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Dan Clark Audio Aeon Open X vs Sony WH-1000XM6: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Dan Clark Audio Aeon Open X vs Sony WH-1000XM6, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

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 Open X
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
-
89
Sound
-
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
-
8.2
Price (USD)
$500
$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 Open X (2018). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None.

  • Aeon Open X2018
  • WH-1000XM620257 yr newer
What differsAeon Open XWH-1000XM6

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Specifications

Aeon Open XWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$500
$400
HearWiki score
Not scored
89
Released
2018
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
planar magnetic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
planar
dynamic
Driver size
-
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
13 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
94 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
326 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
-
Yes
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
-
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Dan Clark Audio Aeon Open X

The Dan Clark Audio Aeon Open X is an open-back planar magnetic headphone that combines a lightweight, portable design with full-size comfort. Its construction uses titanium alloy, aluminum, and carbon fiber, along with a hinge-free titanium headband for durability and a secure fit.

  • Pro:Lightweight and portable design
  • Pro:High-quality materials like titanium and carbon fiber
  • Pro:Open-back planar drivers for detailed sound
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Requires a dedicated amplifier due to low impedance and sensitivity
  • Con:Open-back design leaks sound and lets in ambient noise

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 comparisonDan Clark Audio Aeon Open XSony WH-1000XM6