Skip to content
HearWiki

HiFiMAN Arya 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
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
79
89
Sound
9.0
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?

Same generation

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is 4 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Sony WH-1000XM6 adds USB-C. For 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Arya2021
  • WH-1000XM620254 yr newer
What differsAryaWH-1000XM6

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

AryaWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$600
$400
HearWiki score
79
89
Released
2021
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
1
Frequency response
8 Hz - 65 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Sound signature
neutral-bright
-
Impedance
35 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
-
Yes
ANC type
-
adaptive
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
Yes
Controls
-
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
404 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Balanced connection
Yes
-
Microphones
-
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN Arya

The HiFiMAN Arya is a wired open-back planar magnetic headphone with a neutral-bright sound signature, emphasizing clarity and detail across a wide frequency range. It offers a balanced connection for audiophile setups and a lightweight 404g frame, though it requires an external amp to perform at its best. Pricing around $599 positions it as a high-value option in the planar flagship tier.

  • Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and resolution
  • Pro:Neutral-bright tuning with natural timbre
  • Pro:Wide soundstage and precise imaging
  • Con:Requires a powerful amplifier
  • Con:Open-back design leaks sound
  • Con:Bright treble may fatigue sensitive listeners

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.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonHiFiMAN AryaSony WH-1000XM6