The Beats 360 has a documented IPX4 sweat-and-water-resistance rating and interchangeable earcup and headband cushions; Sony’s WH-1000XM6 lists LDAC and LC3 support, multipoint, and a detachable audio cable. The better fit depends on which features matter to you. On US manufacturer pages checked October 4, 2026, Beats was listed at $349.99 and Sony at $459.99—a dated $110 difference, not a guaranteed market-wide gap.
Price: Beats was listed lower in the US
On October 4, 2026, the US direct product pages listed the Beats 360 at $349.99 and the black Sony WH-1000XM6 at $459.99. Those page listings make the Beats $110 less expensive at that check, but prices and availability can change. Check the Beats product page and Sony product page for current listings.
Which is better for workouts and sweat?
Beats 360: a published splash-resistance rating
Beats lists an IPX4 sweat and water resistance rating. That is a concrete advantage if you want an over-ear headphone with a published rating for exposure to splashes and sweat. IPX4 does not mean waterproof, and it is not a rating for immersion. Beats also lists detachable, interchangeable earcup and headband cushions. Optional cushion kits are sold separately; their current price and availability are not established here. See the Beats product information.
Sony WH-1000XM6: no rating listed on the cited page
Sony’s cited specification page does not list an IP rating. That omission is not proof that the headphones cannot tolerate any moisture, but it gives buyers no comparable published rating on that page. The Sony specifications do not document interchangeable cushions in the way Beats documents them.
#1 Best Overall
- THE BEST NOISE CANCELLATION: Powered by advanced processors and an adaptive microphone system, the WH-1000XM6 headphones deliver real-time noise cancellation for an immersive, distraction-free listening experience.
- CO-CREATED WITH MASTERING AUDIO ENGINEERS: Developed in collaboration with world-renowned mastering audio engineers, these headphones deliver unparalleled sound clarity and precision. A specially designed driver with a lightweight carbon fiber dome delivers high fidelity sound, where rich vocals and every instrument remains pure and balanced. Optimized for advanced noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM6 headphones keep every frequency crisp and true to the artist’s intent.
- HD NOISE CANCELING PROCESSOR QN3: The HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 is 7x faster than the QN1 (found in our WH-1000XM5 headphones), optimizing 12 microphones in real time for superior noise cancellation, sound quality, and call clarity. With more microphones than ever, we can precisely detect external noise and counteracts it with opposite soundwaves, delivering a new level of noise cancellation.
- ULTRA-CLEAR CALLS, FROM ANYWHERE: A six-microphone AI-based beamforming system, intelligent noise reduction technology, and wind-resistant design, work together to isolate your voice, filter out background noise, and ensure every word comes through crisp and clear—even in the busiest environments.
- COMPACT CARRYING CASE & FOLDABLE DESIGN: Crafted for durability and style, the foldable design features precision metalwork and a compact case with a magnetic closure—ready to go wherever you do.
Battery life: compare the claims with their conditions
| Model | Manufacturer playback claim | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Beats 360 | Up to 32 hours with ANC and Personalized Spatial Audio enabled. (Beats) | Manufacturer maximum claim with both features enabled. |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Up to 30 hours with noise canceling on; up to 40 hours with it off. (Sony) | Sony specifies continuous music playback; its ANC-on figure is not a matched test against Beats. |
These figures are not a controlled, like-for-like battery test: Beats states its ANC and Personalized Spatial Audio conditions, while Sony gives separate noise-canceling-on and -off figures. Sony also announced that a three-minute charge would provide three hours of listening; that is a Sony launch claim from May 15, 2025, not a result from a comparative test. (Sony announcement.)
Weight, connections, and device compatibility
| Feature | Beats 360 | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Published weight | 294.5 g (10.39 oz), per Beats. (Beats) | Approximately 8.96 oz (about 254 g by conversion), per Sony. (Sony) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3. (Beats) | Bluetooth 5.3. (Sony) |
| Listed audio formats | A complete comparable codec list is not established by the cited Beats information. | SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3. (Sony) |
| Multipoint | Not established by the cited Beats information. | Listed by Sony. (Sony) |
| Wired listening | The cited Beats information does not establish full wired-listening behavior. | Detachable, single-sided stereo mini-jack cable and stereo mini-jack input; passive operation is listed. (Sony) |
Sony’s listed weight is about 40 g less by conversion than Beats’ published figure, which may matter if you wear headphones for long stretches. The figures come from different manufacturer specification pages rather than a common weighing test.
