Battle of the ANC Titans: Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs AirPods Max 2 – Which Headphones Reign Supreme?

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Apple AirPods Max 2

Flagship noise-canceling headphones have become the ultimate gadget for music lovers and frequent travelers. In 2025, three models sit at the top of the heap: Sony’s WH-1000XM6, Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, and Apple’s AirPods Max (2nd generation). These premium over-ear cans promise top-tier sound, silence on demand via active noise cancellation (ANC), and a suite of smart features. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll explore how they stack up in every major aspect – from sound quality and comfort to battery life and smart features – incorporating the latest updates as of August 2025. (Note: Apple has not officially released a true “AirPods Max 2” with new internals yet – aside from a late-2024 refresh adding a USB-C port – but we’ll refer to the current model and its recent updates as “AirPods Max 2” for clarity.)

Let’s dive into the showdown of these ANC titans and see which headphones reign supreme in 2025.

Sound Quality and Tuning Characteristics

When it comes to audio performance, each of these flagships has its own sonic character:

• Sony WH-1000XM6: Sony’s sixth-gen 1000X-series delivers a detailed, dynamic, and precise sound that even surpasses its acclaimed predecessors whathifi.com. In fact, What Hi-Fi? calls the XM6 “the most detailed, dynamic, precise and open sound we’ve heard from a wireless Sony flagship” whathifi.com. Out of the box, the XM6 has a warm tone with a slight bass accentuation, which gives music a full-bodied punch without drowning out detail theguardian.com. Bass hits hard yet remains well-controlled, and the mids and highs are cleanly separated for excellent clarity theguardian.com. This can make some aggressive tracks sound a bit too “clinical,” but Sony provides a full EQ in its app so you can retune it to your taste theguardian.com. In deep listening tests, the XM6 clearly outclasses the Bose in resolution and refinement – the Sonys dig up layers of detail and present a spacious soundstage, whereas the Bose Ultra can sound comparatively “smeared” and lacking clarity whathifi.com. Sony’s focus on audio is further seen in its use of a new “soft edge” 30mm driver and high-end components borrowed from its audiophile Walkman line (like a low-phase-noise oscillator and gold-infused solder) to maximize fidelity whathifi.com whathifi.com. The result is an engaging, powerful sound that many consider Sony’s best to date in a wireless ANC headphone.
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Bose has traditionally tuned its headphones for a warm, easy-listening sound, and the QC Ultra follows suit. Rtings’ measurements describe the QC Ultra’s signature as “warm,” with a slight bass boost (~+2 dB) and balanced treble rtings.com. In practice, that means bass is a bit elevated for richness, while vocals and highs remain clear without harshness. Reviewers generally find the sound good but not class-leading. For example, What Hi-Fi? felt the Bose Ultra struggled to keep up with the Sony in resolution and sounded “out of its depth” on challenging tracks whathifi.com. They noted the Ultras “barely scratch the surface when it comes to resolution and insight” and lack some refinement in the high frequencies compared to the XM6 whathifi.com. On the plus side, the Bose offers a decent soundstage and solid separation, and it supports advanced Bluetooth codecs (aptX Adaptive/Lossless) for higher-quality streaming, which we’ll discuss later. You can also tweak the sound in the Bose Music app via EQ presets or manual adjustments rtings.com. Overall, the QuietComfort Ultra provides a pleasing, non-fatiguing sound with ample bass – great for casual listening – but hardcore audiophiles might find it a notch below the competition in sheer detail retrieval whathifi.com whathifi.com.
• Apple AirPods Max (2nd Gen): Apple’s over-ear headphones are renowned for a balanced and highly refined sound. Despite using an older audio platform (the first-gen AirPods Max launched in 2020), they still “sound incredibly good” according to AppleInsider’s tests appleinsider.com. The AirPods Max have a very clean, accurate response – some describe the tuning as slightly bright or mid-forward, which can make vocals and instruments sound exceptionally clear appleinsider.com appleinsider.com. Apple’s 40mm drivers produce tight bass (though less boosted than Sony’s), natural mids, and crisp highs. In direct A/B comparisons, opinions vary: AppleInsider found the AirPods Max’s midrange clarity and spacious soundstage to be just a hair better than the Sony XM6 appleinsider.com appleinsider.com. They noted the AirPods create an expansive sense of space (“audio coming from all around”) that aids immersion, whereas the XM6’s soundstage felt a bit more closed-in appleinsider.com. However, others prefer Sony’s fuller low-end; one audio reviewer said “out of the box, I prefer the Sony’s more balanced tonality and fuller sound, whereas AirPods Max push a lot of treble forward”. The bottom line is that AirPods Max offer extremely high-fidelity playback, especially with Apple’s computational audio tweaks. They lack user-adjustable EQ (Apple prioritizes an accurate sound profile by default appleinsider.com), so what you hear is what Apple’s sound engineers intended. It’s an excellent sound that many still consider reference-quality for wireless ANC headphones. But with no major hardware refresh to the drivers or DAC since 2020, some competitors (like Sony) have caught up or surpassed them in certain aspects of resolution whathifi.com rtings.com.

In summary, Sony’s WH-1000XM6 stands out for its highly detailed, dynamic sound and customizable EQ, making it ideal for those who want to fine-tune their listening theguardian.com. Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra offers a warm, forgiving sound that’s great for long listening sessions, though it isn’t as revealing as the Sony whathifi.com. Apple’s AirPods Max deliver a beautifully balanced and spacious sound, excelling especially with vocals and spatial audio content appleinsider.com appleinsider.com. Serious audiophiles might lean toward Sony for its precision, but casual listeners and Apple loyalists will be plenty satisfied with the smooth sound of the AirPods Max and the easy-going richness of the Bose.

Active Noise Cancellation Performance

All three of these headphones are at the cutting edge of ANC technology – but Sony and Bose have been in a heated battle for the crown of “best noise canceler,” and with the WH-1000XM6, Sony may have taken the lead theguardian.com theguardian.com:

• Sony WH-1000XM6: The XM6 represents Sony’s biggest ANC upgrade in years, thanks to its new Integrated Processor QN3. This chip is seven times more powerful than the XM5’s processor and works with a network of 12 microphones (up from 8 on the XM5) to analyze and cancel noise theguardian.com whathifi.com. According to The Guardian’s tech editor, the result is “some of the most impressive noise cancelling I’ve experienced in a long time,” particularly for high-pitched sounds that other headphones struggle with theguardian.com. Low-frequency rumbles (plane engines, road noise) were already handled well by previous Sonys, but the XM6 raises the bar by neutralizing higher-tone nuisances like keyboard clicks and background chatter better than any rival theguardian.com theguardian.com. In fact, train and PA announcements became “almost inaudible” during testing when music was playing theguardian.com. Objective tests back this up – SoundGuys measured the XM6 reducing external noise by 87% in their tests, slightly better than the QC Ultra’s 85% reduction soundguys.com. Rtings likewise reports the WH-1000XM6 achieved a “nearly benchmark-busting” isolation score of 9.9/10 in common noise scenarios, overtaking the Bose which previously led the field rtings.com. Simply put, the XM6 currently offers best-in-class ANC performance theguardian.com. It also has a very natural sounding transparency (ambient) mode with 20 adjustable levels and even a voice-focus setting for hearing announcements or conversations clearly theguardian.com. And unlike Bose, Sony does let you turn ANC completely off if needed (for maximum battery or zero processing). The XM6’s noise cancelling is adaptive as well – it can automatically adjust ANC strength based on your environment or even learn your frequent locations (e.g. “Office” vs “Street”) and switch modes accordingly via the app.
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Bose has long been synonymous with noise cancelling – and the QuietComfort Ultra lives up to that legacy. Bose’s approach uses CustomTune technology to calibrate the ANC to your ears and environment each time you put the headphones on rtings.com. Reviewers have been extremely impressed: Tom’s Guide calls the QC Ultra “the best ANC headphones you can buy – if you’re interested in noise canceling”, delivering “eerie, immersive, all-encompassing silence” when you hit the Quiet mode tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. In day-to-day use, they effectively hush everything from office chatter to airplane engine drones rtings.com. Rtings ranks the QC Ultra among the top performers as well, with a noise isolation score around 9.3/10, only a hair behind the Sony’s new record rtings.com rtings.com. Notably, Bose’s system does not allow you to turn ANC fully off – you toggle between “Quiet” (ANC on) and “Aware” (transparency mode). There’s no pure passive mode, which some users have criticized tomsguide.com. (The constant DSP could slightly color the sound and, as Tom’s Guide lamented, means you can’t save battery by disabling ANC entirely tomsguide.com.) Bose’s transparency (Aware) mode is excellent and very lifelike, on par with Sony’s. The QC Ultra also debuts Immersive Audio modes (more on that in the features section) which use head-tracking to add spatial dimensionality – but using these modes reduces noise cancellation strength a bit and cuts battery life (Bose quotes up to 18 hours with Immersive on, vs 24 hours in standard ANC mode) bose.com. Bottom line: Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers world-class ANC, virtually neck-and-neck with Sony’s performance for most types of noise. If absolute silence is your top priority, you’ll be thrilled with what Bose delivers tomsguide.com – even if the XM6 edges it out by a tiny margin in lab tests rtings.com.
• Apple AirPods Max: Apple’s headphones also feature very strong active noise cancellation, though the underlying tech hasn’t changed much since 2020. With an array of 8 dedicated ANC mics and Apple’s computational audio, the AirPods Max effectively hush a broad range of ambient noise – they “can still effectively block out a wide range of sounds,” according to Rtings rtings.com. Users often praise the AirPods Max for killing low-frequency drones (on planes or trains) and for its superb transparency mode, which is arguably the most natural-sounding of the trio (Apple’s Transparency is so seamless that it feels like not wearing headphones at times). However, with competitors raising the bar, the AirPods Max ANC is now arguably a half-step behind the newest Sony/Bose. Rtings notes that the XM6 cancels a bit more noise than the AirPods Max in their measurements rtings.com rtings.com, and What Hi-Fi observed that Sony’s and Bose’s latest models silence certain noises that the AirPods let through. Apple’s ANC also has a quirk: some listeners feel a slight pressure or “suction” effect when it’s engaged. Rtings mentions the AirPods Max “create a lot of ear pressure when ANC is on”, which could bother those sensitive to that feeling rtings.com. It’s worth noting Apple originally allowed an “Off” mode (no ANC, no Transparency) via iOS settings, but recent firmware updates have made the toggle only between ANC and Transparency by default support.apple.com. In everyday use, AirPods Max will certainly meet most users’ needs for quiet – they were class-leading at launch – but as of 2025 they don’t quite dethrone Sony or Bose in pure noise-cancelling power rtings.com.

