Compare SONY WH-1000XM6 Headphones vs Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 Headphones

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

Review evidence treats the included analog cable option as a practical premium accessory for wired use, not just a box-checking extra.

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

Reviewers broadly find ANC improved and often very good, though several still place Sony, Bose, or AirPods Max ahead in specific noise scenarios.

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

Advanced software is intentionally restrained: reviewers appreciate the fundamentals but note fewer rich extras than Sony, Bose, or Sennheiser-style rivals.

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

The slimmer, more discreet profile is repeatedly praised for looking less bulky while preserving Bowers & Wilkins' premium identity.

A couple of reviewers report a mild pressurized or adjusting sensation with ANC, making the background behavior good but not perfectly invisible.

Tom's Guide specifically praises the ANC for making little to no audible change to the sonic character.

Tom's Guide describes ANC's impact on the audio itself as minimal, a positive contrast to algorithms that alter the sound.

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

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

The app is generally seen as clean, useful, and easy to use, though not especially full-featured compared with richer competitors.

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

aptX support is treated as a meaningful high-quality and future-looking benefit, especially for non-iOS listeners with compatible devices.

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.

Auracast is discussed as an upcoming capability, but reviewer enthusiasm is cautious rather than proven by hands-on performance.

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.

Tom's Guide's audio award recognition reinforces the product's strong overall standing in its price class.

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

Bass is usually praised for control, depth, slam, and texture, though a few reviewers find it elevated or less sub-bass-heavy than some rivals.

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

Battery life is considered solid and sufficient at around 30 hours, but reviewers do not treat it as class-leading.

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

Bluetooth performance is generally praised for reliable pairing and flexible transmission quality, with one reviewer noting rare hiccups.

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

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

Build quality is a major strength, with repeated praise for premium materials, finish, and construction.

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

The built-in DAC and hi-res USB playback are appreciated, though one reviewer hears little improvement over strong wireless codecs.

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

Physical controls are widely liked for being tactile, reliable, and easier than touch panels, despite some limitations in available shortcuts.

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

Cable quality is viewed positively when reviewers mention the included cables, though one reviewer wishes for longer cables.

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

The hard case is consistently praised as sturdy, premium, protective, and well finished.

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

Fast charging earns strong praise, especially the short top-up that adds several hours of playback.

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

Clamp is the main comfort caveat: some reviewers find it secure or well judged, while others feel pressure or tightness.

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.

Codec support is viewed as ample and premium, with aptX Lossless and high-resolution options standing out.

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

Comfort is mostly strong across long sessions, helped by padding and fit, though clamp, heat, or glasses pressure appear in some reviews.

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

Connectivity options are considered flexible, especially USB-C and wired modes, but dead-battery wired listening is a noted limitation.

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

Design earns strong consensus for being elegant, understated, attractive, and premium-looking.

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

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

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

Ear cup padding is praised in one review as plush, while another says the cushions feel less supportive than previous B&W models.

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

The swivel and rotation range earns praise from one reviewer who specifically likes the inward and outward twisting motion.

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

Ecosystem integration is a useful extra for owners of other supported Bowers & Wilkins devices.

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

The 5-band EQ is widely welcomed as a big upgrade, though some reviewers still find it limited versus deeper EQ systems.

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.

Launch features are good but incomplete, with some promised functions missing at release.

The firmware roadmap is seen as encouraging because reviewers expect missing features to help the headphones catch up.

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

TechRadar praises the frequency balance for avoiding obvious overstatement or understatement across the range.

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

Headband adjustment earns praise for smooth, well-damped movement and resistance.

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

Headband padding is usually praised, but one reviewer notes slight top-of-head 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 audio quality was mixed: cinema/background modes impressed some reviewers, while others called music upmixing gimmicky or poor.

SoundGuys' measurements and commentary point to unusually strong immersiveness for spatially oriented content.

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

Included accessories are described as practical and premium, especially the case and both USB-C and analog cables.

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

Instrument separation is one of the most consistent audio strengths, with reviewers praising clarity, layering, and imaging.

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

The integrated microphones are judged positively by at least one reviewer for everyday conversation use.

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.

LDAC absence is treated as a drawback by reviewers who prefer that more common high-res Android codec.

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

LE Audio readiness is treated as an upcoming feature, but the reviewer expresses limited excitement before hands-on results.

Audio46 praises the louder output for staying clean without distortion.

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

Microphone noise reduction is generally good, reducing background noise, but some road noise or muffling remains.

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

Call microphone quality is mostly good to excellent, though a few reviewers find it less clear than Apple or Sony.

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

Midrange impressions are mixed: several praise natural vocals and body, while RecordingNow finds stock mids recessed.

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

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

Multipoint is a standout when mentioned, with reviewers praising fast and seamless switching.

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

Passive isolation benefits from an easy seal and contributes meaningfully to noise reduction.

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

Overall recommendations are strongly positive, especially for buyers prioritizing sound, build, and style over absolute ANC dominance.

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

Portability is mixed: the case and lay-flat design help, but the headphones do not fully fold and can take more bag space.

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

Reviewers describe the headphones as premium-feeling and worth their price visually and physically.

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

The TrueSound-style preset is described as giving the headphones a dynamic signature without requiring much user adjustment.

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

Replaceable earpads are a positive repairability point, although service involvement makes the process less convenient.

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

Replaceable pads and headband improve repairability, but reviewers note the process may require B&W service.

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 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.

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

Software/setup simplicity is praised for users who want good sound without constant settings fuss.

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

Sound quality is the strongest consensus point, with many reviewers calling the Px7 S3 class-leading, refined, or highly enjoyable.

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

Soundstage is generally spacious and well defined, though a few reviewers describe it as focused or not the widest.

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

Spatial audio is not yet proven in reviews, but Audioholics is genuinely interested in B&W's planned implementation.

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

Fit stability is positive in the limited evidence, with reviewers saying the headphones feel secure during movement.

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

Streaming integration is mixed: it supports direct services, but reviewers doubt many users will prefer it and note local-library gaps.

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

Repairability is better than many rivals thanks to replaceable cushions and headband parts, though battery replacement remains a limitation.

Material choices get a positive note for avoiding leather while still feeling soft and premium.

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

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

Transparency mode is generally good to excellent, with several reviewers calling it natural, close to not wearing headphones, or conversation-friendly.

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

Travel friendliness is helped by the protective case and lay-flat design, but some reviewers dislike the larger non-folding footprint.

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

Treble is often praised for crispness and detail, though some reviewers hear sibilance or grating highs in certain situations.

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

USB-C is useful for wired audio, but one reviewer reports occasional skipping over USB-C.

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

Value is viewed positively for the sound, build, and feature mix, though the price is still considered premium and market-dependent.

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

Voice assistant access works, but one reviewer dislikes that using it can require sacrificing the ANC toggle behavior.

Volume output is praised as very loud compared with peers.

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.

Auto-pause wear detection is mentioned as useful but less reliable than leading rivals in one review.

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

Wear detection performance receives a mixed note, with one reviewer finding the sensor less reliable than Bose or Sony.

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

Weight comfort is mixed: the headphones are not extremely heavy, but reviewers still notice their mass compared with lighter rivals.

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

Wind performance is split, with TechRadar flagging susceptibility while another reviewer praises windy call handling.