The catch
Sony WH-1000XM6
USB-C charges it but carries no digital audio.
Side by side
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen Compared: Bose adds USB audio, Sony claims longer ANC use
Quick verdict
Go with XM6 if you want the longer standard ANC battery claim. QuietComfort 2nd Gen is better suited to a lighter travel setup that also needs digital audio over USB.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Plan your charging around how long you listen
Listening eight hours a day, Sony WH-1000XM6 claims the equivalent of 3.8 days in standard ANC mode, and Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) claims 3 days. Leave headroom for real use.
Where this comes from
Formula: claimed ANC runtime / 8 hours per day, using 30 and 24 hours as inputs. It converts separate manufacturer maximums for planning. It does not measure endurance.
The catch
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
The supplied USB-C-to-3.5 mm cable is the one to use, since not every charging cable can carry analog audio.
Sony WH-1000XM6
- Why pick it
- Look for the longer standard ANC runtime claim
- Run LDAC from a compatible source
- The catch
- USB-C charges it but carries no digital audio.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Why pick it
- Like a lighter, folding headphone
- Require USB audio from a computer
- The catch
- The supplied USB-C-to-3.5 mm cable is the one to use, since not every charging cable can carry analog audio.
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What this page compares
XM6 is the pick for a longer standard ANC battery claim, and QuietComfort 2nd Gen suits a lighter travel setup that also needs digital audio over USB.
Sony claims six more hours between charges
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Look for the longer standard ANC runtime claim
XM6 has a standard ANC figure of 30 hours and QuietComfort 2nd Gen has 24. Read the gap as planning headroom and not as a guaranteed trip length.
- Sony WH-1000XM6
- Better fit
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Depends
Like a lighter, folding headphone
It weighs 230 grams, which is 24 grams less. USB audio can make a computer connection simpler, while Sony's USB does not carry digital audio.
- Sony WH-1000XM6
- Depends
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Better fit
Look at the whole setup
Immersive audio on QuietComfort 2nd Gen is claimed at 18 hours and not the 24-hour standard figure. Switching that mode on changes how often you will need to charge while traveling.
- Sony WH-1000XM6
- Depends
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Depends
The lighter Bose costs you six claimed hours in standard mode
QuietComfort 2nd Gen weighs 24 grams less than XM6, and its standard ANC claim is 24 hours instead of 30.
- Sony WH-1000XM6
- Depends
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Depends
In practice
Differences you will notice
Plan your charging around how long you listen
Listening eight hours a day, Sony WH-1000XM6 claims the equivalent of 3.8 days in standard ANC mode, and Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) claims 3 days. Leave headroom for real use.
How we worked this out
Formula: claimed ANC runtime / 8 hours per day, using 30 and 24 hours as inputs. It converts separate manufacturer maximums for planning. It does not measure endurance.
Weigh what you will wear on your head
Sony WH-1000XM6 is 254 grams, Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) is 230 grams, and the gap is 24 grams. Comfort still comes down to clamp force, fit and padding.
How we worked this out
The absolute weight difference is |254 - 230| grams. Cases and most accessories are not part of manufacturer headset weights.
The lighter Bose costs you six claimed hours in standard mode
QuietComfort 2nd Gen weighs 24 grams less than XM6, and its standard ANC claim is 24 hours instead of 30.
How we worked this out
The math: 254 - 230 = 24 g and 30 - 24 = 6 hours. Bose rates its immersive mode separately at 18 hours.
Plug in your setup
Which headphones suit the way you listen?
Start with how you listen. Charging over USB is not the same as playing audio over USB, and some headphones need power even on a cable. These answers are placeholders until you apply your own.
Sony WH-1000XM6
Passes these checksPlays over Bluetooth.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Passes these checksPlays over Bluetooth.
Battery figures are maker claims for the stated mode. They do not reflect measured travel time. Volume, codec, calls and battery age all change runtime. Closed earcups can still leak some sound. Weight alone does not predict comfort. USB audio needs a compatible source and cable. This check does not judge sound quality, mic quality or amplifier power.
Option A
Sony, WH-1000XM6
WH-1000XM6
A folding travel pair that keeps a cable backup for when the battery dies. Pick it over the XM5 for the smaller packed size, because its advertised battery life is no longer.
- Best for
- A folding case for travel, with a cable backup that needs no battery
Facts we checked
- With noise cancellation on, playback is rated up to 30 hours, and with it off, 40 hours.
- The headphones weigh approximately 254 g.
- Passive operation works with the supplied detachable analog cable.
- With a compatible source, SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3 are supported.
Option B
Bose, QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
A very flexible travel pick, since it handles USB audio at a desk, Bluetooth on the train and passive analog playback with an empty battery. Ultra 2 is the one with the longer battery claim.
- Best for
- USB-C audio and an airplane cable that needs no battery
Facts we checked
- USB audio input is supported up to 24-bit, 48 kHz.
- Immersive Audio lowers the rating to 18 hours from up to 24.
- With a depleted battery, the included analog audio cable works in passive mode.
- The manufacturer gives the weight as 0.507 lb, approximately 230 g.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headphone weight | 254 g | 230 g | The figure leaves out the case, accessories and cables. |
| Standard ANC battery claim | Up to 30 h | Up to 24 h | Runtime can drop with volume, calls, codec choice and special modes. |
| USB digital audio | No | Yes | Having a charging port does not by itself mean audio is supported. |
| Battery-free analog playback | Yes | Yes | Powered noise cancellation is not part of passive listening. |
| Folds inward | Yes | Yes | Folding affects the shape you pack in addition to the headphone's weight. |
| Two-device Bluetooth multipoint | Yes | Yes | Automatic switching tied to one brand is a separate feature. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Sony WH-1000XM6
- Its 30-hour ANC claim matches the XM5.
With Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- With Immersive Audio on, the stated runtime falls from 24 hours to 18 hours.
Decision guide
How to decide
Choose XM6 when the longer standard ANC battery claim counts most. Choose QuietComfort 2nd Gen when you need a lighter travel setup with digital audio over USB.
Sony claims six more hours between charges
XM6 has a standard ANC figure of 30 hours and QuietComfort 2nd Gen has 24. Read the gap as planning headroom and not as a guaranteed trip length.
Bose cuts weight and adds a wired digital route
It weighs 230 grams, which is 24 grams less. USB audio can make a computer connection simpler, while Sony's USB does not carry digital audio.
Look at the correct Bose battery mode
Immersive audio on QuietComfort 2nd Gen is claimed at 18 hours and not the 24-hour standard figure. Switching that mode on changes how often you will need to charge while traveling.
What this page can’t tell you
- These conclusions come from published specifications and the stated calculations. No hands-on performance test was done.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the headphones we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
This guide keeps all 60 models in play. The pick rests on the facts and trade-offs on this page.
60 models fit, out of 60 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedNo needs are preselected here. Open the matcher and add the ones that apply to your home, room or setup.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | None of these needs is a documented match |
|
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| Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | None of these needs is a documented match |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Sony WH-1000XM6
Look for the longer standard ANC runtime claim
See price & reviews on AmazonBose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Like a lighter, folding headphone
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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