Compare Nothing Headphone (1) vs SONY WH-1000XM6 Headphones

Sound quality was the most divisive area: some loved the tuned or EQ-adjusted sound, while many criticized the default tuning as dark, flat, or compressed.

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

Wear detection performance was poor in one long-term Mac test, where it reportedly never worked.

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

Wind handling was mixed: some mic suppression impressed reviewers, while ANC or voice noise gating struggled in wind.

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

LE Audio readiness was marked down because TechRadar noted the lack of Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast.

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

Frequency-response evidence was mixed: some heard balanced tuning, while others found the default curve dark, uneven, or treble-recessed.

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

ANC was generally viewed as strong for the price and effective in everyday noise, though several reviewers said Sony, Bose, or AirPods Max still outperform it.

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

Immersive audio was weak in TechRadar’s testing, where spatial effects added little and sometimes harmed movie or podcast playback.

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

Bass impressions were split: some heard controlled punch and texture, while others described muddy bass or weak low-frequency precision before EQ.

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

Microphone noise reduction was generally strong, with reviewers praising background suppression, though one noted echo/reverb issues.

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

Passive isolation was a clear strength, with the ear pads and seal repeatedly helping noise reduction even before ANC.

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

Soundstage was often criticized as narrow or compressed, though a few reviewers heard decent width after tuning or in positive listening sessions.

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

Spatial audio was mixed: some found it useful for movies and broad device support, while others called it weak, limp, or harmful to music.

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

Low-latency mode was treated positively as a useful gaming/video feature for reducing delay.

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

Wear detection auto-pause was criticized in long-term Mac use, where the reviewer said over-ear detection was god-awful.

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

USB-C was praised as a useful wired audio and charging option, especially for modern devices and lossless playback.

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

Wired hi-res and USB-C digital playback were viewed as useful extras, with reviewers noting clearer or lossless wired listening.

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

Water/sweat resistance was praised as rare for premium over-ears, though PCMag cautioned that IP52 is still limited.

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

Ecosystem perks were useful for Nothing Phone users, but some exclusive features limited broader appeal.

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

Travel friendliness was mixed-to-negative because battery life is good but the case is bulky and the headphones do not fold up.

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

Premium feel was widely praised, with reviewers saying the headphones feel expensive, solid, and better than expected at the price.

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

Treble clarity was a common weakness in negative sound reviews, with several reviewers hearing recessed, dull, or less crisp highs.

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

Multi-platform use was praised in long-term testing because the app works across iOS and Android with most features available on both.

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

Midrange clarity was polarizing, with some praising vocals while others heard too much lower-mid darkness or underemphasized midrange.

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

Portability was mixed: the headphones lie flat and can pack neatly in some cases, but they do not fold up and remain large.

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

Preset EQ feedback was mixed, with some finding treble/bass presets useful and others saying presets were not enough or should be skipped.

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

Replaceable earpad evidence was weak-to-negative, with uncertainty around replacements and a long-term reviewer noting Nothing still did not sell them.

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

Sensor evidence was positive but limited, with one reviewer identifying proximity sensing as useful hardware.

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

Case feedback was mixed: some praised protection and compactness, while others found it too large, cheap-feeling, or annoying to zip.

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

Cable quality was criticized because the included 3.5mm cable was only three-pole and could not carry microphone audio.

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

Instrument separation ranged from crowded and unclear in negative reviews to solid detail and separation in more positive listening impressions.

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

One reviewer specifically liked the slim profile because the headphones sit close to the head despite their bold styling.

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

Wear/on-head detection was praised in early reviews as useful and working well, though related long-term Mac behavior was criticized elsewhere.

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

Repairability evidence was mixed-to-negative: The Guardian noted replacement cushions, but a long-term reviewer criticized the soldered battery.

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

Overall recommendations were mixed-positive: many reviewers liked the value and debut effort, but sound tuning and comfort kept it from universal praise.

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

Smudge resistance was a weakness because the finish visibly picked up oil even if it wiped off easily.

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

Launch features were viewed positively because the headphones offered several differentiating features beyond visual design.

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.

Transparency mode was generally usable and often natural enough for conversations, but several reviewers found it less natural than Apple, Bose, or Sony.

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

Headband adjustability drew mixed but mostly positive feedback, with smooth adjustment praised and one top-mounted mechanism criticized.

