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Audio-Technica Ad2000x 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.

  • Audio-Technica Ad2000x
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
57
89
Sound
7.4
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
3.0
8.2
Price (USD)
$700
$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 Audio-Technica Ad2000x (2012). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • Ad2000x2012
  • WH-1000XM6202513 yr newer
What differsAd2000xWH-1000XM6

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

Ad2000xWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$700
$400
HearWiki score
57
89
Released
2012
2025
Availability
Discontinued
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 - 45 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
40 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
103 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
265 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
3.5 mm
Balanced connection
Yes
-
Microphones
-
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Audio-Technica Ad2000x

The Audio-Technica AD2000X is a lightweight, open-back over-ear headphone designed for high-fidelity listening, featuring a 53mm dynamic driver and an impressively wide frequency response. It is built to be easily driven and offers a balanced connection, though it lacks active noise cancellation and USB-C compatibility. The sound is described as detailed, lush, and organic, with tight bass, but the open-back design means it offers no isolation and it may not be as comfortable as its predecessor.

  • Pro:Detailed and lush sound with tight bass
  • Pro:Lightweight design at 265g
  • Pro:Wide frequency response from 5 Hz to 45 kHz
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Open-back design offers no sound isolation
  • Con:Comfort may be less than older AD-2000 model

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 comparisonAudio-Technica Ad2000xSony WH-1000XM6