Sony WH-1000XM6: A Worthy Successor?

Sony has set the bar high with its flagship WH-1000X series of wireless headphones. With the much-anticipated WH-1000XM6 now on the market, fans are eager to see how these headphones stack up against the competition after the acclaim of their predecessor, the WH-1000XM5.

Sleek Design Meets Comfort

At first glance, the WH-1000XM6 retains a familiar design but with notable upgrades. The headphone cups now fold down for easy transport, and the headband is wider, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for long listening sessions. Weighing in at just 255 grams, these over-ear headphones keep your ears cool even during extended use, and the adjustable band offers a customizable fit.

Unmatched Battery Life, But Not Perfect

Charging is done via USB, with a USB-A to C cable included—a puzzling choice in 2025. Users can expect a respectable 30 hours of battery life with noise cancelling activated and up to 40 hours without. A quick three-minute charge provides an impressive three hours of playback. Plus, for the first time, you can listen while charging, but we can’t ignore the glaring absence of USB-C audio support, a feature offered by competitors.

Advanced Features and Exceptional Noise-Cancellation

Equipped with an astounding twelve microphones and sensors, the WH-1000XM6 excels at noise cancellation, a hallmark of the series. Switching between modes such as full cancellation and ambient awareness is seamless, while unique features like 'speak-to-silence' add to the convenience. Simply speaking stops playback, and covering the ear cup accomplishes the same—perfect for quick announcements.

Sound That Captivates

The sound experience is nothing short of breathtaking. Featuring 30mm carbon fiber drivers, the headphones deliver a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz (with claimed capabilities extending up to 40kHz in wired mode). When streaming via Bluetooth, the audio remains rich and warm, making every song come to life. Whether it's the energetic beats of Mogwai or the intricate compositions of Nils Frahm, the WH-1000XM6 handles every sonic detail with finesse.

Playing in a Competitive Field

At their price point of £399, the WH-1000XM6 faces stiff competition from rivals like Apple’s AirPods Max and Bose QuietComfort Ultra. While the AirPods Max boasts tighter integration with Apple devices, it comes at a premium of £100 more. Meanwhile, the Bose option offers solid specs, albeit with lesser battery life.

Conclusion: A Must-Have for Audiophiles

Despite minor drawbacks like the cumbersome app interface and the lack of USB-C audio, the WH-1000XM6 impresses with its robust design, outstanding sound quality, and advanced noise-cancellation capabilities. If you’re in the market for high-end wireless headphones, these are a top contender that you won’t want to miss.