Improved Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones Review: On the Brink of Audio Nirvana with Active Noise Cancellation
Sony has raised the bar once again in the realm of active noise-cancelling headphones with its masterful creations, the WH-1000XM6. Last year's top-dog, the WH-1000XM5, seemed untouchable, but the XM6 has left it in the dust.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 has a plethora of new features that set it apart. A revamped design, a fresh processor, and more mics are just a taste of what this spectacular pair of over-ears brings to the table.
Upon first glance, you may not notice all the refinements that Sony made to the XM6. But fear not, they all add up to a more comfortable and polished pair of headphones. Leatherette over-ear cups create a nice passive noise-cancelling seal, the headband is wider for better weight distribution on your head, and it's great to see Sony listened to feedback and made them foldable again. Even the tiniest details, like a larger power button that's easier to press, are worth appreciating.
At first glance, the price tag might make your eyes pop out. Coming in at $450, it's pricier than the AirPods Max. But hey, it's 2025, and people seem to be shelling out that much for earbuds.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 outdoes its predecessor in just about every category, making them the headphones to beat this year, noise cancelling or otherwise.
Pros
- Incredible sound and call quality
- Powerful active noise-cancellation
- Foldable, comfortable design
- Feature-rich companion app
Cons
- Battery life could be longer
- Pricey
For those seeking quieter surroundings, Sony has once again taken a noticeable lead. In its quest for silence, or at least a quieter environment, Sony has brought its new QN3 processor and 12 upgraded microphones (versus eight on the XM5). It also wouldn't be 2025 without a healthy dose of AI. To that end, the XM6 has AI noise reduction, which Sony says was trained on over 500 million voice samples. The result is some seriously quiet phone and video calls.
You also have a refreshed AI Noise Optimizer feature, which works to identify and eliminate pesky ambient noises.
Sony's newest ANC headphones also did a better job of shielding me from a lover's spat on the train. I typically hear more ambient sound while wearing Bose's QuietComfort Ultra. I cued up Shaggy's "It Wasn't Me" on the XM6 and committed myself to minding my own business. Okay, I may have switched over to Ambient Sound to hear some of the juicier details, but not for the whole conversation.
Speaking of Ambient Sound, that's the mode I engage when I'm walking alone at night or in unfamiliar surroundings. It lets in outside noise so you can keep tabs on your surroundings. One minute, I'm hearing nothing but the deep bass and raunchy lyrics in the Ying Yang Twins' "Wait (The Whisper Song)," and the next, there's birds chirping and traffic sounds filtered in.
Sony's WH-1000XM6 might just be the headphones to beat in 2025. With its powerful active noise-cancellation, foldable design, and slew of features, it's worth considering if you're in the market for a new pair of headphones.
- In 2025, the Sony WH-1000XM6 is considered the headphones to beat, due to its powerful active noise-cancellation, foldable design, and feature-rich capabilities.
- The new QN3 processor and 12 upgraded microphones in the Sony WH-1000XM6 contribute to its improved noise-cancellation capabilities, making it a popular choice for those seeking quieter surroundings.
- The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones offer an AI noise reduction feature, which Sony claims was trained on over 500 million voice samples, resulting in significantly quieter phone and video calls.
