Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Get the Sony XM6. Unless you want Bose quiet and comfort for less — then the QuietComfort 2nd Gen.
Sony WH-1000XM6
Class-leading noise cancelling, rich and detailed sound, and the clearest calls. The ones to get.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Nearly the Ultra's noise cancelling and comfort for less. Battery and calls are the weak spots.
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The Sony are a touch quieter, last longer and handle calls far better. The QuietComfort is nearly as quiet, gentler on the head and costs less, but its battery is shorter and callers can struggle in loud places.
- —You want the best sound and calls in one pair.
- —You want the longer battery.
- —You like to tune the sound: there's a 10-band EQ.
- —You want to spend less.
- —You wear glasses or find most headphones tight.
- —You like real buttons rather than touch controls.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Among the very best noise cancelling
- +Rich, detailed sound with a 10-band EQ
- +Clear calls, even outdoors
- −The fit is snug and the cups are fairly small, which some people with glasses or big ears find tight.
- −Fast charging (3 minutes for 3 hours) needs a USB-PD charger, which isn't in the box.
- −No audio over USB-C, and the mic doesn't work over the cable.
- −A few owners report a cracked headband ring or hinge.
- +Noise cancelling close to the Ultra's
- +Very light, gentle fit
- +Folds into a hard case
- −Callers can struggle to hear you in loud places.
- −No wear sensor, so music doesn't pause when you take them off.
- −No aptX or LDAC, only SBC and AAC.
Ready to choose?
- Is the Sony XM6 worth it?
- Is the Bose QC 2nd Gen worth it?
- Sony XM6 vs Bose QC Ultra 2
- Sony XM6 vs AirPods Max 2
- Sony XM6 vs Momentum 5
- Sony XM6 vs Soundcore Space 2
- Best headphones
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.