Introduction

The WH-1000XM6 is the latest headphone from Sony. It was officially released on 15 May 2025 and is available for purchase at USD 449.99. The deliveries started shortly after the release date through official website and large retail stores. And what makes them special on the outside and the inside? The very first thing you’re going to notice with the XM6s is that they look pretty darn similar to the XM5s, with only some minor visual differences compared to the complete redesign that the XM5s offered.

But the biggest design change of all this time around with the X6s is the fact… that they fold! Yes, the XM6s can now fold down, something the XM5s cannot do. This makes it much simpler to fold them up and store them in the soft shell carrying case that comes with them.- which also allows them to take up less room and become more travel-friendly. Speaking of the travel case, by the way, it is going to include some cutaway areas, which are clearly labeled for the left and right drivers of the headphones, plus an additional little pocket here for actually tucking away.

The following is an aggregation of the most important features of the Sony XM6 Headphones according to present reviews and data:

Key Features:

Better Noise Cancellation:

It also features the latest noise cancellation technology, based on a new QN3 HD Noise Canceling Processor, which is said to be seven times more powerful than the previous XM5 model’s QN1 chip. With 12 microphones (up from the XM5’s 8) and an algorithm powered by AI, it not only enhances real-time noise cancellation but also adjusts itself to varied conditions, including air pressure and even whether the listener is wearing glasses.
Superb Sound Quality:

Designed in collaboration with mastering audio professionals, the headphones are dedicated to providing studio-quality accuracy. They employ new 30mm drivers with a more rigid carbon fiber composite dome for enhanced high-frequency response and breathing holes inside the bobbin for music that sounds natural and smooth-sounding. The sound profile is characterized as vibrant with control over the bass, well-balanced mids, and lively treble. The 10-band EQ comes with a companion app for tuning.
Crystal Clear Call Quality:

Six beamforming microphones and an updated AI Noise Reduction model that has been trained on more than 500 million samples of voice to isolate the user’s voice from background noise.
Foldable Design:

Among the largest returns of the XM4 model, the WH-XM6 features a foldable design with a more solid metal hinge, making it more portable and easier to carry. They possess a thinner zip-magnetically closed carrying case as opposed to a zippered one.
Comfort and Style: The headphones maintain a lightweight design with synthetic leather earcups and a larger headband for comfort during extended listening sessions. The earcups are contoured to cradle the ears comfortably without exerting too much pressure on glasses.
Battery Life and Charging:

They offer up to 30 hours of battery life when ANC is active and 40 hours without ANC, such as the XM5. There’s a quick charge feature that gives around 3 hours of playback for a 3-minute charge. The ability to listen while charging is an intriguing new feature.
Connectivity and Convenience:

It has ultra-low latency and is aptX and Bluetooth 5.3 compatible for LE Audio, which may be helpful for gamers. In order to effortlessly switch between two devices and Auto Switch, a multipoint connection is supported. Touch controls on the earcups provide more responsive and seamless music playback and call control. Physical power button and Bluetooth pairing are also present. The headphones can also decode Sony’s LDAC codec for high-quality sound.
Sony Sound Connect App:

The headphones are also complemented by the onboard Sony Sound Connect app (iOS and Android), which offers access to a range of settings, such as the noise cancellation modes, listening modes, EQ customization settings, Spatial Sound setup, and voice assistant settings.
Ambient Sound Mode: Ambient sound mode (transparency mode) has been optimized with an auto-adjust function that adapts according to the environment to let in more external sound during quieter environments and cut it during noisy environments.

Durable Case: The provided car case is shorter and has a magnetic clasp that is simple to open and close. Earpads are detachable for simpler replacement.

Potential Flaws:

• Price: It retails at a rather expensive price tag of $449.99, which is $50 more than the XM5’s launch price.
• No Water Resistance: Other aspects are improved, but the headphones still lack any official IP rating for dust or water resistance.
• No aptX HD Support: The headphones themselves are not compatible with the aptX HD Bluetooth codec, which might be a letdown for Android users who can play this higher-codec
• No Audio through USB-C: In contrast to some competitors, the WH-XM6 doesn’t support playing music through their USB-C terminal, confining wired listening to the 3.5mm jack.

It is overall a solid upgrade from their predecessors, with notable advancements in noise cancellation and sound. The foldable design feature, returning along with other substantial design changes, improves portability and user satisfaction. Although they are on the higher end of the price spectrum and lack certain features, they are one of the quality plays in the premium noise-cancelling headphones segment.

Sony XM6 Specifications: