Sony WH 1000XM6 review: best noise canceling headphones yet but with a higher price tag

Sony brings back folding and doubles down on comfort with WH 1000XM6
For many longtime Sony headphone users, portability and comfort are non-negotiables. With the WH 1000XM6, Sony has brought back the much missed folding design, along with hardware refinements that address several pain points from past models. The result is a headset designed for commuters, travelers, and audiophiles who need high performance audio without unnecessary bulk.

It has been three years since the last major release in the WH 1000X series. While the WH 1000XM5 introduced a fresh design, the WH 1000XM6 sticks to the same look but focuses heavily on improved sound quality, stronger noise canceling technology, and comfort upgrades. All this now comes at a premium. The WH 1000XM6 are priced at 449 dollars, which is 50 dollars more than their predecessor and 20 dollars above the latest Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones.


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Comfort features and portability get a major boost
One of the most welcomed updates is the return of the foldable hinge, missing from the previous model. This addition allows the headphones to collapse neatly into a smaller case, now upgraded with a magnetic clasp instead of a zipper. It is a small change but one that makes a real difference when you are juggling bags or boarding a flight.

The headband is now wider and places less pressure on the top of the head. The ear cups, still wrapped in soft pleather, are now removable and replaceable. The power button has been redesigned to be round, making it easier to differentiate from the noise canceling button by touch alone.

These subtle upgrades make the WH 1000XM6 not just more travel friendly but also more durable and practical for daily use.

Audio quality and noise cancellation lead the pack
Under the surface, Sony has made big changes. The WH 1000XM6 features upgraded drivers and a new noise canceling chip. Sony says the new ANC system outperforms not just the WH 1000XM5 but also every other noise canceling headphone available today. That includes strong competition from Apple and Bose.

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Sound tuning was informed by Sony’s in-house music studio engineers. The headphones offer clearer vocals, more detail, and lively bass performance. Users can customize their sound through a 10 band equalizer in the Headphones Connect app.

The transparency mode continues to feel natural, and users can activate it easily by covering the right ear cup with a hand. Multipoint Bluetooth and LDAC codec support are still present, offering convenience and high resolution audio streaming.

The only disappointment here is the spatial audio upmixing features in the app, which simulate different environments like coffee shops or movie theaters. These effects feel artificial and are likely to be ignored after one use.

Battery life and charging still have quirks
Battery life remains unchanged, with 30 hours of playback with noise cancellation and 40 without it. That will still meet the needs of most users. For the first time in the 1000X series, you can now charge the headphones and listen to them at the same time. However, since the WH 1000XM6 does not support audio over USB C, you will need to plug in both a charging cable and a separate 3.5 millimeter audio cable.

Voice calls should also see an upgrade. Sony now uses six microphones for voice pickup, compared to four on the previous model. AI powered beamforming helps isolate speech from surrounding noise.

A worthy upgrade with a price caveat
Sony WH 1000XM6 does not reinvent the wheel but improves on nearly every important aspect of its predecessor. With better sound, stronger noise cancellation, and smart ergonomic improvements, it stands out as one of the best noise canceling headphones available today. But at 449 dollars, it also asks more than ever from loyal customers. For those with aging headphones or frequent travel needs, the investment might still be worth it.