Over-Ear Headphones · owner-verdict comparison

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sennheiser HD 600: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Sennheiser HD 600: 81% of 253 owners recommend it, vs 35% of 474 for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

35%of 474 owners recommend
35% recommend · 23% neutral · 42% don't
Owners praise
  • Exceptional comfort for long sessions, owners repeatedly say they "disappear" on your head and can be worn for hours or all day, often rated more comfortable than the Sony XM6, Bose QC45, and even AirPods Max
  • Best-in-class active noise cancelling, especially for steady low-frequency noise like airplane engines, HVAC, and trains
  • Rich, detailed sound with punchy bass that many say sounds great right out of the box without needing EQ
Owners complain about
  • A persistent white-noise/hissing sound from the ANC circuit that owners describe as annoying during quiet moments, calls, and pauses in audio
  • A firmware update stripped out features many relied on, including cycling between paired Bluetooth devices via the headphone button, multipoint switching, and battery-percentage announcements on power-up
  • Creaking, popping, or clicking noises from the hinges and headband, plus a jarring "thump" when the adaptive ANC reacts to sudden noises like a door slamming
Full owner report →

Sennheiser HD 600

81%of 253 owners recommend
81% recommend · 11% neutral · 8% don't
Owners praise
  • Neutral, balanced, natural reference-grade sound
  • Owners love them and won't sell
  • Reveals new detail in familiar music
Owners complain about
  • Can sound bright, harsh or shouty in the highs
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if
  • ✓Frequent travelers who want top-tier ANC and all-day comfort on long flights
  • ✓Glasses wearers and long-session listeners who prioritize a soft, low-clamp fit
  • ✓Upgraders from Bose QC35/QC45 who value premium build over Sony's plastic feel
  • ✓Listeners who want strong out-of-the-box sound without needing an EQ
Skip it if
  • People who make lots of calls, since mic and call quality draw frequent complaints
  • Anyone needing to fully disable ANC, since wind noise and hiss bother some owners
Get the Sennheiser HD 600 if
  • ✓Listeners wanting a neutral, balanced reference sound
  • ✓People who value long, fatigue-free listening sessions
  • ✓Acoustic, jazz, classical, and rock fans
  • ✓Home listeners pairing them with a proper headphone amp
Skip it if
  • Anyone wanting a wide, expansive soundstage
  • Commuting or outdoor use given the open-back leakage

What Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) owners say

“My ultra used daily for over a year is still working great. Had some firmware issue at the start but currently it is Ok. Good anc, great sound and sturdy.”
— GrumpyBitFlipper on Reddit
“I come from the xm5 earbuds and just bought the QC Ultra 2nd gen’s because even though I loved the Sony’s, I don’t like wearing them knowing there’s too much toxic chemicals in them.”
— therealpurpledolpin on Reddit
“but not the Ultras (not worth the price increase imo)”
— xolavenderwitch on Reddit

What Sennheiser HD 600 owners say

“Son una total MARAVILLA y yo en lo personal lo recomiendo AMPLIAMENTE para todo aquel que se diga llamar audiofilo”
— @omariscal39 on YouTube
“estos audífonos son excelentes para mezcla en estudio”
— @IGNOTOMX on YouTube
“I have the HD600 and I'm just not a fan because of the total lack of anything lower than upper mid bass and also how narrow the cups are which rub my ears raw”
— keenbeans87 on Reddit

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sennheiser HD 600: frequently asked questions

Is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) or the Sennheiser HD 600 better?

Real owners lean toward the Sennheiser HD 600: 81% of 253 owners recommend it, vs 35% of 474 for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).

Who should get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)?

Owners point the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) at frequent travelers who want top-tier ANC and all-day comfort on long flights, and glasses wearers and long-session listeners who prioritize a soft, low-clamp fit.

Who should get the Sennheiser HD 600?

Owners point the Sennheiser HD 600 at listeners wanting a neutral, balanced reference sound, and people who value long, fatigue-free listening sessions.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is a persistent white-noise/hissing sound from the ANC circuit that owners describe as annoying during quiet moments, calls, and pauses in audio. For the Sennheiser HD 600, it's can sound bright, harsh or shouty in the highs.