QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs WF-1000XM6
Bose versus Sony: the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and the WF-1000XM6 go after the same premium wireless earbuds buyer. Call it a near draw on paper, with just a few specs pulling the two apart.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging WF-1000XM6 wins
- Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging3.0
- Features & Connectivity5.0
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging4.8
- Features & Connectivity5.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The WF-1000XM6 has 2 h more listening per charge
Put simply, the WF-1000XM6 is far ahead here: 8 h compared with 6 h. Longer listening per charge matters on long flights, workdays and road trips.
Design & Size
Fit & Build
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | WF-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with stability bands | In-ear (stemless) |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | N/A (not specified) | 0.23 oz |
| Case weight | N/A (not specified) | 1.66 oz |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t sound & noise cancelling. For sound & noise cancelling, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Battery & Charging
WF-1000XM6 leads
No contest in battery & charging: the WF-1000XM6 is the stronger of the two. In its favor, the WF-1000XM6 has 2 h more listening per charge. The WF-1000XM6 runs longer before needing a break, so you’re less likely to be interrupted mid-podcast. Anyone shopping mainly on battery & charging should start with the WF-1000XM6.
Battery (single charge)
QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): 6 h WF-1000XM6: 8 h Ratings usually assume moderate volume and specific settings, so real results vary.
Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
The features & connectivity section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. In short, features & connectivity is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | WF-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial audio | Bose Immersive Audio (with head tracking) | N/A (not specified) |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | WF-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 6 h | 8 h (winner) |
| Battery (with case)Manufacturer rating | 24 h | 24 h |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | WF-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | No |
| Controls | Touch (tap and swipe) | Touch |
Fit & Build
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | WF-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with stability bands | In-ear (stemless) |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | N/A (not specified) | 0.23 oz |
| Case weight | N/A (not specified) | 1.66 oz |
Price
| Spec | QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | WF-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $299 (winner) | $330 Priciest in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The WF-1000XM6 asked only $31 more at launch. If $31 isn’t a stretch, the WF-1000XM6 gives you 2 h more listening per charge.
Launch prices in the US as of February 2026; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) if…
- you don’t need the extras that cost $31 more
- you’re comfortable with how Bose does things
Choose the WF-1000XM6 if…
- you listen for hours at a stretch (8 h vs 6 h per charge)
- you trust Sony and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) or the WF-1000XM6?
We’d point most buyers to the WF-1000XM6. The main exception is if paying $31 more feels hard to justify for you.
Which has better battery life, the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) or the WF-1000XM6?
On paper, the WF-1000XM6 has the edge: 8 h of battery (single charge) against 6 h for the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). Real-world results also depend on how you use it.
Is the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) cheaper than the WF-1000XM6?
The WF-1000XM6 launched at $31 more than the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), based on prices as of February 2026.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy Bose or Sony. I only care that you end up with the right one of the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and the WF-1000XM6. The single spec I’d point a friend to is this: the WF-1000XM6 has 2 h more listening per charge.
If your days lean on price, I’d pick the QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen); if they lean on battery & charging, the WF-1000XM6.
My pick: the WF-1000XM6. The QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) only comes out ahead if you’d rather keep $31 for something else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.