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AKG K271 Mkii 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 K271 Mkii
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
57
89
Sound
6.5
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
3.1
8.2
Price (USD)
$300
$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 K271 Mkii (2008). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • K271 Mkii2008
  • WH-1000XM6202517 yr newer
What differsK271 MkiiWH-1000XM6

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

K271 MkiiWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$300
$400
HearWiki score
57
89
Released
2008
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
30 mm dynamic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
30 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
16 Hz - 28 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
55 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
91 dB/mW
103 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
104
-
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
none
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
240 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
3.5 mm
Model code
2470X00190
-
Microphones
-
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

AKG K271 Mkii

The AKG K271 MkII is a wired, closed-back studio headphone designed for monitoring rather than casual listening. It delivers a clean, balanced sound with a comfortable fit, though its bass response is restrained and the build uses a fair amount of plastic. It's a practical, workmanlike tool for critical listening tasks.

  • Pro:Comfortable fit for long studio sessions
  • Pro:Detachable cable adds convenience
  • Pro:Clean and balanced midrange
  • Con:Bass response is limited and not deep
  • Con:Plasticky build quality
  • Con:No controls or wireless features

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 K271 MkiiSony WH-1000XM6