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HiFiMAN Arya Stealth 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 5 of 7 measures.

  • HiFiMAN Arya Stealth
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
81
89
Sound
9.1
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
9.2
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 HiFiMAN Arya Stealth (2021). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • Arya Stealth2021
  • WH-1000XM620254 yr newer
What differsArya StealthWH-1000XM6

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

Arya StealthWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$600
$400
HearWiki score
81
89
Released
2021
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
130 mm planar magnetic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
planar
dynamic
Driver size
130 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
8 Hz - 65 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
-
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
430 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Balanced connection
Yes
-
Microphones
-
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN Arya Stealth

The HiFiMAN Arya Stealth is a refined open-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers excellent resolution, a wide soundstage, and precise imaging for its price point. It builds on the original Arya with a lower 32-ohm impedance and updated Stealth Magnet technology, offering a lively and spacious presentation. While it excels technically, it has a lighter bass response and a noticeable midrange dip, and the build quality feels less premium than its acoustic performance suggests.

  • Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and resolution
  • Pro:Spacious, well-defined soundstage
  • Pro:Precise imaging for instrument placement
  • Con:Bass impact is weaker than expected
  • Con:Noticeable midrange dip around 1 kHz
  • Con:Build quality feels less premium than sound quality

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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