Blind Test Reveals $500 Headphone Scam: Anker Beats Sony & Apple
By Al Landes
October 15, 2025 · 2 min read
Image Credit: Amazon
Key Takeaways
- Audio professionals ranked Anker Soundcore Space 1 Pro above Sony WH-1000XM6 and Apple AirPods Max.
- AirPods Max, despite costing $549, landed mid-tier in pure audio quality.
- Premium headphone pricing often reflects brand prestige rather than actual listening performance.
The Test That Shattered Assumptions
A recent blind listening test by Wired evaluated six top ANC (active noise-canceling) headphones while removing brand bias. Participants were audio professionals, meaning they judged purely by what they heard, not by reputation, materials, or price.
Results:
- Anker Soundcore Space 1 Pro ($150) — Winner.
- Nothing’s Transparent Headphones — Second place.
- Sony WH-1000XM6 ($350) — Mid-tier.
- Apple AirPods Max ($549) — Lower-mid tier.
The findings reveal a disconnect between marketing hype and actual performance.
Brand Prestige vs. Real Audio
Blind testing removes all non-audio factors:
- No sleek aluminum shells.
- No ecosystem perks.
- No preconceived loyalty or brand influence.
Sony’s WH-1000XM6, often called “best ANC” in reviews, couldn’t outperform the Anker in this controlled setting. Apple’s AirPods Max, despite spatial audio and premium design, were only mid-tier in listening tests—a reality check for anyone paying flagship prices expecting superior audio.
The Underdog Victory
Anker’s budget-conscious approach focused on the essentials of sound quality, ignoring premium branding:
- Adaptive ANC for noise cancellation.
- Customizable sound profiles for personal preferences.
- 27+ hour battery life for long use.
- Practical design over flashy aesthetics.
Nothing’s second-place finish proves that innovative design can coexist with high-fidelity audio, challenging industry giants.
Implications for Your Wallet
Blind testing suggests that high price ≠ better audio quality.
- Paying $500 for headphones doesn’t guarantee a superior listening experience.
- Brand recognition, ecosystem integration, and materials often drive the cost rather than pure sound.
- Value-focused models like Anker can outperform in real-world listening tests.
Premium models still have their place—Apple’s ecosystem and Sony’s reliability add value—but if your priority is true audio performance, the results are eye-opening.
Conclusion
The headphone market has a marketing problem. Blind tests remind us that your ears—not logos—should dictate what you buy.
Bottom line: Before spending hundreds of dollars on “premium” headphones, consider blind-tested alternatives—they may surprise you.
