Sony WH-1000XM6
Creative Zen Hybrid EF1140
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
Creative Zen Hybrid EF1140
The Creative Zen Hybrid 2 headphones deliver impressive sound quality with punchy bass and clear mids and highs, along with effective active noise cancellation and exceptional battery life. Users praise the comfort and sturdy build, noting they are a fantastic value for the price. Minor drawbacks include a mediocre mobile app, lack of a carrying case, and some discomfort from ANC pressure over long periods. Overall, these are highly recommended as one of the best budget-friendly options available.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality with punchy bass
- Effective active noise cancellation
- Exceptional battery life
- Comfortable and sturdy build
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Mediocre mobile app
- No carrying case included
- ANC pressure causes discomfort over time
- Ear cups can get hot and sweaty
- Does not charge while in use
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Creative Zen Hybrid EF1140 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.25 kg★ | 0.47 kg |
| Ear Cushion | synthetic leather | memory foam |
| Headband | synthetic leather | memory foam |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 30 mm | 40 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 4 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | — |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | LDAC | Creative Zen Hybrid 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Up to 67 Hours (ANC Off), Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, Ambient Mode (Cream) |
| 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 | Creative Zen Hybrid 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Up to 67 Hours (ANC Off), Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, Ambient Mode (Cream) | Creative Zen Hybrid 2 Wireless Over-Ear | Creative | Cream | Over |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | hybrid |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | 5.2 |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, PBP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | USB-C |
| Detachable Cable | ✓★ | — |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | — |
| Range | 10 m★ | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs | 49 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | 3 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 3 minutes for 3 hours playback | — |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6★ | 5 |
| 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)
Creative Zen Hybrid EF1140
- Strong anc (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong connectivity (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong mic (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Below average comfort (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 12 of 41 specs.