{"id":1367,"date":"2025-05-16T01:33:49","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T01:33:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/?p=1367"},"modified":"2025-05-16T01:33:56","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T01:33:56","slug":"i-reviewed-the-sony-wh-1000xm6-headphones-and-theyre-a-glorious-fusion-of-the-best-parts-of-their-predecessors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/2025\/05\/16\/i-reviewed-the-sony-wh-1000xm6-headphones-and-theyre-a-glorious-fusion-of-the-best-parts-of-their-predecessors\/","title":{"rendered":"I reviewed the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones, and they\u2019re a glorious fusion of the best parts of their predecessors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The best of the XM4 and XM5 in one new pair of cans<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QivkkPaBEt4NhMfaXgADN7.jpg\" alt=\"Sony WH-1000XM6 leaning on pole\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Verdict<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Sony WH-1000XM6 are a fantastic pair of over-ear headphones that combine the best design elements of their predecessors, while levelling up the sonic and ANC capabilities of what came before. With super-clean touch controls, an ultra-comfy fit and a ton of features at your disposal, there\u2019s a lot to love about these headphones, even if they do come at quite the cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>+Class-leading noise cancellation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>+Excellent audio performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>+Super lightweight and comfortable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>+Highly intuitive touch controls<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>+They&#8217;re foldable again!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>-Price increase over previous model<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>-Battery life is nothing special<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>-Still not waterproof<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>-Some may find them to be a tad bulky<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/detail-Sony-1745167-723741\">723741 Battery for Sony WH-1000XM5<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-sony-wh-1000xm6-two-minute-review\">Sony WH-1000XM6: two-minute review<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>TheSonyWH-1000XM6 are here to try to cement Sony&#8217;s status as the go-to brand for headphones, three years after the release of its previous flagship model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sony says that the WH-1000XM6 are \u201cthe best noise cancelling product on the market\u201d as well as being \u201cimproved in every single way\u201d over previous models \u2013 talk about setting a high bar. But thankfully, they manage to jump that bar on almost every metric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you may expect, the Sony WH-1000XM6 offer expressive and clean audio from a new 30mm driver alongside a new QN3 processor, featuring a \u2018noise shaper\u2019 that levels up digital to analogue conversion and pre-empts sudden sound changes, resulting in a more controlled listening experience. There\u2019s also a more balanced sound signature out of the gate, which doesn\u2019t compromise on punchy bass, rich mids or energetic treble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The new QN3 processor also harnesses the power of 12 microphones \u2013 four more than last time \u2013 to serve up truly incredible noise cancelling capabilities. These supply better ANC than the majority of thebest noise cancelling headphonesout there. Yes, they even stand up to the critically acclaimedBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, which have ruled the noise cancelling roost since their launch. When on public transport, walking near traffic or working away in the office, I had either near-silence or total silence, enabling me to indulge in beautifully isolated listening sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But that\u2019s not all. There are a ton more features to get your teeth sunk into via Sony\u2019s Sound Connect app. There\u2019s adaptive sound control, LDAC and DSEE Extreme, extensive EQ options, Cinema mode for immersive audio, and Auracast \u2013 among others. Almost everything you could want from a premium pair of cans is here, all in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On top of that, there\u2019s an updated design, which compiles the best of what theSony WH-1000XM5and theSony WH-1000XM4had to offer. See, foldability is back from the XM4 era, and I think the majority of people will be grateful for that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are new, more durable hinges (the XM5 had a hinge issue) and a slightly smaller magnetic carry case as well. But the sleeker look of the XM5 has still been largely maintained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s an evolution of what came before too, with a wider headband for increased comfort and a more snug fit around the neck when the headphones are out of use. Overall, you\u2019re getting a fantastic combination of style and comfort, though some may still feel that the earcups are a<em>tad<\/em>chunky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2TEHdV2GCanpLjdjjYKCN7.jpg\" alt=\"Person holding up the Sony WH-1000XM6\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Other incremental improvements include the ability to charge while streaming over Bluetooth, refined touch controls and better