Skip to content
HearWiki

Sennheiser HD 660s2 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 660s2
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
78
89
Sound
8.4
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
6.8
8.2
Price (USD)
$480
$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 660s2 (2023). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • HD 660s22023
  • WH-1000XM620252 yr newer
What differsHD 660s2WH-1000XM6

Platform

ANC type
None
Adaptive

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

HD 660s2WH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$480
$400
HearWiki score
78
89
Released
2023
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
8 Hz - 41.5 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
300 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
100 dB/mW
103 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
104
-
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
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
260 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
4.4 mm balanced
3.5 mm
Balanced connection
Yes
-
Microphones
-
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Sennheiser HD 660s2

The Sennheiser HD 660S2 is a wired, open-back over-ear headphone designed for critical listening at home, offering a warm and smooth sound signature with improved sub-bass over its predecessor. It requires a capable amplifier due to its high 300-ohm impedance, and its open design means it leaks sound, making it unsuitable for portable or noisy environments. While technically refined and comfortable, it delivers a relaxed rather than punchy presentation, appealing to purists who value neutrality over bass impact.

  • Pro:Comfortable fit suitable for long sessions
  • Pro:Warm, smooth tuning with good sub-bass extension
  • Pro:Detachable 4.4mm balanced cable for flexibility
  • Con:Requires a powerful amplifier to perform well
  • Con:Significant sound leakage limits private listening
  • Con:Soft bass and limited dynamic punch may disappoint bass lovers

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.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonSennheiser HD 660s2Sony WH-1000XM6