Sony WH-1000XM6
Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M70x
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 M-Series ATH-M70x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M70x headphones receive mixed reviews. Many users praise their detailed, neutral sound and clarity, making them excellent for mixing and mastering. However, a significant number of reviewers report severe build quality issues, particularly with the plastic swivel joints breaking easily, even from minor drops. While the sound is often described as top-tier, the fragility and lack of replacement parts are major drawbacks.
Pros
- Detailed and neutral sound
- Excellent clarity for mixing
- Reveals audio details
- Comfortable for long sessions
- Great with quality DAC
Cons
- Fragile plastic swivel joints
- Breaks easily from minor drops
- Poor build quality for price
- No replacement parts available
- Uncomfortable ear pads for long use
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M70x | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.25 kg★ | 0.28 kg |
| Ear Cushion | synthetic leather | — |
| Headband | synthetic leather | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 30 mm | 45 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 4 Hz★ | 5 Hz |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz | 40 kHz |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB★ | 97 dB |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Codecs | 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 | 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 M-Series ATH-M70x
- Strong sound (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average social proof (24th percentile)
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Sony WH-1000XM6 offers 2.1x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 17 of 41 specs.
