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Beats Studio Pro 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.

  • Beats Studio Pro
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
75
89
Sound
7.8
9.0
Noise cancelling
7.9
9.6
Battery
8.0
8.1
Calls
6.6
9.6
Value
7.0
8.2
Price (USD)
$350
$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?

New platform

Sony WH-1000XM6 (2025) against Beats Studio Pro (2023). The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer platform here: Top codec LC3 against AAC and LE Audio (LC3). It also adds Wear detection.

  • Studio Pro2023
  • WH-1000XM620252 yr newer
What differsStudio ProWH-1000XM6

Platform

Top codec
AAC
LC3
LE Audio (LC3)
No
Yes

Everyday features

Wear detection
No
Yes

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

Specifications

Studio ProWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$350
$400
HearWiki score
75
89
Released
2023
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
2× 40 mm driver
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
-
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
2
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
-
48 Ω
Sensitivity
-
103 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
40 h
40 h
Battery life (ANC on)
24 h
30 h
Full charge time
-
210 min
Quick charge
10 min → 4 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
buttons
buttons
Voice assistant
Siri
Yes
Weight
260 g
254 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
Yes
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
6
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Beats Studio Pro

The Beats Studio Pro are over-ear wireless headphones with adaptive active noise cancellation and a transparency mode. With custom 40mm drivers and support for spatial audio, they deliver a versatile and feature-rich experience for both Apple and Android users.

  • Pro:Adaptive ANC and transparency mode for flexible listening
  • Pro:USB-C audio with built-in DAC for high-quality wired use
  • Pro:Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint for seamless device switching
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:Only supports SBC and AAC codecs, no high-res wireless options
  • Con:No wireless charging capability

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 comparisonBeats Studio ProSony WH-1000XM6