Focal
Focal Utopia 2022 · Arctic White
Open-back
96
/ 100
From $4,999
VS
Focal Utopia 2022 · Arctic White wins by 1
Sony
Sony WH-1000XM6
QN3 noise-cancel · LDAC · 30h battery
95
/ 100
From $449
Specdex verdict
Focal Utopia 2022 · Arctic White takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Focal Utopia 2022 · Arctic White lands at 96 and Sony WH-1000XM6 at 95. That puts Focal Utopia 2022 · Arctic White ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Focal Utopia 2022 · Arctic White if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Pick Sony WH-1000XM6 if…
- ✓Best-in-class ANC
- ✓Excellent call clarity
- ✓Folding hinges are back
Focal Utopia 2022 · Arctic White 96
vs 95 Sony WH-1000XM6
Score breakdown
Focal Utopia 2022 · Arctic White
96 anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Sony WH-1000XM6
95 anc 98
sound 94
comfort 92
battery 90
features 94
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Focal Utopia 2022 · Arctic White | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-back | — |
| Driver | — | 30 mm dynamic |
| Codecs | — | LDAC, AAC, SBC, LC3 |
| Battery | — | 30 h (ANC on) |
| Weight | — | 254 g |
| Connectivity | — | BT 5.3, Multipoint, USB-C |
Focal Utopia 2022 · Arctic White
Pros
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
Sony WH-1000XM6
Pros
- +Best-in-class ANC
- +Excellent call clarity
- +Folding hinges are back
Cons
- −Pricey vs XM5
- −Bass slightly boosted
- −No lossless over BT
FAQ: Focal Utopia 2022 · Arctic White vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Which is better, Focal Utopia 2022 · Arctic White or Sony WH-1000XM6? +
Focal Utopia 2022 · Arctic White scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Focal Utopia 2022 · Arctic White worth the price? +
At $4,999, Focal Utopia 2022 · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.
Is Sony WH-1000XM6 worth the price? +
At $449, Sony WH-1000XM6 delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in anc.
Does Focal Utopia 2022 · Arctic White or Sony WH-1000XM6 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.