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Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC vs Sony WH-1000XM6: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC vs Sony WH-1000XM6, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

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 ATH-AL5NC
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
-
89
Sound
-
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
-
8.2
Price (USD)
$280
$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

The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: LE Audio (LC3).

  • ATH-AL5NCYear unknown
  • WH-1000XM62025
What differsATH-AL5NCWH-1000XM6

Platform

LE Audio (LC3)
No
Yes

Level on: Bluetooth, Top codec, Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

ATH-AL5NCWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$280
$400
HearWiki score
Not scored
89
Released
-
2025
Availability
Availability unknown
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
20 Hz - 40 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
52 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
103 dB/mW
103 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC, LDAC
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
10 m
10 m
Battery life
75 h
40 h
Battery life (ANC on)
50 h
30 h
Full charge time
210 min
210 min
Quick charge
15 min → 8 h
3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
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
240 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
Yes
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
3.5 mm
Microphones
1
12
Microphone type
MEMS
MEMS
Mic sensitivity
-38 dBV
-

What reviewers said

Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC

The ATH-AL5NC blends the airy sound of an open-back design with the convenience of wireless listening, powered by large 53 mm drivers. It offers exceptional battery life, adaptable noise cancellation, and support for high-resolution LDAC streaming, making it a versatile option for both music and media. The included low-latency mode further enhances its appeal for gaming and video consumption. With multipoint connectivity and a foldable build, it's designed for everyday flexibility.

  • Pro:Excellent battery life, especially with ANC off
  • Pro:Supports high-quality LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs
  • Pro:Large 53 mm drivers for a spacious soundstage
  • Con:Single microphone may limit call clarity in noisy settings
  • Con:52-ohm impedance might require more power from some devices
  • Con:Open-back design may leak sound and let in ambient noise

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 ATH-AL5NCSony WH-1000XM6