Sennheiser
Sennheiser HD 800 S
Open-back
95
/ 100
From $1,699
VS
Sony
Sony WH-1000XM6
LDAC · 30 h · 12-mic ANC with QN3
95
/ 100
From $449
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sennheiser HD 800 S lands at 95 and Sony WH-1000XM6 at 95. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Sennheiser HD 800 S if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Pick Sony WH-1000XM6 if…
- ✓Best sound quality in ANC class
- ✓LDAC + multipoint + Auracast support
- ✓Excellent EQ app and ANC tuning
Sennheiser HD 800 S 95
vs 95 Sony WH-1000XM6
Score breakdown
Sennheiser HD 800 S
95 anc 0
sound 95
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Sony WH-1000XM6
95 anc 94
sound 96
comfort 92
battery 88
features 96
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 800 S | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-back | — |
| Driver | — | 30 mm dynamic |
| ANC | — | Hybrid · 12-mic with QN3 HD Noise Cancelling Processor |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3 LE |
| Codecs | — | LDAC + LC3 + AAC + SBC |
| Battery | — | 30 h (24 with ANC on) |
| Charging | — | USB-C, 3 min for 3 h |
| Weight | — | 254 g |
Sennheiser HD 800 S
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 sound quality in ANC class
- +LDAC + multipoint + Auracast support
- +Excellent EQ app and ANC tuning
Cons
- −ANC marginally trails Bose QC Ultra
- −Plastic build vs premium rivals
- −No higher-res codecs above LDAC
FAQ: Sennheiser HD 800 S vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Which is better, Sennheiser HD 800 S or Sony WH-1000XM6? +
Both score 95 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Sennheiser HD 800 S worth the price? +
At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800 S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in battery.
Is Sony WH-1000XM6 worth the price? +
At $449, Sony WH-1000XM6 delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sound.
Does Sennheiser HD 800 S 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.