Meze 105 Aer 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 5 of 7 measures.

Meze 105 Aer
Sony WH-1000XM6

HearWiki score

Sound

8.3

9.0

Noise cancelling

9.6

Battery

8.1

Calls

9.6

Value

9.1

8.2

Price (USD)

$300

$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 Meze 105 Aer (2024). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C, Wear detection, Transparency mode and Custom EQ.

105 Aer2024
WH-1000XM620251 yr newer

What differs105 AerWH-1000XM6

ANC type: None; Adaptive
USB-C: No; Yes
Wear detection: No; Yes
Transparency mode: No; Yes
Custom EQ: No; Yes
Companion app: No; Yes

Specifications

105 AerWH-1000XM6

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $300; $400
HearWiki score: 79; 89
Released: 2024; 2025
Availability: Still sold new; Sold new
Driver: 50 mm dynamic; 30 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 50 mm; 30 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 30 kHz; 4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance: 42 Ω; 48 Ω
Sensitivity: 112 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: none; adaptive
Transparency mode: No; Yes
Companion app: No; Yes
Custom EQ: No; Yes
Wear detection: No; Yes
Controls: none; buttons
Voice assistant: -; Yes
Weight: 336 g; 254 g
Water resistance: -; none
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: No; Yes
Pad material: velour; -
Connector: 3.5 mm; 3.5 mm
Balanced connection: Yes; -
Microphones: -; 12
Microphone type: -; MEMS

Specification comparison of Meze 105 Aer vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Spec	Meze 105 Aer	Sony WH-1000XM6
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$300	$400
HearWiki score	79 / 100 Great	89 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2024	2025
Audio
Driver	50 mm dynamic	30 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	50 mm	30 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	5 Hz - 30 kHz	4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance	42 Ω	48 Ω
Sensitivity	112 dB/mW	103 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth	-	5.3
Codecs	-	SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing	-	Yes
Wireless range	-	10 m
Battery
Battery life	-	40 h
Battery life (ANC on)	-	30 h
Full charge time	-	210 min
Quick charge	-	3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging	-	No
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	Yes
ANC type	none	adaptive
Transparency mode	No	Yes
Companion app	No	Yes
Custom EQ	No	Yes
Wear detection	No	Yes
Controls	none	buttons
Voice assistant	-	Yes
Design
Weight	336 g	254 g
Water resistance	-	none
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	No	Yes
Pad material	velour	-
Connector	3.5 mm	3.5 mm
Balanced connection	Yes	-
Calls
Microphones	-	12
Microphone type	-	MEMS

What reviewers said

Meze 105 Aer

The Meze 105 Aer is an open-back, wired over-ear headphone that pairs a 50mm dynamic driver with a lightweight 336g frame, offering a natural, warm-neutral sound with strong vocal presence and easy driveability from portable sources. Its velour pads and comfortable fit make it suitable for long listening sessions, while its balanced connection and wide frequency range add to its versatility for home use. However, it lacks a balanced 4.4mm cable in the box and its open design leaks sound, limiting portability and private listening scenarios.

Pro:Excellent comfort with velour pads and easy clamp force
Pro:Natural, warm-neutral sound with clear vocals and detail
Pro:Easy to drive from phones or laptops despite 42-ohm impedance

Con:No balanced 4.4mm cable included
Con:Included cable is overly long for on-the-go use
Con:Open-back design leaks sound significantly

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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