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Sennheiser HD 560s 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.

  • Sennheiser HD 560s
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
79
89
Sound
8.6
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
9.0
8.2
Price (USD)
$200
$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 560s (2020). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • HD 560s2020
  • WH-1000XM620255 yr newer
What differsHD 560sWH-1000XM6

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

HD 560sWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$200
$400
HearWiki score
79
89
Released
2020
2025
Availability
Still 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
6 Hz - 38 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
120 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
99 dB/mW
103 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
110
-
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
buttons
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
280 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Pad material
velour
-
Connector
6.35 mm
3.5 mm
Model code
509144
-
Microphones
-
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Sennheiser HD 560s

The Sennheiser HD 560S is a wired, open-back over-ear headphone designed for critical listening, offering a neutral and highly detailed sound with a wide soundstage. Its lightweight build and plush velour earcups ensure long-lasting comfort, while the 120-ohm impedance allows it to be driven easily by most devices. It prioritizes accuracy over excitement, making it a solid choice for purists, though it lacks noise cancellation and a microphone.

  • Pro:Wide, open soundstage
  • Pro:Neutral and analytical tuning
  • Pro:Very comfortable for long sessions
  • Con:Not an energetic or fun sound signature
  • Con:Open-back design leaks sound
  • Con:No built-in microphone

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 560sSony WH-1000XM6