The WH-1000XM6 Noise-Canceling Headphones Are Yet Another Hit From Sony

Published: Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 4:33 pm

Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones: Subtle Upgrades, Still a Winner

Sony has released its highly anticipated WH-1000XM6 noise-canceling headphones, and while they don't reinvent the wheel, they deliver a refined listening experience. Priced at $449.99, a $50 increase from the XM5, these headphones boast subtle but significant improvements over their predecessor.

Design and Features: The XM6 maintains the sleek, seamless design of the XM5, with enhancements focused on comfort and portability. The headband has been slightly beefed up, and the earcups now fold in and rotate, allowing for a more compact carrying case. The case itself features a magnetic clasp for easier access. Controls remain intuitive, with swipe gestures for volume and track navigation. The headphones also retain features like Speak-to-Chat and auto-pause/play.

Performance: Under the hood, the XM6 features a new processor, 12 microphones (up from eight), and new driver units. These upgrades contribute to improved call quality and enhanced active noise cancellation (ANC), which remains top-tier. The headphones offer up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC on and 40 hours off, with a quick three-minute charge providing three hours of listening time. Sound quality is excellent, with impressive detail and a balanced profile. Sony's LDAC codec supports high-resolution audio over Bluetooth (though not on iOS).

Verdict: The WH-1000XM6 headphones are a worthwhile upgrade for those seeking premium noise-canceling headphones. While the improvements may not warrant an upgrade from the XM5, the XM6 offers a winning combination of performance, ease of use, and excellent audio quality.

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