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Audio-Technica A990z 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.

  • Audio-Technica A990z
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
77
89
Sound
8.2
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
7.5
8.2
Price (USD)
$250
$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

Both shipped in 2025. The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • A990z2025
  • WH-1000XM62025
What differsA990zWH-1000XM6

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

A990zWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$250
$400
HearWiki score
77
89
Released
2025
2025
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
53 mm dynamic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
53 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
5 Hz - 42 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
44 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
100 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
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
335 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
3.5 mm
Microphones
-
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Audio-Technica A990z

The Audio-Technica A990Z is a wired, closed-back over-ear headphone built for stationary listening and studio-style use, prioritizing comfort and sound quality over portability. It delivers a spacious presentation with strong detail and a wide frequency range, though its tuning leans bright with a pronounced low end, which may not suit all music genres. Its solid isolation and sturdy build make it a viable option for home sessions and light mixing, but it’s not designed for on-the-go use.

  • Pro:Excellent passive isolation for a closed-back design
  • Pro:Comfortable fit suitable for extended listening sessions
  • Pro:Spacious and detailed soundstage for a closed-back model
  • Con:Bright and bass-heavy tuning may not suit all musical tastes
  • Con:Wired-only design with no ANC limits portability
  • Con:Imaging can be inconsistent, and bass may come across as boomy

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 comparisonAudio-Technica A990zSony WH-1000XM6
Audio-Technica A990z (77) vs Sony WH-1000XM6 (89): which is better? - HearWiki