beyerdynamic
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Studio reference · Open · 250Ω
92
/ 100
From $599
VS
Sony WH-1000XM6 wins by 3
Sony
Sony WH-1000XM6
LDAC · 30 h · 12-mic ANC with QN3
95
/ 100
From $449
Specdex verdict
Sony WH-1000XM6 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII lands at 92 and Sony WH-1000XM6 at 95. That puts Sony WH-1000XM6 ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII if…
- ✓Reference-class detail retrieval
- ✓Made in Germany build
- ✓Includes both balanced + analytical pads
Pick Sony WH-1000XM6 if…
- ✓Best sound quality in ANC class
- ✓LDAC + multipoint + Auracast support
- ✓Excellent EQ app and ANC tuning
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII 92
vs 95 Sony WH-1000XM6
Score breakdown
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
92 sound 96
comfort 88
build 96
value 84
anc 0
battery 0
features 0
Sony WH-1000XM6
95 sound 96
comfort 92
build 0
value 0
anc 94
battery 88
features 96
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-back dynamic | — |
| Driver | 45 mm Tesla | 30 mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 250Ω | — |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz – 40 kHz | — |
| Cable | Detachable XLR / 6.35mm | — |
| Weight | 370 g | ▲ 254 g |
| ANC | — | Hybrid · 12-mic with QN3 HD Noise Cancelling Processor |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3 LE |
| Codecs | — | LDAC + LC3 + AAC + SBC |
| Battery | — | 30 h (24 with ANC on) |
| Charging | — | USB-C, 3 min for 3 h |
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Pros
- +Reference-class detail retrieval
- +Made in Germany build
- +Includes both balanced + analytical pads
Cons
- −Open-back leaks sound
- −Needs amplification (250Ω)
- −No wireless variant
Sony WH-1000XM6
Pros
- +Best sound quality in ANC class
- +LDAC + multipoint + Auracast support
- +Excellent EQ app and ANC tuning
Cons
- −ANC marginally trails Bose QC Ultra
- −Plastic build vs premium rivals
- −No higher-res codecs above LDAC
FAQ: beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Which is better, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Sony WH-1000XM6? +
Sony WH-1000XM6 scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII worth the price? +
At $599, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.
Is Sony WH-1000XM6 worth the price? +
At $449, Sony WH-1000XM6 delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sound.
Does beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII or Sony WH-1000XM6 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.