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Beyerdynamic DT 280 MK II 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 7 of 7 measures.

  • Beyerdynamic DT 280 MK II
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
57
89
Sound
6.0
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
6.5
9.6
Value
5.5
8.2
Price (USD)
$400
$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 Beyerdynamic DT 280 MK II (2019). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None.

  • DT 280 MK II2019
  • WH-1000XM620256 yr newer
What differsDT 280 MK IIWH-1000XM6

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Specifications

DT 280 MK IIWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$400
$400
HearWiki score
57
89
Released
2019
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
dynamic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
-
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
-
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
80 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
100 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
170 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
-
Yes
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
1
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Beyerdynamic DT 280 MK II

The Beyerdynamic DT 280 MK II is a closed, over-ear broadcast headset designed for professional studio and communication use, offering strong passive isolation and clear voice capture via its pivoting boom mic. It features a detachable cable, replaceable ear cushions, and a single dynamic driver, making it a practical choice for production environments. With an 80-ohm impedance and 100 dB sensitivity, it pairs well with standard broadcast gear, though it lacks active noise cancellation and wireless connectivity.

  • Pro:Closed-back design provides strong passive isolation
  • Pro:Detachable cable and replaceable ear cushions enhance durability
  • Pro:Pivoting boom microphone ensures clear voice pickup
  • Con:No active noise cancellation, relying solely on passive isolation
  • Con:Wired-only connection limits portability
  • Con:Single-ear design may not suit all monitoring tasks

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 comparisonBeyerdynamic DT 280 MK IISony WH-1000XM6