Over-Ear
AKG K701
69Good
$500
Full review dataAKG K701 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.
Over-Ear
Sony WH-1000XM6
89Outstanding
$400
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on 7 of 7 measures.
- AKG K701
- Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
69
89
Sound
8.0
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
4.0
8.2
Price (USD)
$500
$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 K701 (2006). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.
- K7012006
- WH-1000XM6202519 yr newer
What differsK701WH-1000XM6
- ANC type
- None
- Adaptive
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
Platform
Everyday features
Specifications
K701WH-1000XM6
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $500
- $400
- HearWiki score
- 69
- 89
- Released
- 2006
- 2025
- Availability
- Still sold new
- 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
- 10 Hz - 39.8 kHz
- 4 Hz - 40 kHz
- Sound signature
- neutral
- -
- Impedance
- 62 Ω
- 48 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 105 dB/mW
- 103 dB/mW
- 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
- 235 g
- 254 g
- Water resistance
- -
- none
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
- Connector
- -
- 3.5 mm
- Microphones
- -
- 12
- Microphone type
- -
- MEMS
What reviewers said
AKG K701
The AKG K701 is an open-back, over-ear headphone designed for critical listening with a spacious and neutral sound signature. It offers high comfort and detailed audio reproduction, making it a solid choice for serious listeners, though its open design limits use in noisy environments and its price is a notable consideration. The wired design and detachable cable add practical flexibility for stationary setups.
- Pro:Spacious, well-balanced soundstage
- Pro:Very comfortable for long sessions
- Pro:Detailed and neutral audio reproduction
- Con:Open design leaks sound and lets noise in
- Con:Not ideal for portable or noisy use
- Con:Premium price point
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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