QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones
Over-ear · ANC · 24h · aptX Adaptive · BT 5.3
MSRP
WH-1000XM6 Headphones
Over-ear · ANC · 40h · LDAC · BT 5.3
MSRP
Our verdict
The WH-1000XM6 Headphones takes the performance lead with a 2% 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 WH-1000XM6 Headphones tells a compelling value story. At $400 versus the QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones's $430 price tag, it costs 8% less while delivering performance that's only 2% 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 WH-1000XM6 Headphones 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
WH-1000XM6 Headphones
2% faster overall
Best value for money
WH-1000XM6 Headphones
8% better value per dollar
QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones best for
Value for money
8% better value per dollar
Audio
Battery
Comfort
Connectivity
Noise Cancellation
Frequently asked questions
Is the QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones worth $30 more than the WH-1000XM6 Headphones?
It depends on your needs. The QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones scores 94 overall vs 92 for the WH-1000XM6 Headphones. If you need the extra performance for demanding tasks, the premium is justified. For most users gaming at 1440p or below, the WH-1000XM6 Headphones offers better value.
Which GPU is better for 1440p gaming, the QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones or WH-1000XM6 Headphones?
The WH-1000XM6 Headphones delivers higher frame rates at 1440p, but both GPUs handle 1440p gaming well. The WH-1000XM6 Headphones provides more headroom for ray tracing and future titles, while the QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones still maintains smooth gameplay in current games.
Can the QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones handle 4K gaming?
The QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones 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 WH-1000XM6 Headphones is the better choice with its higher performance ceiling.
Which should I buy, the QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones or WH-1000XM6 Headphones?
Choose the WH-1000XM6 Headphones 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.
Related comparisons
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Score 92 VS 90
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Score 94 VS 90
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Score 92 VS 90
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WH-1000XM6 Headphones VS HDB 630 Headphones
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QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones VS WF-1000XM6 Earbuds
Score 92 VS 88
WH-1000XM6 Headphones VS WF-1000XM6 Earbuds
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