In summary, Sony’s WH-1000XM6 currently claims the ANC crown, especially for challenging higher-frequency noise, making it the top pick if you demand the utmost silence theguardian.com. Bose’s QC Ultra is a close second, delivering phenomenal noise cancellation that will impress all but the pickiest listeners tomsguide.com. Apple’s AirPods Max remain highly effective and have stellar transparency, but their ANC is now just shy of the other two and may introduce a bit more pressure on the ears rtings.com. No matter which you choose, all three significantly quiet the world around you – but Sony and Bose are on another level, locked in a battle for ANC supremacy.

Comfort and Fit for Long-Term Wear

Comfort can make or break a pair of premium headphones, and here Bose emerges as the clear champion for all-day wear:

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra: As its name suggests, comfort is a hallmark of the QuietComfort series. The QC Ultra headphones are exceptionally comfortable, even for marathon listening. They’re lightweight (≈253 g) and very well-cushioned, with supple ear pads and a headband that applies just the right clamping force tomsguide.com. Tom’s Guide raved that the QC Ultra has an “effortless, all-day fit” – light and softly padded to the point that the reviewer could wear them “for hours and hours at a time” without discomfort tomsguide.com. The ear cups are deep and spacious, which means even larger ears fit without pressing against the driver, and glasses-wearers report less pressure since the padding can accommodate temple arms more easily theguardian.com theguardian.com. Many consider the QC Ultra one of the most comfortable headphones ever – it “out-comforts the likes of the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the AirPods Max,” according to Tom’s Guide tomsguide.com. Bose’s decades of ergonomic design show here: if you prioritize long-term comfort, the QC Ultra will not disappoint. The only minor downside is that the lightweight build comes from mostly plastic construction (no fancy metal arms like Apple), but it’s high-quality plastic that feels sturdy while keeping the weight down.
• Sony WH-1000XM6: Sony’s XM6 is also quite comfortable for most users, though a notch below Bose. Sony trimmed the weight to about 254 g (very similar to Bose) theguardian.com theguardian.com, and it has soft leatherette ear pads and a silicone-padded headband. Users generally find the XM6 comfortable for extended use – the clamp is secure but not overly tight, and the earcup padding is plush. The Guardian notes they “fit well, with enough pressure to stay in place without discomfort” theguardian.com. However, the ear cups on the XM6 are a bit shallower than the Bose Ultra’s theguardian.com. This means if you have larger ears or wear thick glasses, you might occasionally need to adjust them to maintain a perfect seal or avoid pressure on your ears. It’s not a deal-breaker (What Hi-Fi? found even the glasses-wearers on their team had no major issues after adjusting the fit whathifi.com), but it’s a difference to note. The wider headband on the XM6 distributes weight nicely, and the materials are breathable enough that we didn’t experience sweaty ears in moderate conditions whathifi.com. Overall, the XM6 is highly comfortable for most people, just not quite as “cloud-like” as the Bose. On long-haul flights or full work-days, you’ll likely be fine with the Sonys, but Bose may feel a touch more airy in comparison.
• Apple AirPods Max: Apple took a unique approach to comfort with the AirPods Max. On one hand, they use premium materials – a flexible stainless steel frame with a mesh-knit canopy headband that’s designed to distribute weight evenly – and memory foam ear cushions that magnetically attach. The ear pads are spacious and very soft, and the mesh headband avoids creating a pressure point on top of your skull. However, the AirPods Max are considerably heavier than both Sony and Bose, at about 385 g (13.6 oz) appleinsider.com appleinsider.com. That’s over 130 grams heavier, and it’s noticeable during long sessions. Some users get used to it thanks to the headband’s support, but others find that after a couple of hours the weight causes neck or jaw fatigue that you just don’t experience with the plastic, lighter designs of Sony/Bose. Indeed, in Bose’s own marketing jab, they mention their headphones block out everything “without it being uncomfortable (like the AirPods Max)” tomsguide.com. Many people will find the AirPods Max comfortable for a while – the materials are high-end and the clamping force is moderate – but if you have a smaller head or sensitivity to weight, you may feel the difference over extended periods. On the positive side, the earcups have a breathable mesh fabric covering the foam, so they don’t get as sweaty as leather pads might in heat. And since the ear cushions are magnetic, they’re easily replaceable if they wear out (or if you want to swap colors). Overall, AirPods Max offer a luxurious fit and finish, but their heft is their Achilles’ heel in the comfort department. They simply feel more substantial on the head, whereas Bose (and to a slightly lesser extent, Sony) kind of disappear on your head after a while.

In summary, if you prize comfort above all: Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra is the king of long-term comfort – perfect for long flights or work sessions with minimal fatigue tomsguide.com. Sony’s WH-1000XM6 is also very comfortable and lightweight, with just a minor caveat for those with bigger ears or glasses due to shallower ear cups theguardian.com. Apple’s AirPods Max feel plush and premium, but their significantly higher weight can make them less ideal for all-day wear, especially compared to the featherweight feel of the Bose. Try them on if possible, as comfort can be subjective – but it’s clear Bose set out to make the Ultra worthy of the QuietComfort name, and they succeeded.

Build Quality and Design

Each of these headphones takes a different approach to design and materials, reflecting their brand philosophies:

