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

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 a major strength, with most hands-on reviewers praising the Pro’s clarity, detail and overall refinement. A few found the tuning merely good or behind top rivals, so it is not universally class-leading.

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

The presentation is wider and more open than earlier Nothing models, with strong spatial placement. It still sounds more closed-in than large open-back reference headphones.

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

Spatial processing can make movies and other compatible content feel more atmospheric and immersive, especially when the effect suits the material.

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

The soft cushions can create a strong passive seal, and one reviewer called the isolation impressive. Another found the softer pads reduced isolation, while fit and glasses can change the result.

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

Low-latency mode kept audio tightly synchronized with video and gaming in the real-world test that addressed it.

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 capable but taste-dependent. Some reviewers found the modes immersive and technically impressive, while others called them light-touch, gimmicky or something they would rarely use.

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

ANC is consistently strong, often described as close to flagship Sony and Bose performance and especially effective against hum, voices and travel noise. Seal sensitivity can make results less consistent on some heads.

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

Flat mode can sound impressively accurate, but lab measurements raised concerns about high-frequency variability and positioning sensitivity. Fit appears to affect the measured response more than usual.

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

Bass is generally controlled and punchy rather than bloated, with good depth and timbre. Bass-heavy listeners may want more impact, and one reviewer specifically found the punch softer than expected.

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

The microphones suppress environmental noise very effectively, with reports of callers hearing little background noise even in wind or around a lawnmower. Voice quality may still sound slightly processed.

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

Wear detection was explicitly described as very reliable.

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

Wind handling is excellent by the standards of ANC headphones. Reviewers say the Pro nearly solves the wind-noise weakness of cheaper Nothing models and remains effective outdoors.

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

The headphones do not fold, which hurts compact portability compared with rivals designed to collapse for travel.

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

USB-C audio is more than a convenience here: hi-res wired playback can reveal extra detail compared with lower-resolution alternatives.

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

The onboard DAC and hi-res wired path are genuinely useful for lossless libraries, supporting high-resolution playback without fuss.

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

The included wired cables are a nice touch and feel purpose-built, though one reviewer would have preferred a darker color to match the headphones.

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

IP52 protection is useful for workouts and light weather, but it should not be mistaken for heavy water resistance.

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

The carrying case is the product’s most divisive—and usually most criticized—part. Most reviewers dislike its weight, exposed headband and lack of cable storage, though a minority love its unusual protective design.

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

The headphones can work well for travel, but the heavy partial case repeatedly undermines portability. Several reviewers said the case was bulky enough to discourage packing them for longer trips.

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

The box includes useful wired-listening accessories, though cable color and the case’s lack of storage drew minor complaints.

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

The Pro handled mixed-platform use cleanly, including an Android phone and MacBook connected at the same time.

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

Premium materials are a consistent strength. Aluminum, titanium and glass give the Pro a more expensive feel without making it as heavy as the AirPods Max.

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

The earpads are unusually easy to remove and reinstall, which makes replacement and cleaning simple.

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

The transparent glass-and-metal aesthetic is striking and polished rather than discreet, and the reviewer addressing looks directly found it especially impressive.

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

The 3.5mm input is genuinely useful for analog sources, adding flexibility for travel and legacy gear.

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

The earpads are easy to pull off and reinstall, making pad replacement and cleaning unusually convenient.

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

Connectivity is unusually flexible, with Bluetooth, 3.5mm analog and USB-C digital listening all available.

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

Android compatibility worked smoothly in a mixed Android-and-Mac setup, including dual-device use.

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

The revised ear cushions are a clear upgrade: softer, plusher and more comfortable than previous Nothing models, including for glasses wearers.

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

The headband offers generous adjustment and accommodated larger heads without trouble in the tests that discussed fit range.

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

The built-in microphone system delivered very good call quality in the review that assessed it directly.

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

Fit stability is good enough that the headphones stay in place rather than slipping off during normal use.

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

Flat EQ is the most divisive sound feature: some reviewers love its neutral, work-ready presentation and physical toggle, while others find it dull, niche, fiddly or sonically unsuccessful.

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

Headband padding is much improved overall and reduces pressure during long sessions. One reviewer still found the top padding too light, so comfort can vary by head shape.

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

The midrange is usually clear and well presented, especially for vocals and instruments. Some listeners found it a little too forward or slightly subdued depending on mode and tuning.

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

Most reviewers who focused on separation heard cleaner spacing between vocals and instruments. One prominent comparison found the Pro more muddled than Sony and AirPods Max, making this a point of disagreement.

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

Overall recommendations lean positive: reviewers see a genuinely premium, feature-rich flagship with excellent ANC, controls and detail. The case, price and cheaper Nothing alternatives are the main reasons some stop short of a full recommendation.

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 support is useful for higher-quality wireless listening and was judged to sound good through the Pro’s drivers, though it shortens battery life.

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

Transparency mode is one of the more consistently praised features, sounding clear, natural and markedly improved from earlier Nothing headphones. Several reviewers place it just below Apple’s best implementation.

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.

