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Our verdict on the Sony WH-1000XM6
- Buy it if
- You want the strongest all-round noise cancelling, great calls and a case that finally folds flat for travel.
- Skip it if
- You only listen at home; you are paying for travel features you won't use.
- Best for
- Best all-round ANC
- Key feature
- Class-leading noise cancelling with a folding design
- Typical price
- $399–$459
Key specifications
| Battery | Up to 30 hours with ANC |
|---|---|
| Weight | About 9 oz (254 g) |
| Charging | USB-C, 3 min for about 3 hours |
Who should buy it, and who should skip it
A good fit if you
- fly or commute often
- take lots of calls on the go
- want strong ANC with a compact case
Skip it if you
- mostly listen at home
- want the lightest, softest fit for glasses
Pros and cons
Pros
- Excellent noise cancelling on planes and trains
- Folding design returns with a slim case
- Clear call quality thanks to a multi-mic array
- Long battery life
Cons
- Pricier than the XM5 it replaces
- Not rated for sweat or rain
What it is
The WH-1000XM6 is Sony’s flagship over-ear noise-cancelling headphone. It replaces the XM5 with a new processor, more microphones and a hinge that folds the cups flat again, so the case takes up less space in a carry-on.
What stands out
- Noise cancelling ranks with the very best, based on specs and owner reports
– Folding design and a slimmer magnetic-clasp case
– Up to 30 hours of battery with ANC on
– A detailed app with EQ, multipoint and speak-to-chat
What to know
- It costs more than the XM5 did at launch
– There’s no water or sweat rating, so it isn’t a gym headphone
– Some owners with larger heads find the clamp firm at first
Is it worth it?
If you travel or commute and want one headphone that does everything well, the XM6 is the one to buy. If you sit at a desk most of the day, the Bose QuietComfort or a discounted XM5 gets you most of the benefit for less money.
Alternatives worth considering
Bose · Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
You put comfort first on long flights and want noise cancelling that rivals the best.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Comfort on long flights
- Typical price
- $379–$449
Pros
- Very comfortable for hours
- Noise cancelling on par with the best
Cons
- Expensive
Bose · Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
You want the famous Bose comfort and strong noise cancelling without paying flagship prices.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Value Bose comfort
- Typical price
- $199–$349
Pros
- Light and comfortable
- Strong noise cancelling for the price
Cons
- No spatial audio
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony WH-1000XM6 worth it?
Yes, for frequent travelers and commuters. The XM6 brings back a folding design, improves noise cancelling and calls, and keeps long battery life. Skip it if you mostly listen at home or the XM5 is deeply discounted.
Who should skip it?
If you mostly listen at home, an alternative will suit you better.
Is the XM6 better than the XM5?
Yes, mainly for its folding design, stronger noise cancelling and better calls. If you own an XM5 that works well, there's no rush to upgrade.