• Sony WH-1000XM6: The XM6 looks quite similar to its predecessor (XM5) with a minimalist, matte plastic design and subtle Sony logos. It’s not flashy – some call it a bit “dull-looking” theguardian.com – but it’s very functional and travel-friendly now. One welcome change is that Sony brought back the folding hinges: the XM6 earcups can swivel and fold up into a compact form, so they tuck neatly into the included hard carrying case theguardian.com. (The XM5 could only fold flat, not inward, making its case bulkier. Now the XM6 folds “into a ball” for easier packing whathifi.com.) The build uses high-quality plastic that feels solid yet keeps weight low theguardian.com. Sony also improved the finish – the plastics are more fingerprint-resistant than before whathifi.com. Little design tweaks show attention to detail: the power button, for example, is now a raised, circular nub that’s easier to find by feel (instead of the flush flat button on XM5) whathifi.com. Overall durability appears good; the headband and hinges feel sturdy (though as with any folding design, that hinge is a moving part that could theoretically wear out – a few early users reported issues, but those seem to be isolated). Notably, repairability got a boost: the XM6 was praised by iFixit for a more modular, repair-friendly construction theguardian.com. For instance, the ear pads can be easily removed and replaced by the user theguardian.com, and internal components are more accessible, which bodes well for longevity. Style-wise, the Sony is understated – coming in matte black, silver, or a new midnight blue – which some will appreciate, while others might find it plain. There’s no official water-resistance rating (so avoid rain at all costs), which is common in this category. In summary, Sony’s build is lightweight, robust plastic with a focus on practicality: it folds, it travels well, and it’s built to last, if not to turn heads visually theguardian.com.
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Bose’s design philosophy here was “comfort and function first.” The QC Ultra is mostly made of smooth plastic with minimal metal, and unlike some other flagship headphones, it doesn’t try to be a fashion statement. In fact, SoundGuys noted these Bose cans “don’t seek to reinvent the wheel or catch every eye on the street” – there’s no flashy exposed aluminum or decorative chrome soundguys.com. That might sound boring, but Bose intentionally kept the design low-profile to save weight and maximize comfort (using heavy metals “adds weight,” as SoundGuys quips) soundguys.com. The build quality is high, if not luxury: the plastics feel solid, the headband has a steel reinforcement internally for strength, and the earcups have a nice soft-touch texture. The headphones have a matte black or white finish (and limited editions like a blue variant), with subtle Bose logos. They do not fold inward – like the Sony XM5, the Bose Ultra’s earcups rotate flat but the headband doesn’t collapse. The included carrying case is a bit on the larger side as a result. Bose likely made this choice to avoid a hinge (which can be a stress point), but it’s a trade-off in portability. At 253 g, they’re very light, indicating careful material choices. One downside: no water or sweat resistance here either, and Bose explicitly notes no IP rating soundguys.com soundguys.com. So treat them as indoor/commute headphones, not gym or rain headphones. From a style perspective, the QC Ultra is clean and unassuming – probably not a conversation starter aesthetically, but not ugly either. It’s similar to prior QuietComfort models in silhouette. The build feels durable enough for everyday use and travel, though some users have pointed out that the plastic hinge/joint area could potentially crack under rough handling (there were isolated reports on forums of cracking headbands, but Bose tends to support customers well if that happens). In essence, Bose went for a utilitarian design: comfy and sturdy, but not aiming for the premium metal feel of something like AirPods Max. This also helps keep the price a bit lower than Apple’s.
• Apple AirPods Max (2nd Gen): Apple took a very different route – the AirPods Max exude a premium, industrial design with aluminum and steel construction. The ear cups are made of anodized aluminum, giving them a cool-to-the-touch, solid feel. The telescoping arms are stainless steel, which slide out smoothly and contribute to a sense of durability (and weight). The headband frame is also metal, wrapped in a soft rubberized coating, and the top canopy is a breathable knit mesh. The design is undeniably sleek and luxurious; it “hasn’t changed at all over the years” except for the new USB-C port on the latest revision appleinsider.com appleinsider.com. Apple offers the AirPods Max in various colors (Space Gray, Silver, Sky Blue, Pink, Green – and in 2024 they introduced additional hues with the USB-C update). The build quality feels top-notch and expensive, which partly explains the higher price tag. However, that premium build has its drawbacks: the AirPods Max do not fold up at all. The earcups rotate flat, but the headband remains fully extended in shape. Apple’s included “Smart Case” is essentially a minimalist cover that protects the earcups but not the headband; it’s not a full hard case like Sony and Bose provide. This means the AirPods Max are bulkier to carry around and a bit more exposed. Many third-party cases exist to better protect them during travel. Another consequence of the design is the weight, as discussed – they’re heavy due to all that metal. On durability: the aluminum cups can dent or scratch if dropped without the case, so handle with care. The mesh headband, while effective for comfort, could snag or tear if caught on something sharp. Apple did engineer these with some modularity – the ear cushions pop on/off easily (you can buy replacements), and internally the battery is actually dual-cell and technically replaceable by Apple service. But these aren’t designed to be user-repairable (where Sony got an iFixit thumbs up, AirPods Max got a lower repairability score due to glue and complexity). There’s also no water resistance here; even a heavy workout’s sweat is probably not a good idea for these. In summary, AirPods Max’s build is luxurious and robust, but heavy and somewhat impractical for portability. They look and feel like a high-end piece of tech – if that’s important to you, Apple wins on materials. Just be ready to live with the weight and the odd case design.

To sum up, Sony’s XM6 and Bose’s QC Ultra both prioritize lightweight durability with high-grade plastics, while Apple’s AirPods Max goes full premium with metal and glass-like finishes at the cost of extra weight. Sony’s design is the most travel-friendly (foldable with a great case) theguardian.com, Bose’s is the most inconspicuous and comfort-driven, and Apple’s is the most luxurious-looking. All feel well-built for their price class, but their design philosophies differ greatly – choose based on whether you value portability and low weight (Sony/Bose) versus a luxe aesthetic and materials (Apple).

Battery Life and Charging Features

Longevity on a charge and how you top up the battery are crucial for wireless headphones. Here’s how our three contenders compare:

• Sony WH-1000XM6: Sony rates the XM6 at 30 hours of playback with ANC on (and up to 40 hours with ANC off). Real-world tests show it can even exceed that: The Guardian got over 32 hours of continuous use with noise cancelling on, slightly above spec theguardian.com. This means you can easily get through a long-haul flight or several days of commuting on one charge. If you do run low, Sony has you covered with fast charging: using a USB-Power-Delivery (PD) charger, just 3 minutes of charge gives about 3 hours of playback whathifi.com. In general, a 10-minute top-up yields around 5 hours. A full charge takes ~3–3.5 hours via USB-C theguardian.com. One convenient feature – you can use the XM6 while it’s charging (via Bluetooth or even wired 3.5mm) theguardian.com. So if you’re at your desk and plug them in, you can keep listening, which is not something all wireless headphones allow. The XM6 charges via USB-C (standard cable included, but no wall adapter in the box). There’s no wireless charging – typically not found in over-ear headphones yet. Given the strong 30+ hour battery life and super-quick top-ups, Sony offers an excellent battery experience that should rarely leave you stranded without music.
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Bose advertises up to 24 hours of playback in Quiet (ANC) or Aware mode bose.com. This is a bit lower than Sony, but still a full day. In practice, it’s enough for most use cases – though heavy travelers will note the difference. Bose’s own specs indicate 18 hours if you’re using the Immersive Audio (spatial) mode, since the extra processing and head-tracking sensors consume more power bose.com. Interestingly, some objective tests found Bose can surpass the 24h claim in pure ANC mode; Rtings measured about 29 hours with ANC on (likely at moderate volume) rtings.com. So under ideal conditions, it can approach the Sony’s endurance. However, Tom’s Guide criticized the Bose’s 24-hour life as “substandard… 24 hours wasn’t enough when they were released in 2024, and it’s certainly not enough now in 2025”, noting that 30+ hours has become the norm at the high end tomsguide.com. Bose does support quick charging too: a 15-minute charge gives about 3 hours of play bose.com. A full charge takes around 2-3 hours via USB-C (Bose lists ~3 hours for 0–100% bose.com). Unlike Sony, Bose’s headphones cannot play audio over the Bluetooth connection while charging (they will power down to charge), but you could use the analog cable to listen wired during charging if needed. One quirk: because Bose has no “ANC off” mode, you can’t squeeze extra battery by disabling ANC completely – it’s always in either Quiet or Aware mode. Overall, Bose’s battery life is solid but not class-leading. It will handle a full day’s use and then some, but you’ll need to charge more often than with Sony. The fast-charge is handy for quick top-ups before a commute.
• Apple AirPods Max (2nd Gen): The AirPods Max are rated for around 20 hours of listening with ANC or Transparency on appleinsider.com. This is the shortest of the trio. Apple hasn’t improved this with the 2024 USB-C refresh – it remains about 20 hours, likely due to the same battery capacity and power usage. For many users 20 hours is enough for a couple days of moderate use, but it’s notably less cushion than Sony’s 30h or even Bose’s 24h. On a long flight, 20 hours just covers the duration of use (for instance, a 15-hour flight plus airport time might push the limits). Apple also handles power management differently: the AirPods Max don’t have a physical on/off switch. Instead, they enter an ultra-low-power mode when placed in their magnetic Smart Case, and an even deeper sleep after ~18 hours idle. This preserves battery, but there’s no way to manually turn them completely off – a design choice some find annoying. In terms of charging, the new model uses USB-C (the original was Lightning). With a sufficiently powerful charger, you can get a decent quick charge – Apple doesn’t quote an official “5-minute charge = X hours” spec, but testing of the original AirPods Max found ~5 minutes gave ~1.5 hours of play. Expect similar or slightly better with USB-C. Full charge takes about 2 hours. Unique to Apple, if you have an Apple Watch charger (MagSafe puck) and a special cable, you can even charge the AirPods Max via MagSafe now – but that’s an odd niche. Importantly, the AirPods Max cannot play audio while charging over USB. They also don’t support any kind of wired USB audio input. To listen wired, you must use Apple’s $35 USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable (previously Lightning cable) which converts analog to digital. That cable lets you use them with in-flight entertainment or Hi-Fi setups, albeit with a D/A and A/D conversion in the chain. On battery longevity, Apple’s internal battery is not easily user-replaceable, but Apple can service it (likely for a fee) if after a few years the battery capacity drops significantly. In summary, AirPods Max have the shortest battery life here (around 20 hours), which is decent but behind the curve in 2025 appleinsider.com. Frequent travelers might find themselves reaching for the charger (or that low-power case) more often. If you’re within the Apple ecosystem, you might mitigate this with their auto-pausing and power-saving behaviors, but it’s still a disadvantage compared to the all-day-plus stamina of Sony and Bose.

