Spotify HiFi is a service for audiophiles seeking lossless audio streaming within the Spotify ecosystem, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 are premium headphones offering a rich feature set including noise cancellation, spatial audio, and excellent sound quality. The choice depends on whether the user prioritizes high-fidelity streaming or a versatile headphone experience.
| Attribute | Spotify HiFi | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Spotify HiFi | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
| Price | Rumored $5-$6 extra per month on top of Spotify Premium (total $17-$18), potential price point close to $20 | £400 / €450 / $449 / AU$699 |
| Audio Quality | Approximately 1411kbps (CD-quality), potentially reaching 2117kbps (hi-res); 44.1kHz sampling rate; FLAC codec support | Detailed, dynamic, and precise sound; Warm tuning with strong bass and improved clarity; Supports SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 codecs; Frequency response: 4 Hz to 40,000 Hz; DSEE Extreme upscales compressed music |
| Noise Cancellation | Not available | Excellent noise cancellation with HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3; Adaptive microphone system and algorithms for real-time optimization; Improved transparency mode with 20 adjustable levels and voice-focus; Adaptive NC Optimizer and Personal NC Optimizer |
| Battery Life | Not available | Up to 30 hours with ANC on, 40 hours with ANC off; Up to 24 hours continuous communication with ANC on, 28 hours without; 3-minute quick charge provides 3 hours playback (USB-PD charger); Full charge in 3.5 hours |
| Connectivity | Anticipated support for advanced codecs like Qualcomm's aptX and LDAC; Spotify Connect: Yes | Bluetooth 5.3; Multi-device pairing; Wired option with stereo mini jack (listen while charging, not via USB-C); Ready for LE Audio (ultra-low latency) |
| Spatial Audio Support | No native support (Dolby Atmos, Sony 360 Reality Audio), users can simulate with third-party tools | Supports Sony's 360 Reality Audio; 360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema (spatial audio processing to stereo content); Spatial Audio and Head Tracking on supported Android devices; Dolby Atmos experience |
| App Support | Equalizer with presets and manual adjustments available in the app; EQ settings under Settings and Playback | Sony Sound Connect app for EQ customization; 10-band equalizer; Speak-to-Chat, head gesture control; Find Your Equalizer function |
| Microphone Quality | Not available | Six-microphone AI-based beamforming system; Intelligent beamforming isolates voice; Voices sound full-bodied and intelligible; Supports Bluetooth LE and LC3 for improved microphone quality |
| Water Resistance | Not available | No IP rating (not water-resistant) |