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Sennheiser HD 490 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.

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.

  • Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
82
89
Sound
8.6
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
7.4
8.2
Price (USD)
$430
$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 Sennheiser HD 490 Pro (2024). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • HD 490 Pro2024
  • WH-1000XM620251 yr newer
What differsHD 490 ProWH-1000XM6

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

HD 490 ProWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$430
$400
HearWiki score
82
89
Released
2024
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
38 mm dynamic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
38 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
5 Hz - 36.1 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
130 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
96 dB/mW
103 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
105
-
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
260 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
3.5 mm
Balanced connection
Yes
-
Microphones
-
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro is a wired, open-back studio headphone focused on accurate, neutral sound reproduction for mixing and mastering. It features a lightweight design, comfortable fit, and comes with two ear pad sets and useful accessories, while being easy to drive from most devices. Though priced at a premium, its balanced tuning and clarity make it a solid choice for critical listening, though it may not be a dramatic upgrade over classic Sennheiser models like the HD 600 series.

  • Pro:Very accurate and neutral sound signature
  • Pro:Extremely comfortable for long sessions
  • Pro:Lightweight at 260 grams
  • Con:High price for the performance offered
  • Con:No active noise cancellation and open-back design leaks sound
  • Con:Requires an amplifier for best results in some setups

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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New comparisonSennheiser HD 490 ProSony WH-1000XM6