call quality. And when all the little adjustments come together, it\u2019s clear \u2013 these are thebest Sony headphonesproduced to date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Still, there are a few areas in which the WH-1000XM6 fall just short of their rivals. You get 30 hours of battery life with ANC, which is by no means bad, but lots of rivals (even much cheaper ones) beat that, and some can double it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On top of that, they are quite expensive. At $449 \/ \u00a3399 \/ AU$699, these are $50 \/ \u00a320 \/ AU$50 pricier than their predecessors were at launch. And given the WH-1000XM5 are now widely available for around $300 \/ \u00a3250, some may be a little tentative at taking the plunge on Sony\u2019s newest flagship headphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, the newly releasedBowers &amp; Wilkins Px7 S3are the same price in the UK (US release and pricing tbc), but sound<em>even better<\/em>than these Sony over-ears. Sure, they don\u2019t quite match the XM6 on ANC or features overall, but they&#8217;re clearly better sound for the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All in all, though, the Sony WH-1000XM6 still have a strong claim to be some of thebest headphonesaround, with their noise-crushing ANC being the real highlight. Their treasure trove of features and talented audio performance also help them to stand tall in a convoluted market, and the design tweaks meld all the highlights from their ancestral lineage. Sure, they\u2019re pricey, but if you\u2019re willing to splash the cash, you\u2019ll almost certainly love Sony\u2019s latest release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/y3oQ44djDYfxf0MNRamXnw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/os\/creatr-uploaded-images\/2025-05\/4abf9702-319a-11f0-bf7a-5371ff1831c4\" alt=\"<p>The ear cups on the M6 still rotate flat, but they flip the wrong way.<\/p>&#8220;>&gt;&gt;&gt;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/detail-Sony-1747214-CP1254-A4\">CP1254-A4 Battery for Sony WF-1000X WF-1000XM3 WF-SP700N<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-sony-wh-1000xm6-review-price-release-date\">Sony WH-1000XM6 review: price &amp; release date<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>$449 \/ \u00a3400 \/ AU$699<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Launched on May 15th, 2025<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Sony WH-1000XM6 launched in May 2025, three years after the preceeding WH-1000XM5 model. Sony is unclear on the exact release date at the time of publishing, stating just that they&#8217;ll be available &#8220;from May&#8221; in the UK\/US, while Sony Australia says you can get them &#8220;from June 2025. Pre-order available from May 16th, 2025.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At launch, they\u2019re available in three colorways: Black; Silver; and Midnight Blue. However, there could be scope for more color variants in the future \u2013 we saw theXM5 adopt a new Smoky Pink only back in September 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the point of release, the Sony WH-1000XM6 cost $449 \/ \u00a3399 \/ AU$699. That\u2019s $50 \/ \u00a320 more than their predecessors launched at. This price puts Sony\u2019s flagship cans up against the likes of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Bowers &amp; Wilkins Px7 S3 \u2013 more on those later, but basically they&#8217;re<em>very<\/em>much in the premium range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the slight price bump over their predecessors, these are still notably cheaper than theApple AirPods Max\u2013 which have a huge list price of $549 \/ \u00a3549 \/ AU$899.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YrSzGZS5CJuxQG3hgF73S7.jpg\" alt=\"Sony WH-1000XM6 earcups\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-sony-wh-1000xm6-review-specs\">Sony WH-1000XM6 review: Specs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Drivers<\/td><td>30mm dynamic<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Active noise cancellation<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Battery life<\/td><td>30 hours (ANC on)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weight<\/td><td>254g<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Connectivity<\/td><td>Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Frequency range<\/td><td>Not listed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Waterproofing<\/td><td>None<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>&gt;&gt;&gt;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/detail-Sony-1747212-CP1250-A4\">CP1250-A4 Battery for Sony WF-1000XM3 WF-XB700 WF-H800<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-sony-wh-1000xm6-review-features\">Sony WH-1000XM6 review: features<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Super-impressive active noise cancellation<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The best touch controls I\u2019ve used<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Battery life may not wow, but in-use charging is now here<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When I attended the launch of the Sony WH-1000XM6, Sony described its new flagship headphones as \u201cthe best noise-cancelling product on the market\u201d. And the ANC is far and away the standout feature these headphones have in their arsenal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re getting some of the best noise cancellation that any headphones can offer with the XM6. ANC has been improved over the XM5 thanks to Sony\u2019s new QN3 noise cancelling