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Austrian Audio Hi-X55 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.

  • Austrian Audio Hi-X55
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
44
89
Sound
5.3
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
4.5
8.2
Price (USD)
$350
$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 Austrian Audio Hi-X55 (2020). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • Hi-X552020
  • WH-1000XM620255 yr newer
What differsHi-X55WH-1000XM6

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

Hi-X55WH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$350
$400
HearWiki score
44
89
Released
2020
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
44 mm dynamic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
44 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
-
1
Frequency response
5 Hz - 28 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Sound signature
mid-forward
-
Impedance
25 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
102 dB/mW
103 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
118
-
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
305 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

Austrian Audio Hi-X55

The Austrian Audio Hi-X55 is a wired, closed-back over-ear headphone aimed at studio monitoring, featuring a 44mm dynamic driver and a mid-forward sound signature. It offers solid build quality, comfortable long-session wear, and passive isolation, though its tuning may not suit casual listeners. With a detachable cable and foldable design, it's a practical professional tool, but its price demands a preference for analytical accuracy over consumer-friendly warmth.

  • Pro:Sturdy build quality
  • Pro:Comfortable for long listening sessions
  • Pro:Detachable cable and foldable design
  • Con:Sound may not be competitive for the price
  • Con:Treble can be sharp at times
  • Con:Mid-forward tuning not ideal for casual 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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