Latest news with #1000X
Qatar Tribune
3 hours ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Sony Middle East and Africa, Modern Home introduce next evolution of noise cancelling with WH-1000XM6 in Qatar
Tribune News Network Doha Sony Middle East and Africa, the leading consumer electronics brand, alongside Modern Home, its strategic and exclusive partner in Qatar, announced the release of the WH-1000XM6 wireless noise cancelling headphones—the latest edition of its award-winning 1000X series that set a new standard for premium audio and personal listening experiences. Building on the legacy of the 1000X series, this latest model combines premium sound with the best noise cancelling in a seamless design to create an unparalleled audio solution for music lovers, fashionistas, travellers and professionals alike. The new WH-1000XM6 wireless noise cancelling headphones will be available soon at Modern Home in Al Maha Centre on Salwa Road and Fnac stores in Lagoona Mall, Doha Festival City, and Place Vendôme, in addition to other major retailers in town. The next evolution in noise cancellation Powered by an advanced processor and an adaptive microphone system, noise cancelling is optimised in real-time on the WH-1000XM6 so your world stays undisturbed and your sound stays pure. With processor speeds seven times faster than its predecessor, the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 fine-tunes 12 microphones, which is 1.5 times more than its precursor the WH-1000XM5, in real-time, delivering a dramatic leap in noise cancelling and sound quality. The precise detection of the twelve optimally placed microphones allows the noise cancellation to adapt more precisely to fit you and your environment. Whether you are looking to block out noise on a busy commute or stay focused in the office, your sound experience will be seamless and powerful. Sony's new Adaptive NC Optimiser delivers unmatched noise cancelling precision – adjusting to any form of external noise and air pressure. Plus, the specially designed driver unit is optimally tuned for enhanced noise cancellation. Auto Ambient Sound mode is even better at adapting to your surroundings in real-time, balancing music and external sound. Multiple microphones filter noise or let in what matters: announcements, conversations, or the world around you. Adjust settings automatically or fine-tune them manually in the Sony | Sound Connect app. Premium sound, co-created with the masters The WH-1000X6 headphones allow you to hear your music as it was meant to be. Developed in collaboration with world-renowned mastering engineers at three of the industry's top recording studios, Sterling Sound, Battery Studios and Coast Mastering the WH-1000XM6 refines every note for studio-level accuracy, delivering a superior music experience. The collaboration of these talented individuals led to the WH-1000XM6 delivering the artist's intended emotion, energy, and detail with remarkable precision. The WH-1000XM6 headphones are engineered to perfection with the specially designed driver unit delivering clarity that feels almost tangible, and every detail comes through with precision. The high rigidity carbon fibre composite material dome and uniquely developed voice coil structure bring out the subtleties in every frequency – so vocals sound richer, instruments feel more defined, and every track carries more emotion. The HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 features an advanced look-ahead noise shaper for improved D/A conversion, allowing the WH-1000XM6 to predict and optimise quantisation noise while responding quickly to sudden sound changes. This gives you clearer details, richer bass and a more natural listening experience. The WH-1000XM6 supports High-Resolution Audio and High-Resolution Audio Wireless, thanks to LDAC, Sony's industry-adopted audio coding technology. In addition, using Edge-AI, DSEE Extreme upscales compressed digital music files in real time to restore high-range sound lost in compression. The Sony | Sound Connect app makes it even easier to fine-tune your entertainment experience on the WH-1000XM6. Always be heard with the ultra clear call quality The WH-1000XM6 allows you to enjoy clarity in every call. Intelligent beamforming isolates your voice from background noise, so you are always heard even when others are talking. If you need to mute you can do it instantly, via the button right on your headphones. With the advanced six-microphone AI-based beamforming system, the WH-1000XM6 homes in on your voice while filtering out background noise, so