Sony and Bose make exceptional headphones, but extended time with each model reveals their true strengths and weaknesses.
I found Bose and Sony’s headphones to be exceptional in their own right.
Bose’s option appeals more to laid-back listeners who prioritize comfort and simplicity.
Sony’s option appeals to headphone enthusiasts who prioritize customization and utility.
Sony’s and Bose’s latest headphones are some of the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy. On paper, Sony wins in several categories for its advanced audio features and customization, impressive noise-canceling abilities, and long-lasting battery life. But after months with each model, I have a clearer understanding of its strengths and weaknesses.
If you’re a power user who wants headphones with granular audio customization, smart features, and those that enhance their performance the more you tweak them, you’ll appreciate Sony’s WH-1000XM6. If you want headphones that require minimal decision-making and deliver a high-performing experience without toggling many features, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) are up your alley.
Here’s how each model excels and falls flat in the real world.1. Comfort
The QuietComfort Ultra 2 live up to their name with a more comfortable fit than the WH-1000XM6. Their plushy ear pads and roomy earcups just result in an overall more relaxed fit. Although I found the first-generation QuietComfort Ultra headphones more comfortable than the second, both are more comfortable than Sony’s.
Conversely, Sony’s WH-1000XM6 have thinner ear pads and a tight clamping force that puts pressure on my jaw, and their tight fit pushes my glasses against the sides of my head.
