Skip to content
HearWiki

HiFiMAN Audivina 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 7 of 7 measures.

  • HiFiMAN Audivina
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
59
89
Sound
7.0
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
5.3
8.2
Price (USD)
$700
$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 2 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.

  • Audivina2023
  • WH-1000XM620252 yr newer
What differsAudivinaWH-1000XM6

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

AudivinaWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$700
$400
HearWiki score
59
89
Released
2023
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
90 mm planar magnetic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
planar
dynamic
Driver size
90 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
5 Hz - 55 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
20 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
97 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
-
Yes
ANC type
-
adaptive
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
Yes
Controls
-
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
470 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 Audivina

The HiFiMAN Audivina is a closed-back planar magnetic over-ear headphone with a large 90mm driver, offering a spacious, detailed sound that shines with classical and jazz. It features a premium build and accessory package, though its specialized tuning and large cup size make it a niche pick rather than an all-rounder. With a 20-ohm impedance and balanced support, it pairs well with quality wired sources.

  • Pro:Spacious, open-sounding stage for a closed-back design
  • Pro:Excellent detail and midrange clarity for classical and jazz
  • Pro:Premium build and generous accessory bundle
  • Con:Large ear cups may feel bulky for some users
  • Con:Specialized tuning limits its versatility across genres
  • Con:Isolation is weaker than typical closed-back models

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 AudivinaSony WH-1000XM6