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Sony WH-1000XM6 vs STAX SR-303: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Sony WH-1000XM6 vs STAX SR-303, 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 SR-303
HearWiki score
89
-
Sound
9.0
-
Noise cancelling
9.6
-
Battery
8.1
-
Calls
9.6
-
Value
8.2
-
Price (USD)
$400
$600

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 STAX SR-303 (1999). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • WH-1000XM6202526 yr newer
  • SR-3031999
What differsWH-1000XM6SR-303

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No

Specifications

WH-1000XM6SR-303
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$400
$600
HearWiki score
89
Not scored
Released
2025
1999
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
30 mm dynamic
electrostatic
Driver type
dynamic
electrostatic
Driver size
30 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
4 Hz - 40 kHz
7 Hz - 41 kHz
Impedance
48 Ω
132000 Ω
Sensitivity
103 dB/mW
100 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
Yes
No
ANC type
adaptive
-
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
-
Custom EQ
Yes
-
Wear detection
Yes
-
Controls
buttons
-
Voice assistant
Yes
-
Weight
254 g
295 g
Water resistance
none
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
No
Pad material
-
leather
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Microphones
12
-
Microphone type
MEMS
-

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 SR-303

The STAX SR-303 is an electrostatic over-ear headphone that relies on a highly charged thin diaphragm to produce sound, delivering an exceptionally wide frequency range from 7 Hz to 41 kHz. It’s a wired-only model with no noise cancellation, aimed at audiophiles who value transparency and detail over portability or isolation. With a high impedance of 132,000 ohms, it requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier to perform at its best.

  • Pro:Very wide frequency response (7 Hz–41 kHz) for detailed highs and deep lows
  • Pro:Electrostatic driver offers low distortion and fast transient response
  • Pro:Lightweight design at 295 g for comfortable long listening sessions
  • Con:Requires a special electrostatic amplifier, not compatible with standard headphone jacks
  • Con:No active noise cancellation limits use in noisy environments
  • Con:Wired connection only, so no wireless or USB-C options

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

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New comparisonSony WH-1000XM6STAX SR-303