Upon unboxing the Sony WH‑1000XM6, you’re greeted by a sleek, foldable design— a nod to user feedback that criticized the XM5’s lack of compactness. The earcups fold inward on sturdy metal hinges, making them much more travel-friendly.
The new travel case impresses with a magnetic closure, replacing the old zipper. It’s slimmer and feels more premium—perfect for tucking into your day bag or carry-on.
Comfort & Build Quality
Sony’s design tweaks show intention. The headband is now wider and uses soft, slightly textured synthetic leather, dispersing weight more evenly across the crown.
While generally comfortable, some users note that the fit can depend on exactly where the headband sits—too forward or backward, and pressure points may emerge. Overall though, this model offers long listening sessions with minimal fatigue. At just 254 g, it’s light without feeling fragile.
Audio Quality & Spatial Sound
Sony has refined the sound to achieve both clarity and balance. A 30 mm carbon fiber composite “soft‑edge” driver delivers accurate highs, controlled bass, and transparent mids.
Expert reviewers speak of an opening of musical detail and presence—Billie Eilish’s “No Time to Die” cues were described as “special”—where every instrument and vocal nuance feels distinct.
Beyond music, Sony’s 360 Reality Audio Upmix (Cinema Mode) breathes spatial life into stereo content. The effect dramatically widens the soundstage, especially in video or movie playback. While head tracking works best on Android, the spatial expansiveness remains compelling even without it.
Passive and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
ANC remains Sony’s crown jewel. The XM6 uses a powerful HD QN3 noise‑cancelling chip—seven times faster than its predecessor—and features 12 microphones that monitor ambient noise more precisely than before.
In real-world environments—urban bustle, keyboards clicking—the headphones isolate noise remarkably well, making music the only sound in your headspace.
Connectivity & Smart Features
- Sony’s inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3, along with support for LE Audio, LC3, LDAC, AAC, and SBC, elevates both reliability and frequency range.
- Multipoint pairing lets you switch seamlessly between two devices—a call on your phone, music from your laptop—with impressive fluidity.
- Charge‑while‑listening is now supported—a real convenience—and a quick 3-minute USB‑C PD charge yields up to 3 hours of playback.
- Scene‑Based Listening automatically adjusts ANC and audio based on your activity—walking, commuting, sitting—adding a contextual layer of convenience.
- Customizable features via Sony’s app include a 10‑band EQ, Gaming EQ, DSEE Extreme upscaling, Quick Access, and even a feature that mutes the mic with a double‑tap.
Call Quality
With six beamforming microphones and advanced AI‑based voice separation, call clarity is spot-on. Your voice comes through crisply—even in noisy streets or crowded spaces.
Battery Life & Usage
Sony specifies up to 30 hours of playback with ANC on (and 40 without). A 3-minute quick charge grants you roughly 3 hours of use. While not a leap over competitors offering up to 60 hours, the battery remains more than adequate for daily commuters or frequent travelers.
Areas of Improvement
- Battery Not Leading: The XM6 maintains the same battery life as the XM5’s despite added features—some rivals now offer significantly longer endurance.
- Perceived Premium Feel: While lightweight and functional, the matte finish and lightweight materials feel less luxurious, particularly when juxtaposed with pricier alternatives.
- Ecosystem Gaps: No IP rating means they’re not ideal for workouts or rain exposure, and spatial & Auracast features work best on Android—iOS support remains limited.
Expert Perspective
- The Guardian treats the WH‑1000XM6 as an all‑round flagship standout: improved ANC, a folding design, Bluetooth 5.3 with modern codecs, and sustainability upgrades make it one of 2025’s top picks.
- Tom’s Guide suggests that the XM6 enhances the XM5 modestly—great for those upgrading from older models, but not necessarily a must-have for recent XM5 owners.
- TechRadar labels the XM6 as Sony’s premium pick, placing them atop ANC and audio quality categories, despite their costlier price relative to other options.
- Tom’s Guide (spatial audio focus) lists the XM6 among the top three headphones for immersive listening—offering excellent comfort, ANC, and battery—but ranking slightly behind Sonos Ace and AirPods Max for pure spatial finesse.
Final Assessment
The Sony WH‑1000XM6 strikes a compelling balance between technical precision and consumer practicality. They’re:
- Exceptional at noise cancellation, leveraging upgraded hardware and finely tuned ANC logic.
- Musically precise, with improved detail, warmth, and spatial immersion.
- Comfort-centric, with thoughtful design and materials.
- Feature-rich, including cutting-edge connectivity, smart automation, and app-driven customization.