Sony WH-1000XM6
HiFiMan Edition XS
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
HiFiMan Edition XS
The Hifiman Edition XS delivers exceptional sound quality with a wide, holographic soundstage and detailed, well-controlled bass. However, comfort is a major concern due to the large earcups and a headband design that can cause pressure on the head, especially for smaller heads. Build quality feels cheap with plastic parts, and there are occasional QC issues like driver rattling. Despite these flaws, many users find the audio performance outstanding for the price, making it a strong recommendation for those who prioritize sound over ergonomics.
Pros
- Exceptional soundstage and imaging
- Detailed and well-controlled bass
- Great value for the price
- Comfortable earpads for large ears
- Responds well to EQ
Cons
- Uncomfortable headband for small heads
- Cheap plastic build quality
- Large earcups may not fit small heads
- Occasional driver rattling/buzzing issues
- Short stock cable
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | HiFiMan Edition XS | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | open |
| Foldable | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.25 kg★ | 0.41 kg |
| Ear Cushion | synthetic leather | memory foam |
| Headband | synthetic leather | refined matte black material |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | planar magnetic |
| Driver Size | 30 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 4 Hz★ | 8 Hz |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz | 50 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 18 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB★ | 92 dB |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | LDAC | HIFIMAN Edition XS Full-Size Over-Ear Open-Back Planar Magnetic Hi-Fi Headphones with Stealth Magnets Design, Adjustable Headband, Detachable Cable for Audiophiles, Home, Studio-Black |
| 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 | 5.3★ | — |
| 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 | 30 hrs★ | — |
| Charge Time | 3 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 3 minutes for 3 hours playback | — |
| Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Mic Count | 6★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓★ | — |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | — |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri, Google Assistant | — |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | — |
| App | Sony | Sound Connect | — |
| 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)
HiFiMan Edition XS
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Strong social proof (72nd percentile)
- Below average comfort (10th percentile)10th %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Sony WH-1000XM6 offers 1.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 20 of 41 specs.
