Sony WH-1000XM6 vs. Nothing Headphone 1
Which premium headphone is right for you?
So, you're on the hunt for your next pair of premium headphones, and you're staring down two very different but equally intriguing contenders: the powerhouse champion, Sony's WH-1000XM6, the sleek, and disruptively designed Nothing Headphone 1.
One promises a fresh, unique experience, while the other offers a refined legacy of top-tier sound and silence. But when it comes down to your ears and your wallet, which of these two truly deserves a spot in your daily life?
For years, Sony's WH-1000XM series has been the gold standard for noise-cancelling headphones. Now, Nothing's bold entry, the Headphone 1, aims to shake up the premium audio scene with its signature transparent design. We're diving deep into what makes each of these headphones tick, pitting them against each other across the most crucial aspects.
1/ Design and Build Quality
The Sony WH-1000XM6, embodies refined practicality. It reportedly brings back the beloved folding hinge from earlier models, enhancing portability. At around 250 grams, it's significantly lighter, promising superior comfort for long listening sessions with its soft synthetic leather and memory foam. Sony's design is understated, focusing on premium feel and intuitive touch controls.
The Nothing Headphone 1, by contrast, immediately grabs attention with its transparent aesthetic, blending aluminum and plastic to reveal internal components. It's a statement piece with tactile, physical controls (roller, paddle, button) that offer satisfying feedback. However, at 329 grams, it's notably heavier, and its unique "squircle" earcups might not offer universal comfort for extended wear. It does not fold compactly.
Winner: Nothing Headphone 1 for bold aesthetics; Sony WH-1000XM6 for practical comfort and portability.
2/ Sound Quality
Sound is where the rubber meets the road for any headphone. The Sony WH-1000XM6 refines its acclaimed audio with an updated Integrated Processor V1, despite using smaller 30mm drivers. It excels in Hi-Res Audio Wireless via LDAC and utilises DSEE Extreme to upscale compressed music. Sony's signature warmer sound with strong, controlled bass remains, complemented by Personalised Spatial Audio and 360 Reality Audio with head tracking.
And the Nothing Headphone 1 features custom 40mm dynamic drivers, tuned in collaboration with KEF for a balanced, clear, and impactful sound profile. It supports high-resolution LDAC codec and offers immersive Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. An 8-band custom EQ is available via the Nothing X app for personalised tuning.
Winner: It's a Tie. Nothing for its KEF tuning and bold sound; Sony for its established sonic excellence and intelligent processing.
3/ Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Active Noise Cancellation is Sony's stronghold. WH-1000XM6 has featured a new, faster HD noise-canceling processor (QN3) and 12 microphones, setting an industry benchmark for silencing ambient noise from commutes to flights. Its adaptive optimization dynamically adjusts to your environment.
While Nothing Headphone 1 offers adaptive ANC up to 42dB, adjusting in real-time. While "impressive" for a new contender, early reports suggest it's "a small step or two behind Sony's WH-1000XM6" in raw noise-canceling power.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6, for pushing the boundaries of quiet.
4/ Comfort and Portability
Comfort is key for long-term use. The Sony WH-1000XM6's lighter 250-gram build, combined with plush earcups and a padded headband, ensures excellent comfort. Its re-introduced folding design means it packs down neatly, making it highly portable for travel.
While the Nothing Headphone 1's 329-gram weight might cause some fatigue during extended listening. While comfortable for shorter periods, its "squircle" earcups and non-folding design make it less compact for carrying.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6, for its lighter weight and superior folding design.
5/ Battery Life
Both headphones offer robust battery endurance. The Sony WH-1000XM6 provides around 30 hours with ANC on, and up to 40 hours with ANC off. While Nothing leads with ANC off, their ANC-on performance is comparable for long listening sessions. Sony also offers quick charging.
In contrast, the Nothing Headphone 1 impresses with up to 80 hours (ANC off) and a solid 35 hours (ANC on, 30 hours with LDAC). A 5-minute charge can yield 2.4-5 hours of playback.
Winner: Nothing Headphone 1, for its significantly longer battery life with ANC off.
6/ Extra Features and Connectivity
The Sony WH-1000XM6 offers: Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, Precise Voice Pickup Technology (AI-based calls), Speak-to-Chat, Adaptive Sound Control, Quick Attention Mode, and extensive customization via the Sony Headphones Connect app.
On the other hand, the Nothing Headphone 1 includes: Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair, low-latency mode, wear detection, a personal sound profile, Find My Device, and a 4-mic ENC system for clear calls. It also supports USB-C audio and a 3.5mm jack.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6, for its sophisticated suite of smart features and superior call quality.
7/ Pricing and Value
- Sony WH-1000XM6: Expected around $428.
- Nothing Headphone 1: Launched at $299 / €299.
The Nothing Headphone 1 delivers premium features and unique design at a significantly more accessible price point. The Sony WH-1000XM6, while top-tier, comes at a substantial premium.
Winner: Nothing Headphone 1, for offering exceptional value.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Nothing Headphone 1 and the Sony WH-1000XM6 boils down to your priorities.
If you value distinctive, eye-catching design, a strong feature set, impressive battery life, and excellent audio at a more attractive price, the Nothing Headphone 1 is your go-to. It's for those who want a unique statement piece without sacrificing performance.
However, if your priority is absolute, industry-leading active noise cancellation, supreme comfort for long periods, and the most refined smart features from an established leader, then the Sony WH-1000XM6 remains the top pick. It's the ultimate choice for those demanding the very best in quiet and intelligent audio, willing to invest the premium for it.
Gabriel Ojeh
