Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Sony WH-1000XM6
The Verdict
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Sony WH-1000XM6 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is the cheaper of the two at $149 versus $450, a difference of about $301. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x stands out for industry-standard studio monitor used by professionals worldwide, while Sony WH-1000XM6 is praised for qn3 processor delivers industry-leading anc. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x if…
- →Industry-standard studio monitor used by professionals worldwide
- →Accurate, detailed sound reproduction across all frequencies
- →Three included cables cover studio, DJ, and portable use cases
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM6 if…
- →QN3 processor delivers industry-leading ANC
- →40-hour battery life with ANC
- →Foldable design returns (compact case)
Pros & Cons
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Pros
- Industry-standard studio monitor used by professionals worldwide
- Accurate, detailed sound reproduction across all frequencies
- Three included cables cover studio, DJ, and portable use cases
- Foldable with swiveling cups for single-ear monitoring
- Exceptional value — professional quality at a consumer price
Cons
- Wired only — no Bluetooth option (ATH-M50xBT2 exists separately)
- Ear pads can get warm and sweaty during long sessions
- Clamping force is tight on larger heads out of the box
- Sound isolation is passive only — no ANC
Sony WH-1000XM6
Pros
- QN3 processor delivers industry-leading ANC
- 40-hour battery life with ANC
- Foldable design returns (compact case)
- LDAC + LC3 codec support for hi-res audio
- Charge while listening via USB-C
Cons
- $450 is $50 more than XM5
- 230g is still heavier than some competitors
- No aptX Lossless support
Full Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 285 g | 230 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (wired) | Up to 40 hours (ANC on) |
| Charging | N/A | USB-C, 3 min = 3 hours, charge while listening |
| Drivers | 45mm large-aperture dynamic driver | 30mm carbon fiber composite |
| Features | Professional studio monitoring, 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets, 90-degree swiveling ear cups for one-ear monitoring, 3 detachable cables included, Foldable design for portability, Circumaural design for sound isolation | QN3 HD processor (7x faster than QN1), 12 microphones for ANC, Foldable design, 360 Reality Audio, DSEE Extreme upscaling, Cinema upmix mode, Speak-to-chat |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | |
| Bluetooth | None (wired only) | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | — |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Audio-Technica products or all Sony products. View full details for the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or the Sony WH-1000XM6.