Introduction to the WH-1000XM6 Headphones
It has been over two years since Sony released a new pair of headphones in its 1000X lineup, but the newly announced WH-1000XM6 seems worth the wait. At first glance, the new ANC headphones resemble the streamlined WH-1000XM5 from 2022, with the key difference being the return of ear cups that rotate and fold flat. However, inside, Sony has incorporated improvements that position the WH-1000XM6 ahead of the competition in terms of both sound quality and active noise cancellation.
Key Improvements and Features
These enhancements are largely due to the new QN3 processor, the addition of four new built-in microphones (increasing from eight on the 1000XM5 to 12 on the 1000XM6), and an updated system for adapting ANC performance around fit and pressure. All these changes combine to deliver noticeably better ANC. Notably, these improvements haven’t resulted in shorter battery life; the WH-1000XM6 offers the same 30 hours of battery life with ANC activated as the WH-1000XM5.
Advanced Audio Capabilities
The WH-1000XM6 can not only play spatial audio tracks like the WH-1000XM5 and AirPods Max but can also convert any stereo track into 360-degree audio. For many users, a more practical new feature will be the ability to continue using the headphones while they are charging, a functionality oddly missing from previous models.
Pricing and Comparison
At $450, the WH-1000XM6 are $50 more expensive than the WH-1000XM5 and closer in price to the more expensive AirPods Max. To determine if Sony’s new headphones are the right choice, reading Engadget’s review and ideally trying them out is recommended. Below is an overview comparing the WH-1000XM6 to the WH-1000XM5 and the AirPods Max.
Comparison Table
| Feature | WH-1000XM6 | WH-1000XM5 | AirPods Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing (MSRP) | $450 | $400 | $549 |
| Active noise cancellation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adaptive audio | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multipoint connectivity | Yes, can switch between 2 Bluetooth connections, Fast Pair with Android devices, Swift Pair with Windows 11 and Windows 10 devices | Yes, can switch between 2 Bluetooth connections, Fast Pair with Android devices, Swift Pair with Windows 11 and Windows 10 devices | No, automatic device switching between Apple devices only |
| Battery life (rated) | Up to 30 hours with ANC on, up to 40 hours with ANC off | Up to 30 hours with ANC on, up to 40 hours with ANC off | Up to 20 hours with ANC on, up to 20 hours with ANC and Spatial Audio on, up to 20 hours of talk time |
| Wired charging | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Water & dust resistance | No | No | No |
| Size & weight | 8.96 oz | 8.82 oz | 13.6 oz |
| Chip(s) | Sony QN3 | Sony QN1 + V1 | Apple H1 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC, LDAC | AAC, SBC |
| Spatial audio | Yes, 360 Audio, 360 Spatial Sound Upmix for converting stereo audio | Yes, 360 Audio | Yes |
| Control type | Touch controls for playback and volume, NC/AMB button for ANC | Touch controls for playback and volume, NC/AMB button | Digital Crown dial for playback and volume, Noise control button for ANC |
| Mics & sensors | 12 microphones total: six microphones for calls, Touch sensors, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Eight microphones total: four microphones for calls, Touch sensors, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Nine microphones total: eight ANC mics, three mics for voice pickup (two shared for ANC), Optical sensor, Position sensor, Case-detect sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope |
Conclusion
The Sony WH-1000XM6 offers significant upgrades over its predecessor and competitor models, particularly in sound quality and active noise cancellation. While it comes with a higher price tag, its features and performance make it a strong contender in the high-end headphone market. For those considering an upgrade or purchase, a thorough review and hands-on experience are essential to determine if the WH-1000XM6 is the right fit.
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