Bose Dominates ANC and Spatial Audio

The QC Ultra (Gen 2) stands out in noise cancellation capabilities. Bose has refined its ANC algorithm and microphone technology to improve handling of low-frequency noises, adaptively removing approximately 95 percent of external sounds. Any residual noises seamlessly fade into the backdrop of music and films. The Aware mode (transparency) effectively ensures you’re conscious of your environment. Bose’s Immersive Audio is unparalleled, delivering remarkable surround sound for all stereo material, regardless of particular technologies like Dolby Atmos, and is the most lifelike among spatial audio formats in headphones.

The ANC on the WH-1000xM6 ranks just below the QC Ultra (Gen 2), which is impressive. These headphones significantly diminish most undesirable sounds and high-frequency noises. The transparency mode boosts environmental awareness, featuring 20 customizable levels to modulate noise. At the highest setting, it accurately captures every sound around you. However, we favor the QC Ultra’s more effective ANC for superior elimination of high-frequency sounds and prefer Immersive Audio over Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, which is restricted to specific streaming services and content.

Winner: Bose QC Ultra (Gen 2)

Read our complete review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2).

Sony Shines in Functionality and Audio Quality

Similar to the WH-1000xM5, the Mark Series VI headphones provide a flexible control layout with motion, physical, touch, and voice interactions, all excelling in performance. Voice controls are especially noteworthy, accurately executing commands for Siri and Google Assistant. Features like Speak-to-Chat automatically mute audio when your voice is detected. The QC Ultra (Gen 2) also features a responsive control system, but lacks the advanced voice capabilities of the WH-1000xM6.

The WH-1000xM6 excels in sound quality. Sony’s proprietary technologies yield outstanding wireless audio. The 30mm drivers render detailed and vibrant audio, with balanced frequencies and customizable EQ for sound tailoring. Our preferred Sony feature, DSEE, boosts clarity, depth, and fidelity across all tracks, irrespective of the file type or streaming platform. LDAC codec support enhances bitrate transmission on Android devices for greater depth and subtleties in music.

The QC Ultra (Gen 2) captures details proficiently across lows to highs, delivering a blend of crisp mids and robust bass on modern tracks. Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive and Lossless codecs ensure CD-quality sound over Bluetooth (Android only), with a customizable EQ in the Bose app, albeit not as sophisticated as Sony’s. Immersive Audio excels in 3D sound, but the new Cinematic Mode is lackluster, merely amplifying background sounds.

Winner: Sony WH-1000xM6

Read our complete review of the Sony WH-1000xM6.