Charging and connectors: All three use USB-C ports for charging now (thanks to Apple’s update in late 2024) macrumors.com. Sony and Bose include a USB-C cable in the box; Apple includes a USB-C charging cable as well. None of them include a wall charger in retail packaging. As mentioned, only Sony can actively play over Bluetooth while being charged via USB (which could be useful if you have a power bank on a flight, for example). Bose and Sony both have 3.5mm analog audio jacks for optional wired listening – Sony’s is a standard 3.5mm port on the headphone, Bose’s uses a 2.5mm port on the headphone with a 2.5-to-3.5mm cable included. Apple’s lacks a built-in analog jack entirely – you must use a special cable that goes from the headphone’s USB-C to a 3.5mm source (which contains an ADC/DAC). It’s a bit clunky, but it does allow wired use if needed.

To conclude, Sony leads on battery life (30+ hours) and has the fastest quick-charge theguardian.com whathifi.com, making it extremely convenient for long trips. Bose is decent at ~24 hours and will get you through a full day, though you’ll charge it more often than the Sony – its quick charge is effective albeit slower than Sony’s on a per-minute basis bose.com. Apple trails with ~20 hours, which is fine for daily use but comparatively short for flagship cans appleinsider.com, and its lack of an off-switch and reliance on a case for low-power mode is an eccentric solution. If battery longevity is a top priority, Sony clearly wins this round, with Bose in second place.

Smart and Adaptive Features (Spatial Audio, Multipoint, Sensors, etc.)

Modern high-end headphones come packed with smart features that enhance the listening experience. Here’s how these three compare in terms of bells and whistles:

• Sony WH-1000XM6: Sony has loaded the XM6 with a suite of adaptive features refined over years of development. One headline feature is 360 Reality Audio support and the new “360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema”, which can take standard stereo content (like a movie) and apply spatial processing to simulate a surround sound experience whathifi.com. With supported apps/music (Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music HD, etc.), 360 Reality Audio provides an immersive effect, though its library is limited. The XM6 also supports Android’s spatial audio with head tracking (available on devices running Android 13+ for videos and certain content) theguardian.com. While on iPhones, Sony’s spatial features are more limited (Apple reserves dynamic head tracking for its own AirPods on iOS). In practice, the XM6’s spatial modes are a nice bonus for movie watching on a laptop or Android phone, but not as system-wide integrated as Apple’s Spatial Audio on iOS theguardian.com. Another beloved Sony feature is Speak-to-Chat: if you start talking, the headphones automatically pause your music and pipe in ambient sound so you can have a conversation without removing them whathifi.com. The XM6 continues this feature, though some find the automatic triggering occasionally finicky (you can adjust its sensitivity or turn it off). There’s also Quick Attention Mode – just place your hand over the right earcup and the volume drops and ambient sound comes in instantly whathifi.com. Great for quickly hearing an announcement or responding to someone whathifi.com. Sony’s adaptive sound control can use your phone’s location or motion sensors to change ANC/transparency profiles on the fly (for example, “Walking outside = Ambient mode ON, Sitting in office = ANC ON”). The XM6 also has wear detection: it automatically pauses music when you remove the headphones and resumes when you put them back on appleinsider.com. Furthermore, Sony supports multipoint Bluetooth pairing – you can connect to two devices simultaneously (say, your laptop and phone) and the headphones will intelligently switch to whichever is playing audio or whichever receives a call whathifi.com. This works seamlessly and now supports mixing one standard Bluetooth source and one LE Audio source as well, thanks to Bluetooth 5.3 capability. Voice assistant integration is present too – you can invoke Alexa or Google Assistant (on Android) or Siri (with iOS) and have the headphones pass through the commands, with wake-word support for Alexa. Lastly, Sony has an app (Headphones Connect) that lets you customize an incredible amount of settings: 10-band EQ (new expanded EQ in the XM6) whathifi.com, toggle various sound modes, set the auto-off timer, customize the button functions, etc. In short, Sony offers the richest set of features and customizations, making the XM6 extremely adaptable to different scenarios whathifi.com whathifi.com.
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Bose has stepped up its features significantly with the Ultra compared to past QuietComforts. One of its marquee features is Immersive Audio with two modes: Still and Motion. This is Bose’s version of spatial audio with head tracking. When enabled, it can take any audio and broaden the soundstage, making it seem like the sound is coming from out in the room rather than inside your head. If you turn your head, the audio image stays pinned (especially in Still mode), giving a sense of reality. It’s a cool effect for movies or even music, but if you move around a lot or don’t care for head tracking, you can leave it off – and as noted, using it will cut battery life (18h vs 24h) bose.com. Bose also has CustomTune calibration: each time you put the headphones on, they play a quick tone to measure your ear canal response and adjust ANC and EQ for your personal fit rtings.com. This is automatic and behind-the-scenes, but contributes to the excellent ANC and consistent sound. In terms of sensors, Bose finally added on-head detection to auto-pause when you remove the headphones bose.com.au – a feature Bose fans had wanted for years. It works as expected and can be toggled in the app. Speaking of which, the Bose Music app provides customization options: a 3-band EQ (not as granular as Sony’s, but still useful) and some preset modes, the ability to adjust between Quiet and Aware modes (and amount of voice passthrough), toggle Immersive Audio, and manage connections. Bose’s app and overall ecosystem aren’t as feature-packed as Sony’s, but they cover the essentials well. Another feature: multi-point pairing is supported, allowing two connections at once (and Bose’s implementation is generally smooth in switching). For controls, Bose uses a combination of physical buttons and touch gestures on the right earcup’s outer surface. You get physical buttons for power/Bluetooth, and a multi-function button, plus touch-sensitive volume slider (a new addition over older QC models). Bose also supports voice assistants by letting you assign one of the buttons to trigger Google Assistant/Alexa (or you can just use “Hey Siri” through a connected iPhone). Notably, Bose does not offer a specific “conversation” mode like Sony’s Speak-to-Chat, nor does it have something like Sony’s adaptive location-based sound control. It’s a bit more straightforward. One downside: as mentioned earlier, ANC is always engaged to some degree – there’s no full “off” mode, which some might consider a missing feature (especially if you wanted to save battery or use them purely passive). Overall, Bose’s QC Ultra brings spatial audio and personalization into the mix, catching up with many of Sony/Apple’s smart features, and it nails the basics like multipoint and wear detection that modern users expect bose.com.au.
• Apple AirPods Max (2nd Gen): Apple’s strength is tight integration and polished user experience rather than a laundry list of toggles. With AirPods Max, many features “just work” if you’re in the Apple ecosystem. For instance, Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking is a standout feature for Apple. When used with an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac, the AirPods Max can play Dolby Atmos content with head tracking, giving a theater-like surround effect. Personalized Spatial Audio even uses your iPhone’s FaceID camera to scan your ear shape for optimal sound. For movies and some music, this is very impressive – Apple’s spatial implementation is widely regarded as one of the best, and it “drubs” Bose’s version when it comes to realism and content support soundguys.com. Another smart feature is Transparency mode with Conversation Boost: AirPods Max’s transparency is so natural that you can carry conversations without removing the headset, and in iOS you can enable a voice boost if you have hearing difficulties. The AirPods Max also adjust EQ on the fly with Adaptive EQ, measuring sound output via internal mics and tweaking bass and treble to compensate for how the headphones fit/seal on your head. This is all automatic and keeps audio consistent. Like the others, Apple includes wear sensors – take the AirPods Max off and playback pauses; put them back and it resumes. Multipoint in the traditional sense isn’t offered; instead, Apple uses iCloud syncing for what we might call “seamless device switching.” If you have multiple Apple devices, the AirPods Max will automatically switch to whichever device you’re actively using – say you finish a movie on your iPad and pick up your iPhone to take a call, the AirPods Max will switch to the iPhone. In practice it works well within Apple’s world, but it doesn’t work with, say, an Android phone and a PC at the same time, or an Apple device plus a non-Apple device. So it’s both less manual and less flexible than standard multipoint. There’s no manual toggle; the switching is algorithmic (though you can turn off auto-switching if it misbehaves). Apple also integrates Siri deeply: you can say “Hey Siri” hands-free to control music, ask questions, or send messages, and thanks to the H1 chips, Siri is very responsive on AirPods Max. One could argue Apple lacks some “customization” features – there’s no user EQ, no manual control over ANC levels (just ANC vs Transparency), and no power button. But Apple’s philosophy is to manage those automatically to keep it simple. Additionally, with iOS 17 and newer, AirPods Max (despite being H1-based) get some new software features like Conversation Awareness (auto lowering volume when you speak – similar to Sony’s feature). However, note that because AirPods Max did not get Apple’s newer H2 chip as of 2025, they miss out on the latest Adaptive Audio mode that blends ANC and transparency dynamically (that feature launched on AirPods Pro 2). Future AirPods Max will likely have that. One more update: AirPods Max with the USB-C update support Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency when paired with the upcoming Apple Vision Pro headset macrumors.com. This is a niche scenario, but it’s achieved by a special wireless mode between the Vision Pro and the AirPods (using a new wireless protocol). It shows Apple is thinking ahead about integration with their ecosystem. Overall, AirPods Max’s smarts shine brightest if you use Apple devices – Spatial Audio, instant pairing, auto-switching, hands-free Siri, and tight OS integration make them a joy in that context soundguys.com. On other platforms, they’ll function as basic Bluetooth headphones (you can still use ANC and Transparency via the hardware button, but you lose things like spatial audio and can’t adjust settings since there’s no Android app).

