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Audio-Technica M70x 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 M70x
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
56
89
Sound
6.8
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
3.8
8.2
Price (USD)
$330
$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 M70x (2014). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C, Wear detection, Transparency mode and Custom EQ.

  • M70x2014
  • WH-1000XM6202511 yr newer
What differsM70xWH-1000XM6

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
Yes
Transparency mode
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes

Specifications

M70xWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$330
$400
HearWiki score
56
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
Impedance
35 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
97 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
none
adaptive
Transparency mode
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
Yes
Controls
none
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
280 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
Yes
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
3.5 mm
Microphones
-
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Audio-Technica M70x

The Audio-Technica M70x are wired over-ear studio monitors designed for critical listening, with a clear and balanced sound that highlights instruments and vocals. They feature a lightweight, foldable build with detachable cables, making them a durable choice for professionals, though they lack noise cancellation and have limited bass impact. Best suited for controlled environments like studios, they prioritize accuracy over casual versatility.

  • Pro:Balanced, articulate sound with strong detail and separation
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
  • Pro:Foldable design with detachable, replaceable cables
  • Con:Light bass response may not suit bass-heavy genres
  • Con:No noise isolation, so external sounds leak in
  • Con:Not ideal for casual or on-the-go listening

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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