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I compared flagship earbuds from Sony and Bose in 2026 - and the winner was a tough choice

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Jada Jones/ZDNET

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If you're looking for top-tier wireless earbuds and you're not in Apple's ecosystem, you're likely deciding between the latest earbuds from Bose or Sony -- either the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) or the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds. Both earbuds sound great and offer exceptional noise cancellation, but Sony offers more detailed sound and customization, while Bose offers a simple, easygoing experience.

Also: I tested Sony and Bose's best headphones for months - how my buying advice has changed in 2026

So which ones should you buy? The answer to that question lies in your personal preferences. Both have a lot to offer, but they're not exactly the same. Here's how to decide between the two.

Specifications

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) Sony WF-1000XM6 Battery life 6 hours (up to 24 hours with charging case) 8 hours (up to 24 hours with charging case) Charging USB-C, Qi wireless USB-C, Qi wireless Audio modes ANC, Transparency Mode ANC, Transparency Mode IP rating IPX4 IPX4 Bluetooth version Bluetooth 5.3 Bluetooth 5.3; Bluetooth LE Audio Price $299 $329

You should buy the Sony WF-1000XM6 if...

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