Sony WH-1000XM6 Review: The Return of the King of Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Sony has done it again. With the release of the Sony WH-1000XM6, the company reclaims its throne in the premium noise-cancelling headphone market. Offering industry-leading ANC (Active Noise Cancelling), a refined sound signature, and thoughtful design tweaks, the XM6 stands as one of the best wireless headphones in 2025. But is it worth the £400 (or $400 USD) price tag?
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore everything—from the design and comfort to sound quality, battery life, and direct comparisons with competitors like the AirPods Max, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3, and its predecessors, the XM4 and XM5.
⭐ Quick Verdict
The Sony WH-1000XM6 are the best over-ear noise-cancelling headphones in 2025.
✅ Best-in-class ANC
✅ More dynamic sound than XM5
✅ Great comfort and portability
❌ Expensive at £400/$400
🧠 Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM6 Highlights |
|---|---|
| ANC Chip | QN3 Chip (7x faster than XM5’s) with 12 microphones |
| Drivers | Newly designed 30mm dynamic drivers |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio Wireless, 360 Reality Audio, 10-band EQ |
| Call Quality | AI-optimized with 6 beamforming mics + wind noise suppression |
| Battery Life | 30 hours ANC on / 40 hours ANC off + 3-minute Quick Charge |
| Comfort & Design | Wider headband, softer leather, foldable design, metal hinges |
| Controls | Touch + physical buttons, new recessed power button |
| Build & Colors | Fingerprint-resistant matte finish (Black, Silver, Midnight Blue) |
| Connectivity | Multipoint, LE Audio ready, one-tap NFC pairing, USB-C |
🎧 Sony WH-1000XM6: A Closer Look
✅ Design & Build Quality: A Return to Portability
Sony took the best elements of the XM4—especially the foldable design—and brought them back with refinement. The WH-1000XM6 now fold inward, which reduces the case size and increases travel convenience. The magnetic clasp on the case replaces the traditional zip, making it easier and quicker to use.
Notable improvements:
- Recessed power button (easier to find by touch)
- Angled ear cups (easier L/R orientation)
- Softer, pressure-relieving pads (longer wear time)
- Headband is now wider and more stable
- Fully replaceable ear pads (new for Sony)
While the black color option tends to smudge, the silver and midnight blue variants fare better. Still, the build quality is undeniably premium.
🎵 Sound Quality: Better Than Ever
With help from industry sound engineers and reengineered 30mm drivers, the XM6 finally delivers the sonic improvements users missed in the XM5.
Sound profile:
- Bass: Controlled, punchy—not overpowering
- Mids: Slightly scooped, but clear and full
- Highs: Sparkling and detailed without harshness
- Soundstage: Wide and immersive for closed-back headphones
Out-of-the-box tuning is engaging. Most users won’t even need the 10-band EQ in the Sony Headphones Connect app, though it’s nice to have for audiophiles.
Bonus: With 360 Reality Audio, DSEE Extreme, and support for Hi-Res Audio Wireless, the XM6 offers audiophile-grade performance wirelessly via LDAC and LE Audio (future firmware updates).
🔇 Noise Cancellation: Best in the Industry
The Sony WH-1000XM6 sets a new benchmark for ANC performance thanks to the QN3 chip, which is 7x more powerful than the QN1 in the XM5.
Key ANC improvements:
- Quieter ambient environments
- Reduced hiss from older generations (especially compared to XM4)
- Adaptive ANC that auto-adjusts based on movement and surroundings
- No noticeable “pressure effect” found in some ANC systems
Whether you’re flying, commuting, or working from a noisy café, the XM6 consistently delivers an unrivaled noise-cancellation experience.
🎤 Call & Mic Quality: Finally, a True Performer
Call quality often suffers on premium headphones, but not with the XM6.
- 6 beamforming microphones
- AI-based voice pickup and noise suppression
- Wind noise reduction technology
Even in gusty conditions or crowded spaces, the XM6 ensures that your voice comes through clearly, making them suitable for professionals and frequent callers.
🔋 Battery Life & Charging: The 3-Minute Miracle
- 30 hours with ANC on
- 40 hours with ANC off
- 3-minute quick charge = 3 hours playback
Battery anxiety? Not anymore. USB-C fast charging ensures you’re never without your headphones for long.
🆚 Sony WH-1000XM6 vs XM5 vs XM4: What’s New?
| Feature | XM4 | XM5 | XM6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANC Chip | QN1 | QN1 + V1 dual processor | QN3 (7x more powerful) |
| Folding Design | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Driver | 40mm (older tech) | 30mm (new design) | 30mm (improved materials) |
| Sound Tuning | Warm, consumer-friendly | Neutral, flatter tuning | Balanced & engaging |
| Call Quality | Decent | Better | Excellent |
| App Experience | Limited | Sony Headphones Connect | Unified Sony Sound Connect |
| Price at Launch | £349 / $349 | £379 / $399 | £400 / $400 |
Conclusion: The XM6 is not just a minor upgrade—it’s the best of the XM4 and XM5 combined and improved upon.
🥊 Competitor Comparison: Sony XM6 vs AirPods Max, Bose QC Ultra, B&W Px7 S3
| Feature | Sony XM6 | AirPods Max | Bose QC Ultra | Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANC Performance | 🥇 Best | Very Good | Great | Good |
| Sound Quality | Engaging + Clear | Neutral + Rich | Clean + Balanced | Warm + Dynamic |
| Comfort | Lightweight + Comfy | Heavy | Ultra-light | Slight pressure on long wear |
| Battery Life | 30–40 hours | 20 hours | 24 hours | 30 hours |
| Portability | Foldable + compact | Bulky case | Foldable | Semi-foldable |
| Price | £400 / $400 | £549 / $549 | £349 / $379 | £399 / $399 |
Winner: For price, performance, comfort, and portability—Sony WH-1000XM6 is the best all-rounder.
📱 App Experience: Sony Sound Connect
Sony has unified all its audio hardware into one modern, sleek app: Sony Sound Connect.
- Seamless firmware updates
- Full customization (EQ, ANC levels, spatial audio)
- Device switching via Multipoint
- Personalized sound profiles
🛒 Should You Buy the Sony WH-1000XM6?
If you’re looking for:
- Top-tier noise cancellation
- Balanced and exciting audio
- Comfort for all-day use
- Premium build and smart portability
Then the Sony WH-1000XM6 are absolutely worth the investment.
🔚 Final Verdict
🎧 Sony WH-1000XM6 Scorecard:
- Noise Cancellation: 10/10
- Sound Quality: 9.5/10
- Comfort & Design: 9.8/10
- Battery & Features: 9.5/10
- Value for Money: 9/10
Overall Score: 9.6/10 – Editor’s Choice (Best Headphones 2025)
📝 TL;DR
Sony WH-1000XM6: Best-in-class ANC, engaging sound, premium comfort, foldable portability—finally back to form. At £400/$400, they’re worth every penny.
