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As of right now, only two models matter when discussing the best noise-canceling headphones: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) and Sony WH-1000xM6.
Both are considered the market’s top options for elite active noise cancellation in over-ear form. The two entries are also very expensive, though I doubt pricing matters if you’re committed to reading this in-depth comparison. Your mind is likely set on purchasing one or the other.
So, which is the better investment? Let’s find out.
Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Bose remains the king of ANC and spatial audio
The QC Ultra (Gen 2) have category-leading noise cancellation. Bose upgraded its ANC algorithm and microphone system to be more dynamic and responsive to low-frequency sounds. These technologies adaptively remove about 95 percent of external fracas. Anything that comes through will sound like background effects on songs and movies. Aware mode (aka transparency) is just as rewarding for keeping tabs on surroundings. Another brand hallmark that remains undefeated is Immersive Audio. This feature creates amazing surround sound for all stereo content. It isn’t confined to any specific technology (*cough* Dolby Atmos cough) and is the most realistic sounding of all other spatial audio formats on headphones.
ANC on the WH-1000xM6 is right below the QC Ultra (Gen 2), which is a huge compliment. These headphones do a terrific job of eliminating most unwanted noises and minimizing high-frequency sounds. Transparency mode is superb for increasing ambient awareness. There are 20 adjustable levels to control the amount of noise you want to hear. Listening at max level captures every peep in your vicinity with precision. Still, we prefer the QC Ultra’s more powerful ANC since it eliminates high-frequency sounds better. We also favor Immersive Audio over Sony’s 360 Reality Audio. The latter is fine for watching movies, but it doesn’t sound as natural. Not to mention, 360 Reality Audio only works with a very limited number of streaming services, which also have limited content.
Winner: Bose QC Ultra (Gen 2)
Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2).
Sony has practicality and sound quality in the bag
Much like the WH-1000xM5, the Mark Series VI headphones have a versatile control scheme consisting of motion, physical, touch, and voice functions. All of them work exceptionally well. Voice controls are most impressive. Siri and Google Assistant commands are accurately registered and executed. Intelligible features like Speak-to-Chat are on point to automatically mute sound when detecting your voice. The QC Ultra (Gen 2) boast their own responsive control scheme, but they lack the WH-1000xM6’s smart voice functionality.
Audio performance is where the WH-1000xM6 shine brightest. Sony’s suite of proprietary technologies gives them unbeatable wireless sound. The 30mm drivers dish out detailed and dynamic audio. Frequencies are nicely balanced, and being able to tweak them via customizable EQ simplifies sound personalization. Our favorite Sony feature, DSEE, upscales clarity, depth, and fidelity on all tracks, no matter the file or streaming service. LDAC codec support boosts bitrate transmission on Android devices to reveal more depth and nuance in songs.
The QC Ultra (Gen 2) “pick up details well across the spectrum of lows to highs,” as described in our full review. You get an awesome mix of crisp mids and deep bass on contemporary tracks. Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive and Lossless codecs result in CD-like quality over Bluetooth (Android only). There’s an adjustable EQ in the Bose app. Unfortunately, it is nowhere near as advanced as Sony’s EQ. Again, Immersive Audio is magnificent for 3D sound, but the all-new Cinematic Mode is underwhelming; all it does is make background effects louder.
Winner: Sony WH-1000xM6
Read our full review of the Sony WH-1000xM6.
Final Thoughts
The title of best noise-canceling headphones overall goes to…
The Sony WH-1000xM6 get you much more bang for your buck. Marvelous sound combined with strong features, very long playtimes (up to 40 hours), and a wide feature set make for a well-rounded package. Something else to consider is the sale occurrence. Sony has a history of marking down audio products early in their life cycles, so scoring the WH-1000xM6 for a lower price is probable heading into the holidays.
Don’t completely overlook the second-gen QC Ultra. They deliver unmatched ANC and spatial audio. Furthermore, these cans provide fantastic audio and comfort for distraction-free listening in any environment. Where they falter are battery life and special features, which are both short compared to most rivals; Immersive Audio drops playtime from 30 to 23 hours. Buying the headphones at a discount also seems unlikely since they just launched a few weeks back.
Winner: Sony WH-1000xM6
