Head-to-head

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)

See the key differences in features, connections, battery claims and independent test findings for these premium wireless headphones. Information updated 2026-10-03.

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At a glance

Key differences

Key differences at a glance
AttributeSony WH-1000XM6Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Headphone weightManufacturer figures. A reviewer reports 250 g for Bose; this discrepancy is unresolved.Approximately 254 gSources: S10.583 lb (approximately 264 g by unit conversion)Sources: B1, I6
Documented Bluetooth codecsAdvanced codecs require compatible sources and software. Bose Snapdragon Sound benefits require a compatible certified source.SBC, AAC, LDAC; LC3 via LE AudioSources: S3, S12SBC, AAC, aptX AdaptiveSources: B2, B3
Claimed wireless runtime — ANC onManufacturer claims, not tested promises.Up to 30 h with AAC/SBC/LC3; up to 26 h with LDACSources: S4Up to 30 h with Immersive Audio offSources: B3
Claimed wireless runtime — ANC offManufacturer claims, not tested promises.Up to 40 h with AAC/SBC/LC3; up to 36 h with LDACSources: S4Up to 45 h with Immersive Audio offSources: B3
Quick chargingThe Bose conflict is retained rather than collapsed to one value.3 min → approximately 1 h with 5 V/1.5 A; approximately 3 h with the specified USB-PD supplySources: S415 min → up to 3 h in the headline; the manual test footnote says 2.5 hSources: B3
Listening with a depleted batteryPassive analog operation supported; ANC requires powerSources: S2, S9No passive analog playback; external USB power permits operationSources: B3
USB digital audioBose USB microphone support is firmware-dependent and unresolved.Not supported; USB-C is for chargingSources: I1, S7Supported at 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHzSources: B2
App and EQEQ availability is manufacturer-documented; band counts are reviewer UI observations and may change.Sony Sound Connect; Custom EQ (10 bands observed by I1)Sources: S5, I1Bose app; Custom EQ (3 bands observed by I1)Sources: B2, I1

Sourced product details

Full specifications

Start with the details that most often affect everyday use, then expand the rest.

Full specifications
AttributeSony WH-1000XM6Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
FormClosed, over-earSources: S2Around-ear / circumauralSources: B1
Headphone weightManufacturer figures. A reviewer reports 250 g for Bose; this discrepancy is unresolved.Approximately 254 gSources: S10.583 lb (approximately 264 g by unit conversion)Sources: B1, I6
Documented Bluetooth codecsAdvanced codecs require compatible sources and software. Bose Snapdragon Sound benefits require a compatible certified source.SBC, AAC, LDAC; LC3 via LE AudioSources: S3, S12SBC, AAC, aptX AdaptiveSources: B2, B3
MultipointThis does not mean mixing two audio streams.Two devices simultaneouslySources: S5Two devices simultaneouslySources: B3
Claimed wireless runtime — ANC onManufacturer claims, not tested promises.Up to 30 h with AAC/SBC/LC3; up to 26 h with LDACSources: S4Up to 30 h with Immersive Audio offSources: B3
Claimed wireless runtime — ANC offManufacturer claims, not tested promises.Up to 40 h with AAC/SBC/LC3; up to 36 h with LDACSources: S4Up to 45 h with Immersive Audio offSources: B3
Analog wired listening3.5 mm input; supplied headphone cableSources: S22.5 mm input; supplied 2.5-to-3.5 mm cableSources: B3
Listening with a depleted batteryPassive analog operation supported; ANC requires powerSources: S2, S9No passive analog playback; external USB power permits operationSources: B3
USB digital audioBose USB microphone support is firmware-dependent and unresolved.Not supported; USB-C is for chargingSources: I1, S7Supported at 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHzSources: B2
Folding and carryingFolding hinges; case with magnetic closureSources: S11Folding frame; zip caseSources: B2, I3
View full specifications 13 more details
Additional specifications
AttributeSony WH-1000XM6Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Bluetooth core versionOfficial Sony documentation says 5.3; I1 calls both 5.4. Version alone does not establish connection or sound quality.5.3Sources: S1, S2, I15.4Sources: B2
Claimed immersive runtimeNo directly matched separate figure verifiedUp to 23 h with ANC and Immersive Audio onSources: B3
Full charging timeApproximately 3.5 hSources: S1Up to 3 h; slower during useSources: B3
Quick chargingThe Bose conflict is retained rather than collapsed to one value.3 min → approximately 1 h with 5 V/1.5 A; approximately 3 h with the specified USB-PD supplySources: S415 min → up to 3 h in the headline; the manual test footnote says 2.5 hSources: B3
Charging during useSupported; roughly 80% charge ceiling while operatingSources: S6Supported in Bluetooth, AUX and USB audio modesSources: B3
ANC and surroundings controlsNo comparative superiority or hearing-protection claim is implied.Adaptive NC Optimizer; Ambient Sound; Quick Attention; automatic ambient controlSources: S2, S5Adjustable ANC; Quiet; CustomTune; Aware; optional ActiveSenseSources: B1, B2
App and EQEQ availability is manufacturer-documented; band counts are reviewer UI observations and may change.Sony Sound Connect; Custom EQ (10 bands observed by I1)Sources: S5, I1Bose app; Custom EQ (3 bands observed by I1)Sources: B2, I1
Spatial audioSimilar labels do not establish identical processing.Spatial/head-tracking settings and 360 Upmix for Cinema, subject to device/content restrictionsSources: S5, S10Immersive Audio Still/Motion settings; Cinema modeSources: B3
Physical controlsRight-earcup touch panel; power/Bluetooth and NC/AMB buttonsSources: S7Power/Bluetooth and multifunction buttons; capacitive volume stripSources: B1
Wearing detectionBluetooth auto pause/resume and configurable auto-off; disabled with supplied analog cableSources: S8On/off-head detection with auto pause/resume and power-management behaviorSources: B1
Replaceable cushionsThis does not establish battery repairability.User-removable earpads documentedSources: S7Removable cushions specifiedSources: B1
Included itemsSony says a C-to-C cable and PD adapter are not included.Case, connection cable, USB cable, warranty card and reference guideSources: S2, S10Case, USB-C-to-C cable, 2.5-to-3.5 mm cable and safety sheetSources: B1
Warranty listingRetail listing facts; detailed US eligibility, exclusions and service terms were not verified.1 yearSources: A11 year manufacturerSources: A2

