Short answer: the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are closely matched flagship noise-cancelling headphones. RTINGS finds a small noise-isolation advantage for Sony, while What Hi-Fi describes Bose’s cancellation effect as more obvious in its listening tests. What Hi-Fi also favors Sony for all-round sound, but neither tuning is objectively right for every listener. Comfort is the least safely predictable category: head shape, glasses, ear contact, clamp and heat matter more than a specification sheet.
The Bose model in this comparison is the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), announced on September 10, 2025. It is a different product from the first-generation QuietComfort Ultra. Bose’s second generation adds lossless USB-C audio, a new adaptive noise-cancelling algorithm, Cinema Mode, faster on-head detection and updated standby behavior. Sony counters with comprehensive touch controls, Bluetooth 5.3, an Adaptive NC Optimizer and several ambient-sound modes.
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At a glance: which headphones are better?
| Category | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | What the evidence supports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise cancellation | RTINGS found slightly stronger isolation, with a close overall result. | Strong competitor; What Hi-Fi said its cancellation effect was more obvious. | Close and environment-dependent rather than a decisive win. |
| Default sound | RTINGS describes a somewhat more excited tuning; What Hi-Fi preferred Sony’s all-round sound. | Preference remains central; supports lossless USB-C audio and Cinema Mode. | Choose by tonal taste and listening modes, not by a universal winner. |
| Comfort | No reliable universal winner established. | No reliable universal winner established. | Try the actual fit; head shape, glasses, heat and session length dominate. |
| Controls | RTINGS calls Sony’s touch controls more comprehensive. | Physical-button operation may suit people who dislike touch panels. | Interface preference is a meaningful differentiator. |
| Battery and weight | 30 hours and 254 g listed by What Hi-Fi (2025). | Bose lists up to 30 hours; a 15-minute charge is listed as up to three hours, or two hours with Immersive Audio. | Manufacturer and editorial specifications are not a controlled head-to-head test. |
If your first priority is the strongest measured isolation, start with Sony. If you want Bose’s physical controls, a more immediately noticeable cancellation effect in some tests, lossless wired USB-C audio or Cinema Mode, the second-generation Bose has a stronger feature case. For sound, audition both with familiar tracks and use a return policy if possible.
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“Bose QuietComfort Ultra” can refer to two products. Bose announced the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) on September 10, 2025. The original QuietComfort Ultra is a separate model, and reviews of it should not be treated as direct evidence about the second generation.
#1 Best Overall
- 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 experience.
- CO-CREATED WITH MASTERING AUDIO ENGINEERS: Developed in collaboration with world-renowned mastering audio engineers, these headphones deliver unparalleled sound clarity and precision. A specially designed driver with a lightweight carbon fiber dome delivers high fidelity sound, where rich vocals and every instrument remains pure and balanced. Optimized for advanced noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM6 headphones keep every frequency crisp and true to the artist’s intent.
- HD NOISE CANCELING PROCESSOR QN3: The HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 is 7x faster than the QN1 (found in our WH-1000XM5 headphones), optimizing 12 microphones in real time for superior noise cancellation, sound quality, and call clarity. With more microphones than ever, we can precisely detect external noise and counteracts it with opposite soundwaves, delivering a new level of noise cancellation.
- ULTRA-CLEAR CALLS, FROM ANYWHERE: A six-microphone AI-based beamforming system, intelligent noise reduction technology, and wind-resistant design, work together to isolate your voice, filter out background noise, and ensure every word comes through crisp and clear—even in the busiest environments.
- COMPACT CARRYING CASE & FOLDABLE DESIGN: Crafted for durability and style, the foldable design features precision metalwork and a compact case with a magnetic closure—ready to go wherever you do.
The distinction matters most for feature claims. Bose says the 2nd Gen introduces lossless USB-C audio, a new adaptive ANC algorithm, Cinema Mode, extended battery life, faster on-head detection and start-up, and automatic Bluetooth standby with a low-energy deep-sleep mode. A review that tested the first generation cannot establish how those changes perform.
