Sony WH-1000XM6
Sonos Ace
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
Sonos Ace
The Sonos Ace headphones receive largely positive feedback, with users praising their premium build, comfort, and excellent sound quality, especially for TV audio swap with Sonos soundbars and Dolby Atmos. Noise cancellation is often described as outstanding, though a few users find it too strong or not effective enough in certain situations. Common criticisms include the high price, limited app customization, and occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues. Overall, they are highly recommended for Sonos ecosystem owners, but some users note they may not suit everyone's taste for music or fit.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Premium build and comfort
- Strong noise cancellation
- Seamless TV audio swap
- Long battery life
Cons
- High price
- Limited app customization
- Occasional Bluetooth issues
- Weak bass for some
- Bulky carrying case
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Sonos Ace | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.25 kg★ | 0.31 kg |
| Ear Cushion | synthetic leather | memory foam |
| Headband | synthetic leather | stainless steel |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 30 mm | 40 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 4 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | 20 kHz |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | — |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | LDAC | Sonos Ace Wireless Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Headphones with Arc Premium Smart Soundbar, Black |
| 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 | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4★ |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, PBP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | USB-C |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | 10 m★ | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs | 30 hrs |
| Charge Time | 3 hrs | 2 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | 3 minutes for 3 hours playback | 3 min for 3 hours playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6 | 8★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | — |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri, Google Assistant | voice assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | — |
| App | Sony | Sound Connect | Sonos app |
| 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)
Sonos Ace
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong build (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 9 of 41 specs.