Compare Edifier WH950NB Gen 2 Wireless Headphones vs SONY WH-1000XM6 Headphones

The 3.5mm input was generally appreciated as a practical wired option, especially because it enables analog listening despite missing USB-C audio.

Reviewers generally found ANC effective for daily noise and low-frequency sounds, though one reviewer said it does not block everything.

ANC was the strongest consensus point: reviewers repeatedly called it class-leading, best-in-class, or among the best they had tested.

Software features were praised for giving broad control over listening modes, EQ, sound limits, and other headphone functions.

Advanced software features were plentiful and often impressive, but reviewers sometimes found them excessive, confusing, or underused.

Reviewers consistently liked the understated, stylish, premium-looking design.

Aesthetic discretion was mixed: one reviewer liked the low-profile street look, while another thought the headphones looked dorkier than competitors.

ANC background-noise handling was praised for treadmill, commute, and low-frequency noise reduction.

Android users were presented as getting the strongest wireless-quality benefit from LDAC support.

Android compatibility was a strength thanks to LDAC, Android-friendly hi-res support, and cross-device pairing advantages.

The app was praised for fun listening control and useful ANC adjustment.

The app drew mixed-to-negative reactions because it is powerful but crowded, aged, or not especially intuitive.

aptX was criticized because reviewers specifically noted the lack of aptX HD support.

Latency evidence was limited but positive for wired analog use, where reviewers noted no latency through the headphone cable.

Auracast support was mixed: one reviewer saw it as future-proofing, while another could not get it working in testing.

Auto-play and wear detection performed very well in the available evidence, pausing and resuming immediately.

Editorial recognition was strong, with reviewers naming the XM6 a best overall or best new headphone pick.

Bass feedback was mixed: some reviewers liked the punch and quantity, while one found heavy-bass tracks crackly and another called it bassy.

Bass was usually described as punchy, controlled, and customizable, though one reviewer found Sony's low end could overpower mids and highs.

Battery life drew some of the strongest praise across reviews, including long weekly use and strong remaining charge after hours.

Battery life was viewed as solid and travel-ready at roughly 30 hours with ANC, though not class-leading against longer-lasting competitors.

Bluetooth range was praised as a practical bonus in everyday movement around the home.

Bluetooth performance was discussed positively where reviewed, with connectivity described as a standout area for Sony.

Bluetooth 5.4 was framed as a future-proofing improvement.

Bluetooth version support was viewed positively in one comparison because the XM6 uses newer Bluetooth with LE benefits.

Build quality was described as solid, sturdy, and more premium than the price suggests.

Build quality was mixed: one review found it very good, while another said the plastic construction felt underwhelming for the price.

Hi-res playback and LDAC were praised for capability, but one iPhone-focused reviewer found LDAC less useful.

Built-in DAC and hi-res wired playback were criticized because reviewers wanted a true digital lossless USB-C option.

Onboard button controls were criticized as frustrating and confusing because functions are doubled up.

Physical button usability improved meaningfully, with reviewers liking the distinct power and ANC buttons and easier blind operation.

Cable quality was criticized by one reviewer, who expected better cables for a premium headphone.

The travel case was repeatedly praised as sturdy, stylish, and protective.

The carrying case was a standout strength thanks to its compact size, protection, magnetic clasp, and faster access.

Fast charging was viewed positively, especially the short top-ups that provide several hours of playback.

Charging was praised for quick-charge performance and the ability to listen while charging.

Clamp comfort was split: some reviewers found the fit gentle or glasses-friendly, while another warned that clamp force builds over time.

Clamping force was generally comfortable and secure, with tighter fit improving isolation without widespread discomfort.

Codec support was valued for LDAC and hi-res audio, with the main caveat being limited benefit for iPhone users.

Codec support was mostly good thanks to LDAC, SBC, LC3, and AAC, but reviewers noted limits such as missing aptX and some LDAC stability concerns.

Long-use comfort was mostly praised, but the rigid headband created a notable comfort caveat in one review.

Long-use comfort was mostly strong, especially for travel, but several reviewers reported heat, pressure, or fit issues for some heads and ears.

Connectivity options were praised for dual-device use without constant reconnecting.

Connectivity options were praised for convenient device switching and multipoint behavior.

Design was praised as sleek, understated, stylish, and elegant.

