Beyerdynamic DT 150 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.

Beyerdynamic DT 150
Sony WH-1000XM6

HearWiki score

Sound

6.1

9.0

Noise cancelling

9.6

Battery

8.1

Calls

9.6

Value

3.3

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 Beyerdynamic DT 150 (2019). 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.

DT 1502019
WH-1000XM620256 yr newer

What differsDT 150WH-1000XM6

ANC type: None; Adaptive
USB-C: No; Yes
Wear detection: No; Yes
Transparency mode: No; Yes
Custom EQ: No; Yes
Companion app: No; Yes

Specifications

DT 150WH-1000XM6

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $330; $400
HearWiki score: 54; 89
Released: 2019; 2025
Availability: Still sold new; Sold new
Driver: 38 mm dynamic; 30 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 38 mm; 30 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: -; 4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance: 250 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: No; Yes
Weight: 250 g; 254 g
Water resistance: -; none
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: No; Yes
Connector: 6.35 mm; 3.5 mm
Model code: 455970; -
Microphones: -; 12
Microphone type: -; MEMS
Call noise reduction: No; -

Specification comparison of Beyerdynamic DT 150 vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Spec	Beyerdynamic DT 150	Sony WH-1000XM6
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$330	$400
HearWiki score	54 / 100 Average	89 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2019	2025
Audio
Driver	38 mm dynamic	30 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	38 mm	30 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	-	4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance	250 Ω	48 Ω
Sensitivity	97 dB/mW	103 dB/mW
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	none	adaptive
Transparency mode	No	Yes
Companion app	No	Yes
Custom EQ	No	Yes
Wear detection	No	Yes
Controls	none	buttons
Voice assistant	No	Yes
Design
Weight	250 g	254 g
Water resistance	-	none
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	No	Yes
Connector	6.35 mm	3.5 mm
Model code	455970	-
Calls
Microphones	-	12
Microphone type	-	MEMS
Call noise reduction	No	-

What reviewers said

Beyerdynamic DT 150

The Beyerdynamic DT 150 is a wired, closed-back studio headphone built for professional monitoring, featuring a 38 mm dynamic driver and a high 250-ohm impedance. It delivers a strong midrange but has a non-neutral frequency response with pronounced bass and uneven treble, making it better suited for monitoring tasks than critical listening. Its robust build and good passive isolation are offset by a demanding impedance that requires a capable amplifier.

Pro:Robust, durable build suited for studio use
Pro:Good passive isolation for a closed-back design
Pro:Strong midrange presence from 300 Hz to 3 kHz

Con:Non-neutral tuning with uneven treble response
Con:High impedance (250 ohms) requires a powerful amp
Con:Not ideal for critical mix evaluation or hi-fi 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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