Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones versus Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earphones
Head-to-Head: Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM6 - Battle for the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Every few years, Bose and Sony engage in a prestige joust, vying to claim the crown for the top noise-cancelling headphones on the market. Until recently, Bose's QuietComfort Ultra, earning a stellar 9/10 (our site recommends), claimed supremacy, outperforming Sony's WH-1000XM5, as well as other high-profile models from the likes of JBL, Sonos, and Apple. But Sony's back with a vengeance in the form of their latest WH-1000XM6. Equipped with a formidable array of microphones and noise-cancellation tech, a sound upgrade, and a fresh design, the XM6 is poised to challenge Bose's reign. Let's dive in to see if Sony takes the title.
Sony
WH-1000XM6
$448 Amazon $$$450 Sony**
Bose
QuietComfort Ultra
$399 Amazon $$$449 Walmart $$$449 Bose
Look and Feel
Leading with aesthetics, neither of these models rivals Apple's iconic AirPods Max in terms of standout design, but both manage to exude an expensive allure to justify the high price tag.
Sony's XM6 sport a revamped matte plastic exterior that exhibits a grittier, more resilient feel compared to its predecessor. Additionally, the new design addresses one of the XM5's biggest criticisms with a new hinge point along the arms that once again makes Sony's best wireless headphones foldable for convenient travel. This results in a travel-friendly case, featuring a design refresh with a magnetized flap replacing the cumbersome zipper top.
As for the fit, the XM6 employ bulky padding and a clamping force along the earcups to ensure a secure fit, but the headband pad remains surprisingly thin. Despite this, the headphones remain comfortable for long periods of use, particularly after breaking them in. However, prolonged wear often results in the headband pressing more on the head than its more luxurious competitors, like the JBL Tour Pro M3.
Enrichment Insights
When it comes to noise-cancellation performance, the Sony WH-1000XM6 is generally favored over the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. This preference is due to the XM6's advanced technology, including an Adaptive NC Optimizer that allows for noise reduction across a broader frequency range compared to the QC Ultra. The XM6 also utilize a powerful QN3 chip, six microphones in each earpiece, and upgraded 30mm drivers that contribute to its superior noise-cancellation and sound quality. Furthermore, the XM6's noise-cancellation remains consistent during movement, making it ideal for use on public transport or during exercise.
On the other hand, Bose is renowned for its comfort and sound quality. However, the noise-cancellation performance of the Sony WH-1000XM6 is often preferred for its technology and consistent performance across various environments. That being said, personal preferences for sound quality and comfort may still steer some users towards the Bose model.
- The Sony WH-1000XM6, with its advanced technology and consistent performance, is generally favored for noise-cancellation over the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
- Equipped with a powerful QN3 chip, six microphones in each earpiece, and upgraded 30mm drivers, the Sony WH-1000XM6's noise-cancellation and sound quality are superior.
- The Sony WH-1000XM6's noise-cancellation remains consistent during movement, making it ideal for use on public transport or during exercise.
