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Focal Listen 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 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 6 of 7 measures.

  • Focal Listen Pro
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
73
89
Sound
8.1
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
7.9
8.2
Price (USD)
$300
$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 Focal Listen Pro (2016). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None.

  • Listen Pro2016
  • WH-1000XM620259 yr newer
What differsListen ProWH-1000XM6

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Specifications

Listen ProWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$300
$400
HearWiki score
73
89
Released
2016
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
40 mm dynamic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
5 Hz - 23 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
122 dB/mW
103 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
122
-
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
280 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
Yes
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
-
Yes
Pad material
velour
-
Connector
3.5 mm
3.5 mm
Microphones
-
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Focal Listen Pro

The Focal Listen Pro is a wired, closed-back over-ear headphone built for studio and everyday use, featuring a 40mm dynamic driver and a lightweight, foldable design with velour pads. It offers strong build quality and comfort for long sessions, but its sound signature leans toward a bass-emphasized, non-neutral tuning that may not suit critical mixing without EQ correction. With high sensitivity and low impedance, it performs well at low volumes and includes a practical accessory set.

  • Pro:Durable, sturdy construction
  • Pro:Comfortable velour pads for long wear
  • Pro:Foldable and portable design
  • Con:Sound tuning is not neutral, with bass emphasis and midrange coloration
  • Con:Not ideal for critical mixing or mastering without calibration
  • Con:Lacks active noise cancellation

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 comparisonFocal Listen ProSony WH-1000XM6