In summary, Sony’s WH-1000XM6 is feature-packed and highly customizable, ideal for power users who want fine control (EQ, adaptive settings, etc.) or Android users who want spatial audio support outside the Apple realm whathifi.com whathifi.com. Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra adds cutting-edge spatial audio and solid app customization while keeping things straightforward – it covers the key features (multipoint, EQ, wear sensor) but with slightly fewer frills than Sony. Apple’s AirPods Max leverage the Apple ecosystem to deliver seamless convenience and top-notch spatial audio for Apple users, though they are more limited if used with non-Apple sources soundguys.com. All three have auto-pause sensors and great transparency modes, but Apple’s integrated approach vs Sony’s tweakable approach is a philosophical difference. Depending on your use case (cross-platform versatility vs. Apple-only integration), your preference will lean one way or the other.

App Support and Customization

Software support via companion apps can greatly enhance the headphone experience, allowing firmware updates and personalization:

• Sony: The Sony Headphones Connect app (recently renamed “Sony Sound” app in some markets) is one of the most robust on the market. It’s available on both iOS and Android, and it works equally well on either platform for the XM6. Through the app, you get access to a full 10-band graphic EQ with presets and the ability to save custom EQ profiles whathifi.com. This means you can tune the XM6’s sound exactly to your liking – bump the bass, tame the treble, add mids, whatever suits you. The app also lets you control the Adaptive Sound Control features (you can program locations where ANC should adjust, etc.), enable/disable Speak-to-Chat, and configure the behavior of the noise cancelling (you can even choose to prioritize wind noise reduction). You can toggle codec selection (e.g., force SBC if you want stability, or allow LDAC for quality). The XM6’s support for new Bluetooth LE Audio features is also handled in the app – for instance, enabling LC3 or future Auracast settings whathifi.com. Additionally, the app handles firmware updates, which Sony periodically releases to add features or improve performance. Another neat touch: you can adjust the “NC/AMB” button’s function – by default it toggles ANC/Ambient, but you could set it to trigger a voice assistant if you prefer. The app provides battery level readouts, and even analytics like how much time you’ve spent using noise cancelling vs ambient sound. Basically, Sony’s app gives you granular control and is a must-have to get the most from the XM6. The interface is polished and stable in our experience. Cross-platform parity is excellent – you don’t lose features on iPhone vs Android, aside from platform-specific ones like Google Assistant integration (which an iPhone wouldn’t use anyway). Sony’s commitment to app support also means the XM6 is somewhat future-proof; for example, if new LE Audio capabilities come, a firmware update and app toggle could expose those.
• Bose: The Bose Music app (iOS and Android) is the hub for the QuietComfort Ultra. It’s simpler than Sony’s app but still offers useful options. In the app, you can do things like: adjust the level of Immersive Audio (Off/Still/Motion), switch between Quiet (ANC) and Aware (transparency) modes and customize a “Favorites” button preset (on previous Bose you could set 0% ANC, 50%, 100% as three presets – on the Ultra, since ANC off isn’t available, you basically toggle Immersive modes or stick to Quiet/Aware), and access a 3-band EQ (bass, mid, treble sliders) to fine-tune sound rtings.com. The EQ is not as detailed as Sony’s but at least gives some control over the sound signature. The app also shows battery level and which devices are currently connected; it has a handy device management interface to switch or select sources (multipoint management). Firmware updates for the Bose are delivered through this app as well – Bose has already pushed a couple of updates for bug fixes and new features (like improving stability, etc.). One interesting bit: Bose’s app has a self-help section and instructions, such as how to use certain features, and even a modes where you can play around with adjusting the balance of the Immersive Audio’s effect. However, Bose’s app has had occasional connectivity hiccups historically – sometimes it might not detect the headphones immediately, or you need to be logged into a Bose account to use it (which is a minor annoyance, as Bose requires account sign-in for their app). Still, it’s a fairly straightforward app. Compared to Sony, Bose offers fewer customizations – for example, you can’t remap the buttons (the multi-function button is fixed to certain tasks), and you have only three EQ bands. There’s also no way to completely disable ANC (since the product doesn’t support that) so it’s not in the app either. Bose focuses the app on the unique features like spatial audio and on making the user experience simple. The majority of users will likely set their preferred ANC mode and maybe tweak EQ once, and then not open the app often. For those who love to tinker constantly, Bose’s app might feel limited. But it covers the necessities well and, importantly, it supports both major mobile platforms fully.
• Apple: There is no standalone “AirPods Max app” – instead, Apple integrates settings into iOS/macOS directly. When AirPods Max are connected to an iPhone or iPad, you’ll find a headphone icon in Control Center and in the Bluetooth settings you can access options. These options include: Noise Control mode (switch between ANC, Transparency, or Off – assuming firmware still allows Off via settings), toggling the Spatial Audio on/off and seeing a demo of spatial audio, and setting what the physical noise-control button does (you can choose whether it toggles between ANC & Transparency, or ANC & Off, etc.). You can also see the battery status there. If you go into the Accessibility section, you’ll find more granular controls for AirPods Max, like adjusting the press speed of the Digital Crown, enabling Conversation Boost in transparency mode, etc. On Mac, similar options exist in Bluetooth prefs or volume control. On non-Apple devices, you have no companion app or OS integration – the AirPods Max will just use whatever the last known settings were (e.g., if you left them in ANC mode, they’ll power on in ANC mode). There is a third-party app for Android called “Assistant Trigger” that some use to show battery level and basic control of AirPods on Android, but it’s not an official solution. So, customization on AirPods Max is minimal: Apple doesn’t allow EQ adjustments or sound tweaking – they rely on Adaptive EQ to handle it automatically. There’s no way to adjust ANC level either. In typical Apple fashion, it’s about a seamless experience out-of-the-box rather than user tinkering. One thing Apple does well via software is updates – firmware updates are delivered automatically when the AirPods Max are connected to an Apple device and charging. You don’t really have a say in it; it just happens (which can be good or bad, depending on if you like control). Apple has used firmware updates to add new features (like in 2023 they added support for Personalized Spatial Audio and some minor improvements, and in 2025, enabling that lossless mode with Vision Pro) macrumors.com. But you can’t trigger an update manually; it’s a waiting game or you can try some voodoo of leaving them near a phone overnight. It’s a very hands-off approach compared to Sony/Bose’s manual update process.

