Sony WH-1000XM6 Midnight
Score: 85/100
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Black
Score: 86/100Rankings
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) builds on its predecessor with up to 45 hours of battery and ~87% noise reduction. However, inconsistent sound balance and no water-resistance keep it from being a universal upgrade. Best suited for frequent travelers and long-duration listeners.
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 | | |
|---|---|---|
31.75 hoursbest | — | |
— | 45 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 254 gbest | 480 g |
| ↓ lower better | 3 minutesbest | 15 minutes |
30 mmbest | — | |
48 Ωbest | — | |
10 mbest | 9 m | |
12best | 1 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (ANC On) (hours) | 31.75 hours | 30-37 hours |
Quick Charge Time (minutes) | 3 minutes | 15 minutes |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.4 |
Bluetooth Range (m) | 10 m | 9 m |
Audio(2) | ||
Noise Cancellation Type | Adaptive | Active |
Microphone Count | 12 | 1 |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 254 g | 480 g |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
“ANC "best in the business" at 87% reduction”
Professional reviewers commend the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen for its industry-leading ANC (about 87% noise reduction), marathon-length battery life, and plush, lightweight comfort. They also highlight the addition of Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint and Immersive Audio spatial modes as valuable upgrades. However, critics note that sound consistency varies with ear anatomy, the wired mic is missing, and the generational leap over the 1st-gen model is modest, which may limit the perceived upgrade value.
Everyday users echo the experts on the strengths: the ANC is praised as a travel essential, the comfort allows all-day wear, and the long battery with quick-charge is a daily convenience. Recurring complaints focus on inconsistent bass/mid balance across different ear shapes, the non-functional wired microphone, and the absence of water-resistance, with some reporting listening fatigue from a still bass-heavy profile.
