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Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Last updated: 31 May 2026 · Australian pricing and availability
My Verdict
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Feature Comparison
| Feature | Detail | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancelling | Both are excellent; the XM6 edges ahead with its 12-mic array and new processor | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
| Sound Quality | Both support hi-res audio; Bose adds spatial audio | Tie |
| Battery Life | Sony delivers 25% more battery life, plus a faster 10-minute top-up | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
| Call Quality | Sony's mic system is noticeably better for working-from-home calls | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
| Portability | The XM6 brings folding hinges back, so both now fold flat for travel | Tie |
| Spatial Audio | Bose's spatial audio is genuinely impressive | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones |
| AU Price | The Bose is $300 cheaper, the XM6's one real weakness | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones |
Detailed Comparison
The Bose QC Ultra Headphones take this one overall, and the gap is closer than the price makes it look. Yes, the Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on the raw numbers: the 12-mic array and the QN3 processor give it a slight edge on outright noise cancellation, call quality is cleaner for working-from-home video calls, and battery runs longer at 30 hours versus 24. The XM6 also folds again this generation, so Sony has clawed back the portability it used to lack. So why does the Bose win? Value and balance. The QC Ultra delivers about 90 percent of the Sony experience, adds a genuinely impressive Immersive Audio spatial mode, and does it for hundreds less. When you weigh sound, comfort, features and price together, the Bose is the headphone most people should actually buy. Buy the XM6 if you want the outright best noise cancellation and call quality and the budget is not the deciding factor. Buy the Bose QC Ultra if you want the smarter all-round spend, which is most of us.Buying in Australia
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones |
|---|
Which Should You Buy?
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM6 if:
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones if:
See all my ranked picks in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones in Australia.
Need help deciding? Read my Noise Cancelling Headphones buyer's guide.