every word comes through crystal clear even in chaotic environments. The AI-optimised noise reduction algorithm suppresses background sound while isolating your voice. Beamforming microphones and precise voice pickup technology ensure every word is heard clearly. Masterfully crafted for all-day comfort The familiar iconic design of the WH-1000X series has been taken to the next level with an elegant, soft-fit wider headband infused with vegan leather ensuring a pressure-free fit. The asymmetrical headband design makes it easy to identify the left and right sides with just a glance. The earpads are designed for all-day wear thanks to stretchable material that provides a secure yet gentle fit to reduce pressure whilst blocking external noise. Plus, the intuitive controls allow you to easily switch between noise cancelling, ambient sound and mic mute with tactile buttons and a responsive touch panel. Inspired by products with handcrafted precision workmanship, the folding mechanism on the WH-1000XM6 is crafted using advanced metal injection for a seamless durable fold, while designed to slip seamlessly into bags and airplane pockets. The compact case now features a magnetic closure for easy access. With three premium colours to suit your style, the WH-1000XM6 headphones are available in Black, Platinum Silver and Midnight Blue. For more information visit:
Hypebeast
18-05-2025
- Hypebeast
Sony Launches the WH-1000XM6, its Latest Flagship Wireless Headphones
Summary Sonyhas unveiled the WH-1000XM6, the latest member of its wildly popular 1000X family of active noise-canceling (ANC) wirelessheadphones,introducing several technical and quality of life improvements that are sure to be welcomed by its users. The first thing to note about the WH-1000XM6 headphones is that Sony has brought back the foldable form factor dropped in the WH-1000XM5, which had adopted a rigid design similar to Apple's AirPods Max. This was one of the most common gripes heard among fans of the Sony series and the returning foldability provides users with a bit more flexibility in terms of storage. Powering the WH-1000XM6 headphones is the QN3, an all-new HD noise canceling processor that Sony says is 'seven times faster than the previous model', which uses 12 onboard microphones ('1.5 times more than the WH-1000XM5') and a newly included Adaptive NC Optimizer to continuously monitor 'any form of external noise and air pressure' and adjust in real time. Sony says this delivers 'unmatched noise canceling precision' and adds that users can manually adjust and edit these settings to their liking in its app. The ANC found in Sony headphones is generally considered to be among the best in the industry, making these additions and improvements sound very promising. Internally, the new headphones feature a new, custom-built carbon fiber composite driver unit that Sony describes as having a 'high rigidity' that 'brings out the subtleties in every frequency.' Additionally, the newly designed driver helps to provide richer vocals and more defined instruments that the brand says better conveys 'the emotion' of your music. And, in terms of codecs, the WH-1000XM6 headphones support High-Resolution Audio and High-Resolution Audio Wireless, as well as Edge-AI and DSEE Extreme that 'upscales compressed digital music files in real time to restore high range sound lost in compression.' Sony is usingAIthroughout its new headphones, including with its 'AI-based beamforming system' that uses six of the 12 onboard microphones to improve call quality by isolating the user's voice from background noise, making the WH-1000XM6 effective for calls 'even in noisy environments.' Scene-based Listening, another new feature, uses AI to get a sense of a user's surroundings and can adjust the level of noise canceling based on both a user's environment and their location. This intuitive new feature is compatible with most popular streaming services including Amazon Music, Apple Music and Spotify. The WH-1000XM6 headphones feature 'up to 30 hours of battery life' with ANC switched on (and even more without, though Sony hasn't disclosed how much more) and just three minutes of charge provides 'three-hours' worth of charge', according to the brand. The new headphones also support LE (low energy)Bluetoothaudio and include multi-point connectivity, meaning they can be paired and simultaneously connected to more than one device at a time. Sony's latest flagship wireless headphones are available now in three colors – 'Black', 'Platinum Silver' and 'Midnight Blue' – priced at£399.99 GBP/$449.99 USD.
