Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X
Sony WH-1000XM6
What Buyers Say
Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X
These open-back headphones from Audio-Technica are praised for their exceptional sound quality and value, often outperforming more expensive models. Users highlight the wide soundstage and balanced audio, making them ideal for music, gaming, and movies. While the design may look unusual, it prioritizes comfort, though long sessions can cause slight discomfort. Durability is generally good, but one user reported a static shock issue after years of use.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Great value for money
- Wide soundstage
- Balanced audio
- Comfortable design
Cons
- Unusual design aesthetics
- Slight discomfort during long sessions
- Static shock issue after years
- Not for bass-heavy listeners
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-AD500X | Sony WH-1000XM6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | open | closed |
| Foldable | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.23 kg★ | 0.25 kg |
| Ear Cushion | raised-fabric | synthetic leather |
| Headband | honeycomb aluminum | synthetic leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 53 mm★ | 30 mm |
| Drivers | — | 1★ |
| Freq Min | 5 Hz | 4 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | 25 kHz | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 48 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB | 103 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones, Frequency Response 5 Hz to 25 kHz | 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 | — | 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 | 3 m | 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
Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X
- Strong build (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong sound (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
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)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 20 of 41 specs.