Nothing Headphone (1) vs Sony WH-1000XM6: Which to Buy?

These two premium over-ear headphones come at the category from opposite directions. The Nothing Headphone (1) is a bold, design-led debut — Nothing's first full-size pair — while the Sony WH-1000XM6 is the latest version of the phone that has defined noise-cancelling headphones for years. Both are excellent; the question is whether you want the newcomer's style and value or the established reference's polish. This comparison draws only on the complete published reviews of each pair; Truthful Reviews has not independently tested either.

Design and Comfort

The Nothing Headphone (1) makes an immediate statement with its transparent, industrial styling, and it is comfortable to wear, though it is not light: the earcups measure 173.8 x 78 x 189.2 mm and the headphones weigh 329 g, with a 264 g carrying case. It keeps a 3.5 mm headphone jack alongside USB-C, which purists will appreciate, and its hard carrying case has a smart fabric finish that does tend to attract dust. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is far more understated and folds down for travel; its one repeated criticism is a build that feels a touch light for a premium product. If you want headphones that turn heads, the Nothing is unmistakable; if you prefer discreet and travel-friendly, the Sony fits the bill.

Sound

Both sound very good, but they are tuned differently. The Nothing Headphone (1) uses a large 40 mm dynamic driver with a wide 20 Hz to 40 kHz frequency response, and it is genuinely enjoyable to listen to — an impressive result for a first effort. The Sony WH-1000XM6 uses a smaller 30 mm carbon-fibre driver and is the more refined performer: it delivers precise mids, natural treble and superb dynamics, with a gentle lift around 1.5 kHz for clarity and a lighter touch near 3 kHz, its only real quibble being bass that can run a little generous. Sony has clearly sharpened the sound after a slightly softer previous generation: where the WH-1000XM5 had lost a little of the sonic excellence of the WH-1000XM4, the WH-1000XM6 renews it by refining the proven formula rather than reinventing it. For outright audio refinement the Sony leads; the Nothing is closer than its price suggests.

Noise Cancellation

This is the Sony's home turf. The WH-1000XM6's active noise cancellation reaches nearly 35 dB at 250 Hz, giving it a clear advantage against urban rumble and wind, and it is widely regarded as the reference for travel. The Nothing Headphone (1) is no slouch — its active cancellation is rated at 42 dB at 2 kHz and is a solid implementation with a transparency mode — but the Sony is the one to beat for silencing the outside world. Both let you switch to a passthrough mode when you need to hear your surroundings.

Battery Life

Endurance is a Nothing strong point. Its 1040 mAh battery is rated for up to 35 hours with noise cancellation on, and being a larger over-ear design gives it room to spare. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is rated at 30 hours with cancellation active and 40 hours without, so it lasts longer with ANC off but trails a little with it on. Both charge over USB-C and support quick-charge top-ups, so in practice either will comfortably survive a long-haul trip.

Features and Connectivity

Both are well equipped for high-quality wireless listening. Each supports Sony's LDAC codec for Hi-Res streaming from compatible sources; the Nothing adds LHDC and is Hi-Res Wireless Certified up to 24-bit/96 kHz, connects over Bluetooth 5.3 with dual-device pairing, and keeps that wired 3.5 mm and USB-C audio option. The Nothing also favours physical controls — a power button, a side button and an inner button rather than touch gestures — and adds Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair and on-head detection that pauses playback when you take the headphones off; its 16 Ω drivers can be driven over that wired jack too. The Sony brings LE Audio support and Sony's mature companion app with extensive tuning and adaptive features. Both handle calls competently and offer multipoint, so day-to-day the gap here is small.

Which Should You Buy?

Choose the Sony WH-1000XM6 if sound quality and noise cancellation top your list: the more refined, dynamic audio, class-leading ANC that reaches nearly 35 dB against low-frequency noise, folding portability and a deep feature app — accepting a build that feels slightly light for the price. Choose the Nothing Headphone (1) if you want standout design and strong value without giving up much: a striking look, a comfortable fit, a big 40 mm driver that sounds great, up to 35 hours of battery with ANC and a handy 3.5 mm jack — accepting a heavier 329 g body and noise cancellation that, while good, sits a step behind Sony's. The Sony is the polished reference; the Nothing is the stylish, well-priced newcomer that gets remarkably close.