The new Sony WH-1000XM6. Best noise cancellation ever, studio quality and a collaboration with Post Malone? Sony still dominates the game. In our weekly test, we thoroughly tested and tested them in every possible scenario.
Regardless of whether you find yourself in an office full of chatty colleagues, on a plane with a screaming child or in a traffic jam, are new Sony WH-1000XM6 like that friend who can silence the world and whisper only music to you.
Short video test / Reels: Sony WH-1000XM6
With a seven times faster HD noise cancellation processor QN3, 12 microphones and algorithms that learn in real time, the new model simply erases the world around you. It doesn't actually "eliminate" noise - it simply makes it seem like it never existed.
Grammy-nominated sound
Sony is not kidding. In order to Sony XM6 To truly sound as they should, they invited the crème de la crème of sound engineers to develop them – from Randy Merrill (Taylor Swift, Adele) to Mike Piacentini (Depeche Mode). The result?
Sound so pure you can hear the strings breathing. And when you add LDAC, DSEE Extreme™ and support for High-Resolution Audio, you get an experience that's closer to listening in a studio than in your living room. The sound of all genres is next-level.
I am new. Sony WH-1000XM6 I tested the headphones in various scenarios – from a morning walk to meditating with ambient music. I was especially surprised by the way they adapt to the environment. The headphones really “know” where I am and what I’m doing, which is almost creepy, but at the same time extremely useful. Using gestures and tapping on the surface of the headphones becomes natural after just a few days – intuitiveness is one of Sony’s greatest victories here.
Ambient intelligence: when headphones know where you are
Sony WH-1000XM6 They're not just smart. They're empathetic. With the new Scene-based Listening feature, they sense your environment and adjust the level of noise cancellation without you having to press a single button. Bus? You'll only hear drums. Office? Colleagues remain soundproof.
And while the world may be loud, your voice comes through loud and clear during calls – thanks to six microphones and AI algorithms to reduce background noise.
Comfort you (almost) never want to take off
Sony already set a high standard for ergonomics with the XM5, but the XM6 takes it a notch higher. Soft vegan leather headband, larger ear cushions, a precise, pressure-free fit. And yes, you can still pack them in your bag, now with a magnetic closure that feels almost too elegant.
But I'm adding a personal note here. I'm not a huge fan of over-ear headphones. Not because they're bad - quite the opposite, the materials are top-notch - but because I get hot quickly. Even at moderate temperatures, I've noticed that my ears get a little "foggy". In the summer months, this could be annoying. I also have a small concern about the material of the ear cushions themselves - they're a bit wrinkled, so I'm curious to see how they'll hold up in the long run. I hope the durability is on par with the sound quality.
For movie nights, gaming afternoons, and meditation with Malone
The WH-1000XM6 aren't just for music - they're also for movie buffs and gamers. The new "360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema" is like IMAX for your ears. There's also a Game EQ for those who swear by first-person shooters. And let's not forget: the collaboration with Post Malone isn't just a marketing gimmick - the guy uses them. And probably for good reason.
I personally also associated the headset with the gaming experience – and I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised by how deeply it pulled me into the action. The soundstage was spatially rich, and the details were so pronounced that I forgot that I wasn’t using dedicated gaming gear. For those of you who have ever used specialized gaming headphones, the WH-1000XM6 may be a real revelation. And if you want to watch a movie along the way? Get ready for a new level of sound. This isn’t just listening – it’s an audio experience. Worth a try.
A battery that won't let you down – 70% after a good few days of use at work
While we don't recommend wearing them for 30 hours straight, you can. And if you run out of battery? Three minutes on the cord gives you an extra three hours. The headphones even work while charging. If that's not 21st-century convenience, we don't know what is.
The environment is not just a buzzword for them
The packaging is made from eco-friendly “Original Blended Material” – plastic-free, made from bamboo, sugarcane and recycled paper. Sony doesn’t skimp here. It’s made with the planet in mind.
Technical specifications – new Sony WH-1000XM6
- Noise cancellation processor: HD QN3 (7x faster than QN1)
- Microphones: 12 (6 for noise cancellation, 6 for AI speech capture)
- Sound units: 30 mm dynamic drivers
- Supported codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC, LC3
- High-Resolution Audio Support: High-Resolution Audio, DSEE Extreme™, 360 Reality Audio with head tracking
- Equalizer: 10-band adaptive EQ
- Smart features: Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention, Personalized Spatial Audio, Wind Noise Reduction, Game EQ
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connection, USB-C, 3.5 mm audio jack
- Battery: up to 30 hours of playback; 3-minute quick charge for 3 hours of use; can be used while charging
- Dimensions: 25.69 × 20 × 7.83 cm
- Weight: 254g
- Shape: foldable, closed design
- Colors: black, platinum silver, Midnight Blue
- Package contents: WH-1000XM6 headphones, carrying case, USB-C charging cable, 1.2m 3.5mm audio cable
- Price: 450 euros
Price and conclusion: the king remains king – audiophiles urgently need new ones… the rest?! Maybe the previous excellent generation.
New ones Sony XM6 will be available from May 2025 at a recommended price of 450 euros. In three colors - classic black, platinum gray and the new Midnight Blue, which looks like the night sky in stereo.
Are these the best headphones on the market? If you're looking for a combination of noise cancellation, sound quality, comfort and smart features – then yes. The WH-1000XM6 are no longer just headphones. They're an audio ecosystem. And the competition? They can only listen.
Although they are new Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones already on the way, that doesn't mean you have to wait to enjoy superior sound experience. Previous models, the WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM4, still offer exceptional sound quality, comfort, and advanced noise cancellation, but now they're available at even more affordable prices.
Proven classics at great prices / up to 40% cheaper
Sony WH-1000XM5 The headphones feature improved active noise cancellation, long battery life, and fast charging, making them among the best in their class. They come in a stylish black color.
Sony WH-1000XM4 The headphones are known for their comfort and reliability. They feature a 30-hour battery life, Speak-to-Chat functionality, and adaptive sound that automatically adjusts to your environment. They are available in classic black and stylish platinum silver.
If you are looking for premium headphones at a more affordable price, these models are a great choice. Don't miss the opportunity to get quality headphones at a great price.
Last updated 2025-05-29 / Affiliate links / Photo source: Amazon Product Advertising API