Mid East Info
16-05-2025
- Mid East Info
Sony Introduces the Next Evolution of Noise Cancelling with the WH-1000XM6 - Middle East Business News and Information
* Featuring Sony's most advanced noise cancelling yet – powered by a next-gen chip and intelligent algorithms – the WH-1000XM6 can block distractions before they reach you. * Co-created with world-renowned mastering engineers, the WH-1000XM6 deliver studio-level precision. * Cinema comes alive with 360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema. * Ensure you are always heard with WH-1000XM6 ultra clear call quality – for any call. * Sony is working with 9x Diamond-certified, GRAMMY® Award-nominated global icon Post Malone to showcase how the WH-1000XM6 is truly 'For The Music'. (Dubai, UAE – 15 May 2025) – Sony today announced the WH-1000XM6 wireless noise cancelling headphones – latest edition of its award winning 1000X series that set a new standard for premium audio and personal listening experiences. Building on the legacy of the 1000X series, this latest model combines premium sound with the best noise cancellingi in a seamless design to create an unparalleled audio solution for music lovers, fashionistas, travellers and professionals alike. The next evolution in noise cancellation Powered by advanced processor and an adaptive microphone system, noise cancelling is optimised in real time on the WH-1000XM6 so your world stays undisturbed and your sound stays pure. With processor speeds seven times faster than its predecessor, the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 fine-tunes 12 microphones, which is 1.5 times more than its precursor the WH-1000XM5, in real time, delivering a dramatic leap in noise cancelling and sound quality. The precise detection of the twelve optimally places microphones allow the noise cancellation to adapt more precisely to fit you and your environment. Whether you are looking to block out noise on a busy commute or stay focused in the office, your sound experience will be seamless and powerful. Sony's new Adaptive NC Optimiser delivers unmatched noise cancelling precision – adjusting to any form of external noise and air pressure. Plus, the specially designed driver unit is optimally tuned for enhanced noise cancellation. Auto Ambient Sound mode is even better at adapting to your surroundings in real time, balancing music and external sound. Multiple microphones filter noise or let in what matters: announcements, conversations, or the world around you. Adjust settings automatically or fine-tune them manually in the Sony | Sound Connect app. Premium sound, co-created with the masters The WH-1000X6 headphones allow you to hear your music as it was meant to be. Developed in collaboration with world-renowned mastering engineers at three of the industry top recording studios, Sterling Sound, Battery Studios and Coast Mastering the WH-1000XM6 refines every note for studio-level accuracy, delivering a superior music experience. The collaborative team of Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated engineers includes Randy Merrill (Sterling Sound), who has worked with the likes of Ed Sheeran; Chris Gehringer (Sterling Sound), known for his work with Rihanna and Lady Gaga; Mike Piacentini (Battery Studios), who has mastered tracks for Bob Dylan; and Michael Romanowski(Coast Mastering), whose portfolio includes Alicia Keys and the iconic Star Wars soundtracks for Episodes 4,5 and 6. The collaboration of these talented individuals led to the WH-1000XM6 delivering the artist's intended emotion, energy, and detail with remarkable precision. Randy Merrill, mastering engineer from Sterling Studio, who has worked with music icons such as Taylor Swift and Adele was part of the co-creation of the headphones. Randy praises the headphones sound expression and said: 'Sony has always been a benchmark for premium quality, and the WH-1000XM6 headphones take it to a new level. They transport me to a different world with their excellent bass, frequency response, soundstage and detail. They truthfully represent the sounds of the recordings that we work so hard to make.' Mike Piacentini from Battery Studios who has worked alongside Depeche Mode and James Brown said: 'We, as mastering engineers, spend a lot of time with the artists and producers to make their vision sound as intended. With the WH-1000XM6, listeners will have a more enjoyable experience because they're hearing every emotion, engineering decision and songwriting choice that the artist and engineer have made.' The WH-1000XM6 are engineered to perfection with the specially designed driver unit delivering clarity that feels almost tangible, and every detail comes through with precision. The high rigidity carbon