Over-Ear
Grado Hemp
67Good
$500
Full review dataGrado Hemp 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.
Over-Ear
Sony WH-1000XM6
89Outstanding
$400
Full review dataScore 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.
- Grado Hemp
- Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
67
89
Sound
7.8
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
6.7
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 Grado Hemp (2020). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None.
- Hemp2020
- WH-1000XM620255 yr newer
What differsHempWH-1000XM6
- ANC type
- None
- Adaptive
Platform
Specifications
HempWH-1000XM6
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $500
- $400
- HearWiki score
- 67
- 89
- Released
- 2020
- 2025
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 44 mm dynamic
- 30 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- dynamic
- Driver size
- 44 mm
- 30 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 1
- Frequency response
- 13 Hz - 28 kHz
- 4 Hz - 40 kHz
- Impedance
- 38 Ω
- 48 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 98 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
- buttons
- Voice assistant
- -
- Yes
- Weight
- 218 g
- 254 g
- Water resistance
- -
- none
- Detachable cable
- -
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- Yes
- Connector
- -
- 3.5 mm
- Microphones
- -
- 12
- Microphone type
- -
- MEMS
What reviewers said
Grado Hemp
The Grado Hemp is an open-back, wired over-ear headphone with a 44mm dynamic driver, tuned for a lively, treble-forward sound that appeals to audiophiles and fans of Grado's signature character. It offers detailed, textured audio with an engaging presentation, though its niche design means it's not ideal for everyday mixed use. The lightweight build is offset by a non-isolating open-back structure and a cable that may require some getting used to.
- Pro:Detailed and clear sound with a lively character
- Pro:Lightweight open-back design for an airy presentation
- Pro:Engaging, textured audio that suits music-focused listening
- Con:No noise isolation due to open-back construction
- Con:Comfort may wane during extended listening sessions
- Con:Cable handling can be finicky
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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