Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sony WH-1000XM6: which should you buy?

Answer worked out Oct. 31, 2026

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) price: Checked Oct. 30, 2026

Sony WH-1000XM6 price: Checked Oct. 31, 2026

Best overall: the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen).

On an iPhone: the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) works better with your phone.

Get the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) for blocking out noise and sound quality.

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Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sony WH-1000XM6

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
BOSE

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

$219 at Amazon
Sony WH-1000XM6
SONY

Sony WH-1000XM6

$458 at Amazon
  1. Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen): Up to 24 hours (18 hours with Immersive Audio); listen while chargingBatterySony WH-1000XM6: Up to 30 hrs ANC on / 40 hrs ANC off (AAC); 26 / 36 hrs on LDAC; 3 min USB PD charge = about 3 hrs
  2. Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen): 0.507 lbWeightSony WH-1000XM6: 254g
  3. Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen): Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint (two devices); USB-C audio; USB-C to 3.5 mm cable includedConnectivitySony WH-1000XM6: Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint (2 devices); SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 (LE Audio); wired headphone cable
  4. Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen): Bluetooth LED (flashes blue in pairing mode)Status lightSony WH-1000XM6: Indicator on the headset (flashes orange when the battery is low)
  5. Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen): $219Price today$239 apartSony WH-1000XM6: $458
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Buy at Target$219.99
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Sony WH-1000XM6

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All the details

Who should buy which

  • The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) Guide names it for noise cancelling, music and travel.Noise cancelling: Six microphones keep noise cancelling working even when glasses or a hat break the seal, and city traffic rumble fades away. Source linkedSourceMusic: They sound right straight out of the box with no EQ needed, and wired USB-C plays lossless up to 24 bit/48 kHz. Source linkedSourceTravel: A USB-C to 3.5 mm cable plugs into in-flight entertainment, and at 230 grams they stay light through a long commute or flight. Source linkedSource

The Sony WH-1000XM6 Guide does not name what it is best for yet, so this list does not compare the two.

From what each Guide names the product best for.

Side by side

FeatureBose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)Sony WH-1000XM6
BatteryUp to 24 hoursUp to 30 hrs ANC
Weight0.507 lb254g
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.4 with multipointBluetooth 5.3, multipoint
Status lightBluetooth LEDIndicator
ControlsPhysical buttons: play/pause, volume and callsTouch sensor panel
Noise cancellingBose QuietControl noise cancellation, adjustable or off, plus Aware ModeAdaptive NC Optimizer with 12 microphones
Spatial audioBose Immersive Audio : Still, Motion and Cinema modes360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema
Works withiPhone and Android with the Bose appiPhone and Android, Sony | Sound Connect app
Lossless audioYes, up to 24 bit/48 kHz over USB-CHi-Res Audio over Bluetooth with LDAC
CaseCarry caseCarrying case with magnetic closure

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

Buy at Target$219.99
Checked Oct. 31, 2026

Sony WH-1000XM6

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Works with your phone

iPhone
WorksWorks with limits
Android
WorksWorks

Sources

BoseSonyBoseSony Help GuideSonySony Electronics (PR Newswire)Sony Help GuideSonySony Help Guide
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sony WH-CH720N