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Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Sony WH-XB910N: 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.

  • Sony WH-1000XM6
  • Sony WH-XB910N
HearWiki score
89
56
Sound
9.0
6.2
Noise cancelling
9.6
6.6
Battery
8.1
9.3
Calls
9.6
5.7
Value
8.2
4.6
Price (USD)
$400
$250

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?

New platform

Sony WH-1000XM6 (2025) against Sony WH-XB910N (2021). The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2, LE Audio (LC3) and ANC type Adaptive against Hybrid. It also adds Wear detection.

  • WH-1000XM620254 yr newer
  • WH-XB910N2021
What differsWH-1000XM6WH-XB910N

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
LE Audio (LC3)
Yes
No
ANC type
Adaptive
Hybrid

Everyday features

Wear detection
Yes
No

Level on: Top codec, Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Transparency mode, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

WH-1000XM6WH-XB910N
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$400
$250
HearWiki score
89
56
Released
2025
2021
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
30 mm dynamic
2× 40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
30 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
2
Frequency response
4 Hz - 40 kHz
7 Hz - 25 kHz
Impedance
48 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
103 dB/mW
96 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
Codecs
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
10 m
10 m
Battery life
40 h
50 h
Battery life (ANC on)
30 h
30 h
Full charge time
210 min
210 min
Quick charge
3 min → 3 h
10 min → 4.5 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
hybrid
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
No
Controls
buttons
touch
Voice assistant
Yes
Alexa, Google Assistant
Weight
254 g
252 g
Water resistance
none
none
Foldable
-
Yes
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
3.5 mm
Microphones
12
2
Microphone type
MEMS
MEMS
Call noise reduction
-
Yes

What reviewers said

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

Sony WH-XB910N

The Sony WH-XB910N is a wireless over-ear headphone designed for bass lovers, with hybrid active noise cancellation and a 30-hour battery life when ANC is on. It supports high-resolution LDAC streaming, Bluetooth 5.2 multipoint, and touch controls, making it a feature-rich option for everyday listening.

  • Pro:Powerful bass-heavy sound signature
  • Pro:Hybrid ANC with transparency mode
  • Pro:Long 30-hour battery life with ANC
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:Not ideal for neutral sound purists
  • Con:Slightly bulky at 252 grams

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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