Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Best for Comfort on long flights
Typically £349–£409
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkQuick comparison
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Typical price | £399–£449 | £349–£409 |
| Best for | Best all-round ANC | Comfort on long flights |
| Key feature | Class-leading noise cancelling with a folding design | Plush fit and top-tier noise cancelling |
| Battery | Up to 30 hours with ANC | Up to 30 hours |
| Weight | About 270 ml (254 g) | — |
| Charging | USB-C, 3 min for about 3 hours | — |
| Wired listening | — | USB-C audio and 2.5 mm cable |
| Where to buy | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link |
Main differences
Comfort
Bose is softer and lighter-feeling on the head; Sony clamps a little more.
Noise cancelling
Both are top tier; owners rate them very close.
Portability
Both fold; Sony's case is slimmer.
Extras
Sony has a deeper app and EQ; Bose adds lossless USB-C audio and Immersive Audio.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM6 if you
- want the most features and EQ control
- take lots of calls
- want a slimmer travel case
Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if you
- wear headphones for many hours at a time
- wear glasses
- watch movies with spatial audio
Which specifications matter?
Focus on the differences above rather than headline numbers. For more options, see our list of the best noise-cancelling headphones in the uk.
Not sure about either? Consider these
Bose · Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Buy it if You want the famous Bose comfort and strong noise cancelling without paying flagship prices.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Value Bose comfort
- Typical price
- £179–£319
Pros
- Light and comfortable
- Strong noise cancelling for the price
Cons
- No spatial audio
Soundcore · Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Soundcore by Anker Space One
Buy it if You want real noise cancelling and long battery life for well under £100.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Budget pick
- Typical price
- £59–£89
Pros
- Strong noise cancelling for the price
- Very long battery life
Cons
- Plastic build
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the Sony WH-1000XM6 or the Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen)?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM6 for features, a folding case and clearer calls; choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) if comfort on long flights matters most.
Which is better value?
The Sony WH-1000XM6 typically costs £399–£449 and the Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) typically costs £349–£409. The better value depends on which differences above matter to you.