HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V2 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

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.

HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V2
Sony WH-1000XM6

HearWiki score

Sound

8.2

9.0

Noise cancelling

9.6

Battery

8.1

Calls

9.6

Value

6.9

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?

Half a step newer

Sony WH-1000XM6 (2025) against HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V2 (2023). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Wear detection and Transparency mode.

Ananda Stealth V22023
WH-1000XM620252 yr newer

What differsAnanda Stealth V2WH-1000XM6

ANC type: None; Adaptive
Multipoint pairing: No; Yes
USB-C: No; Yes
Wear detection: No; Yes
Transparency mode: No; Yes
Custom EQ: No; Yes
Companion app: No; Yes

Specifications

Ananda Stealth V2WH-1000XM6

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $250; $400
HearWiki score: 78; 89
Released: 2023; 2025
Availability: Still sold new; Sold new
Driver: planar magnetic; 30 mm dynamic
Driver type: planar; dynamic
Driver size: -; 30 mm
Drivers per side: -; 1
Frequency response: 8 Hz - 55 kHz; 4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance: 26 Ω; 48 Ω
Sensitivity: 93 dB/mW; 103 dB/mW
Bluetooth: -; 5.3
Codecs: -; SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing: No; Yes
Wireless range: -; 10 m
Battery life: -; 40 h
Battery life (ANC on): -; 30 h
Full charge time: -; 210 min
Quick charge: none; 3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging: No; No
Active noise cancelling: No; Yes
ANC type: none; adaptive
Transparency mode: No; Yes
Companion app: No; Yes
Custom EQ: No; Yes
Wear detection: No; Yes
Controls: none; buttons
Voice assistant: -; Yes
Weight: 440 g; 254 g
Water resistance: none; none
Detachable cable: -; Yes
USB-C: No; Yes
Connector: -; 3.5 mm
Balanced connection: Yes; -
Microphones: -; 12
Microphone type: -; MEMS

Specification comparison of HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Spec	HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V2	Sony WH-1000XM6
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$250	$400
HearWiki score	78 / 100 Great	89 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2023	2025
Audio
Driver	planar magnetic	30 mm dynamic
Driver type	planar	dynamic
Driver size	-	30 mm
Drivers per side	-	1
Frequency response	8 Hz - 55 kHz	4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance	26 Ω	48 Ω
Sensitivity	93 dB/mW	103 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth	-	5.3
Codecs	-	SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing	No	Yes
Wireless range	-	10 m
Battery
Battery life	-	40 h
Battery life (ANC on)	-	30 h
Full charge time	-	210 min
Quick charge	none	3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging	No	No
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	Yes
ANC type	none	adaptive
Transparency mode	No	Yes
Companion app	No	Yes
Custom EQ	No	Yes
Wear detection	No	Yes
Controls	none	buttons
Voice assistant	-	Yes
Design
Weight	440 g	254 g
Water resistance	none	none
Detachable cable	-	Yes
USB-C	No	Yes
Connector	-	3.5 mm
Balanced connection	Yes	-
Calls
Microphones	-	12
Microphone type	-	MEMS

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V2

The HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V2 is an open-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers strong technical performance with easy driving requirements. Its tonal balance is praised for being natural and responsive to equalization, though comfort details like the inner foam and limited earcup swivel may deter some users. Overall, it offers solid value for those seeking a detailed, spacious listening experience without amplification demands.

Pro:Excellent technical performance and clarity
Pro:Easy to drive with low impedance and high sensitivity
Pro:Natural tonal balance that responds well to EQ

Con:Distinct treble peaks that may vary in perception
Con:Comfort issues with inner foam and lack of earcup swivel
Con:No included carrying case or accessories beyond basic cable

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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