Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones set a new benchmark in premium active noise cancellation (ANC) and audio performance. Building on the wildly successful WH-1000XM5s, these headphones pack refined features, enhanced sound quality, and comfort tailored for audiophiles and travelers. Here’s a detailed review highlighting why the WH-1000XM6 is considered among the best wireless ANC headphones in 2025.
Sony WH-1000XM6: Quick Specs & Features
| Feature | Specification and Highlights |
|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear, Wireless, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Noise Cancellation | Industry-leading Adaptive ANC with multiple microphones |
| Sound Quality | LDAC codec support, Noise Cancelling Optimizer, HD Audio 360 |
| Battery Life | Up to 40 hours on a single charge, 5 hours quick charge |
| Connectivity | Multipoint connection, NFC, SBC, AAC supported |
| Comfort & Build | Lightweight design, memory foam ear cups, swivel earcups |
| Special Features | Speak-to-Chat, Adaptive Sound Control, DSEE Extreme upscaling |
| Weight | Around 250 grams |
| Price (Oct 2025) | ₹35,000 – ₹38,000 (India Market) |
Audio Performance & ANC
The WH-1000XM6 debuts impressive sound clarity with well-balanced mids and punchy bass, along with crystal-clear highs. Sony’s LDAC support ensures hi-res audio streaming, capturing subtle details missing in standard Bluetooth codecs.
Adaptive ANC intelligently adjusts based on your environment—whether on a quiet bus or a noisy street—blocking ambient sounds effectively. The addition of multiple microphones enhances voice call quality, keeping conversations crisp even in windy or crowded places.
Comfort & Design
Sony refined the WH-1000XM6’s ergonomic design, giving it a lighter feel without compromising build quality. Over-ear memory foam cushions provide hours of fatigue-free listening. The headphones’ swivel mechanism folds inward for compact portability.
The sleek matte finish coupled with intuitive touch controls on the earcups gives it a premium, stylish look that blends functionality with aesthetics.
Battery Life & Usability
With up to 40 hours of playback, these headphones easily last through long workdays or flights. A quick 5-minute charge supplies 5 hours of music—ideal for last-minute boosts. Multipoint Bluetooth lets you seamlessly switch between calls on your phone and videos on your laptop.
The Speak-to-Chat mode automatically pauses music when you start speaking and resumes after—making hands-free conversations effortless.
Pros & Cons Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best-in-class noise cancellation | Premium price tag |
| Excellent sound clarity & balance | Comfort could still improve for very long wear |
| Long battery life with fast charge | No IP rating for water resistance |
| Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity | Touch controls may be sensitive |
| Stylish, lightweight, and durable |
What Experts Say
Business Standard praised the WH-1000XM6 as a “standout choice for travelers and music lovers,” highlighting refined ANC that “blocks out distracting noise with ease” and sound quality “that matches or surpasses competitors costing much more.” They also appreciated the thoughtful features like Speak-to-Chat and quick charging, which enhance daily usability.
FAQs
Q1: How does the Sony WH-1000XM6 compare to its predecessor?
The WH-1000XM6 improves on the XM5 with better adaptive ANC, multipoint Bluetooth, and a more comfortable, lighter design. Battery life and sound signature remain similar but finely tuned for clarity.
Q2: Are these headphones good for calls and meetings?
Yes, the multiple-microphone setup and Speak-to-Chat feature ensure excellent voice pickup and call clarity, making them ideal for remote work and conference calls.
