Everyone’s favorite pair of headphones just got an upgrade, so have a new candidate for your next purchase. It’s time to tune in for a Sony WH-1000XM6 review. After three years, Sony is back with an upgrade, and it isn’t significantly better than the 1000XM5, but if you were holding off on buying these expensive marvels, now is your chance to invest in either.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 features the same design aesthetic that its sibling popularized, and unfortunately still features an all-plastic build that has been previously criticized. Still, the plastic does guarantee a light-weight experience. The new QN3 processor is said to be five times as powerful as the QN1 chip in the XM5, which is a good sign, especially when it means other improved specs. You can look at the Sony WH-1000XM6 specifications to know just how it translates into performance.
Sony WH-1000XM6 Review—High-Quality Music Guaranteed
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 has been held in high regard over the last three years, often compared to the Apple AirPods Max as one of the top options for over-the-ear Bluetooth headphones. It introduces a dual-hinge folding mechanism that offers more storage options when you’re on the go, which is a nice change this time around.
The wider headband paired with the cushioned ear pads is designed for comfort, all to ensure that you can spend more time listening to the things that matter most. Podcasts. No, we’re kidding, it’s still designed for music with “studio-level accuracy.”
The Sony WH-1000XM6’s pricing is where the company goes wrong. The headphones are priced at $450, which is a whole $50 over the already-overpriced XM5. Unfortunately, it could be the trend of the hour to raise prices, what with the tariffs and competitors like Bose also raising the price of their headphones to similar standards. The Sonos Ace is also priced at $450, so the XM6 isn’t alone in being overpriced.
If you’re still willing to give the headphones a chance, then the full details of the Sony WH-1000XM6 are going to be a deal maker or deal breaker.
Sony WH-1000XM6 Specifications
The Sony WH-1000XM6 features are built on the back of the QN3 processor and are certified for high-resolution audio with support for Sony’s LDAC codec, alongside SBC, AAC, and LC3 codecs.
The Sony XM6 weighs 256 grams (8.9 ounces) which is heavier than the XM5 but still lighter than the AirPods Max. It features newly redesigned 30mm carbon fiber dome drivers with a more rigid dome and perforated voice coil for smoother high-frequency reproductions and clearer vocals, with support for a frequency range of 4Hz to 40kHz.
The 10-band equalizer allows for detailed sound customization through the Sony app and it also supports Sony’s immersive 3D audio format with a new 360 Reality Upmix for Cinema to convert stereo into spatial audio for movies and music. The headphones operate on Bluetooth 5.3 with an effective range of approximately 10m. Most Sony WH-1000XM6 reviews appear to be on board with the specs, if a little disappointed that it doesn’t offer a major upgrade.
Noise Cancelling and Audio Quality of the Sony XM6
From early reviews of the WH-1000XM6, the user experience has been phenomenal, particularly due to the improved noise canceling capabilities with the Adaptive NC Optimizer. Exactly how this makes improvements over the XM5’s Auto Optimizer is unclear, but the difference is there for everyone to see—or hear.
For those who use their headphones for work, the WH-1000XM6 details a twelve-microphone array that capitalizes on the six-microphone AI-based beamforming system for improved voice calls, over the four in the XM5. The external microphones feature mesh covers that help reduce wind noise and improve call clarity.
Convenient Controls on the WH-1000XM6
The headphones also offer a 3.5mm port for wired listening, but it does not offer audio support over USB-C. There’s a redesigned button for power, along with another one for toggling between noise-cancellation and transparency modes. The button can also be programmed for muting on the Sony app.
For changing the volume or shuffling through tracks, the Sony WH-1000XM6 features the familiar touch control on the cups. Some things don’t need changing and the controls here are one of those details. It also works with head gesture controls for calls and is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
The intuitive controls can help detect when you’re speaking and pause the music automatically, although it could come with the risk of being triggered by your humming or coughing.
Sony WH-1000XM6 Colors, Design, and Battery Details
The new headphone is quite similar to its predecessor in terms of design, although it does have that wider headband and a foldable form. The folding mechanism brings higher risks of damage but the new case is well designed to keep the device safe, with a convenient pocket for the cable. The magnetic clasp on the fabric case is a nice change from the zipper as well.
The ear cups are removable and easy enough to switch out if the headphones last long enough to need a change. If you’re particular about the color, the Sony WH01000XM6 is available in Black, Platinum Silver, and Midnight Blue, all with a matte finish.
As for battery life, the headphones offer up to 30 hours with ANC and Bluetooth on, or 40 hours with ANC off. With 3 minutes of charging, you get 3 hours of playback, and it also allows playback while charging.
Final Thoughts of the Sony WH-1000XM6 Review
The Sony WH-1000XM6’s performance is about as good as you’d expect from the Sony line. The sound quality will impress you, and the ANC will too, but it will cost you. The $450 price is hard to swallow, but the new headphones promise to make it worth your time. From the buttons and controls to the sound quality, the headphones are designed for comfort and convenience.
If you already own the MX5, there are near zero reasons to consider an upgrade. For those who have been waiting for the newer model to come out before investing in the Sony line, you may still be better off with the cheaper MX5, unless you really want to commit to the latest model. The lack of USB-C audio and aptX support may be disappointing for some, but overall, the Sony WH-1000XM6 is a good pair of headphones.
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