Sony WH-1000XM6
LDAC · 30 h · 12-mic ANC with QN3
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
World-class ANC · 30hr · Immersive Audio
Sony WH-1000XM6 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WH-1000XM6 lands at 95 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 at 93. That puts Sony WH-1000XM6 ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Sony WH-1000XM6 if…
- ✓Best sound quality in ANC class
- ✓LDAC + multipoint + Auracast support
- ✓Excellent EQ app and ANC tuning
Pick Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 if…
- ✓Deepest ANC on the market
- ✓Comfortable for 8hr+ flights
- ✓Bose Immersive Audio
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Sony WH-1000XM6Tuning, detail, and staging
Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on sound (96 vs 90).
Noise cancelling
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2ANC strength for commute and travel
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 leads on anc (100 vs 94).
Comfort
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2Long-session wearability
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 leads on comfort (96 vs 92).
Value for money
TieSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 30 mm dynamic | 35 mm |
| ANC | Hybrid · 12-mic with QN3 HD Noise Cancelling Processor | Hybrid · 8-mic |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 LE | 5.3 + Snapdragon Sound |
| Codecs | LDAC + LC3 + AAC + SBC | aptX Adaptive + AAC + SBC |
| Battery | 30 h (24 with ANC on) | 30 hr (24 with ANC) |
| Charging | USB-C, 3 min for 3 h | ▲ USB-C, 15-min for 2.5hr |
| Weight | 254 g | 254 g |
Sony WH-1000XM6
- +Best sound quality in ANC class
- +LDAC + multipoint + Auracast support
- +Excellent EQ app and ANC tuning
- −ANC marginally trails Bose QC Ultra
- −Plastic build vs premium rivals
- −No higher-res codecs above LDAC
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
- +Deepest ANC on the market
- +Comfortable for 8hr+ flights
- +Bose Immersive Audio
- −No multi-point with 2025 firmware bug
- −Cable not included
- −Pricier than XM6
FAQ: Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +
Sony WH-1000XM6 scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Sony WH-1000XM6 worth the price? +
At $449, Sony WH-1000XM6 delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sound.
Is Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 worth the price? +
At $449, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in anc.
Does Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for sound quality, Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +
Sony WH-1000XM6 — leads on sound (96 vs 90). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2? +
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 — leads on anc (100 vs 94). ANC strength for commute and travel.