Design and aesthetics were mostly praised for a clean, modern, lightweight look, though some reviewers still found the design safe or understated.

Detachable analog cable use was useful for low-latency wired listening, though broader cable quality drew criticism elsewhere.

The reinforced steel headband was credited with giving a durable impression.

Durability over time had limited evidence, with one reviewer specifically worrying about the folding joint's long-term durability.

Ear cup and pad comfort drew consistent praise for plushness, softness, and a comfortable seal.

Ear cup padding was usually praised as soft and well cushioned, though one long-use review found the earpads warm and sweaty.

Ear cup rotation and tilt were praised for helping the headphones fit the user's head shape.

Ear cup swivel and rotation were praised for neck comfort, easier storage, and restoring convenience missing from the XM5.

One reviewer noted earpad or fit-related walking noise and faint rustle as a limitation.

Ecosystem integration was criticized where discussed because Sony's own ecosystem and PlayStation support felt incomplete.

EQ customization was praised for letting listeners reshape the sound to their preferences.

EQ customization was one of Sony's strongest feature advantages, with repeated praise for the 10-band EQ, guided EQ, and deep tuning control.

Features at launch were viewed as very complete in the available evidence, with one reviewer saying the XM6 offers essentially everything expected from premium Bluetooth ANC headphones.

Frequency balance was described positively as well balanced.

Frequency response and tuning were generally praised as balanced and well measured, especially compared with earlier Sony tuning.

Gaming or mode presets were not strongly convincing, with reviewers either noticing no difference or not finding the modes useful.

Headband adjustment was mixed, with one reviewer finding the slider slightly awkward and another praising the defined clicks.

Headband adjustability had limited but positive evidence from a reviewer who found the fully extended fit comfortable.

Headband padding was praised as soft and comfortable.

Headband padding and shape were mixed: some reviewers found it comfortable, while others criticized thin padding or long-term pressure.

Head gestures had limited but positive evidence, with a reviewer calling nod/shake call control a nice touch.

Hinge durability was mixed: one review praised the more durable hinge, while another flagged fragile-feeling articulating hinges.

Immersive listening was praised in theater use, where one reviewer felt the experience resembled a big-screen setup.

Immersive audio quality was mixed: cinema/background modes impressed some reviewers, while others called music upmixing gimmicky or poor.

Included accessories were praised as a thoughtful, complete bundle.

Included accessories were criticized where evaluated because a reviewer expected better and more modern cables for the price.

Instrument separation was praised for revealing individual instruments and layers clearly.

Instrument separation earned positive but limited evidence, with reviewers hearing better placement and clearer separation in the XM6.

The integrated microphones were praised as surprisingly excellent.

The integrated microphone setup was viewed positively in the available evidence as part of the XM6's strong mic technology.

LDAC support was praised for higher-quality Bluetooth streaming, though one reviewer noted it was wasted on iPhone.

LDAC was a clear plus for Android and hi-res Bluetooth playback, though one reviewer warned the highest transfer rate may be unstable on some phones.

LE Audio readiness was treated as a future-proofing benefit, tied to Auracast and newer Bluetooth features.

Maximum-volume clarity was limited by irritating bass crackle at louder listening levels.

Microphone noise reduction was mostly strong, separating voice from background chaos, with minor ambient noise leakage noted.

Microphone noise reduction was excellent in the evidence, especially against streets, wind, and ambient noise during calls.

Call microphone quality was praised, including calls going smoothly and the mics sounding excellent.

Call quality was strongly praised, with reviewers highlighting clearer voice pickup, better mics, and strong performance in noisy settings.

Midrange and vocal clarity were generally praised, though one reviewer found the mids less refined than the Sony XM6.

Midrange and vocal clarity were a consistent strength, with reviewers calling voices clear, textured, natural, and fuller than prior models.

Multi-platform compatibility was mixed: Apple and Android playback worked, but PlayStation wireless compatibility drew criticism.

Multipoint connectivity was useful and mostly seamless, with only minor reminders needed in one review.

Multipoint was viewed positively, with reviewers appreciating dual-device pairing across phones, laptops, and mixed Apple/non-Apple setups.

Passive isolation was praised through the protein-leather seal's ability to reduce outside noise.

Passive isolation was a major strength in lab and hands-on impressions, helping the headphones block substantial noise even before ANC.

Overall recommendations were strongly positive, especially for value-focused buyers.

