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Sony WH-1000XM6 vs STAX SR-X1: 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 7 of 7 measures.

  • Sony WH-1000XM6
  • STAX SR-X1
HearWiki score
89
71
Sound
9.0
8.4
Noise cancelling
9.6
-
Battery
8.1
-
Calls
9.6
-
Value
8.2
7.4
Price (USD)
$400
$410

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-X1 (2020). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • WH-1000XM620255 yr newer
  • SR-X12020
What differsWH-1000XM6SR-X1

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No

Specifications

WH-1000XM6SR-X1
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$400
$410
HearWiki score
89
71
Released
2025
2020
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
30 mm dynamic
30 mm electrostatic
Driver type
dynamic
electrostatic
Driver size
30 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
-
Frequency response
4 Hz - 40 kHz
7 Hz - 41 kHz
Impedance
48 Ω
145000 Ω
Sensitivity
103 dB/mW
101 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
234 g
Water resistance
none
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
Yes
No
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-X1

The STAX SR-X1 is an affordable entry point into the world of electrostatic headphones, delivering exceptionally fast, detailed, and transparent sound with a balanced tonal character. It offers a spacious and neutral presentation that remains lightweight and comfortable for extended listening, though it requires an external electrostatic amplifier and is not suited for portable use. While its bass is less impactful than dynamic counterparts, it still impresses with surprising low-end authority for an electrostatic design.

  • Pro:Exceptional speed, detail, and transparency
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
  • Pro:Spacious and neutral soundstage
  • Con:Requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier
  • Con:Not portable-friendly due to wired, open design
  • Con:Bass impact is less than dynamic headphones

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 SR-X1