Comprehensive Comparative Analysis | Active Noise Cancellation Performance Evaluation | Frequency Spectrum Analysis
📋 Basic Specifications and Parameters
| Specification Parameters | 🎵 Bose QC Ultra Headphones Gen2 | 🎵 Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Unit | 40mm Custom Driver Unit | 30mm Custom Driver Unit |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz | 4Hz - 40,000Hz (Wired) 20Hz - 20kHz (Bluetooth) |
| Sensitivity | Not Officially Published | 107 dB/mW (Wired Open Circuit) 105 dB/mW (Wired Closed Circuit) |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms | 24 Ohms (1kHz) |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Weight | Approximately 235g | Approximately 258g |
| Water Resistance Rating | Not Specified | Not Specified |
🔊 Active Noise Cancellation System
| Noise Cancellation Feature Characteristics | Bose QC Ultra Headphones Gen2 | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation Processor | Next-Generation Processor + ActiveSense V2 | HD Noise Cancellation Processor QN3 (Seven Times Faster than QN1) |
| Microphone Quantity | Multiple Microphones (Specific Count Not Published) | 12 Microphones (Eight More than WH-1000XM5) |
| Noise Cancellation Technology | Enhanced ActiveSense Adaptive ANC + Passive Isolation Smooth Noise Peaks 11-Level Adjustable Noise Cancellation |
Real-Time Optimization Adaptive ANC + Passive Isolation Edge AI Technology Real-Time Optimization with 12 Microphones |
| Automatic Scene Recognition | Supported (ActiveSense) Wear Detection |
Supported (Auto NC Optimizer) Wear Detection |
| Noise Isolation Capability | Excellent Full-Spectrum Isolation Comprehensive Noise Blocking |
Industry-Leading Isolation Approaching Industry Peak Score of 9.9/10 |
📊 Frequency Spectrum Noise Cancellation Performance Comparison
| Frequency Band Range | Bose QC Ultra Headphones Gen2 | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Low Frequency Band (50-200Hz) - Airplane Engine / Train Rumbling | ||
| Noise Cancellation Effect | ★★★★★ Excellent Obvious Low-Frequency Attenuation Effect Powerful Airplane Engine Noise Cancellation Complete Train Rumbling Isolation Highly Suitable for Long-Distance Flights |
★★★★★ Excellent Exceptional Low-Frequency Noise Cancellation Performance Performance Comparable to Bose Exceptional Train Noise Cancellation Identical Performance by Both |
| Mid Frequency Band (100Hz-3000Hz) - Human Speech / Office Noise | ||
| Noise Cancellation Effect | ★★★★☆ Very Good Superior Conversation Noise Control Improvement Relative to First Generation Office Environment Suppression Sufficient ActiveSense Smooth Noise |
★★★★★ Outstanding Industry-Leading Human Speech Noise Cancellation Outstanding Office Noise Cancellation QN3 Processor Real-Time Optimization Excellent Call Quality Clarity |
| High Frequency Band (3000Hz-20000Hz+) - Air Conditioning Hum / Wind Noise | ||
| Noise Cancellation Effect | ★★★★☆ Very Good Adequate High-Frequency Isolation Effect Partial Wind Noise Cancellation Maintains High-Frequency Clarity Slightly Lower than Sony |
★★★★★ Outstanding Exceptional Air Conditioning Hum Cancellation Outstanding Wind Noise Cancellation Effect High-Frequency Detail Retention Optimal Treble Handling |
| Transient Noise (Sudden Sounds, Alarms, Massive Impacts) | ||
| Noise Cancellation Effect | ★★★★★ Excellent ActiveSense V2 Immediate Response Blocks Sudden Loud Spikes Rapid Transient Response Excellent Sudden Noise Protection |
★★★★☆ Very Good Good Transient Effect Handling QN3 Provides Rapid Response Slightly Slower than Bose Overall Performance Still Outstanding |
| Comprehensive Frequency Coverage | ||
| Comprehensive ANC Score | Comprehensive Score: 9.1/10 Excellent Full-Spectrum Performance Strong Low-Frequency and Transient Bands Ideal for Comfort and Extended Wear Duration Optimal Choice for Travel and Complex Environments |
Comprehensive Score: 9.4/10 Industry-Best ANC Comprehensive Performance Excellent Mid-Frequency and High-Frequency Control Optimization Across All Frequency Ranges Technical Performance Slight Superiority |
🎙️ Call Quality & Microphone Performance
| Call Characteristics | Bose QC Ultra Headphones Gen2 | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone Array | Multi-Element Beam Forming Improvement Relative to First Generation Noise Suppression Algorithm |
Intelligent Beam Forming System 12 Total Microphones Advanced AI Voice Isolation |
| Quiet Environment | ★★★★☆ Very Good Clear Voice Transmission Natural Audio Quality Obvious Improvement Relative to First Generation |
