Over-Ear
Grado PS500x
70Good
$600
Full review dataGrado PS500x 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 PS500x
- Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
70
89
Sound
8.2
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
-
8.2
Price (USD)
$600
$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 PS500x (2024). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None.
- PS500x2024
- WH-1000XM620251 yr newer
What differsPS500xWH-1000XM6
- ANC type
- None
- Adaptive
Platform
Specifications
PS500xWH-1000XM6
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $600
- $400
- HearWiki score
- 70
- 89
- Released
- 2024
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- 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
- 14 Hz - 29 kHz
- 4 Hz - 40 kHz
- Impedance
- 32 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
- Voice assistant
- -
- Yes
- Weight
- 215 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 PS500x
The Grado PS500x is an open-back, wired over-ear headphone aimed at audiophiles and studio use, featuring a 44mm dynamic driver and a 32-ohm impedance that makes it easy to drive from portable sources. It delivers an energetic, open sound with strong bass and good timing, though its open design leaks sound heavily and its build feels utilitarian rather than luxurious. Tuning sets it apart from other Grado models, offering competitive detail and the brand's signature presentation.
- Pro:Energetic and entertaining sound with strong bass
- Pro:Easy to drive from portable devices thanks to 32-ohm impedance
- Pro:Open, informative presentation with good timing
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound heavily, unsuitable for public use
- Con:Build quality feels basic and not luxurious
- Con:Refinement could be better compared to rivals
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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