Sony WH-1000XM6 Review: The King of ANC Headphones Returns Stronger (But Pricier)

After a three-year wait, Sony has finally released its next-generation flagship noise-canceling headphones — the Sony WH-1000XM6. Promising "the best noise cancellation" yet, this premium over-ear headset arrives with a $50 price hike and some subtle design tweaks.

But is it worth the upgrade from the XM5 or earlier models? We put the WH-1000XM6 through its paces to find out.

🧳 Design & Comfort: Familiar Looks, Mixed Improvements

The Sony WH-1000XM6 retains the series’ minimal and elegant design, available in Black, Midnight Blue, and Platinum Silver. The big news? Folding hinges are back—a move many fans will welcome after the XM5’s rigid frame.

Key Design Changes:

New round power button for easier tactile use

Thinner headband padding (less cushioned than XM5, but still comfy)

Fingerprint-resistant earcups

Compact carrying case with a magnetic closure instead of a zipper

Despite the return of foldability, the new hinge system makes the headset a bit trickier to wear properly. Poor fit can affect noise cancellation, especially for glasses wearers.

📱 Software & Features: Powerful But Bloated

The Sony Headphones Connect app (now Sony Sound Connect) offers loads of features—but it's not without its quirks.

Highlights:

New Scene Mode: Automate headphone settings by time/location

Listening Modes:

Standard

Background Music (simulates ambient environments)

Cinema (360 Reality Audio Upmix)

Adaptive Sound Control

Speak-to-Chat & Head Detection

Custom EQ + “Find Your Equalizer” tool

Spatial Audio & Head Tracking

Multipoint Bluetooth & Voice Assistant support

Despite improvements, the app is still buggy and sometimes forgets settings. It's also a bit cluttered for newcomers.

🔊 Audio Quality: Warm, Rich, and Satisfying

Sony fine-tuned the XM6 with help from professional mastering engineers, and the result is refined, full-bodied sound with a nice balance between studio clarity and casual listening.

Stronger bass presence

Improved midrange detail

User-friendly EQ and presets via the app

Whether you're a bass lover, podcast listener, or audiophile, the XM6 delivers premium sound quality.

🎙️ Microphone Quality: Still Sony’s Weak Spot

Despite a 6-mic AI-based system, voice quality is mediocre at best, especially outdoors.

Good in quiet environments

Poor in public or noisy settings

Voice Capture toggle offers minimal real-world improvement

If clear calls are a top priority, this might be a dealbreaker.

🔇 Noise Cancellation: The Best Gets Better

Armed with the new QN3 noise-canceling chip (7x faster than XM5's Q1), the XM6 excels at suppressing steady noises like engines or chatter.

Outstanding ANC performance on planes, buses, and in offices

Improved handling of random loud sounds (e.g., announcements)

Ambient Mode sounds clearer than ever

Fit-sensitive performance (especially for glasses wearers)

Sony maintains its crown in ANC tech — still the industry benchmark.

🔗 Connectivity & Latency

The WH-1000XM6 supports AAC and LDAC codecs, with zero noticeable latency during streaming or calls. Stable multipoint connection works as expected.

🔋 Battery Life: Best in Class

Sony advertises 30 hours of playback, but real-world tests exceeded that, hitting nearly 40 hours with ANC and mixed use. Fast charging is also impressive: 3 minutes = 3 hours playback.

💰 Price & Value

Retail price: $499.99

Sony WH-1000XM5 currently available for $299.99

Worth the upgrade? Only if you're on an older model (XM3 or older) or need best-in-class ANC.

The XM6 is excellent, but the price hike might deter budget-conscious buyers. Design changes are minor, and mic performance is still weak—but the ANC and audio are unmatched.

✅ Pros:

Best-in-class noise cancellation

Superb audio quality with strong bass

Excellent battery life

Foldable design returns

Rich feature set with smart app integration

❌ Cons:

Weak microphone in noisy environments

Buggy, bloated app experience

New hinge design may cause poor fit

$499 price tag is steep compared to XM5

📝 Final Verdict

The Sony WH-1000XM6 sets a new bar for wireless ANC headphones—again. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it improves on what matters most: noise cancellation, sound quality, and battery life.

For travelers, commuters, and audiophiles alike, it’s a near-perfect all-rounder. If you're upgrading from an XM2, XM3, or any midrange ANC headset—go for it. But if you already own the XM5 and don’t need folding hinges, you might want to wait for the XM7.