★★★★★ Outstanding Crystal-Clear Voice Quality Professional-Grade Audio Clarity Industry-Leading Performance |
| Noisy Environment (Street/Traffic) | ★★★★☆ Very Good Adequate Background Noise Suppression Voice Maintains Clarity Substantial Improvement Relative to First Generation Decent Street Performance |
★★★★★ Outstanding Exceptionally Excellent Noise Isolation Voice Clarity Preservation Even in Heavy Traffic Capable Industry-Leading Call Quality |
| Wind Noise Processing | Very Good Anti-Wind Mode Support |
Outstanding Outdoor Performance Optimization Superior Wind Resistance Performance |
| Comprehensive Call Score | Substantial Improvement (Second Generation) Currently Suitable for Daily Use |
Industry-Leading Call Quality |
🎵 Audio Encoding & Audio Quality
| Audio Characteristics | Bose QC Ultra Headphones Gen2 | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Supported Encoding | SBC, AAC Snapdragon Music (aptX Lossless) |
SBC, AAC LDAC (Lossless) Snapdragon Music Support |
| Audio Parameters | Up to 24-bit, 48kHz Snapdragon Music: Up to 1Mbps |
32-bit, 96kHz (LDAC) Maximum Bitrate: 990 kbps (LDAC) |
| Lossless Audio Support | Snapdragon Music Lossless Quality Transmission (Requires Compatible Device) |
LDAC Support Hi-Res Wireless Music Certification Outstanding Lossless Performance |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz - 20kHz | 4Hz - 40,000Hz (Wired) 20Hz - 20kHz (Bluetooth) |
| Audio Quality Characteristics | Warm Balanced Emphasizes Bass and Treble Fuller, More Immersive Audio Suitable for Music Enjoyment |
Balanced Precise Studio-Grade Accuracy Co-Engineered with Production Engineers Outstanding Clarity |
| Special Audio Modes | New Movie Mode Music and Movie Spatialization Immersive Audio Enhancement |
360-Degree Spatial Audio 360 Reality Audio (Content Adaptive) DSEE Extreme™ Upscaling More Comprehensive Options |
🔋 Battery & Charging
| Battery Characteristics | Bose QC Ultra Headphones Gen2 | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Duration (ANC On) | 27 Hours 12 Minutes (Measured) | 37 Hours 14 Minutes (Measured) |
| Battery Duration (ANC Off) | Not Officially Specified | Approximately 40+ Hours |
| Charging Time | Rapid Charging Support Reasonable Charging Duration |
Standard Charging Time |
| Charging Port | USB-C USB-C Audio Support |
USB-C |
| Special Features | USB-C Audio Functionality Music Listening During Charging Improvement Relative to First Generation |
Standard Battery Management Extended Duration Advantage |
| Practical Battery Duration | 27 Hours - Exceeding One Week Usage (2-3 Hours Daily) | 37 Hours - Extended Duration |
🎧 Noise Cancellation Modes & Control
| Mode Options | Bose QC Ultra Headphones Gen2 | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation Modes | • Quiet Mode (Complete ANC) • Awareness Mode (Passthrough) • Immersive Audio Mode • Custom Mode (User-Created) |
• Noise Cancellation Mode • Ambient Sound Control • Conversation Enhancement • Quick Chat Technology |
| ANC Intensity Adjustment | 11-Level Adjustable ANC Custom Presets Fine-Grained Control |
Automatic Optimization System Scene-Based Adjustment Reduced Manual Control |
| Intelligent Features | Enhanced ActiveSense V2: Automatic ANC Adjustment Movie Mode (New) Wear Detection Multi-Point Connection |
Auto NC Optimizer: Scene Recognition Quick Chat: Pause Music for Conversation Wear Detection Multi-Point Connection |
| Passthrough Mode Quality | ★★★★★ Clear Natural Sound Passthrough Outstanding Clarity Suitable for Conversation |
★★★★☆ Good Effective Yet Slightly Processed Adjustable Ambient Volume Less Natural than Bose |
| User Customization | Most Flexible 11-Level Control Multiple Saved Presets Maximum User Control |
Automation-Focused Reduced Manual Adjustment Necessity Intelligent Scene Detection |
🏆 Comprehensive Scoring & Recommendations
| Evaluation Metric | Bose QC Ultra Headphones Gen2 | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Frequency ANC | ★★★★★ 5/5 | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Mid-Frequency ANC | ★★★★☆ 4/5 | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| High-Frequency ANC | ★★★★☆ 4/5 | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Call Quality | ★★★★☆ 4/5 (Substantial Improvement) |
★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Audio Quality | ★★★★★ 5/5 Warm Engaging |
★★★★☆ 4/5 Balanced Precise |
| Battery Duration | ★★★★☆ 4/5 (27 Hours) |
★★★★★ 5/5 (37 Hours) |
