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Sony WH-1000XM6 vs STAX SPIRIT S5: 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
  • STAX SPIRIT S5
HearWiki score
89
82
Sound
9.0
9.5
Noise cancelling
9.6
0.0
Battery
8.1
10.0
Calls
9.6
6.5
Value
8.2
8.0
Price (USD)
$400
$500

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?

Mixed generations

Sony WH-1000XM6 (2025) against STAX SPIRIT S5 (2024). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Sony WH-1000XM6 brings LE Audio (LC3) and ANC type Adaptive against None, while the STAX SPIRIT S5 answers with Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.3.

  • WH-1000XM620251 yr newer
  • SPIRIT S52024
What differsWH-1000XM6SPIRIT S5

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.4
LE Audio (LC3)
Yes
No
ANC type
Adaptive
None

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

Specifications

WH-1000XM6SPIRIT S5
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$400
$500
HearWiki score
89
82
Released
2025
2024
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
30 mm dynamic
planar magnetic
Driver type
dynamic
planar
Driver size
30 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
-
Frequency response
4 Hz - 40 kHz
10 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
48 Ω
-
Sensitivity
103 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.4
Codecs
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
SBC, LHDC, LDAC
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
-
Quick charge
3 min → 3 h
-
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
adaptive
-
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
-
Controls
buttons
both
Voice assistant
Yes
-
Weight
254 g
347 g
Water resistance
none
-
Foldable
-
Yes
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Pad material
-
leather
Connector
3.5 mm
USB-C
Microphones
12
2
Microphone type
MEMS
MEMS
Call noise reduction
-
Yes
Call NR technology
-
cVc 8.0

What reviewers said

Sony WH-1000XM6

This premium over-ear headphone delivers class-leading adaptive noise cancellation and a well-balanced sound profile, with support for high-resolution LDAC streaming. Its 30-hour battery life, multipoint Bluetooth 5.3, and intuitive button controls make it a versatile choice for both travel and daily listening. The lightweight build and 12-microphone array also ensure clear calls and effective transparency mode.

  • Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
  • Pro:Supports LDAC for high-quality wireless audio
  • Pro:Comfortable and light at 254g
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:Battery drops to 24 hours with ANC on
  • Con:No touch controls—buttons only

STAX SPIRIT S5

The STAX Spirit S5 is a premium wireless planar magnetic headphone that delivers a balanced, detailed, and refined sound signature, with excellent codec support including LDAC and aptX Lossless, plus a remarkable 80-hour battery life. While its wired versatility and tuning impress, the absence of active noise cancellation, a somewhat narrow headband, and a hefty price tag make it better suited for stationary home or office listening rather than on-the-go use.

  • Pro:Detailed and balanced planar magnetic sound
  • Pro:Exceptional 80-hour battery life
  • Pro:Broad codec support including LDAC and aptX Lossless
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Comfort can suffer due to narrow headband and weight
  • Con:Premium price point may deter budget-conscious buyers

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 S5