We’ve spent two weeks using both the Sony WH-1000XM6 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra as primary headphones — daily commute, open-plan office, transatlantic flight, and long mixing sessions. The short version: they’re closer than they’ve ever been, and the right choice depends on what you’re optimising for.

Noise cancellation

The Sony gets quieter. On a London Underground train, the XM6 reduces the broadband noise floor to the point where conversation is possible at a normal indoor voice. The Bose QC Ultra doesn’t quite reach that floor — the mid-frequency range (speech, HVAC hum) is slightly more present. However, the Sony’s ANC introduces more artefacts on transient sounds like door slams; the Bose handles those more gracefully. If you’re measuring quietude in absolute terms, Sony. If you’re measuring naturalness of ANC behaviour, Bose.

Sound quality

This is where the comparison gets genuinely interesting. Sony’s XM line has always had a “Sony sound” — warm, slightly enhanced bass, slightly recessed upper mids. The XM6 maintains this but it’s more balanced than the XM5 was. The Bose QC Ultra is more neutral — closer to a studio monitor in its tonal balance. For pop, electronic, and hip-hop, most people in our informal test preferred the Sony. For acoustic, jazz, and classical, the majority preferred Bose. Neither is wrong.

The Bose Immersive Audio spatial mode is worth noting. With compatible content, it creates a convincing stereo widening effect. It’s not a substitute for proper binaural recording, but it makes standard stereo mixes feel less “inside the head.” Sony has a similar feature (360 Reality Audio) that requires different source material.

Comfort for long sessions

The Bose is more comfortable over 4+ hours for most of our testers. The ear cushions are deeper and the clamping force is lighter. The Sony’s fit is more secure — which matters for commuting and exercise — but for a 6-hour flight, the Bose wins the endurance test. This is the most subjective dimension and depends heavily on head shape.

Build and controls

Both are premium-feeling builds. The Sony folds flat into a compact case; the Bose does not fold as compactly but its case is slimmer. Sony uses a touch-sensitive cup for playback controls; Bose uses physical buttons. We prefer the Bose approach — buttons work with gloves and are reliable without looking at the headphone.

Verdict

Sony WH-1000XM6 for: commuters, those who want maximum quietude, Sony ecosystem (LDAC Android users). Bose QC Ultra for: long-haul travel, neutral sound preference, more natural ANC behaviour. Both are excellent. Neither is a bad choice at their respective prices.