Lab and reviewer reports

What independent testing found

Test conditions and methods differ, so results are shown with their original attribution.

  • SoundGuys interpreted its attenuation comparison as unlikely to produce a noticeable overall ANC difference. RTINGS interpreted Sony isolation as slightly stronger, while describing the difference as close.Sources: I1, I3
  • TechGearLab reported Bose low/mid/high reductions of 26.5 / 30.2 / 40.2 dB under its protocol; no matched Sony result was retrieved.Sources: I4
  • SoundGuys reported bass/treble emphasis in both and different high-frequency shapes, and warned its two MDAQS versions are not directly comparable.Sources: I1
  • SoundGuys publishes paired ideal/wind microphone demos. RTINGS describes clear Sony speech and says Bose captures voice while retaining some background noise; these do not establish a universal microphone ranking.Sources: I1, I2, I3
  • What Hi-Fi? described both as comfortable and Bose as having less clamp; TechGearLab reported long Bose wear with glasses. These are reviewer interpretations, not universal fit or measured clamping force.Sources: I4, I5

Compatibility and practical details

Things to know before buying

  • Long-session fit is individual. Weight figures and attributed comfort notes provide context but cannot predict comfort for every wearer.Sources: C1, I4, I5
  • Analog microphone limits and firmware-dependent USB behavior must be kept separate; current Bose USB microphone compatibility remains unresolved.Sources: C2, B3, I3, F1
  • Premium codecs depend on the actual source device and software; processor branding alone is insufficient.Sources: C2, B2, S12
  • Sony hinge durability questions appear in owner discussion, but failure frequency and service life are not established.Sources: C3
  • A missing Bose LE Audio switch is a firmware/rollout question, not proof of universal failure. Reporting describes firmware 10.12.12 changes, but readable official release notes were unavailable.Sources: C4, F1, B4
View dated price observations

For historical context only: these USD observations were retrieved Oct. 3, 2026 and are not live Amazon prices. Taxes and shipping were not established.

  • Sony’s exact Black US page displayed $459.99 as a direct-store asking price.Sources: S10
  • Bose’s Sep. 10, 2025 launch release and official product comparison panel showed a $449 reference; the main Black checkout price was not independently established.Sources: B1, B2
  • Best Buy displayed $399.99 for Black model 890101-0100, with a $449 comparable value; this was a temporary retail observation.Sources: P1
  • Current Amazon Buy Box prices, sellers, condition, stock, shipping and delivery were not verified.Sources: A1, A2
Sources & methodology

Methodology

  1. Locked the exact US Black models and checked Amazon title, model and ASIN identity before applying model-family specifications.
  2. Used manufacturer documentation for features and operating conditions; performance wording remains a manufacturer claim.
  3. Kept independent measurements and reviewer interpretations attributed to their sources, methods and limitations. Incompatible tests were not pooled.
  4. Used consumer discussions only to identify buyer questions, not to infer defect prevalence or capabilities.
  5. Attempted matched US product-level search-interest research; no usable reproducible series was obtained, so search interest is not established.
  6. Recorded unknowns, firmware dependencies and conflicts explicitly. Prices are dated observations, not live offers.

Complete source registry

Source IDs shown beside claims link to this registry.