fibre composite material dome and uniquely developed voice coil structure bring out the subtleties in every frequency – so vocals sound richer, instruments feel more defined, and every track carries more emotion. The HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 features an advanced look-ahead noise shaper for improved D/A conversion, allowing the WH-1000XM6 to predict and optimise quantisation noise while responding quickly to sudden sound changes. This gives you clearer details, richer bass and a more natural listening experience. The WH-1000XM6 supports the High-Resolution Audio and High-Resolution Audio Wireless, thanks to LDAC, Sony's industry-adopted audio coding technologyii. In addition, using Edge-AI, DSEE Extreme™ upscales compressed digital music files in real time to restore high range sound lost in compression. The Sony | Sound Connect app makes it even easier to fine tune your entertainment experience on the WH-1000XM6. When listening to music, you can dial in the perfect sound with the 10-band EQ or create a spacious feel with Background Music Effect. Gamers can also enjoy the Game EQ, developed with Sony's expertise from its INZONE range to enhance sound quality for FPS gaming. For those watching movies on the go, the WH-1000XM6 also feature 360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema that brings spatial sound experience just like you are in a movie theatre from 2ch stereo sound by Sony's unique upmix and 360 Spatial Sound technology. Always be heard with the Ultra clear call quality The WH-1000XM6 allows you to enjoy clarity in every call. Intelligent beamforming isolates your voice from background noise, so you are always heard even when others are talking. If you need to muteiii you can do it instantly, via the button right on your headphones. With the advanced six-microphone AI- based beamforming system, the WH-1000XM6 homes in on your voice while filtering out background noise, so every word comes through crystal clear even in chaotic environments. The AI-optimised noise reduction algorithm suppresses background sound while isolating your voice. Beamforming microphones and precise voice pickup technology ensuring every word is heard clearly. Masterfully crafted for all-day comfort The familiar iconic design of the WH-1000X series has been taken to the next level with an elegant, soft fit wider headband infused with vegan leather ensuring a pressure-free fit. The asymmetrical headband design makes it easy to identify the left and right side with just a glance. The earpads are designed for all-day wear thanks to stretchable material that provides a secure yet gentle fit to reduce pressure whilst blocking external noise. Plus, the intuitive controls allow you to easily switch between noise cancelling, ambient sound and mic muteiv with tactile buttons and a responsive touch panel. Inspired by products with handcrafted precision workmanship, the folding mechanism on the WH-1000XM6 is crafted using advance metal injection for a seamless durable fold, while designed to slip seamlessly into bags and airplane pockets. The compact case now features a magnetic closure for easy access. With three premium colours to suit your style, the WH-1000XM6 are available in Black, Platinum Silver and Midnight Bluev. More Intuitive, Smarter than ever With WH-1000XM6 you can experience Scene-based Listening, a new intuitive feature that uses sensing technology to automatically play music according to your activity and adjust noise cancellation level based on your environment and location. Along with Quick Access and Scene-based Listening, you can effortlessly connect to the top music service including Amazon Music (via 'Amazon Music Play Now')vi, Apple Musicvii, Spotify (via 'Spotify Tap')viii and YouTube Musicix. The WH-1000XM6 is ready for LE Audio, delivering ultra-low latency for flawless gaming and effortless access to broadcasts with Auracast™x, with exceptional sound quality. The Multi-Point and Auto Switch makes switching between devices seamless, so you are always connected without interruption. The WH-1000XM6 allows you to listen and charge all at once. Need to keep going when the battery is low? Simply plug in the USB charging cable and keep listening to your favorite tunes. On the go? Even quicker charging is possible, with three minutes giving you up to three hours of chargexi. Partnership with global superstar Post Malone Sony partners with 9x Diamond-certified, GRAMMY® Award-nominated global icon Post Malone as part of Sony's 'For The Music' audio brand campaign. As one of the most influential and genre-defying artists of his generation, Post Malone embodies the spirit of authenticity, creativity, and connection – values that lie at the core of Sony's approach to audio innovation. 