Sony WH-1000XM6
AKG K72
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
AKG K72
The AKG K72 headphones are widely praised for their exceptional comfort, lightweight design, and impressive sound quality for the price. Many users highlight the need for a headphone amp to unlock their full potential, and note that sound isolation is minimal. While the build feels somewhat cheap and plasticky, the overall value is considered excellent, especially when purchased on sale.
Pros
- Exceptional comfort for long wear
- Lightweight design
- Great sound quality for the price
- Long cable
- Good value when on sale
Cons
- Cheap plastic build
- Requires headphone amp for best sound
- Poor sound isolation
- Sound leakage
- MSRP too high
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | AKG K72 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.25 kg | 0.20 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | synthetic leather | breathable, lightweight ear pads |
| Headband | synthetic leather | self-adjusting headband |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 30 mm | 40 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 4 Hz★ | 16 Hz |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | 20 kHz |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB | 112 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | LDAC | AKG Pro Audio K72 Over-Ear, Closed-Back, High-Sensitivity, High Output 40mm drivers, Studio Professional Headphone. Also Great for Portable Devices. 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 | — |
| 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 | 3 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)
AKG K72
- Strong sound (79th percentile)
- Strong social proof (77th percentile)
- Strong comfort (67th percentile)
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average connectivity (19th percentile)19th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Pricing
AKG K72 offers 4.0x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 20 of 41 specs.
