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Sennheiser HD 505 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 6 of 7 measures.

  • Sennheiser HD 505
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
79
89
Sound
8.1
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
5.9
8.2
Price (USD)
$330
$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

Both shipped in 2025. The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • HD 5052025
  • WH-1000XM62025
What differsHD 505WH-1000XM6

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

HD 505WH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$330
$400
HearWiki score
79
89
Released
2025
2025
Availability
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
12 Hz - 38.5 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Sound signature
neutral
-
Impedance
120 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
107.9 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
237 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
6.35 mm
3.5 mm
Microphones
-
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Sennheiser HD 505

The Sennheiser HD 505 is a wired, open-back headphone that delivers a neutral, mid-focused sound with good bass extension and a smooth treble, drawing on the brand's classic house tuning. While it offers solid detail retrieval and a comfortable fit for many, its $330 price point and some design choices—like a proprietary cable—make it a mixed value compared to other options in Sennheiser's lineup. It lacks ANC and on-cable controls, focusing purely on passive, high-fidelity listening for home use.

  • Pro:Neutral, mid-focused sound with smooth treble
  • Pro:Good bass extension for an open-back design
  • Pro:Comfortable fit with lightweight build (237 g)
  • Con:Proprietary cable system limits aftermarket options
  • Con:Sparse accessories included in the box
  • Con:Higher price than similar-performing rivals

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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