Over-Ear
Shure Srh1540
74Great
$550
Full review dataShure Srh1540 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.
Over-Ear
Sony WH-1000XM6
89Outstanding
$400
Full review dataScore 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.
- Shure Srh1540
- Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
74
89
Sound
8.3
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
6.7
8.2
Price (USD)
$550
$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 Shure Srh1540 (2014). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds Multipoint pairing and USB-C.
- Srh15402014
- WH-1000XM6202511 yr newer
What differsSrh1540WH-1000XM6
- ANC type
- None
- Adaptive
- Multipoint pairing
- No
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
Platform
Everyday features
Specifications
Srh1540WH-1000XM6
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $550
- $400
- HearWiki score
- 74
- 89
- Released
- 2014
- 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
- 5 Hz - 25 kHz
- 4 Hz - 40 kHz
- Impedance
- 46 Ω
- 48 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 99 dB/mW
- 103 dB/mW
- Bluetooth
- -
- 5.3
- Codecs
- -
- SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
- Multipoint pairing
- No
- 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
- 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
- 286 g
- 254 g
- Water resistance
- none
- none
- 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
Shure Srh1540
The Shure SRH1540 is a premium closed-back over-ear headphone praised for its balanced, detailed sound and exceptionally comfortable fit. With a lightweight design and quality 40mm dynamic drivers, it delivers accurate audio reproduction with deep lows and crisp highs, making it a strong choice for critical listening. While it lacks wireless features and active noise cancellation, its wired connection with balanced support suits audiophile use.
- Pro:Accurate, balanced sound signature
- Pro:Very comfortable for long sessions
- Pro:Lightweight build at 286g
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Average passive isolation
- Con:Wired only, no wireless option
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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