Headphones / Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
Sony WH-1000XM6
The noise-cancelling benchmark — and the folding hinge is finally back.
Wins overall by 2.1 points
Quick Verdict
A 2.1-point gap makes the Sony WH-1000XM6 the straightforward choice here. The noise-cancelling benchmark — and the folding hinge is finally back.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 and Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 are both closely matched headphones models, and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is $271 cheaper than the Sony WH-1000XM6 ($179 vs $449.99). On Noise Cancelling, the Sony WH-1000XM6 leads (9.8 vs 2.0/10) — how well ambient noise is blocked. On Travel, the Sony WH-1000XM6 leads (9.5 vs 6.0/10) — foldability, case, ANC on planes, battery for long trips. On Features, the Sony WH-1000XM6 leads (9.0 vs 6.0/10) — app ecosystem, multipoint, spatial audio, extras. Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM6 scores 8.6/10 across our 10 scoring categories versus 6.5/10 for the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2. Below, we break down the full spec sheet, category-by-category scores, and exactly who should buy which one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 | $179.00 |
| Release Year | 2025 | 2021 |
| Battery Life (hrs) | 30 | Not applicable — this model has no active noise cancelling |
| Battery (ANC off) (hrs) | 40 | 50✓ |
| Quick Charge (min for 3hrs) | 3✓ | 10 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 with Auracast | 5.0 |
| Weight (g) | 254✓ | 307 |
| Driver Size (mm) | 30 | 45 |
| Active Noise Cancelling | HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 driving a 12-microphone array with Adaptive NC Optimizer | None |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Microphones (mics) | 12 | Audio-Technica states dual beamforming mics; independent testing counted one |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | None | None |
| App EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months |
| Colors | Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue, Sand Pink | Black |
Category Scores
Battery
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 leads clearly here, 8.5 against 8.0 — a 0.5-point margin on playtime, standby, and charging speed. If that is what you are buying for, the Sony WH-1000XM6 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Noise Cancelling
The Sony WH-1000XM6 leads clearly here, 9.8 against 2.0 — a 7.8-point margin on how well ambient noise is blocked. If that is what you are buying for, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Comfort
The Sony WH-1000XM6 leads clearly here, 9.0 against 6.8 — a 2.2-point margin on clamp force, padding, and weight for long sessions. If that is what you are buying for, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Sound Quality
The Sony WH-1000XM6 leads clearly here, 9.0 against 8.5 — a 0.5-point margin on driver performance, tuning, and detail. If that is what you are buying for, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Call & Mic Quality
The Sony WH-1000XM6 leads clearly here, 8.5 against 6.0 — a 2.5-point margin on voice clarity and background noise rejection on calls. If that is what you are buying for, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Travel
The Sony WH-1000XM6 leads clearly here, 9.5 against 6.0 — a 3.5-point margin on foldability, case, ANC on planes, battery for long trips. If that is what you are buying for, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Gaming
The Sony WH-1000XM6 leads clearly here, 7.5 against 7.0 — a 0.5-point margin on latency, low-lag mode support, and soundstage. If that is what you are buying for, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Value
The Sony WH-1000XM6 leads clearly here, 8.0 against 7.0 — a 1.0-point margin on features and performance relative to price. If that is what you are buying for, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Durability
The Sony WH-1000XM6 and Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 are level here, at 7.5/10 each. build materials, hinge quality, and reported longevity is not what separates these two — look to the categories where the scores diverge.
Features
The Sony WH-1000XM6 leads clearly here, 9.0 against 6.0 — a 3.0-point margin on app ecosystem, multipoint, spatial audio, extras. If that is what you are buying for, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Best For
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM6 if…
- • Noise Cancelling matters most to you — the Sony WH-1000XM6 scores 9.8/10 here (how well ambient noise is blocked).
- • Travel matters most to you — the Sony WH-1000XM6 scores 9.5/10 here (foldability, case, ANC on planes, battery for long trips).
- • Features matters most to you — the Sony WH-1000XM6 scores 9.0/10 here (app ecosystem, multipoint, spatial audio, extras).
- • Call & Mic Quality matters most to you — the Sony WH-1000XM6 scores 8.5/10 here (voice clarity and background noise rejection on calls).
- • Comfort matters most to you — the Sony WH-1000XM6 scores 9.0/10 here (clamp force, padding, and weight for long sessions).
Choose the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 if…
- • You want to spend less — it's $271 cheaper.
- • Your main use case is students.
Pros & Cons
Sony WH-1000XM6
Pros
- +Best-in-class noise cancelling, and the clearest reason to buy these
- +Sony restored the folding hinge, with a magnetic hard case
- +Only 254g and the most comfortable here over long sessions
- +10-band EQ, the deepest of any headphone here
- +LDAC plus Auracast
Cons
- −No USB-C audio playback — the port charges only, a real omission at this price
- −30mm drivers are the smallest here
- −No aptX support
- −No IP rating
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
Pros
- +The M50x sound signature, one of the most trusted references in audio
- +LDAC hi-res support
- +Largest drivers here at 45mm
- +Low-latency mode genuinely helps for video
Cons
- −No active noise cancelling at $179
- −Bluetooth 5.0 on a headphone still sold in 2026
- −Heaviest non-Apple option at 307g
- −The platform is now five years old
Shop by Need
FAQs
Is the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 better overall?+
Based on our 10-category scoring, the Sony WH-1000XM6 comes out ahead overall. See the full breakdown in the scores section above — the right pick still depends on which categories matter most for your use case.
Which is better for Noise Cancelling, the Sony WH-1000XM6 or the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2?+
The Sony WH-1000XM6 scores higher on Noise Cancelling (9.8/10 vs 2.0/10) — how well ambient noise is blocked.
Which is better for Travel, the Sony WH-1000XM6 or the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2?+
The Sony WH-1000XM6 scores higher on Travel (9.5/10 vs 6.0/10) — foldability, case, ANC on planes, battery for long trips.
Which is better for Features, the Sony WH-1000XM6 or the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2?+
The Sony WH-1000XM6 scores higher on Features (9.0/10 vs 6.0/10) — app ecosystem, multipoint, spatial audio, extras.
Which is better for Call & Mic Quality, the Sony WH-1000XM6 or the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2?+
The Sony WH-1000XM6 scores higher on Call & Mic Quality (8.5/10 vs 6.0/10) — voice clarity and background noise rejection on calls.
Is the Sony WH-1000XM6 worth the price difference over the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2?+
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is the cheaper option at $179 versus $449.99. Whether the pricier model is "worth it" depends on how much you value its lead in Noise Cancelling.
Which is better suited to my use case?+
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the better fit if you mainly care about travel or commute. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is the better fit for students.
What's the warranty on the Sony WH-1000XM6 vs the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2?+
The Sony WH-1000XM6 ships with a 12-month warranty; the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 ships with a 12-month warranty. Always confirm current terms on the manufacturer's site before buying.
Should I wait for the next model instead of buying either of these?+
If either model is more than two years old, a successor may be close — check the "Latest Model" link on each product page. Otherwise, both are current, well-supported options and there's no strong reason to wait.
Cheaper Option
Soundcore Space One — $99.99
Premium Option
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 — $479.00
Specifications and prices for both products last verified . Scores are calculated from published specifications — see how we compare products.