processor, which harnesses twelve microphones to shut out the world around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even when compared to the awesome Bose QuietComfort Ultra, the XM6 perform exceptionally well. I tried both pairs of headphones while vacuuming my home and walking in high-traffic areas, among other tasks, and each dealt with external noise fantastically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But in my experience, the XM6 performed ever so slightly better, producing a minimum of near-silence from the outside at 60-70% volume in each test. Rest assured \u2013 these really are the real deal as far as ANC is concerned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I also tested the XM6\u2019s noise cancelling capabilities at Sony\u2019s 5020 studio in Madrid, before doing real-world testing. While there, I played a song at about 50% volume with a bunch of people chatting around me and the outside world was totally shut out \u2013 it was just me and my music. At one stage, a super-harsh static sound was blasted at the studio and that slightly crept through. It was dampened severely, though, and I was barely disturbed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to be more aware of your surroundings \u2013 fear not \u2013 there\u2019s a very fleshed-out Ambient Sound mode. This includes a slider that ranges from 1 to 20 and lets more exterior noise seep through the higher you go. On top of that, there\u2019s a voice passthrough checkbox, which filters through speech while still suppressing other noises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ambient mode worked very nicely for me; I could easily hear the sound of typing in my office, murmurs from a nearby conversation and doors opening. Also, it\u2019s worth noting Auto Ambient Sound mode, which adjusts volume of ambient sounds depending on noise levels around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But another one of my favorite features on the Sony WH-1000XM6 is their excellent touch controls. Something that may seem gimmicky, but is actually incredibly helpful, is that you can cup your hand over the right earcup to smoothly, yet drastically reduce media volume and dampen noise cancelling effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This isn&#8217;t new to the XM6, but it&#8217;s really worth highlighting. I found it incredibly useful in an office environment when a colleague wanted to talk with me, or if I was in a story and didn\u2019t want to rip the cans off. In fact, I didn\u2019t even bother turning on the Speak-to-Chat function, because this option is so responsive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally, the XM6 have the most consistent, intuitive touch controls I\u2019ve ever used on a pair of headphones. On the right earcup, you can slide your finger up or down and hold it in position to continually raise or lower volume respectively. That\u2019s an improvement over the XM5, which required you to constantly flick up or down to amend loudness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also double tap to pause music and flick forwards or backwards to skip or return to the previous track. Touch controls are locked to the right earcup only, much like the WH-1000XM5 model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And there are plenty of returning features from the previous model to enjoy. Of course, you\u2019ve got the likes of multi-point connectivity, wear detection and a good app in Sony Sound Connect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But there\u2019s more: adaptive sound control, which adjusts audio output depending on your environment and movement; head gesture monitoring for taking or rejecting calls; and voice assistant compatibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a few new nuggets to uncover as far as features go, however. Perhaps one of the biggest inclusions isAuracast. This is a type of Bluetooth technology that enables you to tune into an audio broadcast transmitted from a phone, TV or similar device without any pairing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, you can now mute the mic on the XM6 by simply double pressing the noise cancelling button. You\u2019ll need to enable this in settings, but it\u2019s ultra useful when on aMicrosoftTeams or Slack call, for instance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s only one real area where the Sony WH-1000XM6 failed to impress me as far as features: its battery life. You\u2019re getting 30 hours of playtime from this model, which is by no means bad \u2013 it\u2019s the same you\u2019ll get on the XM5 and a whole host of rivals. But there are some cans that are capable of more. TheSennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, for example, can go 60 hours with ANC on \u2013 now that\u2019s impressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Still, you can charge the XM6 while using them now, and even get three hours of playtime from just three minutes of charging \u2013 that is if you have a USB PD charger around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for over-ears with highly astute call quality, you can trust the XM6 to deliver. The strongest example of this was a demo at Sony\u2019s 5020 Studio in Madrid, in which someone make a call in an artificially noisy environment \u2013 and after placing the XM6 on, their voice was totally separated from clamoring and noise littering their surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In my real-world use, my own speech came through cleanly when making phone calls to family and friends, with vocals sounding crisp. That\u2019s in part