In summary, Sony’s app offers the deepest customization and works across iOS/Android – great for power users who want to tweak everything from EQ to ambient sound levels. Bose’s app is simpler but still cross-platform, giving you enough control to personalize ANC modes and basic EQ without overwhelming, though lacking some advanced options of Sony’s rtings.com. Apple eschews a dedicated app in favor of integration into their ecosystem – superbly convenient if you’re all-in on Apple (no extra app needed, settings are built-in), but virtually no customization beyond toggling Apple’s preset modes. If you’re an Android user or like to fine-tune every parameter, Apple’s approach will feel restrictive. But if you just want things to work with minimal fuss and you live in iOS/macOS, Apple’s integrated settings keep it simple and clean.

Bluetooth Connectivity and Codec Support

Wireless performance and audio codecs determine how these headphones connect and the audio quality you can get:

• Sony WH-1000XM6: Sony equipped the XM6 with Bluetooth 5.3 hardware, which brings in support for the next-gen Bluetooth LE Audio standard (including the LC3 codec and Auracast broadcasting) theguardian.com whathifi.com. While LE Audio adoption is still ramping up as of 2025, the XM6 is essentially future-proofed for it – once phones and devices fully support Bluetooth LE Audio, the XM6 can take advantage of lower latency and potentially improved reliability or multi-stream features of that standard. In terms of classic Bluetooth codecs, the XM6 supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC theguardian.com. Notably, Sony dropped aptX support since the XM4 generation, focusing on their own LDAC codec for hi-res audio. LDAC can carry up to ~990 kbps bitrate, which is one of the highest bandwidth options in consumer Bluetooth audio, allowing near hi-res quality music if you have a compatible source (most Android phones support LDAC, but iPhones do not). If you’re an Android user with a good music library or using Lossless streaming, LDAC on the XM6 can deliver excellent audio quality – SoundGuys even notes LDAC’s data rate is “almost as good as aptX Lossless” in practice soundguys.com. On iOS, the XM6 will use AAC, which is fine (AAC at 256 kbps can sound very good, though latency can be a bit higher on AAC vs aptX). Multipoint connectivity is supported (two devices at once), but keep in mind LDAC automatically disables when multipoint is active – it will fall back to AAC or SBC because LDAC’s bandwidth is too high to maintain two connections. In everyday use, the XM6’s connection is very stable; the addition of Bluetooth 5.3 could help with congested signal environments. Range is typical (~30 feet with line of sight, less with obstacles). The XM6 also supports Google Fast Pair and Windows Swift Pair for quick one-tap pairing on those platforms, in addition to the standard pairing process. And if you prefer wired, the analog 3.5mm jack is always an option (headphones can work off passive mode if battery is dead, albeit without ANC in that case). One thing Sony doesn’t support is any ultra low-latency gaming mode on these (some competing models have a gaming mode to cut latency by using BLE). But if using LE Audio in future, that could inherently lower latency. As it stands, latency on XM6 is low enough for video watching (especially on AAC or SBC with devices that adjust sync) and even casual mobile gaming, but serious gaming might still have a slight audio delay.
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Bose uses a Qualcomm platform in the QC Ultra, which means it comes with Bluetooth 5.3 and a rich set of codec support: SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive (including aptX HD/aptX Lossless as subsets of Adaptive) soundguys.com soundguys.com. This is a big step up for Bose, which historically only used SBC/AAC. With aptX Adaptive, the QuietComfort Ultra can adjust its bitrate up to ~420 kbps standard (aptX HD) and even enable aptX Lossless when used with a Snapdragon Sound source. Yes, this is currently the only over-ear headphone to support aptX Lossless over Bluetooth soundguys.com. In theory, aptX Lossless can deliver CD-quality 16-bit/44.1kHz audio bit-for-bit when conditions are perfect, which will please audiophiles who have compatible phones (many recent Android flagships with Snapdragon 888/8 Gen1 or newer support Snapdragon Sound). This gives Bose a technical edge for Android users seeking the absolute best wireless audio fidelity. If the phone doesn’t support those, aptX Adaptive gracefully falls back to ensure a stable connection. On iPhone, Bose will use AAC by default. Multipoint is supported and works with any codec, but if you’re connected to two devices, the codec will likely operate in a compatible mode (for example, if one device is aptX and the other is AAC, it might stick to AAC or SBC for both). Bose’s connectivity is generally strong; plus they’ve added things like Google Fast Pair on Android for quick setup. Range is good, and the headphones maintain solid connection even in RF-noisy environments in our experience. Bose doesn’t explicitly advertise LE Audio support, and as of now it’s not active on the QC Ultra (Qualcomm’s chips are capable, so it might be possible via firmware later, but nothing announced). For most, the key is aptX Adaptive: if you have an Android phone, you’ll enjoy robust, low-latency (Adaptive can reduce latency to ~aptX LL levels when needed) and high-quality audio. If you’re on iOS, you’re effectively in the same boat as using Sony or Apple – just AAC. The QuietComfort Ultra also has a 2.5mm analog jack for wired use, which works passively (you can use the headphones off, in which case no ANC, or powered on with ANC while wired). One caution: using Immersive Audio (spatial mode) might slightly increase latency because of the processing, but for music/movies that’s fine – just something to note for things like gaming.
• Apple AirPods Max (2nd Gen): Apple uses a proprietary Bluetooth implementation with the H1 chips (one in each earcup). Officially it’s Bluetooth 5.0 (the original spec; they haven’t updated to 5.3 in hardware yet). Even so, Apple’s connectivity is very optimized for Apple devices. They don’t list support for any codecs beyond AAC and SBC, and realistically when used with Apple products, AirPods Max use AAC exclusively for audio (Apple prefers AAC as it’s the highest-quality option iPhones support). On Macs, sometimes they may use AAC or fallback to SBC depending on situation (but generally AAC). They do not support aptX or LDAC at all. However, Apple does a lot behind the scenes: the AirPods Max use the H1 chip to reduce latency and improve stability. When you use them with an iPhone or Mac, the system applies some clever latency compensation so that watching videos, you rarely perceive sync issues. For gaming, on Apple devices, the latency is a bit higher than something like aptX Adaptive, but many iOS games account for AirPods latency. On non-Apple devices, AirPods Max will default to SBC if the device doesn’t support AAC well (e.g., many Android phones historically had poor AAC performance). Some Android phones actually do AAC fine, so it might use AAC. But you may encounter slightly more latency or less optimal bitrates because Apple doesn’t allow any of the advanced codecs. In terms of range, AirPods Max are decent but not magic – Bluetooth 5.0 with Class 1 radio can still do ~30-40 feet. One trick: if using them with Apple gear, they can seamlessly switch as mentioned, which is a connectivity advantage in practicality. But if you try to manually do multipoint (like pair to an iPad and an Android simultaneously), that’s not supported; they’ll only be actively connected to one device at a time (with iCloud switching making it seem multipoint with Apple devices). For wired use, if you want full quality, ironically the best quality you can get out of AirPods Max is via wired: using the USB-C to 3.5mm cable yields a 24-bit/48kHz ADC conversion internally, which actually measures better than Bluetooth. And as MacRumors noted, with the new USB-C model and a firmware update, AirPods Max now can handle Lossless audio with ultra-low latency when paired with specific devices (Vision Pro) macrumors.com. This suggests some proprietary wireless mode beyond Bluetooth when used with that device. But for everyday use, consider AirPods Max as an AAC-only headphone with typical wireless quality. It’s interesting to note that Apple Music offers Lossless audio, but AirPods Max cannot receive it losslessly over standard Bluetooth – a longstanding irony (they do some high-bitrate AAC but it’s still lossy compression). Perhaps the future AirPods Max will adopt a new codec or LE Audio, but as of Aug 2025, not yet.

Comparing them: Bose offers the widest codec support and cutting-edge aptX Lossless capability for those with compatible sources soundguys.com soundguys.com. This makes it very attractive for Android audiophiles who want the best wireless sound quality. Sony’s LDAC is also a high-quality option, and Sony’s inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3/LE Audio support means it’s ready for the future theguardian.com. Right now, LDAC vs aptX Adaptive is a toss-up – each has its ecosystem: LDAC works with many devices (especially if you manually enable it in Android developer settings), while aptX Adaptive/Lossless is on newer Snapdragon devices. Either way, Sony and Bose both can deliver higher-than-AAC fidelity. Apple’s AirPods Max are more limited in codec but optimized for their ecosystem, focusing on AAC. If you’re an iPhone user exclusively, you may not care – AAC at 256k or 320k on Apple Music sounds quite good, and Apple’s tight integration ensures stable connections. But cross-platform users or those wanting hi-res wireless might see Apple as lagging here.

