QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones
Over-ear · ANC · 24h · aptX Adaptive · BT 5.3
MSRP
WF-1000XM6 Earbuds
In-ear TWS · ANC · 8h/24h · LDAC · BT 5.3
MSRP
Our verdict
The QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones takes the performance lead with a 5% higher overall score, driven by its more shader cores, more of memory, and higher TFLOPS of compute power. In gaming benchmarks at 1440p, it delivers roughly 0% more frames per second across demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2.
However, the WF-1000XM6 Earbuds tells a compelling value story. At $280 versus the QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones's $430 price tag, it costs 54% less while delivering performance that's only 5% behind. Its of memory is still more than enough for 1440p and even 4K gaming in most titles.
Our recommendation: for the majority of gamers targeting 1440p or even 4K with upscaling enabled, the WF-1000XM6 Earbuds is the smarter purchase. The QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones only makes sense if you need the absolute maximum performance for native 4K ray tracing, professional 3D rendering, or AI workloads where the extra VRAM and compute power provide a tangible advantage.
Performance winner
QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones
5% faster overall
Best value for money
WF-1000XM6 Earbuds
6% better value per dollar
QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones best for
Raw performance
5% faster overall
Audio
Battery
Comfort
Connectivity
Noise Cancellation
Frequently asked questions
Is the QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones worth $150 more than the WF-1000XM6 Earbuds?
It depends on your needs. The QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones scores 92 overall vs 88 for the WF-1000XM6 Earbuds. If you need the extra performance for demanding tasks, the premium is justified. For most users gaming at 1440p or below, the WF-1000XM6 Earbuds offers better value.
Which GPU is better for 1440p gaming, the QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones or WF-1000XM6 Earbuds?
The QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones delivers higher frame rates at 1440p, but both GPUs handle 1440p gaming well. The QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones provides more headroom for ray tracing and future titles, while the WF-1000XM6 Earbuds still maintains smooth gameplay in current games.
Can the WF-1000XM6 Earbuds handle 4K gaming?
The WF-1000XM6 Earbuds can handle 4K gaming in less demanding titles and with upscaling technologies like DLSS or FSR. For native 4K at ultra settings in demanding games, the QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones is the better choice with its higher performance ceiling.
Which should I buy, the QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones or WF-1000XM6 Earbuds?
Choose the WF-1000XM6 Earbuds if you want the best value for money and primarily game at 1080p or 1440p. Choose the QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones if you need maximum performance, play at 4K, or do professional workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.
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