Between the WH-1000XM6 and WH-1000XM5, the WH-1000XM6 comes out ahead in several specs, while the WH-1000XM5 wins on weight. Overall, the WH-1000XM6 scores 60.5 and the WH-1000XM5 scores 60.5 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
These two are evenly matched on the broad strokes, with the decision sitting on which individual spec advantages weigh more for your use.
The WH-1000XM6 doesn't pull ahead on any single popular-comparison spec — its strengths sit in the spec table groups rather than the headline advantages.
Pick the WH-1000XM5 if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. Its strongest claims are weight.
Both ship with comparable battery life, driver size, active noise cancellation, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: there is no wrong answer here — match the spec advantages to how you actually use the product. The Mars Score parity tells you both are well-rounded; the differences are about trade-offs, not quality.
Why Sony - WH-1000XM6 wins
- No decisive advantages.
Why Sony - WH-1000XM5 wins
- ▲Weight — 4.00 g less. 250 vs 254.
Spec comparison
Design
| Spec | Sony - WH-1000XM6 | Sony - WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 254 g | 250 glead |
| Water resistance | none | none |
Audio
| Spec | Sony - WH-1000XM6 | Sony - WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver sizeⓘ | 30 mm | 30 mm |
| Impedanceⓘ | 16 Ω | 48 Ωlead |
| Sensitivityⓘ | 101 dB | 102 dBlead |
| Active noise cancellationⓘ | true | true |
| Transparency mode | true | true |
| Spatial audioⓘ | true | true |
Battery
| Spec | Sony - WH-1000XM6 | Sony - WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 30 h | 30 h |
| Fast chargeⓘ | true | true |
Connectivity
| Spec | Sony - WH-1000XM6 | Sony - WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetoothⓘ | 5.3lead | 5.2 |
| Multipointⓘ | true | true |
| 3.5mm jack | true | true |
| LDACⓘ | true | true |
| aptX HDⓘ | false | false |
Frequently asked
Which has better battery life, WH-1000XM6 or WH-1000XM5?+
WH-1000XM5 lasts 30 hours vs 30 hours.
Do WH-1000XM6 or WH-1000XM5 have active noise cancellation?+
Both models have active noise cancellation.
Which supports LDAC, WH-1000XM6 or WH-1000XM5?+
Both support LDAC.
Spec-level deep dives
More from the same brands
vsMars is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.