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AKG N9 Hybrid 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.

Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.

  • AKG N9 Hybrid
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
86
89
Sound
9.0
9.0
Noise cancelling
8.4
9.6
Battery
9.8
8.1
Calls
9.1
9.6
Value
9.0
8.2
Price (USD)
$290
$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 N9 Hybrid (2024). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: LE Audio (LC3). It also adds Wear detection.

  • N9 Hybrid2024
  • WH-1000XM620251 yr newer
What differsN9 HybridWH-1000XM6

Platform

LE Audio (LC3)
No
Yes

Everyday features

Wear detection
No
Yes

Level on: Bluetooth, Top codec, ANC type, Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Transparency mode, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

N9 HybridWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$290
$400
HearWiki score
86
89
Released
2024
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 - 40 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
98 dB/mW
103 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC, LDAC
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
100 h
40 h
Battery life (ANC on)
55 h
30 h
Full charge time
180 min
210 min
Quick charge
10 min → 6 h
3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
adaptive
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
Yes
Controls
touch
buttons
Voice assistant
Google Assistant, Siri
Yes
Weight
281 g
254 g
Water resistance
none
none
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
1
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

AKG N9 Hybrid

The AKG N9 Hybrid is a versatile over-ear headphone that balances detailed, well-controlled sound with strong adaptive noise cancellation and an exceptionally long battery life. It offers modern connectivity including Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint, and LDAC support, plus a comfortable build suited for music, gaming, and movies. Its feature set makes it a practical choice for users who value both performance and endurance.

  • Pro:Very long battery life, even with ANC enabled
  • Pro:Adaptive noise cancelling with customizable options
  • Pro:Support for high-quality LDAC codec
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:No wireless charging support
  • Con:Only one microphone for calls

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.

Compare something else

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New comparisonAKG N9 HybridSony WH-1000XM6