Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) vs. Sony WH-1000xM6: Which headphones should you buy?
In the battle of high-end headphones, Bose and Sony continue to dominate the market, each presenting unique strengths that cater to different audio preferences. The newly released Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) headphones have been lauded for their industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and immersive audio capabilities. Bose has enhanced its ANC algorithm and microphone system, enabling the headphones to dynamically adapt to low-frequency sounds and effectively eliminate around 95% of external noise. This remarkable technology transforms any ambient sounds into mere background effects, making it ideal for music and movie enthusiasts. Additionally, the headphones feature an “Aware Mode,” which allows users to remain aware of their surroundings without sacrificing audio quality. Bose’s Immersive Audio feature further elevates the listening experience, providing a surround sound effect that outshines competitors, making it the go-to choice for spatial audio experiences.
On the other hand, Sony’s WH-1000xM6 headphones offer a robust combination of practicality and sound quality that appeals to many users. While their ANC capabilities are slightly less effective than those of the QC Ultra (Gen 2), they still perform admirably, particularly in minimizing high-frequency noise. The WH-1000xM6 boasts an impressive transparency mode with 20 adjustable levels, allowing users to finely control the amount of ambient sound they wish to let in. One of the standout features of these headphones is their versatile control scheme, which includes motion, touch, and voice commands that work seamlessly with digital assistants like Siri and Google Assistant. Sony’s audio performance is also noteworthy, with proprietary technologies that deliver detailed sound through 30mm drivers and customizable EQ options. Their DSEE technology enhances audio clarity and depth, making them a strong contender for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the Bose QC Ultra (Gen 2) and the Sony WH-1000xM6 comes down to personal preferences. Bose takes the crown for its superior ANC and immersive audio experience, while Sony excels in sound quality and practical features. Each brand offers unique advantages, ensuring that consumers can find headphones that suit their specific needs, whether they prioritize noise cancellation, audio performance, or smart functionalities. As both brands continue to innovate, the competition remains fierce, keeping them at the forefront of the premium headphone market.
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Bose remains the king of ANC and spatial audio
The QC Ultra (Gen 2) have category-leading noise cancellation. Bose upgraded its ANC algorithm and microphone system to be more dynamic and responsive to low-frequency sounds. These technologies adaptively remove about 95 percent of external fracas. Anything that comes through will sound like background effects on songs and movies. Aware mode (aka transparency) is just as rewarding for keeping tabs on surroundings. Another brand hallmark that remains undefeated is Immersive Audio. This feature creates amazing surround sound for
all
stereo content. It isn’t confined to any specific technology (*cough* Dolby Atmos
cough
) and is the most realistic sounding of all other spatial audio formats on headphones.
ANC on the WH-1000xM6 is right below the QC Ultra (Gen 2), which is a huge compliment. These headphones do a terrific job of eliminating most unwanted noises and minimizing high-frequency sounds. Transparency mode is superb for increasing ambient awareness. There are 20 adjustable levels to control the amount of noise you want to hear. Listening at max level captures every peep in your vicinity with precision. Still, we prefer the QC Ultra’s more powerful ANC since it eliminates high-frequency sounds better. We also favor Immersive Audio over Sony’s 360 Reality Audio. The latter is fine for watching movies, but it doesn’t sound as natural. Not to mention, 360 Reality Audio only works with a very limited number of streaming services, which also have limited content.
Winner
: Bose QC Ultra (Gen 2)
Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2)
.
Sony has practicality and sound quality in the bag
Much like the
WH-1000xM5
, the Mark Series VI headphones have a versatile control scheme consisting of motion, physical, touch, and voice functions. All of them work exceptionally well. Voice controls are most impressive. Siri and Google Assistant commands are accurately registered and executed. Intelligible features like Speak-to-Chat are on point to automatically mute sound when detecting your voice. The QC Ultra (Gen 2) boast their own responsive control scheme, but they lack the WH-1000xM6’s smart voice functionality.
Audio performance is where the WH-1000xM6 shine brightest. Sony’s suite of proprietary technologies gives them unbeatable wireless sound. The 30mm drivers dish out detailed and dynamic audio. Frequencies are nicely balanced, and being able to tweak them via customizable EQ simplifies sound personalization. Our favorite Sony feature,
DSEE
, upscales clarity, depth, and fidelity on all tracks, no matter the file or streaming service. LDAC codec support boosts bitrate transmission on Android devices to reveal more depth and nuance in songs.
The QC Ultra (Gen 2) “pick up details well across the spectrum of lows to highs,” as described in our
full review
. You get an awesome mix of crisp mids and deep bass on contemporary tracks. Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive and Lossless codecs result in CD-like quality over Bluetooth (Android only). There’s an adjustable EQ in the Bose app. Unfortunately, it is nowhere near as advanced as Sony’s EQ. Again, Immersive Audio is magnificent for 3D sound, but the all-new Cinematic Mode is underwhelming; all it does is make background effects louder.
Winner
: Sony WH-1000xM6
Read our full review of the Sony WH-1000xM6
.