'Great sound is essential for me when I'm making and listening to music,' said Post Malone. 'These new noise cancelling headphones make you feel completely inside the music.' As part of the campaign, Post Malone worked alongside Sony's team to create a series of ads that showcase how Sony's audio technology transforms the listening experience, making fans feel like they're sharing a moment with the artist in real-time. Made with the environment in mind Sony has designed these headphones with the environment in mind. The WH-1000XM6 packaging is made from 100% paper materials. We continue to advance the adoption of Sony's proprietary paper, Original Blended Material, for the packaging of our flagship headphone model, the 1000X series (the WF-1000XM5, WF-1000XM4, WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM6). Original Blended Material is an environmentally conscious paper material made from bamboo, sugarcane fibres, and post-consumer recycled paperxii. For The Music Sony established the brand platform 'For The Music' for its premier consumer and professional audio products and services. With 'For The Music,' Sony is affirming itself as the premier audio brand connecting music creators and consumers, aiming to create authentic music experiences and transcend emotion for fans by supporting creator vision over everything. Pricing and availability The WH-1000XM6 will be available in Black, Platinum Silver and Midnight Blue in selected countries in the Middle East and Africa from June 2025 with a suggested retail price of AED 1,699. For more information visit: ### About Sony Middle East and Africa Sony Middle East and Africa FZE is a 100% subsidiary of Sony Corporation and is the regional headquarters for the Middle East and Africa regions. The company is engaged in the business of Sony Consumer Electronics, Mobile Electronics (Car Audio), broadcasting and professional products and Computer Entertainment (PlayStation) products in more than 40 countries in the region. About Sony Corporation Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the mission to 'create the future of entertainment through the power of technology together with creators,' we aim to continue to deliver Kando* to people around the world. For more information, visit: *Kando is a Japanese word that roughly translates to the sense of awe and emotion you feel when experiencing something beautiful and amazing for the first time. For media enquiries, please contact: Aishwarya Anand Ruder Finn Atteline Darshini Makadia Ruder Finn Atteline Email: sony@ Ria Tharakan Sony Middle East and Africa Email:
Engadget
15-05-2025
- Engadget
Sony WH-1000XM6 review: The best headphones just keep on getting better
To say I'm familiar with Sony's 1000X line of headphones would be an understatement. I've tested every pair thus far, except the OG: the MDR-1000X . With each successive model, the company managed to add new features, develop better technology and expand the sonic capabilities of its flagship headphones. And with each new release, Sony kept its spot atop our best wireless headphones list. This time around, Sony made us wait longer than usual. The first three sets of 1000X headphones each arrived a year apart . Then it was two years between the WH-1000XM3 and WH-1000XM4 , perhaps delayed in part by the COVID pandemic, and then nearly two more before the redesigned WH-1000XM5 debuted. We're three years out from that last model and today Sony is finally revealing the follow-up: the WH-1000XM6 ($450). The extended interval is understandable once you consider the number of updates Sony has included to overhaul its pride and joy. There's a new processor, more microphones, improved active noise cancellation (ANC), refined design and a retuned sound platform. Those changes join the long list of features Sony has amassed on the 1000X line over the years, a number of which automatically adapt when enabled, and many that provide great convenience in daily use. Other companies may have surpassed Sony in audio quality (at least until now), but none of the competition offers a collection of tools that even comes close to the WH-1000XM6. The crown is safe once again. Sony has managed to overhaul its flagship headphones in all the right ways that keep the 1000X line atop our best headphones list. $450 at Sony Explore More Buying Options $450 at Amazon At first glance, the WH-1000XM6 might not look much different from the M5, but there are some notable tweaks that improve comfort and storage. First, there's a wider, asymmetrical headband that makes these headphones even easier to wear for long periods of time. The previous model was already lightweight, and that continues