| Comfort (Extended Wear Duration) | ★★★★★ 5/5 All-Day Wearable |
★★★★☆ 4/5 Good Yet More Snug |
| Customization & Control | ★★★★★ 5/5 11-Level ANC |
★★★★☆ 4/5 More Automated |
| Transient Noise Response | ★★★★★ 5/5 | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Comprehensive Score | 9.1 / 10 | 9.4 / 10 |
✅ Purchase Recommendation Guide
| Usage Scenario | Recommended Choice | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Frequent Flying / Travelers | Bose QC Ultra Gen2 | Excellent Low-Frequency ANC, All-Day Comfort, Improved Noise Peak Handling |
| Office / Conference Calls | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Excellent Call Clarity, Industry-Leading Voice Isolation, Outstanding Mid-Frequency ANC |
| Music Appreciation / Audiophiles | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Studio-Grade Audio Quality, LDAC Support, Extended Frequency Response, Production Engineer Tuning |
| All-Day Comfortable Wear | Bose QC Ultra Gen2 | Outstanding Comfort, Reduced Ear Pressure, Better for Extended Duration |
| Outdoor / Windy Environments | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Superior High-Frequency Noise Cancellation, Outstanding Wind Noise Handling |
| Maximum Battery Duration | Sony WH-1000XM6 | 37 Hours (versus 27 Hours), Nearly Two-Week Daily Usage Duration |
| Noise Level Customization | Bose QC Ultra Gen2 | 11-Level ANC Control, Custom Presets, Maximum User Flexibility |
| Balanced All-Around Choice | Both Are High-End Flagship Models with Distinct Advantages | |
📌 Key Comparison Summary
Bose QC Ultra Headphones Gen2 Core Advantages:
- Outstanding Comfort - Most Comfortable All-Day Wear, Low Ear Pressure, Deep Ear Cups
- Excellent Low-Frequency ANC - Matches Sony Performance
- Rapid Transient Response - ActiveSense V2 Immediate Sudden Noise Suppression
- Maximum Control Authority - 11-Level ANC Adjustment + Custom Presets
- Clear Passthrough Mode - Most Natural Sound Passthrough
- Warm Audio Quality - More Engaging Music and Entertainment
- New Movie Mode - Movie Enhancement Immersive Sensation
- Second Generation Substantial Improvement - Clear Elevation Relative to First Generation
Sony WH-1000XM6 Core Advantages:
- Best Comprehensive ANC Performance - Excellent Mid-High Frequency Noise Cancellation
- Best Call Quality - Industry-Leading Voice Clarity and 12-Microphone System
- Extended Battery Duration - 37 Hours (10 Hours Beyond Bose)
- Outstanding High-Frequency Processing - Best Air Conditioning Hum and Wind Noise Cancellation
- Studio-Grade Audio Quality - Co-Engineered with Production Engineers, LDAC Support
- QN3 Processor - 7 Times Faster Previous-Generation Processor, Real-Time Optimization
- 12-Microphone System - Outstanding Scene Recognition and Automatic Adjustment
- Extended Frequency Response - 4Hz-40,000Hz Capturing All Audio Details
Frequency Band Performance Comparison Overview:
| Low Frequency Band (50-200Hz) | Bose ✓✓✓ Tied | Sony ✓✓✓ Tied |
| Mid Frequency Band (100Hz-3kHz) | Bose ✓✓✓ Good | Sony ✓✓✓✓ Outstanding |
| High Frequency Band (3kHz-20kHz+) | Bose ✓✓✓ Good | Sony ✓✓✓✓ Outstanding |
| Transient Noise | Bose ✓✓✓✓ Outstanding | Sony ✓✓✓ Good |
| Battery Duration | Bose ✓✓✓ Good (27 Hours) | Sony ✓✓✓✓ Outstanding (37 Hours) |
| Comfort | Bose ✓✓✓✓ Outstanding | Sony ✓✓✓ Good |
💡 Final Recommendations
Select Bose QC Ultra Headphones Gen2 If You:
- Prioritize Comfort Most, Plan Extended Use Duration
- Travel Frequently (Airplanes, Trains), Need Excellent Low-Frequency ANC
- Desire Fine-Grained Noise Cancellation Level Control (11 Settings)
- Prefer Warm, Engaging Audio Quality
- Appreciate Rapid Sudden-Noise Response (ActiveSense V2)
- Value Significant First-Generation Improvements
Select Sony WH-1000XM6 If You:
- Need Excellent Call Quality, Frequently Attend Conferences
- Value Extended Battery Duration (Nearly 40 Hours)
- Prefer Studio-Grade Audio Quality and Lossless Audio (LDAC)
- Work in Offices or Mid-High Frequency Noise Environments
- Desire Best-In-Class ANC Across All Frequencies
- Prefer Automatic Scene Detection Over Manual Control
- Appreciate Extended 4Hz-40,000Hz Frequency Response Capability
Conclusion:
Both represent outstanding flagship earphones with scores exceeding 9.0. Sony WH-1000XM6 Slightly Holds Technical Performance Advantage (9.4 versus 9.1), yet Bose QC Ultra Gen2 Surpasses in Comfort and User Control. Your selection should depend upon priorities: Sony for Optimal ANC and Battery Duration, Bose for Comfort and Control.