Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT
Sony WH-1000XM6
What Buyers Say
Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT
The Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT is widely praised for its exceptional battery life, comfort, and solid sound quality at an affordable price. While the noise cancellation is not the strongest, it effectively blocks fan noise and is competitive for the price. Some users report ear sweating and cramped ear pads, and a few found the sound flat or muddy. Overall, it is seen as a great all-rounder for daily use.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life
- Comfortable for long wear
- Good sound quality for the price
- Physical buttons instead of touch controls
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Ear sweating after 15 minutes
- Cramped ear pads for some
- No carrying case included
- Noise cancellation not the strongest
- Sound can be flat or muddy
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
Scores
Specifications
| Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT | Sony WH-1000XM6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.26 kg | 0.25 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | — | synthetic leather |
| Headband | — | synthetic leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | 30 mm |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 4 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | 20 kHz | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 45 Ω | 48 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB | 103 dB |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | 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 | digital hybrid | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, PBP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | 10 m | 10 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 90 hrs★ | 30 hrs |
| Charge Time | 2.5 hrs★ | 3 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 3 Minutes for 2.5 Hours | 3 minutes for 3 hours playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 1 | 6★ |
| NC Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Mic Pattern | Omnidirectional | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri, Google Assistant | Siri, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Android & iOS | Sony | Sound Connect |
| Gaming Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water Resistance | — | Waterproof |
Pros & Cons
Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong battery (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong sound (86th percentile)86th %ile
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)
Pricing
Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT offers 4.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 7 of 42 specs.
