Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

An honest, side-by-side comparison to help you decide which headphones to buy in Australia.

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Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Sony

#1 Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

Bose

#2 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

Price & Rating

Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

A$699

4.6 / 5 · 876 reviews

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

A$595

A$700Save 15%

4.5 / 5 · 1,380 reviews

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is A$104 cheaper.

Scores

Sound

Sony
10
Bose
9

ANC

Sony
10
Bose
10

Comfort

Sony
10
Bose
9

Value

Sony
8
Bose
8

Pros & Cons

Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Pros

  • + Best-in-class ANC with 12-microphone array and QN3 processor
  • + Foldable design returns with a compact travel case
  • + Superb sound quality with improved driver tuning and wide soundstage

Cons

  • Significant price increase to A$699 over the XM5
  • No IP rating for water or sweat resistance
  • Touch controls can still be finicky in cold weather

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

Pros

  • + Outstanding ANC that rivals the best in the business
  • + 30-hour battery life is a huge improvement over Gen 1
  • + Lossless USB-C audio and new Cinema Mode for movies

Cons

  • Premium price at around A$595 on Amazon AU
  • Immersive Audio still reduces battery life to 23 hours
  • Bose app can be sluggish and occasionally buggy

Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Check Price on Amazonon Amazon.com.au

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

Check Price on Amazonon Amazon.com.au

Our Verdict

Choose Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphonesif…

  • You value sound (scores 95/10)
  • You value anc (scores 98/10)
  • You value comfort (scores 95/10)
  • You value value (scores 80/10)

Choose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)if…

  • You value anc (scores 98/10)
  • You value value (scores 80/10)
  • You want a lower price (A$595)

Overall average score: Sony 92.0/10 vs Bose 91.3/10. Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones edges ahead overall.