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Nothing Headphone 1 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 5 of 7 measures.

  • Nothing Headphone 1
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
74
89
Sound
7.3
9.0
Noise cancelling
8.5
9.6
Battery
8.9
8.1
Calls
5.5
9.6
Value
7.7
8.2
Price (USD)
$220
$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

Both shipped in 2025. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer platform here: LE Audio (LC3) and ANC type Adaptive against Hybrid. The Nothing Headphone 1 answers on convenience features: it adds Water resistance (IP52).

  • Headphone 12025
  • WH-1000XM62025
What differsHeadphone 1WH-1000XM6

Platform

LE Audio (LC3)
No
Yes
ANC type
Hybrid
Adaptive

Everyday features

Water resistance
IP52
Not rated

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

Specifications

Headphone 1WH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$220
$400
HearWiki score
74
89
Released
2025
2025
Availability
Sold new
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 - 40 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Sound signature
warm
-
Impedance
16 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
-
103 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC, LDAC
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
80 h
40 h
Battery life (ANC on)
35 h
30 h
Full charge time
5 min
210 min
Quick charge
5 min → 2.4 h
3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
hybrid
adaptive
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
both
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
329 g
254 g
Case weight
264 g
-
Water resistance
IP52
none
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Pad material
leatherette
-
Connector
3.5 mm
3.5 mm
Microphones
4
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Nothing Headphone 1

The Nothing Headphone (1) is a stylish over-ear wireless headphone with hybrid active noise cancellation, a 40 mm dynamic driver, and support for SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs. Its design-forward approach and feature-rich package make it a competitive option in the mid-range wireless headphone space.

  • Pro:Distinctive, eye-catching design
  • Pro:Excellent battery life with ANC off
  • Pro:Supports LDAC for high-quality wireless audio
  • Con:No wireless charging support
  • Con:Sound quality may not match top-tier rivals at this price
  • Con:Touch controls and app may require adjustment

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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