Are the New Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Headphones the Best Out There?

The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones keep the best features of the XM5s, but bring back folding ear cups and other new features.

May 28, 2025 - 07:30

Are the New Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Headphones the Best Out There?

Sony has carved out a dominant place in the wireless headphone market with its acclaimed WH-1000X series, and with the release of the WH-1000XM6, the company is pushing its reputation for premium audio performance, smart features, and thoughtful design even further. This latest model offers several long-requested upgrades – some subtle, some significant – all while staying true to the identity that made previous generations so successful.

From the return of folding ear cups to upgraded noise cancellation and audio customization, the WH-1000XM6 feels like a refinement of an already near-perfect formula. But with a price tag going up, are these improvements worth the cost?

At first glance, the WH-1000XM6 looks very similar to the WH-1000XM5, continuing Sony’s minimalist design language with smooth matte finishes, clean lines, and discreet branding. The headphones are available in Black, Midnight Blue, and Platinum Silver.

One of the most celebrated changes in this generation is the return of foldable ear cups, a feature left out in the WH-1000XM5. For frequent travelers or commuters, this is a major win: the headphones now fold down into a more compact form, fitting neatly into the redesigned carry case and taking up less space in your backpack or bag.

Speaking of the case: Sony has redesigned it with a magnetic clasp closure in place of the previous zipper. This may sound like a minor change, but in practice, it makes a big difference. The new mechanism is smoother, quicker, and easier to open and close.

Despite being made from plastic – a decision that helps keep the weight down – the XM6 headphones feel durable and extremely comfortable for long wear. The lightweight build significantly reduces fatigue during extended listening sessions. The padded headband and ear cups distribute pressure evenly, making them suitable for hours of use, whether you’re working, traveling, or just relaxing at home.

Smaller but thoughtful tweaks also make a difference in daily use. For example, the power button is now circular, making it easier to distinguish by touch from the adjacent noise control button – especially helpful when wearing the headphones.

Sony has dramatically improved its active noise cancellation (ANC) with the WH-1000XM6. In testing, the XM6 not only matches but in many cases surpasses the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, previously considered the gold standard in this category. Whether you’re on a plane, in a café, or walking through a busy city, the WH-1000XM6 does an exceptional job of blocking out both low-frequency rumbles and higher-frequency chatter.

This is thanks in part to enhanced algorithms, improved microphones, and better adaptive processing that reacts in real time to your environment. Combined with Sony’s Adaptive Sound Control, which adjusts ANC levels based on your activity and location, the result is a listening experience that feels intelligently tailored and impressively silent.

Sony continues to deliver on sound quality with a refined version of its signature tuning. The WH-1000XM6 offers a balanced, dynamic audio profile with rich bass, detailed mids, and crisp highs. Whether you’re listening to bass-heavy pop, jazz, classical, or podcasts, the headphones maintain clarity and balance across the spectrum.

A standout improvement is the expanded EQ customization in the Sony Headphones Connect app. Moving from a 5-band to a 10-band EQ, users now have more precise control over how they sound. The XM6 also supports LDAC for high-resolution wireless audio, though as always, performance will vary depending on the device you’re using.

The headphones support Bluetooth multipoint, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices – such as your phone and laptop – so you can take a call on one and then switch back to music on the other easily. A long-requested feature also finally makes its debut: you can now listen while charging. The previous model disabled playback during charging, which was inconvenient for many users. Additional features like speak-to-chat, ambient sound mode, and customizable touch controls all return, making the XM6 as versatile as it is powerful.

Battery life remains consistent with previous models – up to 30 hours with ANC on, and up to 40 hours without. A 10-minute quick charge delivers around 5 hours of playback, making it ideal for last-minute charging before commutes or flights.

The WH-1000XM6 comes in at $449, a $50 increase over the XM5’s $399 launch price. That puts it above the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, but still below the Apple AirPods Max, which are priced at $549.

For more information or to purchase the Sony WH-1000XM6, visit sony.com.

Photography courtesy of Sony.