The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the current flagship entry in Sony’s over-ear headphone line, replacing the WH-1000XM5 from a few years ago. The big internal change is a new QN3 noise-canceling processor, which Sony describes as around 7 times faster than the chip in the previous model, and that uses input from 12 microphones rather than 8. On the outside, the most noticeable change is that the headphones fold up again, unlike the XM5, so they pack down into a smaller case for travel.
High-quality headphones that make your favorite songs sound even better
Sony’s flagship headphones are known for their noise cancellation, and the XM6 takes that even further. They have an upgraded processor that processes sound from 12 microphones and adjusts the noise cancellation profile in real time. You’ll find that the ANC is most consistent across different environments and that ambient noise is cut out entirely instead of just dampened.
These headphones last around 30 hours with noise cancellation on, and you get an extra 10 hours with it off. Fortunately, even if you find the XM6 dead at an inopportune time, you can get three hours of playback with a quick three-minute fast charge. However, a full charge takes 3.5 hours, so you’ll still want to top them up every night.
quality in this generation uses new 30mm carbon-fiber composite drivers. A new ten-band equalizer in the Sony Sound Connect app lets you adjust the response by ear, replacing the five-band EQ from the previous generation, and a Gaming EQ preset reshapes the response for game audio with more emphasis on positional cues.
Multipoint Bluetooth lets two devices stay paired at once, so a phone and laptop can stay connected without manual reconnection. Speak-to-Chat detects when you start talking and automatically lowers the music volume, which is useful for short conversations without taking the headphones off. LDAC support keeps higher-resolution wireless audio intact for compatible devices.
If you find space is at a premium when you’re toting your headphones around, you’ll be glad to know the folding hinge is back. Unlike the XM5, the earphones fold to lie flat, which makes the case much more compact. That means they slip into a purse or a backpack much more easily, making them great for taking on the go despite their full size.
A 3.5mm wired input is on the left cup for plane systems and wired listening. The headband is wider and more padded than the previous model, which spreads the weight more evenly during long sessions and reduces the pressure point at the top of the head, some XM5 owners reported.
At $398 on Amazon, down from $460, the XM6 brings Sony’s newest flagship under $400 not long after launch. It’s a multipurpose powerhouse that ranks among the best wireless headphones you can buy today.