thanks to the additional beamforming mics used on the XM6 \u2013 there are six this time and they help to shift focus towards the mouth \u2013 while AI also enters the fray to scoop out external sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Features score: 5\/5<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><\/strong>&gt;&gt;&gt;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/detail-Sony-1746733-772030\">772030 Battery for Sony WF-1000XM5<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-sony-wh-1000xm6-review-sound-quality\">Sony WH-1000XM6 review: sound quality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Beautifully rounded and immersive audio<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DSEE extreme and LDAC for improved Bluetooth streaming<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Default tuning is great, but great EQ options also available<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Like their predecessors, the Sony WH-1000XM6 use a 30mm driver, rather than the larger 40mm one used for the legendary XM4 model. But the driver itself is new and improved, designed to offer more balanced audio across all frequencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That QN3 processor I mentioned earlier also includes a \u2018noise shaper\u2019, which refines digital to analogue conversion and enables the cans to anticipate sudden sound changes, intended to reduce distortion and produce a more controlled listening experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, yes, there\u2019s plenty of flashy new tech in the XM6 headphones, but do they actually deliver a premium audio performance? Short answer: yes. You\u2019ll get a rhythmic, detailed, and well-balanced listen with the Sony WH-1000XM6 that still doesn\u2019t skimp on punchy bass and exciting treble output. And that\u2019s regardless of whether you\u2019re listening with ANC turned on or off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, I tuned into<em>Fluffy<\/em>by Himiko Kikuchi \u2013 a laid-back jazzy track \u2013 and expressive piano sounded pleasantly forward, while full-sounding smooth bass and tightly controlled percussion accompanied subtle strings dancing through the track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The balanced output across all frequencies is really pleasing, and there does seem to be a bit less emphasis on the low-end compared to Sony\u2019s previous pair of flagship cans \u2013 at least out of the box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The default EQ calibration is certainly even enough to ensure you can hear those finer details across the frequency range. No need to worry about overbearing bass, harsh treble or overly recessed mids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When tuning into<em>I Want You<\/em>by Moloko, I was struck by the breathy vocals, impactful and response cymbal hits and pumping, yet disciplined bass output. This song adds instrument after instrument as it unfolds, resulting in a densely layered climax. Yet the XM6 had the capability to keep things in check, maintaining clear, distortion-free audio throughout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s some incredibly stiff competition for Sony\u2019s new headphones. I tested out a number of rivals, including the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Bowers &amp; Wilkins Px7 S3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vocals and some finer details sounded slightly clearer on the XM6 compared to Bose\u2019s effort, though the latter did still sound great considering you can now regularly scoop them up for closer to $350 \/ \u00a3350.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Px7 S3 launched mere weeks before the XM6 at essentially the same price-point (at least in the UK) and I found they had a slightly more luxury sound. They could lift vocals out of the mix and push them forwards a little more precisely than the XM6, and their open, spatial-sounding audio output was truly hypnotizing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You get slightly better ANC from the Sony XM6, plus I found the Sony cans to be more comfortable \u2013 but if we\u2019re talking pure sound, you could do a little better for the same price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But still, there are plenty of ways to get a sound that matches your style with the XM6. To truly adapt them to your palate, head over to Sony\u2019s Sound Connect app and get playing with EQ adjustment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You have a few options here: Find Your Equalizer, which lets you pick the sound signature that suits your tastes best; presets, including Heavy, Clear and Game; or custom EQ, which lets you manually create your own calibration with a 10-band equalizer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And there\u2019s even more to experiment with in the Sound Connect app that can elevate your listening to the next level. Specifically, you get access to DSEE Extreme, a technology that up-mixes lower quality audio files to bring out the most detailed, quality-sounding audio possible. This works really well on music platforms such as Spotify, which is yet to offer higher-resolution streaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s also LDAC, which enables you to access \u2018hi-res\u2019 Bluetooth listening. And if you want to keep it old-school, there\u2019s also a 3.5mm port on the headphones, as well as a cable in the box so you can engage in wired listening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Sony WH-1000XM6 are designed for more than just music