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JBL Live 770NC vs Sony WH-1000XM6: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sony WH-1000XM6 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 88. 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.

  • JBL Live 770NC
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
67
88
Sound
7.0
9.0
Noise cancelling
7.5
9.6
Battery
9.0
8.1
Calls
7.0
9.6
Value
8.0
8.2
Price (USD)
$150
$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 JBL Live 770NC (2023). The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer platform here: Top codec LC3 against SBC and LE Audio (LC3).

  • Live 770NC2023
  • WH-1000XM620252 yr newer
What differsLive 770NCWH-1000XM6

Platform

Top codec
SBC
LC3
LE Audio (LC3)
No
Yes

Level on: Bluetooth, ANC type, Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Wear detection, Transparency mode, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

Live 770NCWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$150
$400
HearWiki score
67
88
Released
2023
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
40 mm dynamic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
100 dB/mW
103 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
10 m
10 m
Battery life
50 h
40 h
Battery life (ANC on)
44 h
30 h
Full charge time
120 min
210 min
Quick charge
5 min → 4 h
3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
adaptive
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
buttons
buttons
Voice assistant
Alexa, Google Assistant
Yes
Weight
232 g
254 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
Yes
-
Detachable cable
No
Yes
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
USB-C
3.5 mm
Microphones
4
12
Microphone type
beamforming
MEMS
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
beamforming
-

What reviewers said

JBL Live 770NC

The JBL Live 770NC are over-ear wireless headphones that combine adaptive noise cancellation with a robust 65-hour battery life (or 50 hours with ANC engaged). They support high-quality LDAC and AAC codecs, feature Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity, and include a 40mm dynamic driver for solid audio performance. While slightly heavier than some rivals, they offer sweat resistance and a customizable EQ via the companion app.

  • Pro:Exceptional battery life, even with ANC on
  • Pro:LDAC support for high-resolution audio
  • Pro:Adaptive noise cancellation and transparency mode
  • Con:Heavier than some competing models
  • Con:No wireless charging option
  • Con:Physical buttons only, no touch controls

Sony WH-1000XM6

This premium over-ear headphone delivers class-leading adaptive noise cancellation and a well-balanced sound profile, with support for high-resolution LDAC streaming. Its 30-hour battery life, multipoint Bluetooth 5.3, and intuitive button controls make it a versatile choice for both travel and daily listening. The lightweight build and 12-microphone array also ensure clear calls and effective transparency mode.

  • Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
  • Pro:Supports LDAC for high-quality wireless audio
  • Pro:Comfortable and light at 254g
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:Battery drops to 24 hours with ANC on
  • Con:No touch controls—buttons only

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonJBL Live 770NCSony WH-1000XM6