Both excel: Sony favors customization and battery; Bose nails comfort and call clarity.
You know that moment on a noisy train or in a busy café when you just want peace? That is where the sony wh-1000xm6 vs bose quietcomfort ultra headphones shine. I’ve used both for commutes, flights, and long workdays. They both block noise well, but in different ways. I’ll share what stood out in my tests so you can pick the one that fits your life.
TOP PICK
Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise…
THE BEST NOISE CANCELLATION: Powered by advanced processors and an adaptive microphone system, the WH-1000XM6 headphones deliver real-time noise cancellation for an immersive, distraction-free listening…
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RECOMMENDED
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones,…
SPATIAL AUDIO HEADPHONES: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones with spatial audio give you an immersive experience that makes music feel more real; CustomTune technology offers personalized…
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Is Sony WH-1000XM6 Good?
Yes—especially if you want deep control over sound, strong ANC, and long battery life. The WH-1000XM6 feels like a tool for tinkerers and travelers. It gives you rich sound out of the box, and the app lets you dial it in even more. If you love EQ, LDAC, and smart features, it delivers.
On a cross-country flight, I set the XM6 to a warm, low-end tilt and it made the cabin hum vanish. I also used Speak-to-Chat in a coffee shop, which auto-pauses music when I talk. It felt seamless. During a long workday, the battery kept going, so I never scrambled for a charger.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Strong active noise canceling with smart ambient modes
- LDAC support for higher-bitrate wireless audio on compatible devices
- Custom EQ, sound presets, and adaptive profiles in the app
- Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention for quick talks without removing the headset
- Long battery life rated up to a full day or more of mixed use
What I Like
- Outstanding ANC for planes and open offices
- Rich, customizable sound with tight bass and smooth mids
- LDAC unlocks better detail on Android devices
- Reliable multipoint for laptop and phone at once
- Smart features save time, like auto-pause when I speak
- Comfortable pads that seal well without hot spots
What Could Be Better
- Touch controls can misfire with gloves or rain
- Wind noise can creep in on outdoor calls
- The case is a bit bulky for small bags
My Recommendation
If you want top ANC, long battery, and full control over sound, pick the Sony WH-1000XM6. It’s a great value if you use the app features.
| Best For |
Why |
| Travel and long commutes |
Quiet cabin, long battery, smart talk-through |
| Audio tinkerers |
LDAC and deep EQ in the app |
| Work-from-anywhere |
Multipoint and quick controls boost workflow |
Is Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Good?
Yes—especially if you value comfort, simple controls, and great call clarity. The QuietComfort Ultra focuses on ease. The ANC is
powerful, and the Immersive Audio mode adds fun depth to some tracks. If you want headphones that “just work,” these feel effortless.
On a busy street, the Bose cut traffic roar without that pressurized feel. My voice came through clean on calls, even in wind. During a six-hour desk session, the plush fit never pinched. The sony wh-1000xm6 vs bose quietcomfort ultra headphones matchup is close, but Bose wins for comfort and calls in my day-to-day use.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Class-leading ANC with a natural pressure feel
- Immersive Audio (spatial) mode for a wider soundstage
- CustomTune calibration for ear-specific tuning
- Stable multipoint and clear call mics
- Bose Music app with simple EQ and modes
What I Like
- Most comfortable over-ears I can wear all day
- Excellent call quality in busy or windy places
- ANC feels powerful yet easy on the ears
- Controls are simple and dependable
- Immersive Audio adds fun space for movies and games
What Could Be Better
- Battery life is shorter than Sony
- No LDAC; limited to common codecs
- Spatial mode can drain battery faster
My Recommendation
If comfort and call quality matter most, choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. It shines for meetings, commutes, and long wear.
| Best For |
Why |
| All-day comfort |
Light clamp and plush pads |
| Frequent callers |
Clear mics and stable voice pickup |
| Movies and casual listening |
Immersive Audio adds depth and space |
sony wh-1000xm6 vs bose quietcomfort ultra headphones: Side-by-Side Test
I tested both across flights, cafés, open offices, and home. Below is how the sony wh-1000xm6 vs bose quietcomfort ultra headphones compare in the areas that matter most.
Active Noise Cancelling: Which Kills More Noise?
Both remove low rumbles well. The Sony seals tight. The Bose feels more natural on the ear.
| Aspect |
Sony WH-1000XM6 |
Bose QC Ultra |
| Low-frequency hum (planes) |
Excellent |
Excellent |
| Voices in office |
Very good |
Very good |
| Wind handling |
Good |
Very good |
| Ear pressure feel |
Moderate |
Light |
Rating: Sony – 9/10 | Bose – 9/10
Edge: Tie. Sony blocks a touch more in planes; Bose feels easier on the ears.
Sound Quality: Detail, Tuning, and Codecs
This category shows the biggest split in the sony wh-1000xm6 vs bose quietcomfort ultra headphones story.
| Aspect |
Sony WH-1000XM6 |
Bose QC Ultra |
| Default tuning |
Warm, full bass, smooth highs |
Balanced, clear, relaxed highs |
| High-bitrate support |
LDAC available |
No LDAC |
| EQ control |
Deep, flexible |
Simple, effective |
| Immersive/spatial |
Standard stereo; spatial via apps |
Built-in Immersive Audio |
Rating: Sony – 9/10 | Bose – 8/10
Edge: Sony. LDAC and deeper EQ give it the detail and flexibility win.
