Beats Flex vs Sony WH-1000XM6
The Verdict
The Beats Flex and Sony WH-1000XM6 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Beats Flex is the cheaper of the two at $69 versus $450, a difference of about $381. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Beats Flex stands out for outstanding value at $69 with apple w1 chip, 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 Beats Flex if…
- →Outstanding value at $69 with Apple W1 chip
- →Magnetic earbuds auto-pause music when joined together
- →12-hour battery life is generous for the price
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
Beats Flex
Pros
- Outstanding value at $69 with Apple W1 chip
- Magnetic earbuds auto-pause music when joined together
- 12-hour battery life is generous for the price
- USB-C charging — no Lightning cable needed
- Works well with both iOS and Android devices
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- Neckband design isn't for everyone — less discreet than true wireless
- No water resistance rating
- Sound quality is adequate but not detailed
- Bluetooth 4.2 is dated
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 | Beats Flex | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 18.6 g | 230 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 12 hrs | Up to 40 hours (ANC on) |
| Charging | USB-C, 10 min = 1.5 hrs (Fast Fuel) | USB-C, 3 min = 3 hours, charge while listening |
| Drivers | 12mm dual-chamber driver | 30mm carbon fiber composite |
| Features | Apple W1 chip, Magnetic earbuds auto-pause when connected, USB-C charging, Neckband design with Flex-Form cable, Shared audio with other Beats or AirPods | 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 | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 (Apple W1 chip) | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | — |
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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 Beats products or all Sony products. View full details for the Beats Flex or the Sony WH-1000XM6.