Sony WH-1000XM6
Focal Clear MG
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 Clear MG
The Focal Clear MG headphones deliver exceptional sound quality with detailed mids, punchy bass, and a wide soundstage, especially after a break-in period. Users praise their comfort, build, and luxurious carrying case, but note that the included cables are low-quality and the price is high compared to alternatives like the Hifiman Sundara. Overall, they are considered a top-tier choice for audiophiles when paired with a good amp.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Detailed mids and highs
- Punchy bass
- Wide soundstage
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Low-quality included cables
- High price
- Requires break-in period
- Needs good amp for best sound
- Bass not as tight as some alternatives
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Focal Clear MG | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | open |
| Foldable | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.25 kg★ | 3.21 kg |
| Ear Cushion | synthetic leather | microfibre |
| Headband | synthetic leather | leather and microfibre |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 30 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 4 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 55 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | LDAC | — |
| 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)
Focal Clear MG
- Strong user sentiment (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong social proof (77th percentile)
- Below average comfort (3rd percentile)3rd %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average connectivity (19th percentile)19th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 22 of 41 specs.