Shure Srh1840 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

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.

Shure Srh1840
Sony WH-1000XM6

HearWiki score

Sound

7.7

9.0

Noise cancelling

9.6

Battery

8.1

Calls

9.6

Value

4.8

8.2

Price (USD)

$500

$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 Srh1840 (2012). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

Srh18402012
WH-1000XM6202513 yr newer

What differsSrh1840WH-1000XM6

ANC type: None; Adaptive
USB-C: No; Yes

Specifications

Srh1840WH-1000XM6

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $500; $400
HearWiki score: 69; 89
Released: 2012; 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: 10 Hz - 30 kHz; 4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance: 65 Ω; 48 Ω
Sensitivity: 96 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: -; buttons
Voice assistant: -; Yes
Weight: 268 g; 254 g
Water resistance: -; none
Foldable: No; -
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: No; Yes
Pad material: velour; -
Connector: 3.5 mm; 3.5 mm
Balanced connection: Yes; -
Microphones: -; 12
Microphone type: -; MEMS

Specification comparison of Shure Srh1840 vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Spec	Shure Srh1840	Sony WH-1000XM6
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$500	$400
HearWiki score	69 / 100 Good	89 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2012	2025
Audio
Driver	40 mm dynamic	30 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	40 mm	30 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	10 Hz - 30 kHz	4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance	65 Ω	48 Ω
Sensitivity	96 dB/mW	103 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth	-	5.3
Codecs	-	SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing	-	Yes
Wireless range	-	10 m
Battery
Battery life	-	40 h
Battery life (ANC on)	-	30 h
Full charge time	-	210 min
Quick charge	-	3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging	-	No
Features
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
Design
Weight	268 g	254 g
Water resistance	-	none
Foldable	No	-
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	No	Yes
Pad material	velour	-
Connector	3.5 mm	3.5 mm
Balanced connection	Yes	-
Calls
Microphones	-	12
Microphone type	-	MEMS

What reviewers said

Shure Srh1840

The Shure SRH1840 is a lightweight, open-back wired headphone designed for studio use, featuring a 40mm dynamic driver and a remarkably flat frequency response that spans 10 Hz to 30 kHz. Its balanced connection capability and detachable cable make it a versatile tool for engineers, though its moderate impedance and lower sensitivity mean it performs best with dedicated headphone amplifiers rather than portable devices. While praised for its detailed sound and expansive soundstage, some listeners may find its lack of noise cancellation and non-foldable design limiting for on-the-go use.

Pro:Exceptionally flat and neutral frequency response for accurate monitoring
Pro:Lightweight build with comfortable velour earpads for long sessions
Pro:Detachable cable and balanced connection option for flexible setups

Con:High impedance and low sensitivity require a powerful amplifier
Con:Not foldable, making transport less convenient
Con:Open-back design offers no isolation from ambient noise

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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