The noise-canceling headphone market has become increasingly competitive in recent years, with brands like Bose, Apple, and Sennheiser raising the bar. But in 2025, Sony has taken the lead with the WH-1000XM6, a follow-up to the much-loved XM5. It’s not just a small update, but reimagines what flagship wireless headphones can offer.
Sony WH-1000XM6
Bottom line
This sixth-generation model brings big upgrades like a new QN3 AI processor, studio-grade audio tuning, expanded call microphone arrays, and low-latency multipoint connectivity — all wrapped in a refined, ergonomic design. Whether you’re a commuter, a music producer, or a remote worker, the XM6 aims to be your all-in-one solution.
What sets the Sony WH-1000XM6 apart from its rivals — and even from previous generations — is its holistic focus on adaptive sound intelligence and real-world usability, not just raw specs. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know before deciding whether these are the right headphones for you.
What We Like
- Best-in-class noise cancelation
- Studio-grade sound quality
- Comfortable for all-day use
- Seamless connectivity features
- Exceptional call clarity
What We Don’t Like
- Slightly bulkier than XM5
- Premium price point
- Touch controls require adjustment
Unboxing the Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
Sony offers a premium unboxing experience. Inside the eco-conscious packaging, you’ll find:
- Carrying Case
- Connection Cable
- USB Cable
- Warranty Card
- Reference Guide
Sony WH-1000XM6 – Design and Style
At first glance, the WH-1000XM6 might look quite similar to the previous XM5 model, but once you wear them, the differences begin to feel. The design remains clean, but the materials feel slightly more premium, with a matte finish that resists fingerprints better and adds a more refined, professional look.
We particularly noticed the change in the headband and ear cup structure. Sony has reworked the pivot and folding mechanism, making it stronger while keeping the headphones incredibly lightweight and flexible. This makes these headphones far easier to store and travel with as compared to the XM5.
The XM6 is available in three colours: Black, Platinum Silver, and Midnight Blue. All of them look elegant and professional, with the kind of styling that won’t feel out of place whether you’re in the office or out and about.
Another subtle improvement is the button placement and responsive touch panel. It’s now easier to find and use the controls by feel, especially handy when you’re on the go. It’s the kind of thoughtful tweak you only miss when it’s not there, and Sony has nailed it on the WH-1000XM6.
Sony WH-1000XM6 – Comfort
Sony has clearly listened to user feedback from the XM5 and made some smart ergonomic adjustments that make a real difference over time.
Comfort has seen a noticeable step up. The memory foam padding on both the ear cups and headband feels softer and more breathable. During our listening sessions, these headphones lasted for about three to four hours straight, and there was no pinching, pressure, or excessive heat build-up that we faced.
The clamping force strikes a nice balance too. It’s firm enough to keep the headphones in place, but never so tight that it causes fatigue. Whether you’re wearing glasses, earrings, or just using them for hours at a stretch, the XM6 delivers a comfort level that feels truly premium.
Sony WH-1000XM6 – Waterproof Ability
While the WH-1000XM6 isn’t fully waterproof, it is moderately water-resistant. There’s no official IP rating, but in light rain or during workouts with mild sweat, the headphones performed fine. However, these are not built for intense physical activity or outdoor use in heavy rain.
Sony WH-1000XM6 – Battery Life and Charging
Battery life has long been a strong point in Sony’s flagship headphones, and we’re pleased to say that trend continues, if not improves.
The XM6 consistently delivered up to 30 hours of playback with active noise cancelation (ANC) enabled, and around 38 hours with ANC turned off. That matches what Sony promises, and in our experience, we got close to those numbers even when using the headphones for different things, like phone calls, music, and travel.
Charging is equally impressive. With the USB-C fast charging, just 3 minutes of charging gave us roughly 3 hours of use. A full charge took approximately 3.5 hours. You can also listen while charging, which isn’t always possible with wireless headphones.
Sony doesn’t include a wall adapter in the box, but most modern USB-C chargers work seamlessly. Overall, the battery life and charging speed on the XM6 feel genuinely dependable and well optimised for everyday use.
Sony WH-1000XM6 – Sound Quality and Performance
This is where the WH-1000XM6 truly earns its praise. Co-designed with mastering engineers from Sterling Sound and Battery Studios, the audio quality is breathtaking. Highs are crisp, mids are warm, and the bass is powerful yet never overwhelming.
Sony’s new QN3 processor is seven times faster than the previous generation. It works with 12 microphones to optimize audio and noise cancelation in real time. This means adaptive sound that adjusts to your surroundings, pressure, and even while you’re wearing glasses or hats.
Gaming and video playback also benefit from the low-latency performance, with virtually no audio lag. We found lip-sync to be spot-on across multiple streaming platforms.
Support for LDAC and Hi-Res Audio ensures audiophiles get the fidelity they crave, while DSEE Extreme dynamically restores compressed files to near-lossless quality. Even streaming over Bluetooth sounds surprisingly rich and detailed.
