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Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT

Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT if you want long battery life and low cost. Buy the Sony WH-1000XM6 if you need top-tier active noise cancellation, LDAC, and a lighter, more comfortable fit for travel and calls. The price gap is large: $89.00 at Walmart for the ATH-M20xBT versus $295.99 at Walmart for the WH-1000XM6, both as of November 5, 2026. The Sony has dropped as low as $189.90 on November 3, 2026, so it is worth watching if you want the XM6.

Today the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT costs $206.99 less at its best price.

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Sony
Sony WH-1000XM6

Sony WH-1000XM6

3.1· 7 ratings
$295.99at WalmartObserved at 8:45 AM
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Choose the Sony WH-1000XM6 if you fly often, want the strongest noise cancellation, and value LDAC, multipoint, and a 30-hour battery in a 1.5 lb package.

Pros
  • Best-in-class active noise cancellation for flights and noisy rooms
  • LDAC and DSEE Extreme for high-resolution audio
  • Multipoint, LE Audio, and Auracast support
  • Fast charging: 3 minutes for up to 3 hours
  • Carrying case and cables included
Cons
  • Costs more than three times the ATH-M20xBT
  • Heavier at about 1.5 lb
  • Some reviewers say ANC is weak for MS Teams calls
  • Price swings widely: $189.90 to $378.00 in the past week
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT

Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT

4.2· 20 ratings
$89.00at WalmartObserved at 8:44 AM
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Choose the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT if you want roughly 60 hours of battery, multipoint pairing, and wired listening for under $100.

Pros
  • Very low price at $89.00
  • About 60 hours of battery life
  • Light at about 216 g
  • Multipoint pairing and a detachable cable
  • Rapid charge: 10 minutes for about 3 hours
Cons
  • No active noise cancellation
  • Only SBC and AAC codecs, no LDAC
  • Bluetooth 5.0, older than the Sony's radio features
  • No carrying case listed

What separates them

Sony WH-1000XM6Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
Price (as of November 5, 2026)$295.99 at Walmart$89.00 at Walmart
Noise cancellationActive noise cancellation with the QN3 processor and 12 microphonesPassive isolation only, no ANC
Battery lifeUp to 30 hoursUp to about 60 hours
CodecsSBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3, LE Audio, AuracastSBC, AAC
WeightAbout 1.5 lb (680 g)About 216 g (7.6 oz)
Charging3-minute charge gives up to 3 hours10-minute charge gives about 3 hours
Wired listeningYes, with the included headphone cableYes, detachable cable
Bluetooth versionNot stated; supports LE Audio and multipointBluetooth 5.0 with multipoint

Price history

$378.00$88.95
Oct 27Nov 5
  • Sony WH-1000XM6: lowest $189.90 on Nov 3 at Walmart; $189.90 on Nov 5.
  • Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT: lowest $88.95 on Nov 1 at Amazon; $89.00 on Nov 5.

Prices at every store

Sony WH-1000XM6

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Secondipity

    $295.99Free shippingObserved at 8:45 AM
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  • Abed TahanNew

    In stock

    $369.00Observed at 7:42 AM
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  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $378.00Free shippingObserved at 8:45 AM
    Visit store
  • Macy'sNew

    Availability unknown

    $378.00Observed at 8:45 AM
    Visit store

Also available at

  • UC San Diego BookstoreCheck price at UC San Diego Bookstore
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • Electronic ExpressCheck price at Electronic Express
All 21 stores and price history →

Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Electronic Express

    $89.00Free shippingObserved at 8:44 AM
    Visit store

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
  • BelkCheck price at Belk
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecSony WH-1000XM6Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
ColorBlack, Midnight Blue, Platinum Silver, Olive Gr…Black
StyleOn-earWireless, on-the-go design, Over-ear
Wireless TypeBluetoothBluetooth
Battery life30 hMax. approx. 60 hours
MaterialPlasticProfessional-grade earpad and headband material
Max Battery Life30 hours60 hours
actual_colorBlackBlack
Weight254 gramsApprox. 216 g (7.6 oz)
Impedance48 ohms36 ohms
BluetoothSBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3, Multipoint, LE Audio, Aura…—
FinishesBlack, Silver, Midnight Blue—
Noise CancelingYes—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSony WH-1000XM6Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
ConnectivityWireless—
With MicrophoneYes—
Over-EarYes—
Height10.11″ tall—
Width7″ wide—
Depth4″ deep—
Headphone styleOver-Ear—
Noise control technologyActive Noise Cancellation—
WirelessY—
BrandSony—

What reviewers say

Sony WH-1000XM6

Reviewers describe the WH-1000XM6 as comfortable headphones with good sound quality, including strong bass, and excellent call quality on both ends. Noise canceling is also singled out as a strength.

Pros
  • Comfort
  • Sound quality
  • Bass response
  • Noise canceling and call quality

Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT

Owner feedback is generally positive, with the long battery, comfort and sound-for-price standing out. Complaints center on the lack of ANC and the basic codec support.

Pros
  • Battery life that lasts days of normal use
  • Comfortable for long sessions despite the low price
  • Bass-forward sound close to the wired M20x
Cons
  • No active noise cancellation
  • No aptX or higher-quality codecs
  • Controls take some getting used to
Reviews
  • Best wireless headphones for 2026 - Engadget
  • Best Over-Ear Headphones of 2026 - Skip to content
  • The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for 2026
  • Best Headphones to Buy in 2026, Tested and Reviewed
  • Best Headphones to Buy in 2026, Tested and Reviewed - Skip to content
  • Best Headphones We've Tested - CNET

Questions and answers

Which is better for flights?
The Sony WH-1000XM6. Its active noise cancellation with the QN3 processor and 12 microphones blocks engine and cabin noise that the ATH-M20xBT only passively muffles.
Which has longer battery life?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT, at up to about 60 hours versus up to 30 hours for the Sony.
Is the Sony worth the extra money?
Only if you need active noise cancellation and LDAC. At $295.99 versus $89.00, the ATH-M20xBT covers basic wireless listening for far less.
Which is more comfortable for long wear?
The ATH-M20xBT is much lighter at about 216 g versus about 1.5 lb for the Sony, though the Sony's redesigned build is praised for improved comfort.
Can both connect to two devices at once?
Yes. Both support multipoint pairing, so you can stay connected to a phone and a laptop.
Do both work with a cable?
Yes. The Sony includes a headphone cable, and the ATH-M20xBT has a detachable cable for wired listening.

More comparisons

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  • Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Apple AirPods Max 2
  • Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3
  • Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Apple AirPods Max
  • Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

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Rec. useCasual Listening—
In/Out typeWireless—
Power typeBattery—
Headphone typeHeadphones—
Model nameWH-1000XM6—
Wireless technologyBluetooth—
Works withCellphones—
Assembled product weight1.5 lb—
Inputs/OutputsBluetooth—
AccessoriesCarrying Case, Headphone Cable, USB Charging Ca…—
Battery consumption typeIntegrated Rechargeable Battery—
Maximum transmission range32.8 ft—
Compatible smart control systemsGoogle Assistant—
Virtual assistantGoogle Assistant—
Ear pad materialSynthetic Leather—
Cord length47 in—
Generation6—
Video game platformMobile, PC—