AI-Powered Universal Comparison Engine

Audio equipment: Sony WH-1000XM6 vs. Sonos Era 300

Quick Verdict

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is a great choice for users who prioritize personal listening with excellent noise cancellation, portability, and comfort, while the Sonos Era 300 is better suited for users who want a high-quality home audio experience with spatial sound and smart home integration. The best choice depends on the user's primary use case: personal listening on the go or immersive home audio.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeSony WH-1000XM6Sonos Era 300
NameSony WH-1000XM6Sonos Era 300
Price$449 / £400 / €450 / AU$699$449
Noise Cancellation Performance (dB reduction)Overall Attenuation: -28.40 dB, Bass: -20.10 dB, Mid: -32.30 dB, Treble: -34.19 dB, Adaptive NC OptimizerNot applicable (speaker, not headphones)
Sound Quality (frequency response, clarity)Frequency Response: 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (active and passive), Bluetooth Communication: 20 Hz-20,000 Hz (44.1 kHz sampling), 20 Hz-40,000 Hz (LDAC 96 kHz sampling 990 kbps), DSEE ExtremeSix drivers: four tweeters (one forward-firing, two side-firing, one upward-firing) and two woofers (angled left and right); Class-D amplifiers; Frequency response: Information not available in search results
Battery Life (hours of playback)Up to 30 hours (ANC on), Up to 40 hours (ANC off), 3-minute charge for 3 hours playbackN/A (Mains-powered, no battery)
Comfort and Fit (earcup/headband material, weight)Earcup/headband: Vegan leather, Weight: 254 gNot applicable (speaker, not headphones)
Bluetooth Codec Support (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC)SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3, Bluetooth 5.3SBC, AAC
Spatial Audio Support (Dolby Atmos, 360 Reality Audio)360 Reality Audio, 360 Reality Audio Upmix for CinemaDolby Atmos
Microphone Quality (call clarity, noise reduction)Six-microphone AI-based beamforming, Noise reductionFar-field microphone array with voice control
Water Resistance Rating (IPX rating)No ingress protection ratingNot rated for water resistance
Multi-Device Pairing (number of devices)Bluetooth Multipoint (2 devices)Bluetooth pairing via button
App Support and Features (EQ customization, control options)Sony Sound Connect app, 10-band EQ, Noise cancellation control, Ambient sound controlSonos App (iOS and Android) for control, music services, and settings; EQ customization (bass, treble, loudness); Trueplay tuning (room calibration); Multi-room control
Connectivity Options (Bluetooth version, wired connection)Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm jackWi-Fi 6 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2.4/5GHz), Bluetooth 5.0 (SBC, AAC), USB-C port (for line-in or Ethernet with separate adapters), Apple AirPlay 2

Overall Comparison

Sony WH-1000XM6: Noise Cancellation -28.40dB, Battery Life 30-40h, Weight 254g; Sonos Era 300: Spatial Audio Dolby Atmos, Weight 4.47kg, Connectivity Wi-Fi 6

Pros and Cons

Sony WH-1000XM6

Pros:
  • Improved noise cancellation
  • Neutral and balanced sound signature
  • Tighter bass, improved midrange clarity, and airier highs
  • 360 Reality Audio support
  • Clear microphone quality for calls
  • Comfortable for extended periods
  • Useful and intuitive app features
  • Easy to switch between paired devices
Cons:
  • Not particularly stable for intense physical activity
  • Build quality mostly plastic

Sonos Era 300

Pros:
  • Balanced and detailed sound
  • Crisp vocals
  • Impactful bass
  • Wide soundstages
  • Spatial audio feature enhances the listening experience
  • Intuitive app control
  • Durable design with PCR plastic and serviceability
Cons:
  • No major disadvantages reported.

User Experiences and Feedback