ProductViper · Head-to-head · Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen
Two flagships one point apart. The choice comes down to Sony's 12-mic cancellation and LDAC versus Bose's spatial audio and a $58 lower price.
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)
Which one should you buy?
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM6 if you want the most noise-cancelling and call hardware in the category. Buy the Sony WH-1000XM6 if you stream hi-res audio over LDAC from an Android phone and take a lot of calls outdoors.
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) if you want strong cancellation plus spatial audio for movies. Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) if you watch video on flights and want a slightly longer ANC-off battery for $58.01 less.
Side-by-side specs
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Amazon, Sept 2026) | $458.00 | $399.99 |
| ViperScore | 80 · Good Buy | 81 · Good Buy |
| Amazon rating | 4.2 stars (3,741 ratings) | 4.3 stars (2,869 ratings) |
| Noise cancelling | QN3 processor, 12 ANC mics, Adaptive NC Optimizer | Quiet, Aware and Immersion modes; CustomTune fit calibration |
| Call mics | Six-mic AI beamforming, wind-resistant | Noise-rejecting mics with AI background and wind suppression |
| Battery, ANC on | Up to 30 hours (26 with LDAC) | Up to 30 hours (23 with Immersive Audio) |
| Battery, ANC off | Up to 40 hours | Up to 45 hours |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4, multipoint |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Spatial / video mode | — | Immersive Audio and Cinema Mode |
| Wired audio | Listen while charging over USB | USB-C lossless audio and USB voice; listen while charging |
| Folding | Yes, compact magnetic-closure case | Yes |
| Weight | About 254 g (9 oz) | — |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | 1-year limited |
Where each one wins
Why the Sony WH-1000XM6 still makes sense
- Higher Features (95 vs 93): 12 ANC mics on the QN3 processor and an Adaptive NC Optimizer that adjusts for air pressure, hats and glasses.
- LDAC and LC3 support for higher-bitrate streaming from Android phones; Bose uses aptX Adaptive instead.
- A six-mic AI beamforming call system with a wind-resistant design, aimed at clear calls outdoors.
Why the Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen scores higher
- Higher Value (74 vs 72): it costs $399.99 against $458.00 for the Sony.
- Higher Satisfaction (86 vs 84) and Reliability (82 vs 80), from a 4.3-star average against Sony's 4.2.
- Immersive Audio, Cinema Mode and USB-C lossless audio add options for movies and wired listening, and ANC-off battery runs 45 hours to Sony's 40.
ViperScore breakdown
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Value (25%) | 72 | 74 |
| Quality (20%) | 90 | 90 |
| Features (15%) | 95 | 93 |
| Reliability (15%) | 80 | 82 |
| Satisfaction (15%) | 84 | 86 |
| Warranty (10%) | 55 | 55 |
| ViperScore | 80 | 81 |
Higher number highlighted. Weights: Value 25%, Quality 20%, Features 15%, Reliability 15%, Satisfaction 15%, Warranty 10%. How we score →
Questions buyers ask
Which has better battery life, the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen?
Both are rated up to 30 hours with noise cancelling on. With it off, Bose rates 45 hours and Sony 40; Bose drops to 23 hours with Immersive Audio, Sony to 26 with LDAC.
Do both headphones fold?
Yes. The Sony WH-1000XM6 folds into a compact case with a magnetic closure, and Bose kept a foldable design on the 2nd Gen QuietComfort Ultra.
Which is better for Android hi-res audio?
The Sony supports LDAC, and the Bose supports aptX Adaptive on Snapdragon Sound phones. Check which codec your phone supports before choosing.
Prices are live Amazon prices from Sept 24 2026 and change often; Amazon shows the current price. ProductViper is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
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