Sony MDR-1000X vs Sony WH-1000XM2

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

MDR-1000X compared with WH-1000XM2
SonyMDR-1000XSonyWH-1000XM2
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2016September 2017
Sound
TypeOver-earOver-ear
Noise cancellingYesYes
Transparency modeYesYes
Driver size40 mm40 mm
BackClosedClosed
Bluetooth codecsSBC, AAC, aptX and LDACSBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and LDAC
Drivers40 mm dome-type drivers with aluminium-coated liquid crystal polymer diaphragms, CCAW voice coils and neodymium magnets; 4 Hz to 40 kHz wired frequency response; 46 ohms powered on or 14 ohms off at 1 kHz40 mm dome-type drivers with aluminium-coated liquid crystal polymer diaphragms, CCAW voice coils and neodymium magnets; 4 Hz to 40 kHz wired frequency response
Noise cancelling detailSense Engine with dual noise sensors and a Personal NC Optimiser; Ambient Sound Mode offers Normal and Voice settings, and Quick Attention passes outside sound through while a hand covers the right earcupDual Noise Sensor technology, Personal NC Optimiser and Atmospheric Pressure Optimising; Adaptive Sound Control and adjustable Ambient Sound Mode through the app; Quick Attention passes outside sound through while a hand covers the right earcup
Audio featuresLDAC, aptX, AAC and SBC over Bluetooth; DSEE HX upscaling and S-Master HX amplification; NFC pairingLDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC over Bluetooth; DSEE HX upscaling, S-Master HX amplification, equaliser and surround modes in Sony Headphones Connect; NFC pairing
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 20 hoursUp to 30 hours
Battery life detailUp to 20 hours with noise cancelling on or 22 hours off; up to 24 hours of talk time with noise cancelling on; full charge in about four hoursUp to 30 hours with noise cancelling on or 38 hours off; up to 40 hours of standby with noise cancelling on or 200 hours off; full charge in about four hours
Fast charging–Ten minutes of charging gives up to 70 minutes of playback
Design
Weight275 g275 g
Bluetooth4.14.1
Headphone cableYesYes
ControlsRight earcup touch panel for playback, calls and volume; separate power, noise cancelling and ambient-sound buttonsRight earcup touch panel for playback, calls and volume; separate power and noise cancelling/ambient buttons
MicrophonesOmnidirectional electret condenser microphone with a 100 Hz to 8 kHz frequency range–
Fit and ear tipsCircumaural ear cushions; swivelling earcups fold into the supplied carrying caseCircumaural ear cushions; swivelling earcups fold into the supplied carrying case
Works withBluetooth A2DP, AVRCP, HFP and HSP; 3.5 mm detachable cable allows listening with the headphones switched off; Micro-USB charges the batteryBluetooth A2DP, AVRCP, HFP and HSP; Sony Headphones Connect app for noise cancelling and sound controls; detachable 3.5 mm cable supports listening with the headphones switched off; Micro-USB charges the battery
ColoursBlack, Grey BeigeBlack, Champagne Gold
In the boxHeadphones, carrying case, 1.5 m headphone cable, Micro-USB cable and in-flight plug adaptorHeadphones, carrying case, 1.5 m headphone cable, USB cable and in-flight plug adaptor

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