Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Sony WH-1000XM6 (2026)
The two best noise-cancelling headphones we have measured, one point apart in our ranking and identical at $449 list. Both fold, both last about 30 hours, both cut cabin noise within a decibel of each other. They differ on calls, wind, comfort and sound.
Deepest cut of aircraft rumble; lightest clamp and the pair our testers forgot they were wearing; Immersive Audio.
12-mic array gave the clearest calls in a café; handles wind; LDAC and a 10-band EQ; slightly more detailed sound.
Pick by your situation
Side by side, from the same test
Our verdict
Sony is the better all-rounder — calls, wind, Android codecs, a better app. Bose is the better flight companion and the more comfortable pair over long sessions. If you can live without the folding hinge, the discounted Sony WH-1000XM5 gets you most of both for $100–$150 less.