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

Headband padding was mixed: SoundGuys liked weight distribution, while The Guardian found the padding too thin after hours.

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

Ear cup padding was mostly praised for soft memory foam and a good seal, though a few reviewers felt pressure or heat.

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

Connectivity was a major strength, with reviewers praising the mix of USB-C, 3.5mm, multipoint, and app/device support.

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

Reviewers liked that wired listening is covered with a 3.5mm jack, often alongside USB-C, making the headphones more flexible for planes and wired sources.

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

Fit stability was praised where reviewers described a secure fit without excessive tightness.

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

The six-month review praised the app for working on both iOS and Android, supporting strong Android usability.

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

LDAC support was consistently treated as a positive, especially for Android/high-res wireless listening.

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.

Streaming-service integration was criticized in long-term use because Channel Hop/favorites behavior felt confusing.

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

Setup and software simplicity were praised through Google Fast Pair, an easy app, and automatic pairing behavior.

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

The app was one of the product’s strongest points, with reviewers praising its layout, speed, settings, and unusually deep EQ tools.

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

Voice assistant integration was positively supported through the customizable button and Gemini/assistant access.

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

Call mic quality was mixed-to-positive: several reviewers heard clear calls, while others described the mic as merely fine, tinny, or robotic.

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

Reviewers consistently praised the broad feature set, especially customization, spatial options, ANC controls, and app-driven extras.

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

Smart Pause performance was praised by TechRadar, which said wear detection and multipoint both worked perfectly once enabled.

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

Smart listening features were positively supported by Personal Sound, which was described as a useful way to personalize tuning.

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

Bluetooth reliability was supported by positive connectivity evidence, including Bluetooth 5.3 range and dual-device support.

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

EQ customization was a standout feature, repeatedly described as powerful, granular, and sometimes essential for fixing the stock tuning.

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

Physical controls were a standout strength, widely praised for tactility and usability, although a few reviewers found the layout or paddle/roller behavior finicky.

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

Bluetooth 5.3 was described as up to date, giving the headphones a modern wireless baseline.

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

Weight comfort was mixed: reviewers often found them wearable, but their 329g weight was repeatedly noticed against lighter Sony/Bose options.

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

Build quality was broadly praised as solid, premium, and better than expected, though one reviewer worried about long-term headband durability.

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

Clamping force was generally secure and comfortable, but PCMag found it tighter than preferred.

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

Long-term durability evidence was limited, but one reviewer worried about cosmetic dings from the rectangular cups.

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

Design was one of the most discussed strengths, repeatedly praised as distinctive, premium, and eye-catching, though also polarizing.

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

Comfort was usually positive over hours of use, but weight, heat, piercings, glasses, and headband pressure made it less universal.

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

Auracast was a weakness only by absence, with TechRadar saying the lack of LE Audio and Auracast keeps them from feeling fully future-proof.

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

Value was generally positive because the headphones undercut major rivals while offering strong build, controls, battery, ANC, and EQ, though weak default sound hurt value for some.

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

Codec support was treated positively, with SBC/AAC/LDAC and high-res support helping the value proposition.

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.

Multipoint reliability was treated positively, with reviewers highlighting quick switching and two-device connection.

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

Battery life was one of the clearest strengths, repeatedly praised for 35+ hours with ANC and exceptional longevity without ANC.

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

Charging was praised, especially the fast-charge claims and real-world usefulness before trips or commutes.

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

Background-noise reduction was mixed: lab-style and street testing praised attenuation, while some reviewers noted weaker handling of voices or sudden sounds.

One review found ANC changed the sound signature negatively, narrowing and muting more complex tracks.

One review said audio sounded best with ANC off because switching ANC on narrowed and muted the presentation.

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

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

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

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

Find My support was considered useful but basic, with reviewers noting it mainly plays a sound rather than offering smarter tracking.

Firmware support looked promising because a later Nothing X update added Personal Sound support.

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

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

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

Maximum-volume clarity was positive in CNET’s testing, with almost no distortion even at high volumes.

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

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

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

Volume output was criticized by reviewers who wanted more headroom or found the roller caused accidental loud jumps.

Auto power/sleep behavior drew criticism in long-term use, especially when connected to a Mac.

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

Sustainability materials were a weakness because The Guardian said the headphones were not made with recycled materials.

Voice prompts and feedback split reviewers sharply: one loved the mode sounds, while others found cues uncomfortable, awful, loud, or jarring.