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Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 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 6 of 7 measures.

  • Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
63
88
Sound
7.5
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
8.0
8.2
Price (USD)
$200
$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 990 Pro (2015). 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 990 Pro2015
  • WH-1000XM6202510 yr newer
What differsDT 990 ProWH-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

DT 990 ProWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$200
$400
HearWiki score
63
88
Released
2015
2025
Availability
Discontinued
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
-
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
80 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
-
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
buttons
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
250 g
254 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
No
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
6.35 mm
3.5 mm
Model code
459038
-
Microphones
-
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is a wired, open-back studio headphone known for its detailed, accurate sound and lightweight comfort. Its 250-ohm impedance requires a dedicated amplifier for best performance, and the fixed cable is a notable long-term limitation. Overall, it's a solid choice for critical listening at home, but not for portable or casual use.

  • Pro:Very detailed and accurate sound reproduction
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
  • Pro:Open-back design provides a wide, airy soundstage
  • Con:Requires a powerful external amp to drive properly
  • Con:Non-detachable cable limits repairability
  • Con:No built-in controls or app support

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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