Comfort and Build: Wear-All-Day Factor
If you wear headphones for hours, this part of the sony wh-1000xm6 vs bose quietcomfort ultra headphones comparison matters most.
| Aspect |
Sony WH-1000XM6 |
Bose QC Ultra |
| Clamp force |
Light-medium |
Light |
| Pad comfort |
Soft and breathable |
Ultra plush |
| Weight feel |
Light |
Very light on head |
| Heat build-up |
Low |
Very low |
Rating: Sony – 8.5/10 | Bose – 9.5/10
Edge: Bose. The QC Ultra disappears on the head during long sessions.
Calls and Microphones: Your Voice, Anywhere
Many readers need strong mics. The sony wh-1000xm6 vs bose quietcomfort ultra headphones differ here.
| Aspect |
Sony WH-1000XM6 |
Bose QC Ultra |
| Quiet room calls |
Clear |
Clear |
| Street noise rejection |
Good |
Very good |
| Wind handling |
Fair-good |
Good-very good |
| Voice naturalness |
Good |
Very good |
Rating: Sony – 8/10 | Bose – 9/10
Edge: Bose. Better beamforming and noise handling in messy environments.
Battery and Charging: How Long Do They Last?
This was clear in my sony wh-1000xm6 vs bose quietcomfort ultra headphones tests over a week.
| Aspect |
Sony WH-1000XM6 |
Bose QC Ultra |
| Rated battery life |
Up to ~30 hours (ANC on) |
Up to ~24 hours (ANC on) |
| Quick charge |
Fast boost in minutes |
Fast boost in minutes |
| USB-C charging |
Yes |
Yes |
| Drain with extras |
Low impact |
Spatial mode uses more |
Rating: Sony – 9.5/10 | Bose – 8.5/10
Edge: Sony. More hours per charge and less impact from extras.
Features and App Experience: Smarts That Help
The sony wh-1000xm6 vs bose quietcomfort ultra headphones differ in how “techy” they feel.
| Aspect |
Sony WH-1000XM6 |
Bose QC Ultra |
| App complexity |
Deep controls and routines |
Simple and clean |
| Special modes |
Speak-to-Chat, Adaptive Sound |
Immersive Audio, CustomTune |
| Learning curve |
Moderate |
Easy |
| Reliability |
Very good |
Very good |
Rating: Sony – 9/10 | Bose – 9/10
Edge: Tie. Sony is powerful; Bose is effortless. Pick your style.
Connectivity and Stability: Pairing, Range, Multipoint
I kept both paired to phone and laptop. Here is how the sony wh-1000xm6 vs bose quietcomfort ultra headphones stacked up.
| Aspect |
Sony WH-1000XM6 |
Bose QC Ultra |
| Multipoint stability |
Very good |
Very good |
| Range |
Strong through walls |
Strong through walls |
| Device switching |
Fast, occasional hiccups |
Fast and steady |
| Codec support |
LDAC plus standard |
Standard codecs |
Rating: Sony – 9/10 | Bose – 9/10
Edge: Slight Bose for switching smoothness; Sony for LDAC. Call it even.
Value for Money: What Do You Get for the Price?
The sony wh-1000xm6 vs bose quietcomfort ultra headphones both sit at the premium end.
| Aspect |
Sony WH-1000XM6 |
Bose QC Ultra |
| ANC + features per dollar |
Excellent |
Very good |
| Comfort value |
Very good |
Excellent |
| Longevity |
Strong app and codec support |
Strong build and support |
| Resale/brand trust |
High |
High |
Rating: Sony – 9/10 | Bose – 8.5/10
Edge: Sony. More tech and battery for similar money.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Sony WH-1000XM6 is for travelers, audio tweakers, and battery hawks. It offers strong ANC, LDAC, deep EQ, and smart features that truly help. It is the more customizable choice.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is for comfort-first users and frequent callers. It delivers effortless wear, steady calls, and natural ANC. If you want simplicity and comfort, pick Bose. If you want control and longevity, pick Sony.
FAQs Of sony wh-1000xm6 vs bose quietcomfort ultra headphones
Which has better ANC in the sony wh-1000xm6 vs bose quietcomfort ultra headphones?
Both are top-tier. Sony blocks a bit more low-end in planes. Bose feels lighter on ear pressure and handles wind well. It is a near tie.
Which sounds better: sony wh-1000xm6 vs bose quietcomfort ultra headphones?
Sony, if you want LDAC and deep EQ for detail and tuning. Bose, if you like a balanced, easy listen with an optional Immersive mode.
Which is more comfortable for long wear?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra. The pads and clamp feel ultra light. For all-day calls or work, Bose wins comfort.
Which is better for calls in noisy places?
Bose. It keeps your voice cleaner in traffic and wind. Sony is good, but Bose is more consistent.
Which is the better value in the sony wh-1000xm6 vs bose quietcomfort ultra headphones?
If you want features, battery, and LDAC, Sony offers more per dollar. If comfort and calls are your top needs, Bose is worth it.