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Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed X 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.

  • Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed X
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
65
89
Sound
7.8
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
-
8.2
Price (USD)
$680
$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 Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed X (2020). 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.

  • Aeon Closed X2020
  • WH-1000XM620255 yr newer
What differsAeon Closed XWH-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

Aeon Closed XWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$680
$400
HearWiki score
65
89
Released
2020
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
62 mm planar magnetic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
planar
dynamic
Driver size
62 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
14 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
91 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
-
Yes
Weight
342 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
-
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed X

The Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed X is a wired, closed-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers a neutral-leaning sound with clear mids, punchy bass, and deep extension. It stands out for its light weight and spacious soundstage for a closed design, though it can sound sharp in the treble without its damping inserts and benefits from a capable amplifier for best performance.

  • Pro:Lightweight for a planar magnetic design
  • Pro:Neutral, detailed sound with clear mids and punchy bass
  • Pro:Unusually spacious soundstage for closed-back headphones
  • Con:Treble can be sharp without included damping inserts
  • Con:Damping inserts reduce dynamics when used
  • Con:Benefits from ample amplifier current despite low impedance

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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