Sony WH-1000XM6
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro 61520
What Buyers Say
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
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro 61520
Users are overwhelmingly positive about this SteelSeries headset, praising its phenomenal sound quality, exceptional comfort, and innovative dual-battery system that provides virtually unlimited battery life. The multi-device connectivity and user-friendly software for customizing EQ profiles are also highlighted as major advantages. Reviewers consistently note that it outperforms competitors like Astro A50s and offers great value for the price, with many calling it the best headset they have ever owned.
Pros
- Phenomenal sound quality
- Exceptional comfort for long sessions
- Innovative dual-battery system for unlimited battery life
- Multi-device connectivity (PC, PS5, iPhone)
- User-friendly EQ customization software
Cons
- Mic sensitivity may need adjustment
- No significant drawbacks mentioned
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro 61520 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.25 kg★ | 0.52 kg |
| Ear Cushion | synthetic leather | Leatherette |
| Headband | synthetic leather | Steel |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 30 mm | 40 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 4 Hz★ | 10 Hz |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | 22 kHz |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 2200 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB★ | 93 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 | 7.1 Virtual Surround |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | hybrid |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | 5.0 |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, PBP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | 1.5 m |
| Range | 10 m★ | 9.100000381469727 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs | 44 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | 3 hrs★ | 4 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 3 minutes for 3 hours playback | Yes★ |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6★ | 4 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri, Google Assistant | — |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | — |
| App | Sony | Sound Connect | Sonar Software |
| Gaming Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof | — |
Pros & Cons
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)
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro 61520
- Strong mic (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong anc (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong connectivity (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Below average comfort (13th percentile)13th %ile
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 10 of 41 specs.