Noise cancellation: a close contest with different impressions
What the independent comparisons say
RTINGS’ comparison, updated August 31, 2026, finds the XM6’s noise isolation “a bit” stronger, while emphasizing that the difference is quite close. That is a comparative test result, not a guarantee that Sony will sound quieter in every seat, street or office.
What Hi-Fi’s current-generation comparison reaches a different-sounding but not necessarily contradictory conclusion: it calls the Bose ANC effect more obvious. The two publications may be emphasizing different test conditions and listener impressions. “Stronger isolation” and “more obvious effect” are not identical measurements, and the available evidence does not provide a single apples-to-apples attenuation number to settle the question.
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- 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 experience.
- CO-CREATED WITH MASTERING AUDIO ENGINEERS: Developed in collaboration with world-renowned mastering audio engineers, these headphones deliver unparalleled sound clarity and precision. A specially designed driver with a lightweight carbon fiber dome delivers high fidelity sound, where rich vocals and every instrument remains pure and balanced. Optimized for advanced noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM6 headphones keep every frequency crisp and true to the artist’s intent.
- HD NOISE CANCELING PROCESSOR QN3: The HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 is 7x faster than the QN1 (found in our WH-1000XM5 headphones), optimizing 12 microphones in real time for superior noise cancellation, sound quality, and call clarity. With more microphones than ever, we can precisely detect external noise and counteracts it with opposite soundwaves, delivering a new level of noise cancellation.
- ULTRA-CLEAR CALLS, FROM ANYWHERE: A six-microphone AI-based beamforming system, intelligent noise reduction technology, and wind-resistant design, work together to isolate your voice, filter out background noise, and ensure every word comes through crisp and clear—even in the busiest environments.
- COMPACT CARRYING CASE & FOLDABLE DESIGN: Crafted for durability and style, the foldable design features precision metalwork and a compact case with a magnetic closure—ready to go wherever you do.
How the result changes by noise type
- Steady low-frequency noise: aircraft engines, trains and air-conditioning are the situations in which a small isolation advantage is most likely to matter. RTINGS gives Sony the edge here overall, but calls it close.
- Voices and office sound: neither pair should be expected to erase nearby speech completely. Ear-cup seal, hair, glasses and how the headphones sit can change the perceived result as much as the brand.
- Sudden or irregular sounds: adaptive processing can react differently to clattering dishes, announcements or a passing vehicle. A short real-world trial is more useful than assuming one model wins every transient.
- Wind: outdoor gusts can produce microphone noise or force an ANC system to adjust. Test both outdoors if wind rejection is important to you.
- Pressure sensation: some users perceive active cancellation as ear pressure even when measured isolation is excellent. A model that feels less pressurised may be preferable for long flights, regardless of a small lab difference.
Which ANC should you buy?
Pick the XM6 when your decision is driven by the highest isolation result reported in the current RTINGS comparison. Pick the Bose when you have tried it and its cancellation feels more immediate or less fatiguing, or when its button controls and second-generation features matter more than a small test gap. There is no evidence here for declaring either model a universal ANC winner.
Comfort and fit: why a universal winner would be misleading
The available current comparisons do not establish that either headphone is more comfortable for every wearer. Over-ear comfort depends on the relationship between the headband, clamp, ear-cup opening and your anatomy. Two people can wear the same pair for hours and report opposite results.
The fit variables that matter
- Head shape and clamp: a firm seal can improve bass and isolation but create pressure at the jaw or temples. A looser fit may feel easier yet leak sound.
- Ear size and contact: ears should sit inside the cushions rather than press against the driver grille. Contact becomes noticeable during long sessions even if the first five minutes feel fine.
- Glasses: spectacle arms can break the seal and add pressure. Test with the glasses you normally wear, not only with bare ears.
- Heat: deep cushions and closed-back construction retain warmth. If you work in a warm room, a short indoor test may not reveal discomfort that appears after an hour.
- Headband position: move the band forward and back, and adjust both sliders independently. A few millimetres can move pressure away from a sensitive spot.
- Session length: evaluate at 15 minutes, one hour and several hours. Initial softness is not the same as all-day comfort.
