QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds
In-ear TWS · ANC · 6.5h/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 9% 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 Earbuds 2 Earbuds's $300 price tag, it costs $100 less while delivering performance that's only 9% 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 Earbuds 2 Earbuds 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
9% faster overall
Best value for money
WH-1000XM6 Headphones
8% better value per dollar
QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds best for
Value for money
8% better value per dollar
Audio
Battery
Comfort
Connectivity
Noise Cancellation
Frequently asked questions
Is the WH-1000XM6 Headphones worth $100 more than the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds?
It depends on your needs. The WH-1000XM6 Headphones scores 94 overall vs 86 for the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds. If you need the extra performance for demanding tasks, the premium is justified. For most users gaming at 1440p or below, the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds offers better value.
Which GPU is better for 1440p gaming, the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds 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 Earbuds 2 Earbuds still maintains smooth gameplay in current games.
Can the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds handle 4K gaming?
The QC Ultra Earbuds 2 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 WH-1000XM6 Headphones is the better choice with its higher performance ceiling.
Which should I buy, the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds or WH-1000XM6 Headphones?
Choose the QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds if you want the best value for money and primarily game at 1080p or 1440p. Choose the WH-1000XM6 Headphones if you need maximum performance, play at 4K, or do professional workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.
Related comparisons
QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds VS Momentum 4 Headphones
Score 86 VS 86
WH-1000XM6 Headphones VS Momentum 4 Headphones
Score 94 VS 86
QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds VS Px8 S2 Headphones
Score 86 VS 86
WH-1000XM6 Headphones VS Px8 S2 Headphones
Score 94 VS 86
QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds VS AirPods Pro 2 Earbuds
Score 86 VS 86
WH-1000XM6 Headphones VS AirPods Pro 2 Earbuds
Score 94 VS 86
QC Ultra Earbuds 2 Earbuds VS Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds
Score 86 VS 86
WH-1000XM6 Headphones VS Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds
Score 94 VS 86