Rank #2
- THE BEST NOISE CANCELLATION: Powered by advanced processors and an adaptive microphone system, the WH-1000XM6 headphones deliver real-time noise cancellation for an immersive, distraction-free listening experience.
- CO-CREATED WITH MASTERING AUDIO ENGINEERS: Developed in collaboration with world-renowned mastering audio engineers, these headphones deliver unparalleled sound clarity and precision. A specially designed driver with a lightweight carbon fiber dome delivers high fidelity sound, where rich vocals and every instrument remains pure and balanced. Optimized for advanced noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM6 headphones keep every frequency crisp and true to the artist’s intent.
- HD NOISE CANCELING PROCESSOR QN3: The HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 is 7x faster than the QN1 (found in our WH-1000XM5 headphones), optimizing 12 microphones in real time for superior noise cancellation, sound quality, and call clarity. With more microphones than ever, we can precisely detect external noise and counteracts it with opposite soundwaves, delivering a new level of noise cancellation.
- ULTRA-CLEAR CALLS, FROM ANYWHERE: A six-microphone AI-based beamforming system, intelligent noise reduction technology, and wind-resistant design, work together to isolate your voice, filter out background noise, and ensure every word comes through crisp and clear—even in the busiest environments.
- COMPACT CARRYING CASE & FOLDABLE DESIGN: Crafted for durability and style, the foldable design features precision metalwork and a compact case with a magnetic closure—ready to go wherever you do.
Beats says the 360 works with Apple and Android devices, while noting that some functionality may be limited with older Apple software and non-Apple devices. Its feature list includes Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Transparency mode, and Adaptive EQ. Sony’s documented codecs, multipoint, and cable input offer more clearly specified connection choices in the cited material. Neither list alone establishes which headphone sounds better to a particular listener.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the available reviews can—and cannot—tell you
TechRadar’s hands-on report discusses the Beats 360’s fit, sound, ANC, and modular cushion design, and reports a measured weight of 295.4 g. Those are that publication’s observations about Beats, not a controlled comparison with Sony. (TechRadar.) Tom’s Guide describes the Beats as workout-friendly and discusses its ANC and battery performance in a single-product review; that does not establish an XM6 head-to-head result. (Tom’s Guide.)
Rank #3
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
No controlled direct test of these two models under common conditions is established by the available sources. In particular, the published specifications and single-product reviews do not settle which has stronger noise cancellation, better sound or calls, or a more comfortable fit for you.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- NEW SANDSTONE COLOR: Neutral never sounded so good. Meet the new Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones, now in Sandstone. Our new Sandstone colorway is a sophisticated neutral that feels modern, versatile, and effortlessly stylish for any moment.
- THE BEST NOISE CANCELLATION: Powered by advanced processors and an adaptive microphone system, the WH-1000XM6 headphones deliver real-time noise cancellation for an immersive, distraction-free listening experience.
- CO-CREATED WITH MASTERING AUDIO ENGINEERS: Developed in collaboration with world-renowned mastering audio engineers, these headphones deliver unparalleled sound clarity and precision. A specially designed driver with a lightweight carbon fiber dome delivers high fidelity sound, where rich vocals and every instrument remains pure and balanced. Optimized for advanced noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM6 headphones keep every frequency crisp and true to the artist’s intent.
- HD NOISE CANCELING PROCESSOR QN3: The HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 is 7x faster than the QN1 (found in our WH-1000XM5 headphones), optimizing 12 microphones in real time for superior noise cancellation, sound quality, and call clarity. With more microphones than ever, we can precisely detect external noise and counteracts it with opposite soundwaves, delivering a new level of noise cancellation.
- ULTRA-CLEAR CALLS, FROM ANYWHERE: A six-microphone AI-based beamforming system, intelligent noise reduction technology, and wind-resistant design, work together to isolate your voice, filter out background noise, and ensure every word comes through crisp and clear—even in the busiest environments.
Rank #4
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose the Beats 360 if its published IPX4 rating and interchangeable cushions suit your workout or personalization priorities, and its dated US listing price is more appealing.
- Choose the Sony WH-1000XM6 if you want the listed LDAC and LC3 formats, multipoint, a detachable mini-jack cable, or the lower published weight.
- Decide in person when comfort, ANC, sound, or calls are decisive. The evidence above does not provide a matched test that picks a winner on those performance measures.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