A practical try-on test
- Pair each headphone with the same phone and disable extra sound modes for the first fit check.
- Wear the headphones with your normal glasses, hairstyle and clothing.
- Walk, turn your head and lean forward. Note whether the seal shifts or the band slides.
- Use ANC for at least 30 minutes, then check jaw, temple, crown and ear contact points.
- Repeat with your usual listening volume and a familiar podcast. Speech exposes pressure and heat that music can mask.
- Keep the model only if the retailer’s return terms allow a realistic trial and the fit remains comfortable after extended wear.
Do not infer comfort from weight alone. What Hi-Fi listed the Sony at 254 g in 2025, but no directly comparable Bose weight under the same method is stated in the cited material.
Rank #3
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
Sound quality: tuning preference versus new Bose features
Sony’s sound profile
RTINGS characterizes the XM6’s default tuning as somewhat more excited. In practical terms, that can mean a livelier presentation, but whether it sounds energetic or too prominent depends on your hearing, recordings and volume. Sony’s app-based adjustment options are a strength noted in earlier comparison coverage, although those Bose-specific conclusions came from a first-generation comparison and should not be used to judge the 2nd Gen itself.
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Bose’s sound profile and modes
What Hi-Fi’s current-generation comparison gives Sony the better all-round sound-quality verdict. That is the publication’s editorial judgment in its test context, not a measurement that makes Bose unsuitable for music. Bose’s 2nd Gen adds lossless audio over USB-C and Cinema Mode. Bose describes Cinema Mode as intended to make video more lifelike with clearer dialogue; that is the company’s feature description, not independent proof that every film sounds better.
How to choose by listening
- Use three familiar tracks: one vocal recording, one bass-heavy track and one dense acoustic or orchestral recording.
- Match volume as closely as possible. The louder headphone often sounds “better” simply because loudness increases apparent detail and bass.
- Listen for vocal placement, bass overhang, treble sharpness and whether cymbals remain clear at moderate volume.
- Repeat with ANC on and off. Processing can alter the balance, and a tuning that works passively may feel different with ANC engaged.
- Try each manufacturer’s EQ. If you prefer one headphone only after heavy adjustment, decide whether you want that ongoing setup.
- Test spatial or immersive modes separately. They can widen films and games but may change vocal focus and tonal balance.
Choose Sony if you agree with What Hi-Fi’s all-round preference or like its more excited default presentation. Choose Bose if its tonal balance is more natural to you, or if lossless USB-C and Cinema Mode fit your computer and video routine. Neither model can be named the objective sound winner for every listener.
Rank #4
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
Controls, connectivity and everyday features
Sony WH-1000XM6
Sony’s UK support specification lists Bluetooth 5.3, an Adaptive NC Optimizer, Quick Attention, ambient sound mode and Auto Ambient Sound. RTINGS says Sony provides more comprehensive touch controls than Bose. Touch control is convenient for swipes and taps, but it can be less satisfying for people who want a tactile click without touching the ear cup.
Earlier SoundGuys coverage identifies the XM6’s lack of USB-C audio as a possible sticking point. That comparison used the original Bose Ultra, so its Bose conclusions are generation-specific; the Sony connectivity observation concerns the XM6 model.
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Bose’s second generation retains physical-button appeal for users who prefer pressing a control rather than locating a touch gesture. Bose also lists lossless USB-C audio, a new adaptive ANC algorithm, Cinema Mode, faster on-head detection and automatic Bluetooth standby with a low-energy deep-sleep mode.
Best Value
- NEW SANDSTONE COLOR: Neutral never sounded so good. Meet the new Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones, now in Sandstone. Our new Sandstone colorway is a sophisticated neutral that feels modern, versatile, and effortlessly stylish for any moment.
- 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 experience.
- CO-CREATED WITH MASTERING AUDIO ENGINEERS: Developed in collaboration with world-renowned mastering audio engineers, these headphones deliver unparalleled sound clarity and precision. A specially designed driver with a lightweight carbon fiber dome delivers high fidelity sound, where rich vocals and every instrument remains pure and balanced. Optimized for advanced noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM6 headphones keep every frequency crisp and true to the artist’s intent.
