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Dyson OnTrac 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 4 of 7 measures.

  • Dyson OnTrac
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
77
89
Sound
7.9
9.0
Noise cancelling
8.8
9.6
Battery
9.4
8.1
Calls
6.5
9.6
Value
9.0
8.2
Price (USD)
$250
$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?

New platform

Sony WH-1000XM6 (2025) against Dyson OnTrac (2024). The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.0, LE Audio (LC3) and ANC type Adaptive against Hybrid. It also adds Multipoint pairing and Custom EQ.

  • OnTrac2024
  • WH-1000XM620251 yr newer
What differsOnTracWH-1000XM6

Platform

Bluetooth
5.0
5.3
LE Audio (LC3)
No
Yes
ANC type
Hybrid
Adaptive

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes

Level on: Top codec, USB-C, Wear detection, Transparency mode, Companion app.

Specifications

OnTracWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$250
$400
HearWiki score
77
89
Released
2024
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
2× 40 mm dynamic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
2
1
Frequency response
6 Hz - 21 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Sound signature
neutral
-
Impedance
16 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
94 dB/mW
103 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.0
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC, LHDC
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Wireless range
9 m
10 m
Battery life
55 h
40 h
Battery life (ANC on)
55 h
30 h
Full charge time
30 min
210 min
Quick charge
-
3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
hybrid
adaptive
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
both
buttons
Voice assistant
Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
Yes
Weight
451 g
254 g
Water resistance
none
none
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
USB-C
3.5 mm
Microphones
9
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS
Call noise reduction
Yes
-

What reviewers said

Dyson OnTrac

The Dyson OnTrac are wireless over-ear headphones with a neutral sound signature, effective hybrid ANC, and an exceptional 55-hour battery life. They offer a customizable design and solid build, though they don't quite lead the pack in sound excitement or overall value at their price point.

  • Pro:Neutral, balanced sound profile
  • Pro:Excellent 55-hour battery life with ANC on
  • Pro:Strong hybrid active noise cancellation
  • Con:Lacks multipoint connectivity
  • Con:No custom EQ or wireless charging
  • Con:Heavier than many rivals at 451g

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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