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HiFiMAN HE 560 V4 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 HE 560 V4
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
60
89
Sound
7.8
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
-
8.2
Price (USD)
$480
$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 HE 560 V4 (2016). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None.

  • HE 560 V42016
  • WH-1000XM620259 yr newer
What differsHE 560 V4WH-1000XM6

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Specifications

HE 560 V4WH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$480
$400
HearWiki score
60
89
Released
2016
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
75 mm planar magnetic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
planar
dynamic
Driver size
75 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
15 Hz - 50 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
45 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
90 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
No
Yes
ANC type
-
adaptive
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
Yes
Controls
none
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
375 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
-
Yes
Connector
6.35 mm
3.5 mm
Balanced connection
Yes
-
Microphones
-
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN HE 560 V4

The HiFiMAN HE 560 V4 is an open-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers a mostly neutral, technically capable sound, though it may require EQ to bring out its best bass response. It is praised for being lightweight and comfortable, offering strong value at discounted prices, but its treble can occasionally come across as sharp, and the build quality on newer units feels less premium. This wired model includes a balanced connection option and detachable cable, making it a flexible choice for desktop setups.

  • Pro:Very comfortable and lightweight design
  • Pro:Excellent technical performance and low distortion
  • Pro:Near-neutral tuning that responds well to EQ
  • Con:Treble can be overly sharp at times
  • Con:Bass is light without equalization
  • Con:Build materials and headband feel less premium on newer versions

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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