Sony WH-1000XM6
Audio-Technica ATH-R70x
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-R70x
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its neutral, detailed sound and exceptional comfort. Reviewers praise its precise imaging and value, often comparing it favorably to more expensive models like the Sennheiser HD650. Minor criticisms include the high impedance requiring an amp, slightly recessed vocals on some tracks, and a build that feels less luxurious. Overall, it is highly recommended for critical listening in a quiet environment.
Pros
- Neutral and detailed sound
- Exceptional comfort and lightweight
- Precise imaging and soundstage
- Great value for money
- Non-fatiguing treble
Cons
- High impedance requires an amp
- Slightly recessed vocals on some tracks
- Build feels less luxurious
- Small L/R markings hard to read
- Long cable may be inconvenient
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Audio-Technica ATH-R70x | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | open |
| Foldable | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.25 kg | 0.21 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | synthetic leather | fabric |
| Headband | synthetic leather | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | — |
| Driver Size | 30 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 4 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 470 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | LDAC | Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Professional Open-Back Reference Headphones, 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 | — |
| 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)
Audio-Technica ATH-R70x
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average sound (20th percentile)20th %ile
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Sony WH-1000XM6
Audio-Technica ATH-R70x
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 21 of 41 specs.
