Over-Ear
Sennheiser HD 480 PRO
86Outstanding
$400
Full review dataSennheiser HD 480 PRO 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.
- Sennheiser HD 480 PRO
- Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
86
89
Sound
8.9
9.0
Noise cancelling
-
9.6
Battery
-
8.1
Calls
-
9.6
Value
8.1
8.2
Price (USD)
$400
$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
Sennheiser HD 480 PRO (2026) against Sony WH-1000XM6 (2025). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None.
- HD 480 PRO20261 yr newer
- WH-1000XM62025
What differsHD 480 PROWH-1000XM6
- ANC type
- None
- Adaptive
Platform
Specifications
HD 480 PROWH-1000XM6
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $400
- $400
- HearWiki score
- 86
- 89
- Released
- 2026
- 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
- 3 Hz - 28.7 kHz
- 4 Hz - 40 kHz
- Impedance
- 130 Ω
- 48 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 98 dB/mW
- 103 dB/mW
- Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
- 107
- -
- 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
- 272 g
- 254 g
- Water resistance
- -
- none
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- Yes
- Pad material
- velour
- -
- Connector
- 6.35 mm
- 3.5 mm
- Model code
- 700499
- -
- Microphones
- -
- 12
- Microphone type
- -
- MEMS
What reviewers said
Sennheiser HD 480 PRO
The Sennheiser HD 480 PRO is a wired, open-back studio headphone designed for critical listening and professional monitoring. It pairs a neutral, detailed sound signature with plush velour earpads and a lightweight build for extended comfort, while its high impedance and detachable cable cater to dedicated audio setups. Though priced at a premium, it delivers dependable performance for studio work, with minor quirks in its frequency response and a sparse accessory bundle.
- Pro:Accurate, detailed sound reproduction
- Pro:Very comfortable velour earpads
- Pro:Lightweight and durable construction
- Con:High price for the included accessories
- Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless options
- Con:Requires a capable amplifier due to 130-ohm impedance
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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