here. Together with the new headband, it provides a comfy fit that beats every other wireless headphone. Next, Sony returned to its folding design that older 1000X models used to have. With recent models, the company opted to just let the ear cups rotate before the headphones went in the case. They still do that, but they also fold in for easier storage. Due to this change, the company designed a smaller case, and instead of a zipper, Sony chose a magnetic closure. One complaint I have about the design is how the ear cups rotate. When you take the WH-1000XM6 off, the cups rotate inside up to lay flat. To me, it should be the opposite, with the ear pads flipping down, because that's how you're going to put them in the case. This is a change from the M5, where the ear cups turn in what I'd consider the correct way, which makes this switch an even more confounding choice for this new model. Sony mostly kept the controls on the WH-1000XM6 the same, save for a couple of small revisions. First, the company still uses a mix of physical buttons and touch panels on the outside of each ear cup. With the former, the only two options there are power (which doubles as Bluetooth pairing) and the noise control button that cycles through ANC, ambient sound and off. That power button was redesigned so it's now larger, round and concave. This makes it easier to find by touch and differentiates it from the noise control button. What's more, Sony has added the ability for users to mute/unmute the microphones on the M6 during calls by double pressing the noise control button. This is handy when you don't want to reach for your phone or keyboard during a voice or video chat. Billy Steele for Engadget The 1000X line has never been a slouch when it comes to sound quality, and Sony has made strides to continually improve audio performance over the years. With the WH-1000XM6, the company made changes in three areas to further boost the sound profile. First, Sony developed new drivers for the M6, which it says deliver 'richer details and clearer vocals.' That's due to what the company describes as smoother, extended high frequency reproduction created by perforations in the driver's voice coil. And there's better overall balance in the sound too, thanks to a more rigid dome for these components. The company also enlisted mastering engineers from three recording studios to help tune the sound profile of the 1000XM6. They all contributed various quotes praising the audio quality of these headphones, but the general goal here was to deliver results that were closer to the artist's intention. That includes more immersive sound and finer details. To further aid this, Sony also added 360 Spatial Sound upmixing for stereo content on the M6. Essentially, this feature can turn regular content into spatial audio. It's something similar to what Bose does on its QuietComfort Ultra headphones , and it's separate from both 360 Reality Audio support and DSEE Extreme compression upscaling. On Sleep Token's Even In Arcadia , the WH-1000XM6 provides boomy bass when tracks call for it, like the loud, crunchy guitars and thundering drums in 'Look To Windward.' Throughout the album, treble and mid-range cut through cleanly, providing ample separation so you can hear all of the elements clearly. And that's no easy feat, given the genre-bending production the band employs. Plus, the big, soaring, loud parts of these songs seem to completely surround you with sound. The recently remastered The Musings of Miles by Miles Davis exhibits a different side of the M6. Here, the textures of the instruments are what stand out, where you can hear the subtle nuances of the trumpet, piano, bass and drums. I'm not sure there would be much more clarity if you time-traveled back to Rudy Van Gelder's home studio in 1955. The audio is pristine here. There's a similar vibe given to Billy Strings & Bryan Sutton's Live At The Legion, where the two bluegrass virtuosos lend only two acoustic guitars and their voices to the show. Listening to this album with the M6, I might as well be sitting between them. Billy Steele for Engadget Inside the WH-1000XM6, the star of the show is the new QN3 processor. Sony says it's seven times faster than the QN1 used in the M5, a chip that first debuted on the WH-1000XM3 in 2018. Given that's the main power behind noise cancellation, it was definitely time for an update. With the QN3, Sony was able to add four additional microphones for its ANC setup, bringing the total on the 1000XM6 to 12. More mics means the company can more effectively detect and block noise. Alongside the new hardware,, Sony upgraded the Auto NC Optimizer on the M5 to what it now calls the Adaptive NC Optimizer on the M6. This