Sony WH-1000XM6
Skullcandy Icon 180
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
Skullcandy Icon 180
Users generally appreciate the sound quality and value for the price of these Skullcandy wired earbuds, with many calling them a solid budget choice for calls, gaming, or gym use. However, a significant number of reviews report durability issues, with earbuds breaking or losing audio in one ear within weeks or months. The microphone feedback and short cord are also common complaints, though the overall sentiment is mixed between satisfied long-term users and those who experienced early failure.
Pros
- Great sound quality for the price
- Comfortable fit
- Good for calls and gaming
- Built-in microphone
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Durability issues (breaks within weeks)
- Microphone feedback problems
- Short cord length
- Inconsistent quality control
- Poor bass for music
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Skullcandy Icon 180 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | on-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.25 kg | 0.14 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | synthetic leather | soft on-ear cushions |
| Headband | synthetic leather | adjustable headband |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | — |
| Driver Size | 30 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 4 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | — |
| Sensitivity | 103 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)
Skullcandy Icon 180
- Strong social proof (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong comfort (67th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (13th percentile)13th %ile
- Below average connectivity (19th percentile)19th %ile
- Below average sound (19th percentile)19th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Skullcandy Icon 180 offers 3.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 21 of 41 specs.
