HiFiMAN Deva Pro 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 Deva Pro
Sony WH-1000XM6

HearWiki score

Sound

7.4

9.0

Noise cancelling

9.6

Battery

4.0

8.1

Calls

4.0

9.6

Value

7.4

8.2

Price (USD)

$200

$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?

New platform

Sony WH-1000XM6 (2025) against HiFiMAN Deva Pro (2021). The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.0, LE Audio (LC3) and ANC type Adaptive against None.

Deva Pro2021
WH-1000XM620254 yr newer

What differsDeva ProWH-1000XM6

Bluetooth: 5.0; 5.3
LE Audio (LC3): No; Yes
ANC type: None; Adaptive

Level on: Top codec, USB-C.

Specifications

Deva ProWH-1000XM6

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $200; $400
HearWiki score: 64; 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: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; 4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance: 18 Ω; 48 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 103 dB/mW
Bluetooth: 5.0; 5.3
Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC; SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing: -; Yes
Wireless range: -; 10 m
Battery life: 6 h; 40 h
Battery life (ANC on): -; 30 h
Full charge time: -; 210 min
Quick charge: -; 3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging: No; 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: 360 g; 254 g
Water resistance: none; none
Detachable cable: -; Yes
USB-C: Yes; Yes
Connector: -; 3.5 mm
Balanced connection: Yes; -
Microphones: -; 12
Microphone type: -; MEMS

Specification comparison of HiFiMAN Deva Pro vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Spec	HiFiMAN Deva Pro	Sony WH-1000XM6
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$200	$400
HearWiki score	64 / 100 Good	89 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2021	2025
Audio
Driver	planar magnetic	30 mm dynamic
Driver type	planar	dynamic
Driver size	-	30 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance	18 Ω	48 Ω
Sensitivity	-	103 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth	5.0	5.3
Codecs	SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC	SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing	-	Yes
Wireless range	-	10 m
Battery
Battery life	6 h	40 h
Battery life (ANC on)	-	30 h
Full charge time	-	210 min
Quick charge	-	3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging	No	No
Features
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
Design
Weight	360 g	254 g
Water resistance	none	none
Detachable cable	-	Yes
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Connector	-	3.5 mm
Balanced connection	Yes	-
Calls
Microphones	-	12
Microphone type	-	MEMS

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN Deva Pro

The HiFiMAN Deva Pro is an open-back planar magnetic headphone that shines as a versatile entry-level option, performing well both wired and wirelessly thanks to its Bluetooth 5.0 support with high-quality codecs like LDAC and aptX HD. It offers a comfortable fit, a spacious soundstage, and a smooth, punchy tuning that improves on its predecessor, making it a solid value for its price. While its battery life is modest and the Bluetooth module has some practical quirks, it remains a strong choice for those seeking a dynamic planar experience on a budget.

Pro:Comfortable fit for extended listening sessions
Pro:Rich, spacious soundstage with punchy bass
Pro:Excellent codec support including LDAC and aptX HD

Con:Battery life is relatively short at around 6 hours
Con:Bluetooth module can be finicky in real-world use
Con:Open-back design offers no sound isolation

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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