- HD NOISE CANCELING PROCESSOR QN3: The HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 is 7x faster than the QN1 (found in our WH-1000XM5 headphones), optimizing 12 microphones in real time for superior noise cancellation, sound quality, and call clarity. With more microphones than ever, we can precisely detect external noise and counteracts it with opposite soundwaves, delivering a new level of noise cancellation.
- ULTRA-CLEAR CALLS, FROM ANYWHERE: A six-microphone AI-based beamforming system, intelligent noise reduction technology, and wind-resistant design, work together to isolate your voice, filter out background noise, and ensure every word comes through crisp and clear—even in the busiest environments.
Lossless USB-C audio is especially relevant if you connect to a laptop or other compatible source and want a wired digital path. It does not automatically make the Bose sound better with every service or recording: the source, software and listening mode still matter. Cinema Mode is a targeted video feature, not a replacement for a home-theater system.
Battery, charging and portability
| Specification | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Playback claim | 30 hours listed by What Hi-Fi in its 2025 product facts. | Up to 30 hours on Bose’s support specification. |
| Quick charge | Not stated in the cited material. | Up to three hours from a 15-minute charge, or up to two hours with Immersive Audio, according to Bose’s support specification. |
| Weight | 254 g listed by What Hi-Fi (2025). | Not stated in the cited material. |
| Measurement status | Listed specification, not a controlled head-to-head endurance test. | Manufacturer “up to” figures; conditions are not shown as identical to Sony’s listing. |
These numbers should not be read as proof that both headphones last exactly the same time in use. ANC intensity, volume, codec, calls, ambient modes and Immersive Audio all affect runtime. Bose’s figures are maximum claims, and the quick-charge result changes when Immersive Audio is enabled. Sony’s 30-hour figure is a listed specification reproduced by What Hi-Fi, not a stated laboratory comparison against Bose.
Decision guide: match the headphone to your priorities
Choose Sony WH-1000XM6 when
- You want the small isolation advantage reported by RTINGS.
- You prefer a more excited default tuning or agree with What Hi-Fi’s all-round sound verdict.
- You value comprehensive touch controls and Sony’s ambient-sound features.
- You want a lighter listed weight of 254 g and do not need USB-C audio.
Choose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) when
- You prefer physical buttons to touch gestures.
- The Bose cancellation effect feels more immediate or comfortable during your own trial.
- You need lossless wired USB-C audio for a compatible computer or device.
- You watch video often enough for Cinema Mode and clearer-dialogue processing to matter.
- You want Bose’s stated quick-charge behavior and automatic standby features.
When neither is an obvious choice
If comfort is your top concern, buy from a seller with a clear return window and test both for a full work session. If you cannot audition them, prioritize the controls and connection type you will use every day rather than trying to predict comfort from reviews. If your listening is split equally between music and travel, compare ANC on your usual route and sound with your own recordings; the published differences are close enough that personal fit can reverse the decision.
Common mistakes when comparing these headphones
- Mixing generations: do not apply a first-generation QuietComfort Ultra review to the 2nd Gen’s USB-C, ANC or battery features.
- Treating reviewer impressions as measurements: “more obvious ANC” and “slightly stronger isolation” describe different editorial observations.
- Assuming equal battery numbers mean equal endurance: Sony’s listed 30 hours and Bose’s “up to 30 hours” use different source wording and conditions.
- Choosing by weight alone: clamp, cushion shape and heat can outweigh a few grams.
- Testing only with one song: use vocals, bass and dense arrangements, then repeat with ANC and any immersive mode you plan to use.
- Ignoring glasses and hair: a broken seal can change both bass and perceived ANC.
Bottom line
For the most defensible all-purpose choice, the Sony WH-1000XM6 has a narrow evidence-based lead in isolation and a strong case for sound and controls. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is the better fit for listeners who prefer its button-driven operation, find its ANC effect more convincing, or need lossless USB-C audio and Cinema Mode. Comfort cannot be awarded from the available evidence: try the fit for your head, ears, glasses and typical session length before making the final choice.
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