Looking for the best Bluetooth headphones of 2025? The competition between the Sony WH-1000XM6 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is fiercer than ever.
Both are leaders in active noise cancellation (ANC), sound quality, and comfort, but which one is truly worth your investment?
In this detailed review, we compare the two models based on real-world tests, expert reviews, and user feedback, analyzing design, sound, ANC, battery life, and features to help you choose the ideal premium headphones for 2025.
Design and Comfort: Sony vs Bose – Elegance vs. Practicality
The Sony WH-1000XM6, released in May 2025, brings back the foldable design fans have been requesting, addressing a major criticism of the XM5.
Weighing 254 g, it’s slightly heavier than its predecessor, but the wider headband and synthetic leather ear pads ensure comfort for extended sessions.
Available in black, platinum silver, and midnight blue, the XM6 features a robust build with stainless steel hinges and a compact magnetic case, perfect for travel. However, some users noted that the ear pads could use more cushioning for prolonged use.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra, on the other hand, weighs 253 g and maintains Bose’s signature lightweight and ergonomic design.
Its cloud-like ear pads and soft headband offer exceptional comfort, especially for larger heads, though the clamping force is a bit firmer than the Sony. While it uses premium materials, its construction feels less sturdy than the XM6, with shallower ear cups.
The Bose case is equally portable but not as compact as Sony’s.
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra – Sound Quality: Power vs. Balance
The Sony WH-1000XM6 enhances the audio experience with its QN3 HD processor and 40 mm carbon-fiber drivers, covering a range from 4 Hz to 40 kHz.
Supporting LDAC, AAC, SBC, and LC3 codecs, it delivers high-resolution audio with powerful bass, clear mids, and detailed highs.
Tests in urban environments, such as cafes and subways, highlighted the XM6’s ability to produce rich sound, customizable via the Sony Sound Connect app.
Spatial audio with head tracking offers an immersive experience, ideal for movies and gaming, though it requires compatible devices to shine.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra focuses on balanced sound with deep bass emphasis, adjustable via a 3-band EQ. Its spatial audio uses immersive technology combined with aptX Adaptive codec support, offering excellent sound quality.
However, tests indicated that the bass might sound exaggerated without EQ adjustments.
Vocal clarity is exceptional, making it ideal for podcasts and audiobooks, though Sony outshines it in dynamics for complex genres like jazz or classical music.
Noise Cancellation: Can They Deliver Absolute Silence?
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is celebrated as the ANC king of 2025, featuring 12 microphones (six per earcup) and the QN3 HD processor, which is seven times faster than the QN1 in the XM5.
It blocks everything from airplane hums to mechanical keyboards, adjusting cancellation based on atmospheric pressure and eyewear use. The ambient mode, with 20 adjustable levels, allows external sound without removing the headphones.
Tests during long flights and crowded offices confirmed an almost “vacuum of silence,” even outperforming Bose in high-pitched noise reduction.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra isn’t far behind, excelling in low-frequency noise cancellation, such as airplane engines or traffic. Its five microphones per earcup ensure crystal-clear calls, even in noisy environments, and the transparency mode is natural, perfect for quick conversations
However, Bose doesn’t offer as granular ANC adjustments as Sony, limiting customization.
Battery and Connectivity: Which Lasts Longer?
The Sony WH-1000XM6 offers up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC on, with fast charging providing 1 hour of use after just 3 minutes of charging.
Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint functionality allows simultaneous connection to two devices, seamlessly switching between calls.
Compatibility with voice assistants (Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri) and the “Speak to Pause” feature make the XM6 versatile for work and leisure.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers 24 hours of battery life with ANC active, slightly lower than the Sony, but fast charging delivers 2.5 hours after just 15 minutes.
Its multipoint support and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure stable connectivity, and the Bose Music app allows customization of sound profiles and ANC. Additionally, Bose supports active wired use, a feature missing in the Sony, which requires power for wired connections.
Additional Features: Cutting-Edge Technology
The Sony WH-1000XM6 stands out with smart features like auto-pause when the headphones are removed, geolocation-based ANC adjustments, and detailed equalization through the Sony Sound Connect app.
Support for 360 Reality Audio is a bonus for fans of immersive music, though limited to compatible platforms.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers spatial audio with Immersive Audio technology, intuitive touch controls, and a transparency mode that rivals Sony’s in natural sound.
While the Bose Music app is user-friendly, it lacks advanced equalization options compared to Sony’s.
Price and Availability – Best Headphone of 2025
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is priced at $449, a slight increase from the XM5, but justified by its advancements.
Available at major retailers and Sony’s official website, it’s a premium yet accessible option.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is also priced at $449 and widely available, with frequent promotions on platforms like Amazon.
Conclusion: Which is the Best Headphone of 2025?
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the best Bluetooth headphone of 2025 for most users, thanks to its unbeatable ANC, versatile sound quality, and smart features.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and deep bass, especially for calls. If you seek personalization and cutting-edge technology, go with Sony.
If comfort and simplicity are your priorities, Bose is the right choice. Try both, if possible, to find the perfect fit for your needs!
