Sony WH-1000XM6
Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BTWH
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
Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BTWH
The Audio-Technica headphones receive mixed feedback, with several users reporting durability issues such as the headband falling apart and left earpiece failing after months. While battery life and standby time are praised as exceptional, the sound quality is described as overly crisp and lacking bass, and the inability to connect to multiple devices is a major frustration. Some find the build lightweight and flimsy, though others note reliability over time.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life
- Good treble quality
- Reliable over time
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Headband falling apart
- Left earpiece failure after months
- No multipoint Bluetooth
- Sound too crisp, lacks bass
- Volume max too low
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BTWH | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | on-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.25 kg★ | 0.68 kg |
| Ear Cushion | synthetic leather | memory foam |
| Headband | synthetic leather | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 30 mm | 45 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 4 Hz★ | 5 Hz |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz | 40 kHz |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB★ | 100 dB |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | LDAC | SBC, aptX, AAC |
| 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★ | 4.1 |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, PBP | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | 10 m★ | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs | 38 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | 3 hrs★ | 4 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 3 minutes for 3 hours playback | — |
| Charging | USB-C | 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)
Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BTWH
- Strong sound (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong connectivity (79th percentile)
- Strong battery (77th percentile)
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average comfort (10th percentile)10th %ile
- Below average social proof (22nd percentile)
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Sony WH-1000XM6 offers 1.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 14 of 41 specs.
