Over-Ear
Sony WH-1000XM6
89Outstanding
$400
Full review dataSony WH-1000XM6 vs STAX SR-X21: 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.
Over-Ear
STAX SR-X21
63Good
$540
Full review dataScore 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-X21
HearWiki score
89
63
Sound
9.0
8.0
Noise cancelling
9.6
-
Battery
8.1
-
Calls
9.6
-
Value
8.2
7.0
Price (USD)
$400
$540
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-X21 (2020). The Sony WH-1000XM6 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None.
- WH-1000XM620255 yr newer
- SR-X212020
What differsWH-1000XM6SR-X21
- ANC type
- Adaptive
- None
Platform
Specifications
WH-1000XM6SR-X21
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $400
- $540
- HearWiki score
- 89
- 63
- Released
- 2025
- 2020
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 30 mm dynamic
- electrostatic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- electrostatic
- Driver size
- 30 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 1
- -
- Frequency response
- 4 Hz - 40 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 48 Ω
- 145000 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 103 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
- -
- USB-C
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- -
- Model code
- -
- SR-X1
- 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-X21
The STAX SR-X1 is a lightweight electrostatic over-ear headphone that pairs a transparent, neutral signature with punchy, detailed sound, making it a compelling entry into desktop Stax setups. It delivers low-distortion performance and strong value for its price, though it requires a dedicated energizer and is best reserved for stationary listening rather than on-the-go use. Its build feels functional rather than premium, and some users may encounter reliability concerns over time.
- Pro:Neutral, transparent tonal balance
- Pro:Fast, low-distortion electrostatic driver
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Con:Requires a separate energizer/amplifier
- Con:Limited bass impact compared to dynamic headphones
- Con:Build quality feels less premium than its sound
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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