Connectivity stability is excellent on all three in typical usage, but multipoint is implemented only on Sony and Bose in the conventional sense. If you often switch between a work laptop and phone, Sony or Bose will give you an easier time (they pair with two devices simultaneously). If you’re all Apple gear, AirPods Max’s auto-switching will feel magical; if not, it can be a hassle to manually reconnect them to different devices.

Compatibility with iOS, Android, and Other Devices

Cross-device compatibility is a key consideration if you use multiple gadgets or different operating systems:

• Sony WH-1000XM6: The XM6 is platform-agnostic and plays well with everything. Whether you have an Android phone, an iPhone, a Windows PC, or a Mac, you’ll get the full set of features (minus voice assistant specifics). On Android, you benefit from LDAC and the Sony app; on iPhone, you use AAC and still have the Sony app – Sony’s ecosystem is fully cross-platform. The XM6 also supports quick pairing protocols: Google Fast Pair makes Android pairing a one-tap affair on modern phones (plus it will sync the headphone pairing across your Google account devices), and Swift Pair on Windows 10/11 prompts to connect easily. On macOS and iOS, pairing is the normal Bluetooth method (hold button, find in list). Once paired, the XM6 can connect to two devices at once regardless of type (e.g., an iPhone and a Windows PC simultaneously). This is great for mixed-ecosystem users. If you’re, say, an Android phone user and a MacBook user, or an iPhone user and a Windows PC user, Sony’s multipoint will cover those scenarios. The companion app is on both Google Play and Apple’s App Store, so you don’t lose any customization. Even advanced features like 360 Reality Audio can be utilized on iPhones via apps that support it (the Sony app itself can analyze your ear shape on either platform for 360RA optimization). One minor thing on iOS: you won’t get system-level battery indicators or integration like AirPods have, but the Sony app shows battery and you can wiggle the power switch on the headset to have it speak battery level. On consoles: none of these are really meant for console gaming via Bluetooth (since consoles often don’t support BT audio well). But you can use the XM6 wired with, say, a PS5/Xbox controller port. Latency might be an issue wirelessly for console use. All told, Sony offers maximum compatibility. It’s a great choice if you foresee switching between different brands of phones or computers – nothing in its design locks you into a specific ecosystem.
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Bose is similarly agnostic to platform. The QuietComfort Ultra works with iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux – anything that can do Bluetooth or has a headphone jack. The Bose Music app is on iOS and Android, so you can adjust settings from either. Bose even supports syncing with the Bose PC software for firmware updates if needed, though the mobile app is usually enough. Multipoint means you can pair to, for example, an iPad and an Android phone at the same time – Bose doesn’t care which OS as long as the devices are in range. Codecs adapt accordingly: AAC when with Apple, aptX Adaptive with a compatible Android, etc. If you use an iPhone and a Windows PC, Bose can multipoint with AAC to the iPhone and SBC to the PC (since Windows typically uses SBC). If you use Android and a Mac, it might use aptX with Android and AAC with the Mac (depending on Mac’s BT stack). We found Bose’s multipoint works reliably across mixes – it’ll drop to a common denominator codec if needed to maintain both links. One advantage Bose might have for some: it’s also Bluetooth audio transmitter friendly. If you have a TV Bluetooth transmitter or in-flight entertainment Bluetooth dongle, the Bose will pair easily as a standard BT headphone (same for Sony and Apple too, though AirPods Max with the dongle means no spatial audio of course). Bose doesn’t have any weird ecosystem lock-ins – it’s meant to be used broadly. On the voice assistant side, Bose allows using Google Assistant or Alexa on Android (you choose in the app) or Siri on iOS, but that’s a minor integration point. So, for a user with varied devices, Bose QC Ultra is a safe bet – you won’t lose functionality no matter what mix of gear you have.
• Apple AirPods Max: This is where Apple differs. The AirPods Max work best with Apple devices – they are literally designed as an extension of the iPhone/Mac experience. If you are all-in on Apple’s ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV), the AirPods Max are a dream: instant one-tap setup, auto switching, Spatial Audio in Apple Music and Apple TV+, Siri on demand, and even things like shared audio (two sets of AirPods listening to one source) just work. For example, you can seamlessly switch from listening to music on your iPhone to taking a Zoom call on your MacBook, and then to watching a movie on your iPad, with minimal friction – the AirPods Max just follow your activity. However, with non-Apple devices, AirPods Max become a much more basic Bluetooth headphone. You can pair them to an Android phone or a Windows PC via the normal Bluetooth menu (press and hold the noise control button to enter pairing mode). Once connected, you’ll get audio (ANC and Transparency can still be toggled with the button on the headset), but you lose all the niceties: no auto-pause (actually, the wear detection still works for auto-pause even on Android in our testing, because it’s in the firmware), but no Siri (obviously), no spatial audio from Android apps (some Androids support spatial Dolby Atmos but AirPods Max won’t engage their head tracking outside Apple’s ecosystem), and no easy way to update firmware or check battery beyond the LED indicator. Essentially, they function like a good ANC headphone with AAC/SBC audio. There’s no official Apple app on Android to manage them (in contrast to how Sony/Bose have cross-platform apps). So if you’re a mixed ecosystem user – e.g., iPhone + Windows PC – you can use AirPods Max, but switching between iPhone and PC is not automatic. You’d have to disconnect from one and connect to the other manually (or use a workaround like the third-party “MagicPods” or “AirTwice” apps on Windows to facilitate switching). This is doable but not as seamless as Sony or Bose multipoint. And if you’re an Android primary user, AirPods Max are frankly not an ideal choice at their price, since many of their best features are Apple-exclusive. Apple doesn’t lock them out from pairing with Android/PC (they’re standard Bluetooth headphones in that regard), but you definitely get a diminished experience. Compatibility with things like gaming consoles or stand-alone devices is fine as standard Bluetooth (or wired via the optional cable). Another aspect: AirPods Max do not support multi-device standard pairing – they rely on iCloud to switch, so if you try to maintain a connection to an iPhone and a PC at the same time, it won’t. You’d have to disconnect from one to use the other. For some, that’s a negative in mixed setups. Summing up, if you are heavily using Apple devices, AirPods Max are perfectly integrated and arguably the most convenient headphones you can own for that scenario. If you use even one non-Apple audio source regularly, you’ll face some friction or feature loss with AirPods Max.

So, for broad compatibility: Sony and Bose both get top marks. They’re designed to be universal and won’t penalize you for using any particular phone or laptop – features and apps are available on all platforms soundguys.com. Apple’s AirPods Max are ideal for an Apple-centric life but relatively ecosystem-bound, offering limited functionality elsewhere. Consider your device lineup: if you’re an iPhone + Windows user, Sony or Bose might actually provide a smoother everyday experience with true multipoint and cross-platform apps soundguys.com. If you’re purely on Apple, the AirPods Max’s tight integration could outweigh its limitations for you.

Price, Value for Money, and Warranty

Finally, let’s talk dollars (or pounds, euros) and sense – how much each costs, what you get for the money, and after-sales support like warranty:

