Sony WH-1000XM6
Shure SRH440-E
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
Shure SRH440-E
The Shure SRH440 headphones are praised for their neutral, balanced sound and excellent isolation, making them ideal for studio monitoring and music production. However, comfort is a significant drawback, with many users finding the ear pads shallow and the headband pressure uncomfortable for long sessions. The removable cable and durable build are appreciated, but the headphones require an amplifier to perform at their best and lack bass impact for casual listeners.
Pros
- Neutral and balanced sound
- Excellent noise isolation
- Removable locking cable
- Solid and durable build
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Uncomfortable for long sessions
- Shallow ear pads
- Tight headband pressure
- Requires amplifier for best sound
- Lacks bass impact
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Shure SRH440-E | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.25 kg★ | 0.70 kg |
| Ear Cushion | synthetic leather | — |
| Headband | synthetic leather | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | — |
| Driver Size | 30 mm | 40 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 4 Hz★ | 10 Hz |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | 22 kHz |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 44 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB | 107 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | LDAC | Shure SRH440 Professional Studio Headphones, Enhanced Frequency Response and Extended Range for Home and Studio Recording, with Detachable Coiled Cable, Carrying Bag and 1/4" Adapter (SRH440) |
| 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)
Shure SRH440-E
- Strong social proof (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong sound (77th percentile)
- Strong build (75th percentile)
- Below average comfort (6th percentile)6th %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 19 of 41 specs.
