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Audio-Technica R50x vs Sony WH-1000XM6: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sony WH-1000XM6 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 88. 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 5 of 7 measures.

  • Audio-Technica R50x
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
80
88
Sound
8.4
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
8.7
8.2
Price (USD)
$170
$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

Both shipped in 2025. The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • R50x2025
  • WH-1000XM62025
What differsR50xWH-1000XM6

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

R50xWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$170
$400
HearWiki score
80
88
Released
2025
2025
Availability
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
50 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
93.3 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
207 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Pad material
velour
-
Connector
3.5 mm
3.5 mm
Microphones
-
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Audio-Technica R50x

The Audio-Technica R50x is a lightweight, open-back wired headphone designed for studio monitoring and mixing tasks. It delivers a neutral-leaning sound with a wide soundstage, fast transients, and a boosted low end, while its 50-ohm impedance makes it easy to drive from everyday devices. The package includes dual detachable cables, though the headband adjustment mechanism could be smoother.

  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
  • Pro:Open, airy soundstage with fast transients
  • Pro:Easy to drive from phones or laptops
  • Con:Headband adjustment feels rough or not smooth
  • Con:Open-back design leaks sound and lets noise in
  • Con:Build quality may feel basic at this price

Sony WH-1000XM6

This premium over-ear headphone delivers class-leading adaptive noise cancellation and a well-balanced sound profile, with support for high-resolution LDAC streaming. Its 30-hour battery life, multipoint Bluetooth 5.3, and intuitive button controls make it a versatile choice for both travel and daily listening. The lightweight build and 12-microphone array also ensure clear calls and effective transparency mode.

  • Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
  • Pro:Supports LDAC for high-quality wireless audio
  • Pro:Comfortable and light at 254g
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:Battery drops to 24 hours with ANC on
  • Con:No touch controls—buttons only

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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