listening, though. There\u2019s improved width to the XM6\u2019s soundstage, which is useful if you\u2019re watching movies or TV series on your phone, for instance. And on top of that, there\u2019s a cinema listening mode, which harnesses Sony\u2019s 360 Reality Audio Upmix and can convert a stereo signal into an immersive, wraparound sonic experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I tried watching<em>The Boy and the Heron<\/em>on Netflix in Cinema mode and was impressed by the expansiveness and directionality of audio. Voices, for instance, may not have been as crystal clear as Standard mode, but if immersion is what you\u2019re chasing, it\u2019s well worth checking out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s also a Background Music option, which can make your music sound as if it\u2019s playing in a caf\u00e9 or living room. Spatial audio and head tracking are included too \u2013 but will only work on certain devices that support Android&#8217;s built-in head tracking, and this doesn&#8217;t includeSamsungphones (and obviously rules outAppledevices).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sound quality score: 4.5\/5<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/WxYjc_785bGxtpb_a4_OUA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/os\/creatr-uploaded-images\/2025-05\/4abf6ff2-319a-11f0-bf7d-1a56a7d6f845\" alt=\"<p&gt;The power button is now easier to find by touch.<\/p&gt;\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>(Image credit: Future)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-sony-wh-1000xm6-review-design\">Sony WH-1000XM6 review: design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Foldability is back and better than before<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ultra-comfortable headband<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Some may find them to be a little bulky<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>New magnetic case is much more convenient<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The WH-1000XM6 may not look drastically different to their predecessor, but Sony\u2019s made a handful of small tweaks that I really appreciate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stitching on the front of the headband is gone in favor of a smoother, more premium look, and the headband itself is a little wider for improved comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The earcups also fit more seamlessly around the neck in a downward facing position, which is super useful if you\u2019re on the go or just need to stop for a chat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s one major difference between the XM6 and the XM5, though, and that\u2019s the reintroduction of a folding headband. Controversially, the XM5 ditched this in favor of a single-hinge, slimmer look \u2013 but XM4 fans, it\u2019s your lucky day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are new, more durable hinges on the XM6 that enable them to neatly fold into a new magnetically closed carry case \u2013 this isn\u2019t the smallest or the most flashy, but is still assembled to a high standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They also don\u2019t fold up as compactly as headphones like theMarshall Monitor III ANCorAnker Soundcore Space One Pro, say, so are not quite pocketable \u2013 but it&#8217;s nice to packing in a bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But how do the headphones look and feel in-use? Pretty good all round! They\u2019ve been designed in a way that makes them appear more straight on your head, rather than curved inward. That wider headband I mentioned also goes a long way in improving comfort for multi-hour listening sessions. Pair that with beautifully padded earcups and easily accessible buttons and there\u2019s not much more I could ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a few minor things I don\u2019t loveabout the design of the XM6, though. First of all, the earcups look quite bulky, meaning you\u2019re not getting the most sleek, stylish look compared to something like theSonos Ace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The color options, while classy, also feel a little bit safe. I would\u2019ve liked to see a more vibrant option thrown in there, or even the Smoky Pink variant \u2013 which was released as a late addition to the XM5 lineup \u2013 available from the get-go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, there\u2019s still no waterproofing on this new model. That\u2019s usually the case for over-ear headphones, but it would\u2019ve been nice to see Sony lead the way with some kind of water resistance rating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All in all, though, there\u2019s still so much to love about the XM6 design-wise. They have a premium-looking, almost paper-like matte consistency to the casing\u2019s finish. And they\u2019re nice and light once again, weighing in at just 254g.