Over-Ear
Audio-Technica Ad900x
68Good
$220
Full review dataAudio-Technica Ad900x 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.
Over-Ear
Sony WH-1000XM6
89Outstanding
$400
Full review dataScore 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 Ad900x
- Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
68
89
Sound
7.6
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
6.6
8.2
Price (USD)
$220
$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 Ad900x (2012). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.
- Ad900x2012
- WH-1000XM6202513 yr newer
What differsAd900xWH-1000XM6
- ANC type
- None
- Adaptive
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
Platform
Everyday features
Specifications
Ad900xWH-1000XM6
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $220
- $400
- HearWiki score
- 68
- 89
- Released
- 2012
- 2025
- Availability
- Still 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 - 35 kHz
- 4 Hz - 40 kHz
- Impedance
- 38 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
- Voice assistant
- -
- Yes
- Weight
- 265 g
- 254 g
- Water resistance
- -
- none
- Detachable cable
- No
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- 3.5 mm
- Microphones
- -
- 12
- Microphone type
- -
- MEMS
What reviewers said
Audio-Technica Ad900x
The Audio-Technica AD900X is an open-back, wired over-ear headphone designed for quiet environments, offering a lightweight and comfortable fit with an airy, spacious soundstage. Its 53 mm drivers deliver clean, detailed audio at normal volumes, though the plastic build and light bass response may not suit bass-heavy listeners. Best for those seeking an entry-level open-back experience with extended highs and easy driving.
- Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Pro:Wide, airy soundstage with detailed highs
- Pro:Low distortion at typical listening levels
- Con:Plastic build feels less premium
- Con:Bass and mids are somewhat thin
- Con:Open-back design offers minimal isolation and leaks sound
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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