Sony WH-1000XM6
Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M50x
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
Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M50x
Users generally appreciate the comfort and sound quality of these headphones, with many noting their versatility for podcasting, gaming, and music production. However, some complaints about distorted bass and poor fit suggest the experience can be inconsistent. Overall, they are seen as a solid choice for home use, especially given their durability over time.
Pros
- Comfortable fit
- Good sound quality
- Versatile for multiple uses
- Durable build
- Detachable cable with lock-in
Cons
- Distorted bass
- Poor fit for some
- Overrated by some users
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M50x | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.25 kg★ | 0.28 kg |
| Ear Cushion | synthetic leather | leather |
| Headband | synthetic leather | Aluminum |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 30 mm | 45 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 4 Hz★ | 15 Hz |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | 28 kHz |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB★ | 99 dB |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | LDAC | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Pro Monitor Headphones, Black With Leather Earpads |
| 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 | 3 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)
Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M50x
- Strong build (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong social proof (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong comfort (80th percentile)80th %ile
- Strong sound (79th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (22nd percentile)
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 19 of 41 specs.
