If you’re thinking about getting new headphones, this Sony WH-1000XM6 review has got you covered with everything you need to know. Sony’s newest flagship over ear headphones bring back those features we loved, bump up the audio clarity, and make things even easier to use positioning them as a serious contender for the top spot among the best noise cancelling headphones you can snag in 2025.
Refined Design, Familiar Form
The WH-1000XM6 brings back the foldable design that was missing in the XM5s, which is a big plus if you’re always on the go. They still have that smooth, simple look with a matte finish and soft curves that feel high end without being too flashy.
The carrying case got a makeover too it’s slimmer and uses a magnetic flap instead of a zipper, so it’s quicker to open and close. The headphones themselves use a light plastic frame with a strong metal headband, and the earcups are nice and padded with soft vegan leather. They feel good for wearing for a while, though your ears might get a little warm after a couple of hours.
Controls and Build Adjustments
They’ve tweaked where the buttons are, which is handy. On the left earcup, you’ll find the power button next to the noise canceling button and a regular 3.5mm headphone jack. The right side has a USB C port for charging and a touch sensitive area for controlling your music.
That touch pad is still there, and while it’s not perfect, it feels more responsive than before. Once you get the hang of the gestures, changing the volume, playing and pausing, and skipping tracks feels pretty natural.
Microphone System and Voice Clarity
With a whopping 12 microphones (they had 8 on the XM5), Sony has seriously upgraded how well the WH-1000XM6 handles calls and cancels noise. They’re using a new Sony QN3 chip and have trained it on a massive amount of voice data using AI, so these headphones are way better at cutting out background noise when you’re talking.
Whether you’re in a noisy office, on a plane, or walking down the street, your calls will sound clearer, and your voice will sound more like you to the person on the other end.
Noise Canceling: Still the Benchmark
Sony’s active noise cancellation has been top notch for a long time, and the WH-1000XM6 just takes it up a notch. These headphones do an amazing job of blocking out those low rumbly noises like airplane engines or the hum of a train, and they’re great at quieting down people talking too.
The transparency mode (they also call it ambient sound mode) is better now too. It sounds much more natural, so you can hear what’s going on around you or have a chat without taking your headphones off.
Audio Performance and Sound Signature
The WH-1000XM6 comes with newly designed dynamic drivers, and they sound richer and more balanced. The bass is tight and punchy, which is awesome for stuff like hip hop, pop, and EDM. The mids are clear and smooth, and the highs are crisp without being too sharp.
If you really care about sound quality, these are definitely up there with the best wireless headphones for traveling or working. The XM6 supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC for Bluetooth streaming but still no aptX, which some people might care about.
Companion App Features
The Sony “Sound Connect” app (they rebranded it) has all the stuff you’d expect: a customizable EQ, different noise canceling settings, and the ability to connect to multiple devices at once. They’ve also got some cool unique audio environments:
- My Room, Living Room, Cafe: Makes it sound like you’re in different kinds of spaces.
- Background Music Mode: Great for when you need to focus or just want some subtle sound in the background.
- Cinema Mode: Turns regular stereo into immersive 360 degree sound.
These modes give you some flexibility depending on what you’re doing whether it’s working, chilling out, or watching a movie.
Battery Life and Charging
The battery life is the same as the last model: you get up to 30 hours with ANC on and up to 40 hours with it off. And if you’re in a rush, a quick 3 minute charge gives you 3 hours of playtime, which is perfect if you need a last minute boost before a flight.
Who Should Buy the Sony WH-1000XM6?
- Travelers and Commuters: The foldable design, top tier ANC, and great battery life make them ideal for anyone on the go.
- Remote Workers: The improved microphone clarity and ambient modes are perfect for working from home.
- Music Lovers: The detailed sound and customizable EQ let you really dial in your listening experience.
- Movie Streamers: Cinema Mode plus the comfort factor makes those long binge watching sessions even better.
Alternatives Worth Considering
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Slightly softer ANC, but fewer ways to customize the sound.
- Apple AirPods Max: Great for folks in the Apple ecosystem, but they’re more expensive and heavier.
- Sonos Ace: Good sound and comfortable, but the app and ANC aren’t quite as polished yet.
- JBL Tour One M2: More affordable with decent ANC, but the sound and build quality aren’t as refined.
If you’re an Android user especially, the LDAC support and easy multipoint pairing make the WH-1000XM6 a really smart choice.
Potential Drawbacks
- The touch controls, even though they’re better, can still be a little tricky sometimes.
- Your ears might get a bit warm if you wear them for a long time.
- They come with a premium price tag ($449).
- No support for aptX or aptX Adaptive.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for top of the line wireless headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM6 should definitely be on your radar. With better sound quality, more powerful ANC, improved comfort, and clearer microphones, these headphones pretty much nail it.
Yeah, they’re not cheap, but you’re paying for those premium features and knowing they’ll last. For anyone upgrading from older Sony models or looking for their first pair of high end wireless headphones, the WH-1000XM6 really delivers.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission—at no additional cost to you. These commissions help keep the site running and allow me to keep producing in-depth tech reviews like this one. The listed price of $449 was accurate at the time of writing.
