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AKG K612 Pro vs Sony WH-1000XM6: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the AKG K612 Pro vs Sony WH-1000XM6, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

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 K612 Pro
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
-
89
Sound
-
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
-
8.2
Price (USD)
$280
$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 K612 Pro (2018). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C, Wear detection, Transparency mode and Custom EQ.

  • K612 Pro2018
  • WH-1000XM620257 yr newer
What differsK612 ProWH-1000XM6

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
Yes
Transparency mode
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes

Specifications

K612 ProWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$280
$400
HearWiki score
Not scored
89
Released
2018
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
40 mm dynamic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
12 Hz - 39.5 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
120 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
92 dB/mW
103 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
101
-
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
none
adaptive
Transparency mode
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
Yes
Controls
none
buttons
Voice assistant
No
Yes
Weight
238 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
No
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
3.5 mm
Model code
2458X00100
-
Microphones
-
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS
Call noise reduction
No
-

What reviewers said

AKG K612 Pro

The AKG K612 Pro is a professional open-back over-ear headphone aimed at studio monitoring and critical listening. It pairs a lightweight build with a 40mm dynamic driver, delivering a wide frequency range for detailed sound reproduction during extended use.

  • Pro:Lightweight design for long listening sessions
  • Pro:Open-back design offers a spacious soundstage
  • Pro:Wide frequency response from 12 Hz to 39.5 kHz
  • Con:Requires a dedicated amplifier due to 120-ohm impedance
  • Con:No inline controls or remote on the cable
  • Con:Open-back design leaks sound and lets in ambient noise

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 K612 ProSony WH-1000XM6