Audio Technica ATH-R70x 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

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-R70x
Sony WH-1000XM6

HearWiki score

Sound

8.8

9.0

Noise cancelling

9.6

Battery

8.1

Calls

9.6

Value

8.2

Price (USD)

$380

$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 ATH-R70x (2014). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

ATH-R70x2014
WH-1000XM6202511 yr newer

What differsATH-R70xWH-1000XM6

ANC type: None; Adaptive
USB-C: No; Yes

Specifications

ATH-R70xWH-1000XM6

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $380; $400
HearWiki score: 77; 89
Released: 2014; 2025
Availability: Still sold new; Sold new
Driver: 45 mm dynamic; 30 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 45 mm; 30 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 40 kHz; 4 Hz - 40 kHz
Sound signature: neutral-warm; -
Impedance: 470 Ω; 48 Ω
Sensitivity: 98 dB/mW; 103 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms): 104; -
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: none; buttons
Voice assistant: -; Yes
Weight: 210 g; 254 g
Water resistance: -; none
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: No; Yes
Connector: 2.5 mm balanced; 3.5 mm
Balanced connection: Yes; -
Microphones: -; 12
Microphone type: -; MEMS

Specification comparison of Audio Technica ATH-R70x vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Spec	Audio Technica ATH-R70x	Sony WH-1000XM6
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$380	$400
HearWiki score	77 / 100 Great	89 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2014	2025
Audio
Driver	45 mm dynamic	30 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	45 mm	30 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	5 Hz - 40 kHz	4 Hz - 40 kHz
Sound signature	neutral-warm	-
Impedance	470 Ω	48 Ω
Sensitivity	98 dB/mW	103 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)	104	-
Wireless
Bluetooth	-	5.3
Codecs	-	SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing	-	Yes
Wireless range	-	10 m
Battery
Battery life	-	40 h
Battery life (ANC on)	-	30 h
Full charge time	-	210 min
Quick charge	-	3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging	-	No
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	Yes
ANC type	-	adaptive
Transparency mode	-	Yes
Companion app	-	Yes
Custom EQ	-	Yes
Wear detection	-	Yes
Controls	none	buttons
Voice assistant	-	Yes
Design
Weight	210 g	254 g
Water resistance	-	none
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	No	Yes
Connector	2.5 mm balanced	3.5 mm
Balanced connection	Yes	-
Calls
Microphones	-	12
Microphone type	-	MEMS

What reviewers said

Audio Technica ATH-R70x

The Audio Technica ATH-R70x is an open-back, wired headphone designed for critical listening and mixing, offering a neutral-warm sound signature with a spacious and natural presentation. Its ultra-lightweight frame and comfortable fit make it easy to wear for long sessions, though its high 470-ohm impedance demands a dedicated amplifier to reach its full potential. With low distortion and a well-balanced midrange, it serves as a reliable reference tool for studio work and detailed music enjoyment.

Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions
Pro:Neutral-warm sound with accurate midrange and controlled bass
Pro:Open, spacious soundstage with natural imaging

Con:High impedance requires a powerful amplifier to drive properly
Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
Con:No built-in controls or wireless features

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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