Sony WH-1000XM6 Review

What Changed From the XM5

The biggest practical change is the hinge. The XM5 didn't fold, which made its case bulky. The XM6 folds again, so it packs smaller in a bag.

Sony also moved to its QN3 processor and increased the microphone count to 12, aimed at better adaptive noise cancelling and clearer calls. Independent reviewers have generally found noise cancelling improved over the XM5, especially with changing noise.

Noise Cancelling and Sound

Sony and Bose trade the top spot for ANC from generation to generation. The XM6 is consistently ranked among the best available, and its adaptive mode adjusts to your surroundings automatically.

Sound is warm and detailed, with an extensive equalizer in the Sony Sound Connect app. LDAC support allows higher-bitrate wireless audio on compatible Android phones; iPhones use AAC.

Comfort and Battery

The XM6 is light for its class with soft synthetic leather pads. Like all closed over-ears, it can get warm in hot weather or during long flights.

Sony quotes up to 30 hours with ANC on, the same as the XM5 and longer than Bose's QC Ultra. Quick charging gives several hours of playback from a short charge.

Price and Alternatives

At launch the XM6 cost more than the XM5 did. If the XM5 is heavily discounted, it remains an excellent headphone, and the main things you give up are the folding design and some ANC refinement.

Bose's QuietComfort Ultra headphones are the main rival, often praised for comfort. Budget buyers get much of the ANC experience from Sony's WH-CH720N or Anker's Soundcore Space One for a fraction of the price.