Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Score: 85/100
Sony WH-1000XM6 Midnight
Score: 85/100Rankings
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen) is an over-ear wireless headphone delivering industry-leading ANC and up to 24 hours of playback. Its bulkier build and lack of water resistance limit active-use scenarios. Ideal for travelers and office workers seeking premium noise cancellation.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 are premium over-ear wireless headphones featuring industry-leading adaptive ANC and a 31.75-hour battery life. Their weight of 254 g and lack of wireless charging make them less ideal for users seeking ultra-light or wireless-charge convenience. Best suited for travelers and audiophiles who prioritize top-tier noise cancellation and high-resolution audio.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
24 hours | 31.75 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 250 gbest | 254 g |
| ↓ lower better | 15 minutes | 3 minutesbest |
— | 30 mmbest | |
— | 48 Ωbest | |
9 m | 10 mbest | |
1 | 12best | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (ANC On) (hours) | 24 hours | 31.75 hours |
Quick Charge Time (minutes) | 15 minutes | 3 minutes |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Range (m) | 9 m | 10 m |
Audio(3) | ||
Noise Cancellation Type | Active | Adaptive |
Supported Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
Microphone Count | 1 | 12 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 250 g | 254 g |
Headband Material | Aluminum/plastic | Synthetic leather |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the QuietComfort Ultra for its best-in-class ANC, comfortable lightweight build, and innovative CustomTune calibration that keeps sound consistent across different fits. They also note the strong battery performance and robust Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint connectivity, while flagging the bulkier form factor, lack of water resistance, and the fact that a newer generation has already been released.
Users consistently praise the headphones for their comfort, long battery life, and effective noise cancellation that makes commuting and travel pleasant. Common complaints revolve around the bulkiness for active use, occasional bass variability depending on head shape or glasses, and the missing IP rating for sweat-prone activities.
“won't "drag ears down" even after hours”
Professional reviewers praise the WH-1000XM6 for its dramatically faster QN3 processor, which translates into superior adaptive ANC, and for its exceptional battery endurance that comfortably covers long trips. The addition of high-resolution codecs like LDAC and 360 Reality Audio is also lauded for delivering an immersive listening experience, while the refined multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity is seen as a practical upgrade for multitaskers.
Direct user reviews are scarce in the available data; however, manufacturer and retailer descriptions stress all-day comfort, travel convenience, and strong ANC performance, suggesting a generally positive perception among everyday consumers despite the lack of explicit user-generated feedback.
