Sony has held the top position in consumer noise-cancelling headphones for the better part of five years. The WH-1000XM5 raised the bar. The WH-1000XM6 keeps Sony in first place — but the margin of victory is narrower than it has been in years, and in two categories, it has lost it entirely.
Design and Build
The XM6 returns to a folding design after the XM5 dispensed with it — a decision that generated more complaints than any other aspect of that model. The hinge mechanism feels solid, the carrying case is compact, and the overall build quality is what you expect from Sony at this price point: premium without being ostentatious.
Weight is down slightly to 248g, which matters on long-haul flights. Ear cup padding has been improved with a new memory foam layer that distributes pressure more evenly across the outer ear. After three hours of continuous wear, the XM6 is noticeably more comfortable than its predecessor.
Noise Cancellation
This is where Sony has historically dominated, and the XM6 continues to lead in most conditions. The QN3 chip running the ANC system samples noise 300 times per second and adjusts accordingly. In practice, the result is extraordinary. Testing on a crowded commuter train, low-frequency rumble was reduced to near-inaudibility. Conversation from nearby passengers became a distant murmur.
Where the XM6 struggles — and where Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra has caught up — is with sudden, sharp noises. The Bose system handles a door slam or a cough with more grace, attenuating the spike faster and more cleanly. It is a narrow difference that most people will not notice most of the time. Frequent travellers and open-plan office workers will notice.
Sound Quality
Sony tuning philosophy has always leaned toward a slight bass emphasis with clear, detailed mids. The XM6 continues this tradition with refinement. At moderate listening levels, the separation between instruments is exceptional — particularly on jazz and acoustic recordings where spatial positioning matters.
At high volumes, there is a slight hardness in the upper-mids that wasn’t as present on the XM5. Whether this is the new drivers or a change in tuning is unclear. It is not a dealbreaker, but it is audible.
The LDAC codec support remains the XM6’s clearest advantage over Bose and Apple at this price — for listeners with a capable source device and the right streaming service, the difference in audio resolution is real and meaningful.
Features
- Battery life: 30 hours with ANC on, 40 hours without. Best in class.
- Multipoint connection: Connects to two devices simultaneously. Stable and fast to switch.
- Speak-to-chat: Pauses music and opens the mics when you speak. Works reliably, fast to disengage.
- 360 Reality Audio: Spatial audio implementation requires the Sony app and a compatible streaming service. Results are impressive on supported content; limited library reduces practical value.
- Call quality: Microphone performance has been the XM series’ persistent weakness. It remains average — serviceable for calls, noticeably worse than AirPods Pro in noisy environments.
Verdict
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | 9/10 | Best overall, slightly behind Bose on transients |
| Sound Quality | 9/10 | LDAC advantage real for audiophiles |
| Comfort | 8/10 | Improved; still slightly behind AirPods Max |
| Battery | 10/10 | Class-leading at 30hrs ANC-on |
| Call Quality | 6/10 | Still the weak point |
| Value | 8/10 | Premium but justified for the feature set |
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is still the headphone I would recommend to most people spending over £300 on over-ear headphones. Battery life, LDAC support, and overall ANC performance make the case. But buyers who prioritize call quality should look at AirPods Max, and buyers who prioritize comfort on long journeys should test the Bose QuietComfort Ultra before deciding. Sony no longer wins on every dimension, and that is a change worth noting.
Price: £379 / $399 | Available: Now