ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones supply even higher sound and ANC efficiency.
- They’ve the most effective journey case for headphones in 2025.
- I like the extra comfy, cosy match of Sony’s new flagship headphones.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 had been nice however lacked a couple of options that I contemplate important for journey. That is why I selected the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones as my go-to journey headphones, for his or her comfy match and foldable design. However three years after the XM5 launch, Sony has lastly launched a worthy successor. And it improves on the last-gen product in each manner.
Additionally: I replaced my bulky headphones with these Pixel earbuds for traveling – and can’t go back
Earlier than the Sony WH-1000XM6, the Google Pixel Buds Professional 2 had been my journey companion, due to their highly effective ANC efficiency, comfy match for long-haul flights, nice sound, and small kind issue. Nonetheless, the XM6’s foldable earcups, redesigned easy-to-store case, glorious sound, and high-performing ANC made me rethink packing over-ear headphones earlier than heading to the airport.
I used these headphones for every week, they usually’re now more likely to keep in my backpack for each journey — here is why.
An extended-awaited match improve
I did not use the Sony XM5 headphones after the preliminary evaluate interval as a result of the match and luxury weren’t nearly as good as these of the XM4, my Bose QC Extremely, or the Sonos Ace headphones. However Sony returns to glory with the XM6.
They’re 4 grams heavier than their predecessor, however I discover them extra comfy to put on. This might be due to the broader headband and a extra round earcup design. It sports activities the identical earcups, which are likely to retain sweat in heat environments, however I have not had this difficulty thus far. Nonetheless, the XM6 match me extra comfortably and securely than the XM5.
Additionally: Why these headphones are still the best from Bose – even though they’re a year old
The XM4 sported a dual-hinge design, which allowed you to fold the headphones up, not simply flat. Sony eliminated this design function within the XM5, which made them troublesome to hold round, particularly when touring via airports. With the XM6, the corporate introduced again the dual-hinge design, so you may fold the earcups up. I miss this functionality on the Sonos Ace, too, and I am glad headphone producers are returning to a extra handy design.
Sony WH-1000XM6 case with clasp
Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET
The foldable earcups design additionally helps make the case barely smaller, which now comes with a magnetic latch as an alternative of a sequence. That is essentially the most intuitive case design — when you handle to get used to storing the headphones within the appropriate place inside it. I additionally seen the up to date energy button design. Sony has made it rounder and recessed, which makes it extra intuitive to make use of as a result of it’s simpler to differentiate it from the ANC toggle button. You continue to get the identical contact controls for quantity, playback, and so on.
Additionally: Here’s how a free software upgrade made the Sonos Ace worth their price tag
I like that Sony lastly bought the correct mixture of a snug, cosy match, foldable earcups, glorious case, and contact and button controls. Total, these options give it the intuitive bodily options edge over the Sonos Ace and AirPods Max headphones.
Even higher ANC and sound efficiency
The Sony XM6 headphones come geared up with a brand new QN3 chip, which is claimed to be seven instances extra highly effective than the QN1 chip used within the XM5. That is paired with a complete of 12 microphones (six on every earcup), in comparison with eight on the predecessor.
Consequently, you get glorious lively noise cancellation, even for increased frequencies, which is a difficult feat for a lot of ANC headphones. The ambient public chatter is toned down even additional, and I discovered the ANC efficiency to be higher than that of my Bose QC Extremely. The identical may be mentioned about voice-calling efficiency, due to the six AI-powered beamforming microphones.
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By way of sound, the XM6 function Sony’s signature heat and easy sound profile, with pronounced bass. I like the clear vocals and tight bass response on my favourite songs. The XM6 additionally supply barely extra depth as in comparison with the XM5, and devices really feel like they’re precisely the place they’re presupposed to be.
As seen by ZDNET’s Audio Editor, Jada Jones, in her review, “Turning on noise cancellation or ambient sound [on the Sony XM6] brings extra colour and vibrancy, making a extra satisfying listening expertise.” I like sporting them on commutes and flights.
As for battery life, I’ve but to completely take a look at these headphones, however they’re rated for 30 hours of battery life at reasonable quantity ranges with ANC on, and may go as much as 40 hours with ANC off. The XM6’s battery life is anticipated to exceed the 24 hours and 20 hours of rated battery life on the Bose QC Extremely and AirPods Max, respectively. A 3-minute fast cost yields three hours of music playback, which can be significantly helpful for those who overlook to cost them earlier than a flight.
Additionally: Best headphones of 2025: Bose, Sony, Beats, and more
The brand new Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are my new journey important for after I wish to carry my headphones as an alternative of the Google Pixel Buds Professional 2 earbuds. They provide a extra comfy and comfortable match, glorious sound and ANC efficiency, lengthy battery life with fast charging, barely extra intuitive controls, and a case that is simpler to make use of. In my one week of use, I’ve but to discover a deal breaker, however I will need to see how they fare in opposition to Bose’s new QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2) within the coming weeks.
