Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs Sony WF-1000XM6
Too close to call. The critic scores are 2 points apart, well inside the usual difference between two critics. Pick on features, not score.
Critics score the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) 87 (general agreement) and the Sony WF-1000XM6 85 (general agreement) out of 100, from 12 and 19 professional reviews. 10 outlets reviewed both: 5 scored the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) higher, 3 scored the Sony WF-1000XM6 higher and 2 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) 2 points ahead.
Image: BoseBose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
10 of 12 reviewers who tested Bose's second-generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds recommend them, mostly for the best noise cancelling in any earbud and clear calls. Battery life is only average, and some testers found them bulky in the ear.
All 12 reviews of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) →
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Image: SonySony WF-1000XM6
16 of 19 reviewers who tested Sony's WF-1000XM6 recommend it, the strongest agreement among earbuds. Critics single out the noise cancelling and detailed sound, plus an app full of useful settings. The price is high, and the included ear tips don't suit every ear.
All 19 reviews of the Sony WF-1000XM6 →
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Where every review landed
Each mark is one professional review, converted to 0–100Which one is for you?
Pick the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) if
- “Best noise cancelling” is what you’re after
- comfort matters most: 8 of 12 critics praise it, against 4 of 19 for the Sony WF-1000XM6
- fit and comfort worries you: 10 of 19 critics fault the Sony WF-1000XM6 on it, against 3 of 12 for this one
The catch: Average battery life, and bulky in the ear.
Pick the Sony WF-1000XM6 if
- “Best sound” is what you’re after
- battery life worries you: 10 of 12 critics fault the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) on it, against 1 of 19 for this one
The catch: Expensive, and the tips don't fit everyone.
In our words, from what the critics praise and complain about. It never changes a score.
What critics praise and fault
How many of each product's reviews mention the topic| Topic | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Sony WF-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Noise cancelling | 11 of 12 praise | 16 of 19 praise |
| Sound quality | 8 of 12 praise | 17 of 19 praise |
| Battery life | 10 of 12 fault | 3 of 19 praise 1 of 19 fault |
| Price | 5 of 12 fault | 11 of 19 fault |
| Comfort | 8 of 12 praise | 4 of 19 praise |
| Fit and comfort | 3 of 12 fault | 10 of 19 fault |
| Controls and app | 3 of 12 fault | 6 of 19 fault |
Critics who reviewed both
The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards| Outlet | QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) | WF-1000XM6 | Who scored higher |
|---|---|---|---|
| TechRadar | 95 | 83est. | QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) +12 |
| ZDNET | 90 | 83est. | QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) +7 |
| 9to5Toys | 89est. | 83est. | QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) +6 |
| Engadget | 89est. | 84 | QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) +5 |
| Business Insider | 85est. | 83est. | QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) +2 |
| Android Central | 90 | 90 | Same |
| Expert Reviews | 95 | 95 | Same |
| TechGearLab | 78 | 80 | WF-1000XM6 +2 |
| Trusted Reviews | 83est. | 89est. | WF-1000XM6 +6 |
| SoundGuys | 77 | 84 | WF-1000XM6 +7 |
Scores converted to 0–100. Tiles with a dashed border are estimated from the verdict. Tap a score to read that review.
Direct comparisons
Reviewers who put these two side by side. These never change a score.
- Android Central says it depends: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) if maximum noise blocking and a locked-in fit matter more than long-wear comfort; the Sony WF-1000XM6 if you wear them for long sessions and want comfort even with slightly weaker noise cancelling.
- What Hi-Fi? picks the Sony WF-1000XM6.
Compare something else
More wireless earbuds comparisons
- Apple AirPods Pro 386, General agreementvsBose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)87, General agreement
- Apple AirPods Pro 386, General agreementvsSony WF-1000XM685, General agreement
- Sony WF-1000XM685, General agreementvsTechnics EAH-AZ10087, Split verdict
- Apple AirPods 590, Clear consensusvsSony WF-1000XM685, General agreement
All comparisons → · All wireless earbuds ranked →
Common questions
Which is better, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) or the Sony WF-1000XM6?
It's too close to call on critic score: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) 87 (general agreement), Sony WF-1000XM6 85 (general agreement). 10 outlets reviewed both: 5 scored the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) higher, 3 scored the Sony WF-1000XM6 higher and 2 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) 2 points ahead.
Do critics agree about the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and the Sony WF-1000XM6?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): general agreement, scores from 77 to 95. The Sony WF-1000XM6: general agreement, scores from 77 to 95.