Sennheiser HD 560S vs Sony WH-1000XM6
The Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 560S and Sony WH-1000XM6 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Sennheiser HD 560S is the cheaper of the two at $199 versus $450, a difference of about $251. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Sennheiser HD 560S stands out for audiophile-grade clarity and neutral sound at an accessible price, 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 Sennheiser HD 560S if…
- →Audiophile-grade clarity and neutral sound at an accessible price
- →120-ohm impedance works with most phones and laptops without an amp
- →Incredibly wide soundstage for gaming, mixing, and critical listening
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
Sennheiser HD 560S
Pros
- Audiophile-grade clarity and neutral sound at an accessible price
- 120-ohm impedance works with most phones and laptops without an amp
- Incredibly wide soundstage for gaming, mixing, and critical listening
- Lightweight and comfortable for marathon listening sessions
- Excellent value as an entry into open-back audiophile headphones
Cons
- Open-back design leaks sound heavily — no isolation
- Wired only — no wireless option
- Bass can sound lean for casual listeners who prefer warmth
- Plastic build feels less premium than metal-bodied competitors
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 | Sennheiser HD 560S | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 240 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 | 38mm dynamic transducer, 120 ohm impedance | 30mm carbon fiber composite |
| Features | Open-back reference design, 120-ohm impedance — can be driven by most sources, Detachable cable, Velour ear pads for comfort, Wide frequency response (6 Hz – 38,000 Hz) | 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 Sennheiser products or all Sony products. View full details for the Sennheiser HD 560S or the Sony WH-1000XM6.