Sony WH-1000XM6
Focal Bathys
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
Focal Bathys
The Focal Bathys are widely praised for their exceptional sound quality, which rivals wired audiophile headphones, especially in Bluetooth mode. Users highlight the warm, detailed audio, effective EQ customization, and comfortable fit, though some note the ANC is not top-tier and the lack of a passive mode is a drawback. A few reviewers mention durability concerns, such as driver rattling after two years, and the heavy weight can cause fit issues for some. Overall, they are seen as a top choice for audiophiles seeking wireless convenience.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Warm and detailed audio
- Effective EQ customization
- Comfortable for long wear
- Built-in DAC mode
Cons
- ANC not top-tier
- No passive mode
- Heavy weight
- Large volume steps
- No LDAC or aptX HD
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Focal Bathys | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.25 kg★ | 0.35 kg |
| Ear Cushion | synthetic leather | real leather and microfiber |
| Headband | synthetic leather | real leather and microfiber |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 30 mm | 40 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 4 Hz★ | 15 Hz |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | 22 kHz |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 80 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | LDAC | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC |
| 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 | Silent/Soft |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | 5.1 |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, PBP | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | 10 m | 15 m★ |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs | 30 hrs |
| Charge Time | 3 hrs | 1.5 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | 3 minutes for 3 hours playback | 15 Minutes for 5 Hours |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Capacity | — | 1,060 mAh★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6★ | 2 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Sony | Sound Connect | Focal & Naim |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| 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)
Focal Bathys
- Strong connectivity (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong sound (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong anc (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong battery (77th percentile)
- Below average comfort (15th percentile)15th %ile
Pricing
Sony WH-1000XM6 offers 2.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 8 of 43 specs.
