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ASTRO Gaming A50X 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 7 of 7 measures.

  • ASTRO Gaming A50X
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
81
89
Sound
8.8
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
5.8
8.1
Calls
8.7
9.6
Value
6.4
8.2
Price (USD)
$400
$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 ASTRO Gaming A50X (2024). The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.x, Top codec LC3 against SBC, LE Audio (LC3) and ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds Multipoint pairing.

  • A50X2024
  • WH-1000XM620251 yr newer
What differsA50XWH-1000XM6

Platform

Bluetooth
5.x
5.3
Top codec
SBC
LC3
LE Audio (LC3)
No
Yes
ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes

Level on: USB-C, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

A50XWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$400
$400
HearWiki score
81
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
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Sound signature
neutral
-
Impedance
35 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
-
103 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.x
5.3
Codecs
SBC
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wireless range
12 m
10 m
Battery life
24 h
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
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
-
Yes
Controls
both
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
364 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Pad material
velour
-
Clamp force
411 g
-
Connector
USB-C
3.5 mm
Microphones
1
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

ASTRO Gaming A50X

The ASTRO Gaming A50X is a premium wireless gaming headset built around a base station that enables seamless switching between consoles and PC. It delivers strong audio with a comfortable velour fit and long battery life, but its niche, dock-dependent design and lack of noise cancellation make it best for dedicated multi-platform gamers.

  • Pro:Excellent audio quality for gaming
  • Pro:Comfortable velour ear pads for long sessions
  • Pro:Seamless multi-device switching via base station
  • Con:No active noise cancellation at a high price
  • Con:Requires base station, limiting portability
  • Con:Only SBC Bluetooth codec support

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 comparisonASTRO Gaming A50XSony WH-1000XM6