Skip to content
HearWiki

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Yamaha YH-E700A: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Yamaha YH-E700A, 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 6 of 7 measures.

  • Sony WH-1000XM6
  • Yamaha YH-E700A
HearWiki score
89
-
Sound
9.0
-
Noise cancelling
9.6
-
Battery
8.1
-
Calls
9.6
-
Value
8.2
-
Price (USD)
$400
$350

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

Sony WH-1000XM6 (2025) against Yamaha YH-E700A (2020). The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.0, Top codec LC3 against AAC and LE Audio (LC3).

  • WH-1000XM620255 yr newer
  • YH-E700A2020
What differsWH-1000XM6YH-E700A

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.0
Top codec
LC3
AAC
LE Audio (LC3)
Yes
No

Level on: USB-C, Transparency mode, Companion app.

Specifications

WH-1000XM6YH-E700A
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$400
$350
HearWiki score
89
Not scored
Released
2025
2020
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
30 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
30 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
-
Frequency response
4 Hz - 40 kHz
8 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
48 Ω
-
Sensitivity
103 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.0
Codecs
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
-
Wireless range
10 m
10 m
Battery life
40 h
35 h
Battery life (ANC on)
30 h
35 h
Full charge time
210 min
210 min
Quick charge
3 min → 3 h
-
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
-
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
-
Wear detection
Yes
-
Controls
buttons
-
Voice assistant
Yes
Google Assistant, Siri
Weight
254 g
325 g
Water resistance
none
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
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

Yamaha YH-E700A

The Yamaha YH-E700A is a wireless over-ear headphone that combines active noise cancellation with a 40mm dynamic driver for detailed sound. It offers up to 35 hours of playback with ANC on, supports Bluetooth 5.0, and includes a transparency mode for ambient awareness. The design is comfortable for long sessions, and the included 3.5mm jack allows for wired use when needed.

  • Pro:Long battery life with ANC active
  • Pro:Includes transparency mode for situational awareness
  • Pro:Supports both wireless and wired connections
  • Con:Limited codec support (SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive) may not suit audiophiles
  • Con:No mention of multipoint connection in specs
  • Con:Charge time is relatively long at 3.5 hours

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonSony WH-1000XM6Yamaha YH-E700A