Nothing Headphone 1 VS Sony WH-1000XM6

Both the Nothing Headphone 1 and the Sony WH-1000XM6 are over-ear headphones, providing a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. The Nothing Headphone 1 weighs 329 g, making it slightly heavier than the Sony WH-1000XM6, which weighs 254 g. This difference in weight might be noticeable during long-term use, but both headphones are designed for comfort.

The Nothing Headphone 1 offers sweat resistance, whereas the Sony WH-1000XM6 does not have any specified water resistance. Neither model is designed for kids, ensuring they are intended for adult users. Both headphones feature detachable cables, with a 1.2 m length, and include a travel bag for convenience. Additionally, both headphones have tangle-free cables, preventing frustration from knots during use.

When it comes to portability, the Sony WH-1000XM6 has the advantage of being foldable, unlike the Nothing Headphone 1, which cannot be folded. Both models feature stereo speakers, but neither has an open-back design, maintaining a closed-back sound profile. The Nothing Headphone 1's cable is 1.2 m long, matching the length of the Sony WH-1000XM6's cable, and both headphones include a travel bag.

Both the Nothing Headphone 1 and the Sony WH-1000XM6 feature active noise cancellation (ANC), allowing for an immersive listening experience by reducing external sounds. However, the Sony WH-1000XM6 has a lower frequency response range, reaching as low as 4 Hz, while the Nothing Headphone 1 starts at 20 Hz. This could result in a deeper, more extended bass response in the Sony model.

In terms of frequency range, both headphones share a high-end limit of 40,000 Hz, offering wide, detailed sound. The Nothing Headphone 1 uses 40 mm driver units, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 has slightly smaller 30 mm drivers. The driver size difference may affect the overall sound signature, but both are likely to deliver clear, dynamic audio.

Both models support spatial audio, enhancing the immersive feel of sound, and both include passive noise reduction. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is equipped with a neodymium magnet, which is not present in the Nothing Headphone 1. This could potentially impact the magnetic field in the drivers, possibly influencing the sound clarity or efficiency in the Sony model.

The Nothing Headphone 1 offers significantly longer battery life compared to the Sony WH-1000XM6. It provides up to 80 hours of use without active noise cancellation (ANC) and 35 hours with ANC, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 delivers 30 hours of battery life, regardless of ANC usage. The longer battery life of the Nothing Headphone 1 makes it a better choice for extended listening sessions.

In terms of charging, the Nothing Headphone 1 has a faster charge time, requiring just 2 hours to fully charge, compared to the Sony WH-1000XM6, which takes 3.5 hours. Both headphones feature USB Type-C for charging and have a battery level indicator, so users can easily monitor battery status. Neither model supports wireless charging, nor do they offer solar power or removable batteries.

Both models use rechargeable batteries, but neither headphone has a removable battery. This means that in the event of battery failure, users would need to replace the entire unit rather than just the battery itself.

Both the Nothing Headphone 1 and the Sony WH-1000XM6 offer both wireless and wired connectivity options, giving users flexibility in how they connect. Both headphones support Bluetooth version 5.3, ensuring stable and modern wireless performance. In terms of Bluetooth range, both models have a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 meters.

When it comes to supported audio technologies, both headphones feature LDAC for high-quality audio streaming over Bluetooth. However, the Nothing Headphone 1 does not include Bluetooth LE Audio, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 does. The Sony model also supports Auracast, which is not available on the Nothing Headphone 1. Additionally, both headphones support AAC, but neither model has support for aptX Adaptive, aptX, aptX Low Latency, aptX HD, or aptX Lossless.

Both headphones include fast pairing functionality, simplifying the connection process, but neither supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC, meaning you’ll have to rely on traditional Bluetooth pairing methods.

Both the Nothing Headphone 1 and the Sony WH-1000XM6 come with a noise-canceling microphone, making them ideal for clear voice communication. Both models also feature ambient sound mode and in/on-ear detection, allowing for a more responsive and adaptive listening experience. However, the Sony WH-1000XM6 has a total of 12 microphones, compared to the 6 microphones on the Nothing Headphone 1, which may enhance its ability to capture sound and improve noise-cancellation or voice clarity.

Both headphones support multipoint connectivity, allowing them to be paired with two devices simultaneously. The control panel for both models is placed on the device, and both headphones can be used as a headset for calls or gaming. Neither model includes an in-line control panel.