Sony WH-1000XM6 — Is this the new king of ANC?
Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones Review — Noise Cancellation King?
Introduction
Sony's WH-1000XM series has set the benchmark for active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones for years. With the WH-1000XM6, Sony promises yet another leap — improved ANC, clearer calls, longer battery life and a more travel-friendly foldable design. But does it justify an upgrade (or a fresh buy)? We used the XM6 for two weeks across commuting, flights and office work to find out.
Quick Verdict
The WH-1000XM6 deliver best-in-class noise cancelling, excellent sound tuning, and solid battery life — making them an easy recommendation for frequent travelers and commuters. Small trade-offs remain (no official water resistance, premium price), but overall they are a top pick in 2025.
Design & Comfort
The WH-1000XM6 keep Sony’s recognizable premium aesthetic but improve ergonomics — a slightly wider, more padded headband and subtly reshaped earcups that sit more naturally around the ear. The foldable hinges make them far easier to pack than previous non-folding over-ears.
Build quality feels premium and light for this class; at around 250–255g they’re comfortable for long listening sessions. The carry case has been redesigned to be slimmer while still protecting the cups.
Sound & Performance
Tonally the XM6 continue Sony’s warm-and-detailed signature: tight bass, clear mids and a smooth treble that avoids harshness. Audiophiles may tweak the EQ in the app, but out of the box the tuning is balanced and pleasing for most genres — from pop to podcasts to classical.
High-res codecs are supported (including LDAC), so streaming from compatible devices benefits noticeably — provided your source supports it.
ANC — Is it the King?
Sony has upgraded the noise-cancelling engine with a new QN-series processor and a larger array of microphones. In practice the ANC is exceptional: low-frequency hum (airplane engines) is removed very effectively and mid/high-frequency chatter is reduced more naturally than before, making focused work or travel much calmer.
The adaptive ambient modes are refined and the “transparency” (ambient) mode sounds natural — voices and announcements come through without the tinny artefacts you sometimes get on rivals.
(Sources confirm a new QN processor and expanded mic array powering improved ANC.)
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Calls & Microphones
Sony has focused on call clarity with a multi-microphone beamforming system and AI-based noise suppression that isolates your voice even in windy or noisy settings. Calls sounded clear on both ends in our tests — better than most previous Sony headphones.
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Battery Life & Charging
Battery is strong — Sony advertises ~30 hours with ANC on, and real-world use matches that close to the mark. Fast charge is useful: a few minutes of charging gives hours of playback, and the XM6 support wired listening while charging.
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Features & App
- Multipoint Bluetooth — connect to two devices simultaneously for seamless switching.
- Support for LDAC and modern codecs for better wireless fidelity.
- App-based EQ, adaptive sound control, and spatial audio upmix features.
- Foldable design and improved travel case for portability.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Class-leading ANC performance
- Great overall sound and LDAC support
- Comfortable for long wear
- Good battery life & fast-charge
Cons
- Premium price
- No official IP water resistance rating
- USB-C audio over wired connection still limited on some devices
Final Verdict
If you travel frequently, work in noisy spaces, or simply want the best all-round wireless ANC headphones in 2025, the Sony WH-1000XM6 should be at the top of your list. They refine Sony’s long-running strengths — ANC, comfort and balanced sound — while adding useful refinements. For users on a strict budget, older XM-series models or alternatives from Bose may still be appealing, but for outright ANC and daily comfort the XM6 are hard to beat.
Key Specifications
| Model | Sony WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|
| Release Date | May 2025 |
| ANC Processor | New QN-series processor (upgraded ANC) |
| Microphones | Multi-mic array (beamforming & AI noise suppression) |
| Battery | ~30 hours (ANC on); fast charge supported |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, Multipoint, LDAC/LC3 |
| Weight | ~254 g |
| Price (Launch) | Approx. $449 / £399 |
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FAQ
Are the WH-1000XM6 worth the upgrade from XM5?
Yes — if you prioritize improved ANC, better call quality and a refined fit/portability. If you already own XM5 and are happy, the upgrade is optional.
Do they support wired high-res audio?
They support wired listening, but USB-C audio support depends on the device and implementation; LDAC works best over Bluetooth when supported by your player.
Where to Buy & Tips
Look for official Sony stores and trusted retailers for warranty coverage. Sales and festival discounts can bring the price down from launch MSRP — consider waiting for offers if you can.
(Prices and deals change frequently.)
