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AKG K 550 vs Sony WH-1000XM6: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sony WH-1000XM6 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 89. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sony WH-1000XM6 - Outstanding overall at around $398.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • AKG K 550
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
57
89
Sound
7.5
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
-
8.2
Price (USD)
$250
$400

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Half a step newer

Sony WH-1000XM6 (2025) against AKG K 550 (2018). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • K 5502018
  • WH-1000XM620257 yr newer
What differsK 550WH-1000XM6

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

K 550WH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$250
$400
HearWiki score
57
89
Released
2018
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
50 mm dynamic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
50 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
12 Hz - 28 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
99 dB/mW
103 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
114
-
Bluetooth
-
5.3
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
-
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
-
40 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
30 h
Full charge time
-
210 min
Quick charge
-
3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
ANC type
-
adaptive
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
Yes
Controls
-
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
305 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
Yes
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
6.35 mm
3.5 mm
Microphones
-
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

AKG K 550

The AKG K 550 is a wired, closed-back over-ear headphone that delivers a notably wide and detailed soundstage for its type, with clear vocals and solid low-end punch. Its sturdy build and plush fit make it comfortable for long home listening sessions, though its performance can be sensitive to how well it seals around the ears. Overall, it offers strong audio fidelity for the price, but some listeners may find its treble character and fit-dependent bass a bit inconsistent.

  • Pro:Spacious and detailed soundstage for a closed-back design
  • Pro:Comfortable over-ear fit with solid, robust construction
  • Pro:Clear vocal reproduction and satisfying bass depth
  • Con:Sound quality can suffer if the ear seal is not perfect
  • Con:Treble can occasionally sound slightly uneven
  • Con:Design features feel less refined than its audio performance

Sony WH-1000XM6

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is a premium over-ear wireless headphone that combines adaptive active noise cancellation with a long-lasting battery and support for high-quality audio codecs. It features multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and a transparent mode, making it a versatile choice for both focused listening and everyday commutes. With a lightweight build and tactile controls, it balances comfort and functionality for extended use.

  • Pro:Adaptive active noise cancellation for personalized silencing
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless device switching
  • Pro:Transparency mode for ambient awareness when needed
  • Con:No water resistance rating for wet conditions
  • Con:No wireless charging option
  • Con:Relies on physical buttons rather than touch controls

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonAKG K 550Sony WH-1000XM6