After a three-year wait, Sony’s much-anticipated WH-1000XM6 headphones have arrived, addressing the loudest user criticisms from the previous generation while pushing noise cancellation technology to new heights. In fact, the brand claims its ANC tech in the XM6 is “the best.”
THE FOLD RETURNS
Hearing the feedback loud and clear, the XM6 marks the return of a foldable design that fans have clamored for since Sony abandoned it with the XM5 back in 2022. Older models in the XM series were favorites for traveling, and users have been hesitant to give these up for the improved tech in the XM5. But this latest pair can now pack away with a much more compact footprint. Not only that but this time around, the carrying case is slimmer and features a magnetic clasp instead of a traditional zipper, allowing for one-handed access.
Available right now in Black, Platinum Silver, and Midnight Blue, the asymmetrical headband has also been widened for improved comfort during extended listening sessions, and the premium synthetic leather earpads provide a more secure seal around the ears designed to preclude uncomfortable pressure points for longer listening sessions.
Evolving NOISE CANCELLATION
While the return of folding functionality represents a thoughtful design correction, Sony’s most substantial improvements lie beneath the surface. Further improvements come in the way of Sony’s new HD Noise Cancelling QN3 processor, which is 7x faster than its predecessor and works in conjunction with an impressive array of 12 microphones — a significant bump from the 8 microphones in the XM5.
Reportedly delivering what Sony audaciously claims is “the best noise cancellation” in the industry (based on IEC-compliant testing against competitors), the mics analyze and counter environmental noise in real-time, pairing with Sony’s Adaptive NC Optimizer to continually adjust to changing surroundings and air pressure variations. The brand has also brought back its proprietary Ambient Sound tech, which basically serves as a glorified transparency mode.
For those jumping from older XM models, the difference should hopefully be noticeable right away. Even the XM5’s superb noise cancellation struggled with certain frequency ranges, so the XM6’s upgrade should now handle these a bit better.
Getting Technical
Aside from keeping noise out, Sony’s XM6 also upgrades what you can actually hear as well. The company collaborated with Grammy-winning mastering engineers from Sterling Sound, Battery Studios, and Coast Mastering to fine-tune the audio profile of the XM6, resulting in a sound signature that aims to deliver audio “the way the artist intended.” Getting technical, the new high-rigidity carbon fiber composite dome drivers and redesigned voice coil architecture purportedly produce clearer vocals and more defined instrumental distinction compared to previous models.
For hi-res wireless audio, the headphones support LDAC (a significant advantage for Android users) and leverages Edge-AI-powered DSEE Extreme, a coding tech that actually upscales the information lost in compressed audio files, so you can more closely mimic lossless audio without having to use a cable.
Sony has also introduced a 360 Reality Audio Upmix feature that converts standard stereo content to spatial audio. And for gamers, Sony’s incorporated a Game EQ setting developed with input from its INZONE team that improves the experience in games, specifically first-person shooters.
FUNCTIONAL REFINEMENTS
Beyond the headline features, Sony has introduced several quality-of-life improvements. You can now listen while charging, which the outgoing XM5 inexplicably didn’t let you do. There’s also a dedicated mute button that brings over tech from podcasting mics to make handling work calls significantly more intuitive. Battery life remains unchanged at 30 hours with ANC (40 in normal mode), and quick-charging capabilities provide three hours of playback after just three minutes of charging.
The touch controls on the right earcup maintain Sony’s gesture system, while physical buttons for power and noise cancellation are now distinct shapes so you can tell what they are easier during operation.
SPEC SHEET
Model: Sony WH-1000XM6
Type: Wireless over-ear headphones
Processor: HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3
Drivers: 30mm carbon fiber composite dome
Microphones: 12 mics for ANC, 6 beamforming mics for calls
Battery Life: 30 hours (ANC), 40 hours (normal)
Quick Charge: 3 hours of playback after 3 minutes charging
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, LDAC, SBC, AAC, LE Audio
Weight: 9oz
Noise Cancellation?: Yes, Adaptive NC
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
Available now for $450, the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are available now. Shifting from mid-tier to premium, these headphones are far from cheap and about $100 more than the XM5, but they offer valuable benefits over a model that we were already fans of.
Recap
Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
Making significant improvements over the outgoing model, Sony’s flagship XM6 wireless headphones bring back the coveted folding design of older models and upgrade noise cancellation to be arguably the best in the industry.
