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⚖️ HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPARISON
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QC Ultra vs Apple AirPods Max
Which Premium Noise-Cancelling Headphone Should You Buy in 2025?
📅 Updated: June 2025
⏰ 12 min read
🧪 Lab Tested
Our Top Picks
🏆 OUR TOP PICK
Sony WH-1000XM6
Overall Score: 9.6 / 10
~$349 – $399
🥈 RUNNER-UP
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Overall Score: 9.2 / 10
~$329 – $379
🥉 3RD PLACE
Apple AirPods Max
Overall Score: 8.9 / 10
~$449 – $549
Full Spec Comparison
Feature
Overall Rating
Battery Life
ANC Quality
Sound Quality
Multipoint BT
Hi-Res Audio
Price Range
Best For
Sony WH-1000XM6 🏆
★★★★★ 4.8
40 Hours ✓
Excellent ✓
Excellent
Yes (2 devices) ✓
LDAC ✓
$349 – $399
Travel & Music
Bose QC Ultra
★★★★ 4.6
24 Hours
Excellent
Very Good
Yes ✓
No ✗
$329 – $379
Travel & Work
Apple AirPods Max
★★★★ 4.5
20 Hours
Very Good
Excellent ✓
No ✗
Lossless (wired) ✓
$449 – $549
Apple Ecosystem
🏆 Our Final Verdict
For most buyers, the Sony WH-1000XM6 wins this comparison. It delivers the best noise cancellation, longest battery life and excellent audio quality at the most competitive price. The Bose QC Ultra is the top runner-up — especially for comfort over very long sessions. The Apple AirPods Max is only worth it if you are deep in the Apple ecosystem and specifically need lossless audio.
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