• Sony WH-1000XM6: Sony launched the WH-1000XM6 at a price of $449.99 USD (MSRP) in mid-2025 appleinsider.com. In Europe it’s about €449, and in the UK £399 theguardian.com. This is roughly $50 more than the previous XM5’s launch price, reflecting the new tech onboard. Sony positions it as a premium but still slightly undercutting Apple’s price. Considering the package – class-leading ANC, great sound, robust features – the XM6 offers strong value for a flagship headphone. Many reviewers have noted that while $450 is not cheap, the XM6 justify it by essentially having no significant weakness and often beating competitors that cost more theguardian.com theguardian.com. Value is even clearer when you note rivals: AirPods Max are $549 (still $100 more), and Bowers & Wilkins or Focal wireless headphones can be $600–$800. That said, $449 is still a sizeable investment. If you’re price-sensitive, know that Sony’s headphones do eventually get discounts – for example, the XM5 often dipped to ~$349 on sale after some months. Being brand-new, the XM6 might not see big cuts immediately, but by holiday season 2025 it could see promotions. Sony offers a standard 1-year warranty in most regions (and 2 years in the EU by law). Their customer service for headphones is decent; repairs outside warranty can be pricey, but Sony’s improved design might allow third-party repairs (ear pads are easily user-replaceable, batteries are theoretically replaceable with some technical skill due to the more repairable design theguardian.com). In terms of longevity, the XM6 feels well-built and Sony’s previous models often last many years if treated well (pads and maybe internal battery are the only things that might need refresh after a few years). Considering the tech-forward features (like LE Audio-ready), it’s somewhat future-proof too. Value for money: If you want the best ANC and an excellent all-rounder, the price is justified theguardian.com theguardian.com. If you’re comparing to the Bose Ultra which is slightly less, you’re paying maybe a $20-$50 premium for Sony’s extras (depending on current street prices). Most audio experts agree the XM6 delivers on its price by raising the bar across multiple categories.
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra: The QC Ultra launched at $429 USD. Over time, Bose has already offered it around $399 (and at the time of writing, we’ve seen it discounted to that on Amazon) tomsguide.com. In the UK it’s about £349-£369, and EU around €429. So Bose is a tad cheaper than Sony at MSRP, and often about $50-$100 cheaper than AirPods Max. Bose’s value proposition is strong if ANC and comfort are your top priorities – it arguably delivered the best ANC until the XM6 came along, and still remains at the top tier tomsguide.com, plus its comfort is unmatched tomsguide.com. The addition of immersive audio and lossless codec support shows you’re getting cutting-edge tech for the price. Critics have pointed out a couple cost-related drawbacks: the build is not as “premium” as Apple’s (no metal), and Bose did not include some accessories that might have been nice (e.g., they include an audio cable and case, but no airline adapter – minor issue). Still, for around $400, the QC Ultra offers a very refined experience. Many see it as a better value than AirPods Max if you are not solely an Apple user, since you’re paying less and getting more universal compatibility. Bose typically offers a 1-year warranty (2 years in EU). Bose is known for excellent customer support; in many cases, if something breaks and it’s a known issue, they’ve been known to replace or repair even outside warranty as a courtesy (though that’s not guaranteed). They also sell spare parts like ear pads and cables on their site, and those pads are user-replaceable. The battery is not intended to be user-replaceable but Bose can service it (for a fee, usually). Value wise, the Bose QC Ultra is priced appropriately for a flagship ANC headphone, slightly undercutting Sony/Apple. If one can find it on sale near $350, it becomes a very compelling deal. On pure sound quality alone, some might argue others at that price sound better (like Sennheiser Momentum 4 often costs less and has great sound), but then those may lack Bose’s ANC prowess or comfort. So it’s a matter of what you value. For a balance of sound, ANC, comfort, and features, Bose offers a lot for the money, and frequent travelers in particular often justify the cost by the stress it relieves through silence.
• Apple AirPods Max (2nd Gen): The AirPods Max carry the highest price tag here, at $549 USD (in the U.S.) appleinsider.com. This hasn’t changed since launch; Apple rarely discounts them officially, though third-party retailers sometimes have them at ~$479. In other regions, they are similarly premium-priced (for instance, €629 in parts of EU, £549 in UK originally, though fluctuating). For context, that price ventures into territory of some wired audiophile headphones. What are you paying for? A lot of it is the Apple design and integration: the machined aluminum, steel, and knit build (which certainly costs more to manufacture than plastic), the Apple H1 chips and the seamless experience with Apple devices, and the brand cachet. In terms of raw specs, one could argue AirPods Max are overpriced – e.g., 20h battery while others do 30h, 384g weight, no high-bitrate codec support – on paper those look like weaknesses for $549. However, many Apple users still love them for their experience. They do deliver outstanding sound and ANC, and the spatial audio feature is a big plus if you’re in that ecosystem. Also, Apple tends to support devices with software updates for a long time; even 4+ years on, the first-gen AirPods Max (which we are effectively still on) got new features via firmware. If indeed the true “AirPods Max 2” with new internals isn’t coming until 2026/2027 as rumors suggest macrumors.com, then investing now means you’ll have the current model for a while. That said, value for money is probably the weakest with AirPods Max when compared directly: you pay a premium largely for the design/integration, not because it’s objectively better in every category. For Apple enthusiasts who demand that level of integration, they might find it worth it; for others, it’s a tough sell. Apple includes a very minimal “case” and just a charge cable – they don’t include an audio cable (extra $35) or any extras. The warranty is standard Apple 1-year (2 in EU). AppleCare+ can be purchased for ~$59 which extends coverage to 2 years and covers up to 2 incidents of accidental damage (with a service fee). Without AppleCare, out-of-warranty repairs can be expensive – for example, replacing the battery reportedly costs around $79, and other repairs even more. The ear cushions are $69 a pair if you want replacements. So upkeep is pricy if needed. However, Apple’s build is solid, so not many moving parts to break (aside from some reports of condensation in cups early on, which haven’t shown to cause widespread issues). In value terms, AirPods Max are worth it if you deeply value Apple’s design and ecosystem benefits, or if you specifically want that premium build. But if you’re just comparing spec-to-spec with Sony or Bose, they appear overpriced. As one Reddit user succinctly put it, “AirPods Max has the slight edge in sound, maybe. But the XM6 is significantly more comfortable… and cheaper” reddit.com.

In summary, Sony’s WH-1000XM6 at $449 and Bose’s QC Ultra at ~$399–$429 both offer strong value for high-end headphones, with Sony charging a bit more but delivering a bit more in tech and Bose being slightly more affordable and nailing the fundamentals (especially when on sale) theguardian.com. Apple’s AirPods Max are the luxury pick at $549 – worth it for some, but hard to justify for others purely on features. When considering value, also factor in the post-purchase ecosystem: Sony and Bose give you more freedom (use anywhere, repair or replace pads cheaply, etc.), whereas Apple gives you a high-end experience but locks you somewhat into their world and higher accessory costs. Warranty is similar on all (1 year standard), though Apple offers optional AppleCare for peace of mind; Bose and Sony rely on standard warranty and goodwill.

Ultimately, if budget is a concern, you might consider that a $400 Bose or Sony often does 90% of what a $550 AirPods Max does – and in some cases more. But if you want that last bit of Apple polish and are fine paying for it, the AirPods Max won’t disappoint in quality; they’ll just lighten your wallet the most.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing among these three flagships really comes down to your priorities and ecosystem. Sony’s WH-1000XM6 is the best all-rounder: it leads in ANC performance theguardian.com, impresses in sound quality with a detailed yet punchy signature whathifi.com, and is packed with features and customization options for power users. It’s a great fit for those who want cutting-edge tech (Bluetooth LE, advanced EQ, etc.) and use a mix of devices. Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra is the comfort and noise-canceling king – perfect if you want to disappear into silence and wear headphones all day without even feeling them tomsguide.com. Its warm sound and new spatial audio features make it a pleasure to use, and with aptX Lossless it appeals to Android audiophiles soundguys.com. Bose is a safe bet if you value effortless usability and comfort slightly above having the absolute top sparkly audio detail (and if you catch it on sale, it’s a relative bargain). Apple’s AirPods Max (2nd gen) remain a formidable choice for Apple devotees: the integration of Spatial Audio, instant pairing, and that luxurious build is hard to match. They sound superb, and if you live in Apple’s ecosystem, they truly augment the experience (for example, watching Apple TV+ with head-tracked spatial audio on AirPods Max is sublime). But for anyone outside the Apple world, their value diminishes.

In 2025, it’s fair to say Sony’s WH-1000XM6 has edged ahead in the “ultimate headphone” race, with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra not far behind and even better in certain niches like comfort. AirPods Max, while a bit dated in hardware, still hold their own for Apple users and those who love the design, though a true “AirPods Max 2” with updated internals is anticipated in the coming years macrumors.com.

No matter which you choose, you’re getting a top-tier experience: fantastic sound, hush when you need it, and premium features across the board. It’s a great time to be in the market for high-end headphones – competition has pushed each of these models to excel. Consider where you’ll use them most (office, travel, home studio), what devices you have, and even aesthetic preferences. If possible, try them on to test comfort and sound, as personal fit and hearing taste matter.

Bottom line: You can’t go wrong – it’s more about finding which flagship fits you. Sony might be the tech-packed noise-canceling champ theguardian.com, Bose the comfort and simplicity zen master, and Apple the polished spatial audio specialist. Choose the one that resonates with your needs, and enjoy the bliss of music (or quiet) elevated to the next level.

Sources: Major tech and audio publications and experts were consulted for this comparison, including What Hi-Fi? whathifi.com whathifi.com, The Guardian theguardian.com theguardian.com, Tom’s Guide tomsguide.com tomsguide.com, SoundGuys soundguys.com soundguys.com, Rtings rtings.com rtings.com, AppleInsider appleinsider.com appleinsider.com, and MacRumors macrumors.com macrumors.com, among others, to ensure up-to-date and accurate information on these flagship headphones. Each offers a unique perspective on where these products excel and where they trade blows, helping paint the full picture of the Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Apple AirPods Max in 2025.