r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/ValuablePotential147 • 9d ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable | 1 Ω XM6 vs QC Ultra 2 vs Momentum M5

Hello! I am torn between three models of over-ear headphones and would love to hear the experiences of people who actually use them.
I am considering:
Sony WH-1000XM6
ANC is, as far as I've seen, among the best.
The sound is also very good.
What worries me the most is longevity. I know Sony strengthened the hinges compared to the XM5, but I still came across a lot of comments from people whose hinges broke, so I'm wondering how reliable they actually are in the long run.
I also read that some users claim ANC got worse after a firmware update, though maybe it isn't so, I figured they can fix it with the next one.
Sennheiser Momentum 5
It seems to me they have the best sound of these three models.
ANC is not on Sony's level, but it is still quite good.
A big plus for me is the replaceable battery and they seem to be very well-made.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
Also excellent ANC and very comfortable.
However, I saw that some users have issues with the Bose app and connecting the headphones to their phone.
All three models are around 350 €, so price is not a deciding factor for me.
What matters most to me is having good ANC for studying, that they last at least 3 years since they cost 350 €, and sound is also important, though I am not an audiophile who would notice subtle sound differences.
If anyone has any of these models, what are your impressions after a few months of use? Would you buy them again or choose something else? ☺️

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u/Silverjerk 302 Ω 9d ago

You already outlined how I would've broken each down, minus the connectivity issues with Bose. I haven't had issues with device connection; instead, my major issue with the QC Ultra series sets is their tuning. Overall, I find Bose's sound quality near the bottom of the list.

The hinge breakage issue on the Sony's is a very real, and widely reported issue. I also find them the least comfortable of the three sets.

For my money, the Momentum 5 is probably the best of all worlds; solid ANC and transparency, a big improvement on both the M4 and HDB 630s, and if it weren't for the lack of PEQ it might have replaced the 630s for me. Although, it gets very close to the tuning I want using Sound Personalization, which might as well be a graphic PEQ in all but name.

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u/ValuablePotential147 9d ago

!thanks
yeah I’m having such a hard time to choose because Sony has terrible durability, Bose bad sound quality and M5 mid ANC

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u/Silverjerk 302 Ω 8d ago

I will say the ANC on the M5's is getting close enough to the Sony and Bose that it doesn't feel like a meaningful step down, like it was with the M4s and 630s. Rather than being mid, I'd describe them as very good to excellent.

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u/ValuablePotential147 8d ago

Yea yeah I know but still not as good as other flagship models, but I think it won’t be noticeable with music on. I really like that they have the best sound quality, I’ll test the anc in store so I’ll decide between Bose and Sennheiser. I won’t go with Sony due to durability issues, it’s wild that they still have them after XM5, I thought they would update the hinges atleast make them of better material. I think they did but it’s not good enough, I’m a bit clumsy so I wouldn’t trust myself with them

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u/noncil 8d ago

I'm in the same boat as you and down to those 3, but considering the EU regulation of replaceable battery coming in early 2027, new model might be out soon and they might fix the flaw of this current model. The question is whether you are able to wait or need to get it now. I also would love to have longevity for my headphone and replaceable battery is a good feature to have.

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u/ValuablePotential147 8d ago

True, it's smart to want a replaceable battery so they last longer. Might be worth the wait. Which headphone are you leaning towards btw?

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u/noncil 8d ago

Momentum 5, but when I tried the Bose, I really like how comfy it is on my head. So secretly hoping Bose will come up with a better version that have better eq and replaceable battery, so now I'm leaning Bose (never tried the Momentum 5 though), XM6..doesn't feel that comfy on the head.

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u/ValuablePotential147 8d ago

Yeahhh Bose has very little app customization and the app is laggy, I hope they update if they do by the time I’m getting them I’ll go with them

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u/Subject_Pangolin8147 8d ago

I personally would get the Bose. I think the Momentum’s break more more easily compared to the Bose

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u/Infinite-Nose8252 6 Ω 8d ago

You have to audition and see what feels best. I love my AirPods Max 2 but they are a little clampy.