The launch feature set is broad and immediately useful, with advanced listening and connectivity tools available from the start.

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

The glossy glass is a fingerprint magnet. Multiple reviewers noticed smudges quickly, making this one of the few repeated cosmetic complaints about the headphones themselves.

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

Treble earns strong marks for sparkle, clarity and natural detail. There are isolated concerns about high-frequency emphasis, variability and a somewhat recessed presentation in Flat mode.

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

The rotating earcups provide useful fit flexibility and can lay flat for storage.

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

Wear detection reliably paused and resumed playback in the review that tested it.

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

The wear-detection sensors worked reliably in real-world use.

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

Auto-pause behavior tied to wear detection worked reliably in the test that focused on it.

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

Setup is straightforward, and the personalization process takes only a few minutes. Connecting the headphones through the app was also easy.

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

The Nothing X app is intuitive and easy to connect, with a straightforward path to the headphone’s deeper settings.

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

The Pro is packed with advanced controls and listening features, including deep EQ, personalized sound and spatial options. The breadth is a strength, though limited remapping and complexity can temper the experience.

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

Bluetooth setup was quick and trouble-free in the hands-on test that directly assessed it.

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

The tactile roller, paddle and physical buttons are a standout strength. Reviewers repeatedly call them intuitive, easy to identify by feel and among the best headphone controls available.

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

Call quality ranges from average to excellent: voices are usually clear and understandable, even outdoors, but occasional warbling or a processed tone can be audible.

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

Personalized listening features work well, with Personal Sound making a meaningful difference for some users even though the setup is simpler than a few competing systems.

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

EQ customization is unusually deep, ranging from simple presets to a flexible parametric EQ with per-driver control. Enthusiasts love the flexibility, though the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming.

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

Wear-based Smart Pause behavior was reliable in the test that directly assessed it.

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

Auracast adds practical flexibility for broadcasts and shared audio, and was highlighted as a genuinely useful feature rather than a spec-sheet novelty.

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

Dual-device switching worked reliably in the reviews that tested it, including mixed Android, Mac and phone use.

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.

High-quality wireless codec playback is a positive, with LDAC delivering strong results despite a modest battery tradeoff.

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

Value is mixed at $399. Some reviewers think the Pro competes well with pricier flagships, while others feel the cheaper Headphone (1) or Headphone (a) delivers most of the experience for much less.

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

The metal, titanium and glass construction feels sturdy and significantly upgraded over the standard model.

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

The hinges feel more premium and operate quietly, with no creaking noted in the review that focused on them.

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

On-head weight is better managed than the raw 327g figure suggests, though some reviewers still notice that these are heavier than key Sony and Bose rivals.

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

The headphones themselves show encouraging durability, including scratch resistance in early use, but one reviewer raised concerns about the case hinge rather than the headphones.

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

Clamp pressure was described as secure without feeling vice-like, giving the headphones a stable but comfortable fit.

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

Long-session comfort is excellent despite the 327g weight. Softer ear cushions, a wider headband and better padding let multiple reviewers wear the Pro for hours or nearly a full workday with little discomfort.

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

Nothing’s distinctive transparent, squared-off design is widely loved. Reviewers repeatedly call it unique, recognizable and among the brand’s best-looking work.

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

Fast charging is a clear strength, with reviewers praising the quick top-ups and useful listening time from a short charge.

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 adequate to strong in isolation, with around 30 hours quoted or observed with ANC. The recurring complaint is that cheaper Nothing models last longer, which makes the Pro’s stamina feel underwhelming for the price.

Steady background noise and ANC hiss are well controlled: hums can disappear entirely, and the faint hiss heard on the older model is less perceptible here.

Switching ANC on produced almost no noticeable change to the music in the direct comparison, which is an excellent result for sound consistency.

ANC has little audible effect on the music in the direct on/off comparison, preserving the headphone’s sound while reducing outside noise.

The Pro can sound exceptionally lively and dynamic, especially in its processed listening modes.

The headphones stay mechanically quiet during movement, with little thudding or creaking heard while running.

Spatial audio can enhance gaming, adding a stronger sense of placement and immersion when the effect suits the game.

Idle ANC hiss is better controlled than on the previous Headphone (1), where the faint background hiss was more noticeable.

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

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.

Detail retrieval is one of the Pro’s clearest strengths. Reviewers repeatedly heard extra texture, breaths, instrumentation and leading-edge information that cheaper or older headphones obscured.

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

The soft, pliable cushions work well around glasses and help preserve comfort and seal. One reviewer still found fit with glasses inconsistent, so head shape and frame style can matter.

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

Imaging is excellent, with precise instrument positioning complementing the wider soundstage.

Hands-on satisfaction is overwhelmingly high among the reviewers who gave a direct personal verdict, with several saying they loved the headphones or had very little to complain about.

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

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.

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

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

Auditory feedback from the physical controls is unusually satisfying, including the distinctive ratcheting sound of the volume roller.

Closed-back heat buildup is present but moderate; one reviewer’s ears warmed slightly, yet less than with several competing headphones.