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two physical buttons \u2013 one to turn the headphones off and on or pair via Bluetooth and one to toggle between noise cancelling modes or mute the mic during calls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Design score: 4.5\/5<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EnLf3jcvczig7rdWcieTT7.jpg\" alt=\"Sony WH-1000XM6 folded inside magnetic case\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-sony-wh-1000xm6-review-value\">Sony WH-1000XM6 review: value<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A very premium price, no question<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Truly awesome noise cancelling and great audio quality<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best of both worlds from previous two gens<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s address the elephant in the room. The Sony WH-1000XM6 are a pricey pair of headphones. And they\u2019re also more expensive than their predecessor at launch. Yep, these come in at $449 \/ \u00a3400 \/ AU$699, which is $50 \/ \u00a320 \/ AU$50 more than the XM5 at the point of release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, there have been economic issues for Sony and co to deal with, and there are a number of significant improvements on this model. But nonetheless, it\u2019s a lot to pay for some over-ears considering there are so many excellent competitors floating around for considerably less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra \u2013 which offer incredible noise cancelling capabilities, adept audio and a nice selection of smart features \u2013 are now more than a year-old, so you can find them on sale for under $350 \/ \u00a3350 pretty regularly. That&#8217;s a great deal less than the new XM6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even the WH-1000XM5 are now widely sold for around $300 \/ \u00a3250. And spending that extra $150 \/ \u00a3150 to get the newest instalment, won&#8217;t be a clear-cut decision for everyone, though I think the XM6 make the case for themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But let\u2019s give the XM6 their flowers. In terms of ANC, it really doesn\u2019t get much better than this. You get top-tier isolation as well as fantastic sound quality, a boat-load of features and a design that marries the best of the XM4 and XM5 together. Sure, you may prefer the Bowers &amp; Wilkins Px&amp; S3 for sound, but the WH-1000XM6 are still, undoubtedly, among 2025\u2019s verybest over-ear headphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Value score: 4\/5<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dkbi2LMiQ3RnHyW8f6TbN7.jpg\" alt=\"Sony WH-1000XM6 and Sony WH-1000XM5 leaning against pole\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"buy-them-if-3\">Buy them if\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You want incredible noise cancellation<br><\/strong>The Sony WH-1000XM6 plate up seriously impressive noise cancellation capabilities. Seriously, I could barely hear anything other than my favorite tunes when using these cans, even when walking in areas with heavy traffic or while vacuuming. If you\u2019re sick of hearing the clicking and clacking of the train on your daily commute \u2013 or maybe your neighbor\u2019s non-stop DIY projects, it might be time to snap these cans up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You want top-tier features<br><\/strong>These Sony cans supply no end of features to mess around with. You get adaptive noise cancelling, cinema upmixing, \u2018hi-res\u2019 music streaming options, Find Your Equalizer\u2026 need I say more? Pretty much everything you could ever want from some headphones is at your fingertips with the XM6. Just download the Sound Connect app and you\u2019re off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"don-t-buy-them-if-3\">Don\u2019t buy them if\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You\u2019re on a budget<br><\/strong>At $450 \/ \u00a3400, these over-ears are hardly wallet-friendly. You can get a lot of the features from the XM5 for far less, and there are some awesome affordable options out there such as the1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51, which pack ANC, solid sound and wonderful battery life for less than $100 \/ \u00a3100.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You want bundles of playtime<br><\/strong>Now don\u2019t get me wrong, 30 hours of playtime with ANC on isn\u2019t too bad. It\u2019s just not anything special either. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless deliver an astonishingly high 60-hour battery life. And that\u2019s with ANC on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YsP2ytcKh6prvSjsHYYSP7.jpg\" alt=\"Person plugging 3.5mm cable into Sony WH-1000XM6\"\/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The best of the XM4 and XM5 in one new pair of cans Verdict The Sony WH-1000XM6 are a fantastic pair of over-ear headphones that combine the best design elements of their predecessors, while levelling up the sonic and ANC capabilities of what came before. With super-clean touch controls, an ultra-comfy fit and a ton &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/2025\/05\/16\/i-reviewed-the-sony-wh-1000xm6-headphones-and-theyre-a-glorious-fusion-of-the-best-parts-of-their-predecessors\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">I reviewed the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones, and they\u2019re a glorious fusion of the best parts of their predecessors<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[196],"class_list":["post-1367","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sony","tag-sony-wh-1000xm6"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1367","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1367"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1367\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1368,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1367\/revisions\/1368"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1367"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1367"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.batterymap.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1367"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}