Sony WH-1000XM6
Fosi Audio i5
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
Fosi Audio i5
The Fosi Audio i5 headphones receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their build quality, comfort, and soundstage. Most users find them exceptional value, with several comparing them favorably to far more expensive models. A few critical reviews note a mid-forward sound signature and weight that may not suit everyone, but the consensus is that these are a strong first effort from Fosi Audio.
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Great comfort and fit
- Wide and immersive soundstage
- Exceptional value for money
- Premium design and materials
Cons
- Mid-forward sound signature
- Heavy weight (550g)
- No balanced cable included
- Short and inflexible cable
- Leather headband may be fragile
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Fosi Audio i5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | open |
| Foldable | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.25 kg★ | 1.63 kg |
| Ear Cushion | synthetic leather | memory foam |
| Headband | synthetic leather | Aluminum |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | planar magnetic |
| Driver Size | 30 mm | 97 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 4 Hz★ | 10 Hz |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz | 50 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 28 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB★ | 98 dB |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | LDAC | Fosi Audio i5 Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones with 97mm Ultra-Large Diaphragm, CNC Metal & Walnut Wood, Audiophile Wired Studio Headphones for Multi-Source Devices |
| 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)
Fosi Audio i5
- Strong sound (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong user sentiment (72nd percentile)
- Below average comfort (10th percentile)10th %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 20 of 41 specs.