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Sony WH-1000XM6 vs STAX Spirit S3: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Sony WH-1000XM6 vs STAX Spirit S3, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

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.

  • Sony WH-1000XM6
  • STAX Spirit S3
HearWiki score
89
-
Sound
9.0
-
Noise cancelling
9.6
-
Battery
8.1
-
Calls
9.6
-
Value
8.2
-
Price (USD)
$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?

New platform

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2, Top codec LC3 against SBC, LE Audio (LC3) and ANC type Adaptive against None.

  • WH-1000XM62025
  • Spirit S3Year unknown
What differsWH-1000XM6Spirit S3

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
Top codec
LC3
SBC
LE Audio (LC3)
Yes
No
ANC type
Adaptive
None

Level on: Multipoint pairing, USB-C.

Specifications

WH-1000XM6Spirit S3
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$400
-
HearWiki score
89
Not scored
Released
2025
-
Availability
Sold new
Availability unknown
Driver
30 mm dynamic
89 mm planar magnetic
Driver type
dynamic
planar
Driver size
30 mm
89 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
4 Hz - 40 kHz
20 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
48 Ω
-
Sensitivity
103 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
Codecs
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
SBC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
10 m
-
Battery life
40 h
80 h
Battery life (ANC on)
30 h
-
Full charge time
210 min
90 min
Quick charge
3 min → 3 h
-
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
Yes
-
ANC type
adaptive
-
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
-
Custom EQ
Yes
-
Wear detection
Yes
-
Controls
buttons
-
Voice assistant
Yes
-
Weight
254 g
329 g
Water resistance
none
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Microphones
12
-
Microphone type
MEMS
MEMS
Mic sensitivity
-
-37 dBV

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

STAX Spirit S3

The STAX Spirit S3 is a closed-back wireless over-ear headphone that leans on a large planar magnetic driver for its sound, paired with a long-lasting 80-hour battery. It supports Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint and high-quality aptX codecs, plus a companion app for adjusting tonal balance. While it lacks active noise cancellation, its passive isolation and lightweight build make it a solid choice for home or travel listening.

  • Pro:Exceptional 80-hour battery life
  • Pro:Large planar magnetic driver for detailed audio
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.2 for seamless device switching
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Limited to SBC and aptX codecs (no AAC or LDAC)
  • Con:Closed-back design may feel isolating for some

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

Compare something else

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New comparisonSony WH-1000XM6STAX Spirit S3