Sony WH-1000XM6 review: The best headphones just keep on getting better

Published: Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 4:00 pm

Sony WH-1000XM6 Review: The Best Headphones Just Got Better

Sony has finally unveiled the long-awaited WH-1000XM6 headphones, and the verdict is in: they're the best wireless headphones on the market. After a three-year wait, Sony has packed the XM6 with significant upgrades, including a new processor, more microphones, improved active noise cancellation (ANC), a refined design, and a retuned sound platform.

The XM6 boasts a wider, more comfortable headband and a return to a folding design for easier storage, now with a magnetic closure. While the ear cup rotation direction might be a minor design quibble, the overall comfort is top-notch.

Sound quality sees a major boost with new drivers delivering richer details and clearer vocals. Sony enlisted mastering engineers to tune the sound profile, aiming for a more immersive and detailed listening experience. The addition of 360 Spatial Sound upmixing for stereo content further enhances the audio capabilities.

The new QN3 processor is seven times faster than its predecessor, enabling the addition of four more microphones, bringing the total to 12, for enhanced ANC performance. The Adaptive NC Optimizer has also been upgraded, resulting in a noticeable improvement in blocking background noise, including human voices. Call quality is improved, though clarity can be impacted by the noise reduction processing.

Battery life remains consistent with the M5, offering up to 30 hours with ANC on and 40 hours with it off. A new feature allows you to listen to music while charging.

While competitors like Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, and Sennheiser offer strong alternatives, the Sony WH-1000XM6 stands out for its combination of superior sound quality, exceptional noise cancellation, and an extensive suite of convenient features. Despite the higher price tag of $450, the XM6 delivers a premium listening experience that justifies the investment.

Keywords: Sony WH-1000XM6, headphones, wireless headphones, noise cancellation, ANC, sound quality, review, audio, new headphones, best headphones, Sony, QN3 processor, spatial audio, adaptive noise cancellation, battery life, design, comfort

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