Audio-Technica M50XBT Studio
Sony WH-1000XM6
What Buyers Say
Audio-Technica M50XBT Studio
These headphones are praised for their excellent sound quality, realistic audio reproduction, and versatility with both wired and Bluetooth connections. Users highlight long battery life, comfort for extended wear, and good passive noise isolation. However, the build quality is mostly plastic and not high-end, and there is no active noise cancellation. Overall, they are considered a great value for those who prefer natural sound over artificial bass boosting.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Realistic audio reproduction
- Long battery life (50 hours)
- Comfortable for extended wear
- Good passive noise isolation
Cons
- Plastic build quality
- No active noise cancellation
- Not high-end materials
- No multipoint pairing (unanswered Q&A)
- No ear cup flip for conversation
Sony WH-1000XM6
The Sony WH-1000XM6 earns praise for its exceptional noise cancellation, clear sound quality, and comfortable fit for many users, with several calling it the best headphones they've owned. However, a significant number of reviews highlight serious drawbacks: uncomfortable clamping force and shallow earcups causing pain, buggy multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, a fingerprint-prone finish, and disappointing customer service regarding warranty repairs and promised free gifts. While the ANC and audio are top-tier, comfort and reliability issues prevent it from being a universal recommendation.
Pros
- Exceptional noise cancellation
- Clear and detailed sound quality
- Comfortable for many users
- Long battery life
- Foldable design
Cons
- Uncomfortable clamping force
- Shallow earcups causing pain
- Buggy multipoint Bluetooth
- Fingerprint-prone finish
- Poor customer service
Scores
Specifications
| Audio-Technica M50XBT Studio | Sony WH-1000XM6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | — | closed |
| Foldable | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.79 kg | 0.25 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | — | synthetic leather |
| Headband | — | synthetic leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | — | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 45 mm★ | 30 mm |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | — | 4 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 48 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 103 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | — | LDAC |
| Surround | — | Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones, HD NC Processor QN3, 12 Microphones, Studio-Quality, New Sandstone Color | Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Cancelling Wireless | Sony | Sa |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | — | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | — | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, PBP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | — | ✓★ |
| Cable Length | — | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | — | 10 m★ |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 50 hrs★ | 30 hrs |
| Charge Time | — | 3 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 3 minutes for 3 hours playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | — | 6★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | — | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | — | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Amazon Alexa | Siri, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | A-T Connect | Sony | Sound Connect |
| Gaming Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water Resistance | — | Waterproof |
Pros & Cons
Audio-Technica M50XBT Studio
- Strong connectivity (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong user sentiment (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong battery (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong sound (77th percentile)
- Below average comfort (3rd percentile)3rd %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Sony WH-1000XM6
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong sound (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average user sentiment (22nd percentile)
Pricing
Audio-Technica M50XBT Studio
No current pricing available
Sony WH-1000XM6
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 14 of 41 specs.
