Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC VS Sony WH-1000XM6

Both the Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC and Sony WH-1000XM6 feature an over-ear design, offering comfortable wear for extended listening sessions. The Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC weighs 332 g, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 is lighter at 254 g, making the Sony model potentially more comfortable for longer use.

Both headphones include a detachable cable and are foldable for easy storage and portability. They also both come with a travel bag and feature a tangle-free cable, which enhances convenience while on the go. Neither model has an open-back design, and both are equipped with stereo speakers.

Neither product is specifically designed for kids, so they should be suitable for general adult use. The Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC and Sony WH-1000XM6 share similar design features in terms of portability and functionality, with the main difference being the weight, with the Sony model being lighter by 78 g.

Both the Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC and Sony WH-1000XM6 are equipped with active noise cancellation (ANC), which helps reduce unwanted ambient noise for an immersive listening experience. However, they differ in some key sound quality specifications. The Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC has a frequency range from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 offers a much broader range from 4 Hz to 40,000 Hz, which may provide deeper bass and more detailed high-end frequencies.

In terms of driver size, the Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC features a 40 mm driver, whereas the Sony WH-1000XM6 uses a smaller 30 mm driver. Despite the smaller driver, the Sony headphones may still provide a different sound experience due to other factors like impedance and magnet type. Speaking of impedance, the Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC has a 36 Ohm impedance, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 has a higher 48 Ohm impedance, which might require more power to drive, but can affect the sound signature.

Both headphones support spatial audio and have passive noise reduction, ensuring an immersive experience in various listening environments. The Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC reaches a sound pressure level of 119.4 dB/mW, compared to the Sony WH-1000XM6’s lower level of 103 dB/mW, which may indicate a difference in loudness potential. The Sony model also features a neodymium magnet, which is absent in the Skullcandy model, potentially contributing to different driver performance characteristics.

The Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC offers significantly longer battery life compared to the Sony WH-1000XM6. The Skullcandy model provides up to 60 hours of playback time without ANC and 50 hours with ANC activated, while the Sony model offers 30 hours for both regular and ANC usage. This gives the Skullcandy model a notable advantage for extended listening sessions.

Both headphones feature a USB Type-C port for charging and include a battery level indicator, making it easy to monitor battery status. Neither model supports wireless charging or has a solar power battery, and both have rechargeable batteries. Additionally, neither model features a removable battery.

Overall, while both headphones offer similar charging features, the Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC stands out with its longer battery life, especially for ANC use, which could be a deciding factor for users who prioritize longer use between charges.

Both the Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC and Sony WH-1000XM6 offer wireless and wired connectivity, with Bluetooth version 5.3 supported on both models. They also share the feature of Bluetooth LE Audio, which allows for improved efficiency and audio performance. Both headphones have a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 m and support fast pairing for quick and seamless connections.

The Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC does not support aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, or AAC, whereas the Sony WH-1000XM6 supports LDAC and AAC, providing potentially higher-quality audio for compatible devices. The Sony model also includes Auracast, a feature absent in the Skullcandy model, which enhances Bluetooth audio broadcasting capabilities.

Both models lack support for NFC Bluetooth pairing and the aptX Low Latency, aptX HD, and aptX Lossless codecs. Overall, while both headphones provide solid connectivity options, the Sony WH-1000XM6 stands out with its support for LDAC, AAC, and Auracast, which could be appealing for users seeking enhanced wireless audio performance.

Both the Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC and Sony WH-1000XM6 come with a noise-canceling microphone and an ambient sound mode, allowing for a more versatile listening experience. However, the two models differ in a few key features. The Sony WH-1000XM6 includes in/on-ear detection, a feature not available on the Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC. This feature automatically pauses playback when the headphones are removed, providing additional convenience.

In terms of microphones, the Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC has six microphones, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 has a higher count of 12 microphones, which may enhance voice clarity and noise cancellation performance. Both headphones support multipoint pairing, allowing them to connect to two devices simultaneously.

Both models have a control panel placed on the device and can be used as a headset. Neither has an in-line control panel. The Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC comes with a 1-year warranty, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 offers a longer 3-year warranty, potentially indicating more extended support for the Sony model.