Sony’s WH-1000XM6 noise-canceling headphones have finally landed, and they’re stepping into some big shoes. Three years after the much-loved WH-1000XM5 hit the scene, Sony’s latest flagship arrives with a familiar look but a sharper focus on what matters: sound, noise cancellation, and practical tweaks that make daily use a breeze. At $449, they’re pricier than ever—$50 more than the XM5 and a touch above Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra headphones. So, are they worth the splurge?

If you were expecting a radical redesign, the XM6 might catch you off guard. Sony is sticking with the sleek, minimalist vibe of the XM5, but they’ve brought back a fan-favorite feature: the ability to fold. Unlike the XM5, which prioritized a slim profile over portability, the XM6’s arms collapse into a compact carrying case. It’s a small but meaningful win for commuters and travelers who need headphones that don’t hog space in a bag.

The case itself is a clever upgrade. Ditching the zipper for a magnetic clasp, it’s now possible to snap it shut one-handed—a neat trick for when you’re juggling coffee and a phone. The fabric case stays secure even at the edges, and while it takes a moment to figure out the “right” way to nestle the headphones inside, it’s a small learning curve for a big payoff in portability.

Sony WH-1000XM6

Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones combine a 30-hour battery, AI-enhanced calls, and a compact case, perfect for frequent travelers.

$450 at Amazon

$450 at Best Buy

$450 at B&H Photo

Sony’s also refined the ergonomics. The headband is wider, spreading pressure more evenly across your scalp for all-day comfort. The pleather ear cups are removable with a firm tug, making replacements a snap if they wear out. Small tactile changes, like a round power button distinct from the ANC button, mean you’re not fumbling to find the right one. These are the kinds of thoughtful tweaks that show Sony’s been listening to its users.

One long-overdue feature? You can now charge and listen simultaneously. But there’s a catch: Sony still doesn’t support audio over USB-C, so you’ll need two cables—one for charging (USB-C) and one for music (3.5mm). For $450 headphones in 2025, that feels like a missed opportunity, especially when competitors like Apple’s AirPods Max lean into seamless connectivity.

Sony’s WH-1000XM series has long been the gold standard for active noise cancellation (ANC), and the XM6 doubles down. Powered by a new noise-cancellation chip, Sony claims these outperform not just the XM5 but every competitor on the market. Early reviews from outlets like CNET and The Verge back this up, noting that the XM6 mutes everything from airplane hums to coffee shop chatter with eerie precision. If you’ve ever marveled at the XM5’s ability to create a sonic cocoon, the XM6 takes it a step further.

The transparency mode, which lets you hear your surroundings without removing the headphones, remains smooth and natural. You can still trigger it by cupping your hand over the right ear cup—a handy feature for quick chats or catching a train announcement. With 12 microphones (six for ANC, six for voice calls), the XM6 is a tech powerhouse under the hood.

Sony’s promising the best audio quality yet in the 1000X lineup, and they’ve got the pedigree to back it up. For the XM6, Sony tapped its music studio engineers to fine-tune the sound, pairing their expertise with new drivers that deliver crisp vocals, rich details, and punchy bass. The result is a dynamic, lively sound that doesn’t skimp on low-end thump but still keeps mids and highs clear.

Compared to the AirPods Max, the XM6’s soundstage isn’t quite as expansive, but it’s no slouch. Sony’s LDAC codec, which supports high-resolution audio over Bluetooth, ensures you’re getting the most out of your tracks (provided your device supports it). If the default sound profile isn’t your vibe, the Sony Sound Connect app offers a 10-band EQ to tweak it to your liking. Whether you’re into hip-hop, classical, or podcasts, these headphones adapt.

Multipoint Bluetooth is still here, letting you connect to two devices at once—like your phone and laptop—without missing a beat. It’s a must-have for multitaskers, and Sony nails the execution.

Sony loves tossing in a few experimental features, and the XM6 is no exception. The headline gimmick is spatial audio upmixing, which tries to transform regular stereo tracks into immersive experiences. The Sound Connect app lets you simulate settings like a coffee shop, movie theater, or concert hall. Sounds cool in theory, but in practice? It’s a letdown. The effects feel artificial, muddying the sound rather than enhancing it. Thankfully, you can ignore them entirely and stick to the standard stereo mode.

Voice calls, on the other hand, get a practical boost. Sony’s using AI beamforming and six dedicated microphones to isolate your voice, even in noisy environments. Early tests from TechRadar suggest the XM6 handles calls better than the XM5, though they still don’t quite match the crystal-clear mics on Bose’s QuietComfort line. For remote workers or frequent callers, it’s a solid step up.

Battery life and the price

Battery life is unchanged from the XM5: 30 hours with ANC on, 40 with it off. That’s still among the best in the category, easily outlasting the AirPods Max (20 hours) and matching Bose’s top models. Fast charging gives you five hours of playback from a 10-minute charge, which is a lifesaver for on-the-go moments.

But let’s talk about that $449 price tag. It’s a $50 hike from the XM5 and puts the XM6 in direct competition with premium rivals like Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra ($429) and Apple’s AirPods Max ($549). Sony’s banking on its superior ANC and sound to justify the cost, but the plastic-heavy build—while lightweight and comfortable—doesn’t scream “luxury” the way Apple’s metal-and-mesh design does. For Sony loyalists, the XM6’s refinements might be enough. For newcomers or XM5 owners, the price could give pause, especially when the XM5 still holds up remarkably well and can often be found on sale.

Sony’s WH-1000XM6 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, and it doesn’t need to. By bringing back the folding design, enhancing comfort, and pushing ANC and sound quality to new heights, Sony’s crafted a worthy successor to the XM5. The small quality-of-life upgrades—like the magnetic case and tactile buttons—show a brand that’s paying attention to the details. But the $449 price and lack of USB-C audio are reminders that even Sony isn’t perfect.

If you’re rocking older Sony headphones (like the XM4 or earlier) or need the absolute best noise cancellation for frequent travel, the XM6 is a no-brainer. If you already own the XM5, there’s no rush to upgrade unless you’re desperate for that folding design or the upgraded ANC. For everyone else, it’s worth comparing against Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra or even waiting for a holiday sale.

Sony’s still the king of noise-canceling headphones, and the WH-1000XM6 proves they’re not ready to give up the crown. Just make sure your wallet’s ready for the royal price.