Overall recommendations were strongly positive, with reviewers frequently calling the XM6 elite, best-in-class, or worth buying despite caveats.

Portability was praised for compact folding and easy case storage.

Portability and foldability were major upgrades, with reviewers repeatedly praising the return of folding hinges and a smaller travel footprint.

Premium feel was a repeated strength, with reviewers saying the headphones feel more expensive than they are.

Premium feel was one of the weaker areas because several reviewers felt the plastic build did not match the high price.

Preset EQ feedback was positive for Dynamic and Rock settings, which reviewers found more enjoyable or lively.

Preset or guided EQ profiles were received positively where discussed, helping users reach a preferred sound without complex manual tuning.

Replaceable earpads were mixed: one source praised easier pad removal, another called replacement difficult, and another simply noted replaceable pads.

Replaceable pads or headband evidence was limited but positive for earpads, with easier pad removal described as a change for the better.

Sensors were praised in the available evidence because the wear sensors performed reliably.

Sidetone adjustment was a weakness for one reviewer because voice amplification sounded unnatural and could not be toned down enough.

Smart listening features such as hearing protection and sound limits were viewed as useful additions.

Smart listening features such as Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention, and adaptive modes were generally useful, though not universally essential.

Smart Pause worked very well in the available evidence, immediately pausing and resuming playback.

Smudge resistance was weak, with reviewers complaining that the darker finishes show finger grease and smudge badly.

Software setup and control were praised as easy through the Edifier app.

Setup and software simplicity were mixed-to-negative because spatial setup, app navigation, and feature layout could feel involved or unintuitive.

Sound quality was generally praised as good, engaging, clear, and strong for the price.

Reviewers broadly praised the XM6 for rich, clear, dynamic sound, with only a few noting rivals can sound wider or more refined.

Soundstage was praised as surprisingly wide for closed-back headphones.

Soundstage was mixed: some reviewers heard nice width, while others found it restricted or weak for competitive gaming.

Spatial and theater-style audio was mixed: theater mode impressed one reviewer, while another did not find extra modes useful.

Spatial audio was one of the most mixed areas: cinema use sometimes impressed reviewers, but music support, setup, and service availability drew criticism.

Stability was praised during running, with no distracting or unstable feel.

Fit stability was positive where evaluated, with reviewers noting snug, secure fit and consistent seal behavior.

Streaming service integration for spatial audio was weak, with reviewers noting limited or lost service support despite 360 Reality Audio capability.

Repairability was criticized, especially around maintenance options and difficulty replacing parts compared with expectations for a premium product.

Touch controls divided reviewers: some found them accurate or intuitive, while others called them finicky, easy to nudge, or terrible.

Transparency or ambient mode was praised as useful for awareness and dialing in outside sound.

Transparency mode improved substantially and often sounded natural, though some reviewers still found AirPods Max more realistic or Sony slightly unnatural.

Travel friendliness was praised through the slim case, foldable design, commuting fit, and compact storage.

Travel friendliness was a major strength, supported by strong ANC, comfort, battery life, folding design, and the improved case.

Treble and high-end clarity were praised as clear, detailed, and able to let guitar layers shine.

Treble drew mostly positive comments for detail and sparkle, but lab-focused criticism noted some peaks that could need EQ.

USB-C charging was explicitly welcomed as the expected modern standard.

USB-C was the most repeated technical complaint because reviewers wanted USB-C audio or lossless digital playback, not charging-only behavior.

Value for money was one of the strongest themes, with reviewers repeatedly comparing performance favorably against the price.

Value was mixed: reviewers often said performance justified the price, but the $450 tier, discounts, and missing features were recurring caveats.

Voice assistant and voice-command features were mixed, with one reviewer saying they worked well and another finding them inconsistent.

Water and sweat resistance were a weakness because reviewers cautioned there is no IP rating.

Wear detection auto-pause was excellent in the available review, immediately pausing and resuming playback.

Wear detection performance was excellent in the available review, with sensors described as as good as ever.

Weight comfort was praised as balanced and not heavy.

Weight comfort was praised where mentioned, with reviewers highlighting the XM6 as very light for premium over-ear ANC headphones.

Wind handling was mixed: one reviewer found minimal interference, while another did not find wind reduction especially useful.

Wind handling was praised in microphone testing, where the XM6 rejected unwanted wind noise very well.