Sony WH-1000XM6 – Controls
Intuitive and responsive controls are another thing that stood out during our evaluation, though there’s a bit of a learning curve. Sony hasn’t reinvented here, but instead refined the experience to make it more user-friendly and reliable in everyday use.
The touch-sensitive gestures on the right ear cup, like swiping up/down for volume or forward/back for skipping tracks, are more accurate than ever. In our evaluation, the headphones responded consistently, even with light touches, and didn’t suffer from accidental inputs during head movements or when adjusting the fit.
We also appreciated the physical buttons for power and noise cancelation. Their placement has been slightly tweaked, making them easier to locate by touch alone, especially when you’re on the go.
A standout feature is Speak-to-Chat, which auto-pauses music when you start talking. It works well and is handy in public settings. Head gestures, like nodding to answer calls or shaking to decline, work consistently and feel natural over time.
If you’re not a fan of gestures, the Sony | Sound Connect app lets you customise everything easily — even what each tap or button does.
Sony WH-1000XM6 – Connectivity
The WH-1000XM6 scores high in connectivity. Multipoint Bluetooth lets you connect to two devices simultaneously, ideal for switching between your phone and laptop. It supports next-gen LE Audio, Auracast, and Fast Pair for Android and Swift Pair for Windows PCs.
In daily use, we experienced zero dropouts or syncing issues. Switching between devices is smooth and automatic. There’s also ultra-low latency, especially appreciated in gaming and video editing contexts.
Sony WH-1000XM6 – Call Quality
Call performance is stellar. Thanks to six beamforming microphones and AI noise suppression, the WH-1000XM6 isolates your voice remarkably well, even in bustling cafés or windy outdoor environments.
Call recipients reported consistently clear audio, with minimal background noise. Wind noise, often a challenge for over-ears, is effectively minimized due to improved microphone placement.
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs. Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra
The Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra are both top choices for premium wireless headphones, but they shine in different ways. After trying both in everyday use — commuting, working, and relaxing — we noticed some key differences.
Comfort-wise, Bose wins. The headphones are very light and soft, making them easy to wear for long hours. Sony is still very comfy, but its snug fit feels a bit more secure — great for travel or walking around.
Sound quality depends on your taste. Bose has a clear and natural sound, great for vocals and detail. Sony has richer bass and a more powerful, immersive sound, especially if you use its 360 Reality Audio and custom EQ in the app.
Noise cancelation (ANC) is excellent on both, but Sony’s is more adaptive. It changes automatically depending on where you are, like switching from a quiet room to a noisy street. Sony also handles wind better.
In terms of battery life, Sony is ahead with 30 hours of playtime (with ANC on), while Bose gives 24 hours. Plus, Sony’s quick charge — 3 minutes for 3 hours of play is super useful when you’re in a hurry.
Controls also feel more modern on the Sony, with improved touch gestures and helpful app features. Bose sticks to simple buttons, which are easier for some but less flexible overall.
Buy on Amazon: Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs. Sony WH-1000XM5
At first glance, the XM5 and XM6 headphones seem almost the same. But we found some useful upgrades in the XM6, making it a better choice for everyday use.
The biggest and most useful change is that the XM6 can fold. This makes it easier to pack in a bag or suitcase. The XM5 couldn’t fold, which many people found annoying when travelling or commuting.
Comfort is also a bit better on the XM6. The ear pads are softer and feel cooler, especially during long listening sessions. While the XM5 is still very comfortable, we felt the XM6 was just a little more pleasant to wear for hours, like on flights or during work.
When it comes to sound, the XM6 is slightly improved. You get clearer audio, better separation, and more precise bass, which stands out when listening to detailed music like classical or layered electronic tracks. It’s not a huge change, but if you listen closely, you’ll notice it.
Controls are smoother on the XM6, too. Touch gestures work better, and the buttons give nicer feedback. This made everyday use a bit more reliable and enjoyable.
The battery life is great on both — around 30 hours.
Buy on Amazon: Sony WH-1000XM5
Final Words
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is a smart and thoughtful evolution of an already best-in-class headphone. In a market crowded with excellent options from Bose, Apple, and Sennheiser, Sony has managed to stay ahead by refining the user experience.
With industry-leading noise cancelation, studio-quality sound, and next-gen features like the QN3 AI processor and adaptive audio intelligence, the XM6 is one of the best all-rounder headphones you can buy in 2025. And the fact that it now folds makes it easier to carry around is a big plus for travel.
However, it is not without a few small downsides. It’s a bit bulkier than the XM5, and the price is high. And while the touch controls have improved, they will take a little getting used to. But these are minor setbacks in what is otherwise a top-tier audio package.If you want great sound, strong noise canceling, smart features, and all-day comfort, the WH-1000XM6 is a great choice. It is worth the price if you want the full package.
