Sony WH-1000XM6 Review: The Next Evolution in Noise-Canceling Headphones
Sony’s WH-1000X series has consistently set the gold standard for wireless noise-canceling headphones, and with the release of the WH-1000XM6, the company has once again raised the bar. Building on the success of the WH-1000XM5, this new iteration fine-tunes the experience with upgraded audio, smarter noise cancellation, and a sleeker design. Let’s dive into what makes the Sony WH-1000XM6 a standout in an increasingly crowded market.
Design and Comfort: Subtle Refinements
At first glance, the WH-1000XM6 doesn’t deviate drastically from its predecessor’s minimalist aesthetic. However, Sony has refined the materials for an even more premium feel. The headband is slightly slimmer, and the earcups are made with softer memory foam for enhanced comfort during long listening sessions.
Weighing approximately 250 grams, the headphones remain lightweight and balanced. Whether you're commuting, working, or traveling, the XM6 delivers all-day comfort with minimal fatigue.
Audio Quality: Precision and Depth
Sony continues to impress with its audio fidelity. The WH-1000XM6 features 40mm carbon fiber composite drivers, offering improved clarity, wider soundstage, and better bass response. Music across genres sounds richer and more dynamic.
The headphone supports Hi-Res Audio with LDAC codec, and with DSEE Extreme (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), even compressed audio files are upscaled for a more refined sound. Vocals come through crystal clear, bass is tight and controlled, and treble remains crisp without becoming harsh.
Noise Cancellation: Smarter Than Ever
Sony’s Integrated Processor V2, combined with eight microphones, enhances the already industry-leading noise cancellation. The WH-1000XM6 intelligently adapts to your environment—whether it's a bustling street, airplane cabin, or quiet office—reducing both low-frequency hums and high-pitched distractions more effectively than ever.
The Adaptive Sound Control automatically adjusts noise cancellation and ambient sound settings based on your activity (walking, sitting, or commuting), while the Speak-to-Chat feature instantly pauses music when you begin talking.
Call Quality: Major Improvements
Sony has taken a big leap forward in call performance. With new AI-powered voice pickup technology and advanced noise suppression algorithms, the XM6 ensures your voice is heard clearly even in noisy environments. Wind noise reduction also sees significant enhancement, making this an excellent choice for outdoor calls.
Battery Life: All-Day Listening
Battery life remains strong at up to 30 hours with noise cancellation on and up to 40 hours with ANC off. A quick 10-minute charge gives you about 5 hours of playback, thanks to fast charging via USB-C.
This longevity ensures the headphones can handle long flights, extended workdays, or weekend getaways without frequent recharging.
Features and Connectivity
The WH-1000XM6 is packed with smart features:
Multipoint connectivity allows you to connect to two devices at once—perfect for switching between a laptop and phone.
Touch controls on the earcups let you adjust volume, skip tracks, answer calls, and activate voice assistants with simple gestures.
Google Assistant and Alexa are both supported for hands-free voice control.
Custom EQ settings via the Sony Headphones Connect app let you fine-tune the sound to your liking.
Sony continues its commitment to sustainability with environmentally-conscious packaging and recyclable materials. The build quality is sturdy, and the folding design returns (after being absent in the XM5), making the XM6 easier to travel with.
At launch, the WH-1000XM6 is priced at around â‚ą34,990 in India (or $399 globally), putting it in the premium headphone segment. However, given its exceptional noise-canceling capabilities, sound quality, and comfort, it justifies the price for audiophiles, professionals, and frequent travelers alike.
Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The Sony WH-1000XM6 isn't a radical overhaul, but it's a meaningful evolution. With smarter noise cancellation, improved audio, better call quality, and thoughtful comfort upgrades, it's the most well-rounded headphone on the market today.
If you're looking for the best noise-canceling headphones of 2025, the WH-1000XM6 should be at the top of your list.
Best-in-class noise cancellation
Superb audio quality with Hi-Res support
Excellent comfort for long use
Smart features like Adaptive Sound and Speak-to-Chat
Reliable battery life and fast charging
Minor design changes over XM5
