choose Bose if you value its comfort profile, lossless USB-C audio, or Cinema Mode. Choose Sony if you want somewhat stronger noise isolation, more extensive touch controls and EQ adjustment, or a possible advantage for frequent calls. Fit and priorities matter enough that trying both is ideal.
Quick comparison
| What matters | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Noise isolation | Strong; RTINGS finds Sony somewhat stronger in its comparison. | Somewhat stronger than Bose in RTINGS’ comparison. |
| Fit and comfort | RTINGS says Bose fits comfortably on more people in its assessment; individual fit still varies. | Try for fit, particularly if comfort is a deciding factor. |
| Sound adjustment | Supports SBC and AAC over Bluetooth, plus Snapdragon Sound; RTINGS finds Sony offers greater user EQ control. | Supports SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3; RTINGS finds its EQ adjustment more extensive. |
| Calls | RTINGS describes the microphone as fine; the models are not worlds apart. | May be the better pick for frequent calls, according to RTINGS, though the difference is not decisive. |
| Controls | Less extensive touch controls than Sony, according to RTINGS. | More comprehensive touch controls, according to RTINGS. |
| Battery | SoundGuys measured 27 hours 12 minutes in its standardized ANC-on rundown. | Sony rates up to 30 hours with noise cancelling on and 40 hours with it off. SoundGuys measured 37 hours 14 minutes in its standardized ANC-on rundown. |
| Wired audio | Bose announced lossless USB-C audio for this generation. | Sony’s cited specifications list Bluetooth formats and version; the cited page does not establish a comparable lossless USB-C audio feature. |
Comparison findings are from RTINGS’ comparison; battery test results are from SoundGuys’ comparison. Specifications are not the same as independent test results.
Choose Bose for USB-C audio, Cinema Mode, or its comfort profile
Bose announced the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) on September 10, 2025. The company says this generation adds lossless USB-C audio, a revised adaptive-noise-cancellation algorithm, Cinema Mode for video dialogue, extended battery life, faster on-head detection, and automatic Bluetooth standby with a low-energy deep-sleep mode. These are manufacturer-stated features, not independent findings that Bose outperforms Sony in those areas.
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#1 Best Overall
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
Comfort is personal, but RTINGS reports that Bose fits comfortably on more people in its assessment. That is a reason to put Bose on your shortlist, not a guarantee it will fit your head or work well with your glasses.
Choose Sony for stronger isolation, controls, or EQ flexibility
RTINGS finds Sony’s noise isolation somewhat stronger than Bose’s and its touch controls more comprehensive. It also gives listeners greater control over EQ. Those differences can make the WH-1000XM6 a better match if you frequently adjust sound or want more hands-on control from the headphones.
Rank #2
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
RTINGS suggests Sony may be preferable for frequent calls, but characterizes Bose’s microphone as fine and says the two models are not worlds apart. If call quality is essential, do not treat that qualified comparison as a guarantee for your voice, surroundings, or devices.
Compare battery figures on equal terms
Sony states maximum continuous music playback of up to 30 hours with noise cancelling on and up to 40 hours with it off on its WH-1000XM6 specifications page. Those are Sony’s ratings, not a head-to-head test.
Rank #3
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
In SoundGuys’ standardized battery rundown with ANC on, the Sony lasted 37 hours 14 minutes and the Bose 27 hours 12 minutes. These are SoundGuys’ test results under its test conditions, not the manufacturers’ rated figures or a guarantee of runtime for every listener. Compare the rated Sony figures with other ratings and the SoundGuys results with that test—not one category against the other.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check codec support and device compatibility
SoundGuys reports Bluetooth support for SBC and AAC on both headphones, Snapdragon Sound for Bose, and LDAC for Sony. It also reports LC3 for Sony. Sony’s specifications page lists SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 audio formats and Bluetooth Specification Version 5.3.
Rank #4
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
Codec availability depends on the source device and its support. In particular, Snapdragon Sound on Bose depends on the phone’s hardware and manufacturer support; owning the headphones alone does not ensure that feature will be available. Check your phone’s specifications before choosing based on a codec.
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Best Value
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- LOSSLESS USB AUDIO: Over-the-ear headphones with USB-C audio for wired listening deliver crystal-clear lossless sound that reveals every nuance, so you can hear your fave song like it’s the first time all over again.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
Make the decision around your use
- Pick Bose if lossless USB-C audio or Cinema Mode is valuable to you, or if its fit feels better when you try it.
- Pick Sony if stronger isolation, more comprehensive touch controls, or more EQ adjustment matters more to you.
- For frequent calls, Sony may have an edge in RTINGS’ assessment, but the reported gap is not definitive.
- For battery life, distinguish Sony’s stated maximum ratings from SoundGuys’ ANC-on test results.
- Before buying, compare current local prices, warranty and return terms, and try both if possible. No date- and market-specific price comparison establishes which is the better value everywhere.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
