Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM6

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Bose reclaims the ANC crown with the best noise cancellation available in consumer headphones.

• The ANC is the best I've experienced — airplane cabin noise, office chatter, and street sounds are effectively eliminated.
• Bose edges out Sony by a slim margin in ANC performance, particularly with low-frequency rumble.

Sony WH-1000XM6

Industry-leading ANC that edges out Bose and Apple in most tests.

• ANC is measurably stronger than XM5 — blocks low-frequency rumble almost completely
• New auto-NC optimizer adjusts in real time to environment changes

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Rich, warm sound signature that most listeners will enjoy, though audiophiles may want more neutrality.

• The sound is warm, rich, and engaging — Bose has clearly invested in tuning these for mainstream appeal.