technology accounts for changes in fit and air pressure, automatically adapting the ANC coverage as needed. What's more, the company says the M6 can block more mid-to-high-range frequencies than the M5, putting all of that power to good use. There's a noticeable improvement in ANC performance on the M6 — it's not just marketing hype. I can easily tell the headphones are blocking more background noise than their predecessor, which isn't always the case across 1000X generations. Particularly with human voices, this model does a better job of reducing the sound of chatty neighbors in the office than much of the competition. Even though it doesn't entirely silence them, this still constitutes an upgrade in performance. The company has been giving Bose a run for its money for a while now, and the M6 further cements the fact the noise-cancelling arms race is closer than ever. Like it did on the M5, Sony employs AI-based noise reduction on the M6 to reduce background noise during calls. The company says it trained its model on 500 million voice samples so the system can properly extract the user's voice. What's more, Sony now utilizes two additional microphones for voice performance (with a smidge more AI on them) that are better positioned for speech pickup. In practice, call performance is a mixed bag. First, the M6 does an excellent job of blocking background noise. It rendered a loud fan completely silent during one of my tests. However, that processing impacts overall clarity, so you won't sound nearly as good as you do in quieter locations. Plus, the results in noiseless conditions aren't pristine, but it's good enough to get the job done for most call scenarios. Sony brought back the convenient automation features that have made its flagship headphones the best option for years. Adaptive Sound Control can automatically adjust settings based on activity or location, like when you arrive at the office or when you're out for a walk. Ambient sound still has pleasant, natural quality and is helpful to have on during calls. Speak-to-Chat continues to reduce the volume and activates that transparency mode when it detects your voice, though it's still far too easily duped by coughs and when you clear your throat. You can also use head gestures to accept (nod) or reject calls (shake). There's plenty more, but suffice it to say Sony is still ahead of the pack for the sheer volume of features it packs into its 1000X headphones. Billy Steele for Engadget One of the few things that's unchanged on the WH-1000XM6 is battery life. Just like the M5, this model offers up to 30 hours of use with ANC on or up to 40 hours with it off. The quick charge function is also the same: three minutes gives you three hours. I had no problem hitting these stated figures during my tests, which were primarily conducted with ANC on as well as Sony's DSEE Extreme audio upscaling enabled. I would occasionally switch to transparency mode for calls, but 80 percent of the time I was in noise-blocking mode. After 25 hours of use, I still have 50 percent left in the tank. There is one item Sony tweaked when it comes to battery and charging performance. On the M6, you'll be able to listen to music while the headphones are charging. This functionality wasn't available previously, and it's sure to provide some added convenience in a pinch — like when you're waiting for your flight in a raucous airport terminal. Whether it's Bose, Bowers & Wilkins or Sennheiser, there are a number of companies that inch closer to Sony's crown with each product cycle. I'm convinced Sony has surpassed Bose in terms of pure noise-cancelling performance, but the QuietComfort Ultra headphones are still plenty good and can regularly be found for less than their $449 suggested retail price. I don't care for the design of Sennheiser's Momentum Wireless 4 , but the headphones have nearly double the battery life of the M6 with plenty of audio and ANC performance to boot. And they do so for less money than the WH-1000XM6. This leads me to the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 . The company's Px7 S2e had been my pick for best sounding headphones for a while, and were only recently bested by Noble Audio's pricey FoKus Apollo ($649) . The S3 edition supposedly offers improvements to sound and ANC performance, but I haven't tested them yet and there's no clear indication how much they'll cost or when they'll arrive. Still, if you're not in a hurry, the Px7 S3 may be worth waiting on as they should be slightly more affordable than the M6 and Bowers & Wilkins has a strong track record for sound quality. With the WH-1000XM6, the three-year-long wait was well worth it. The company has made significant gains in both sound quality and noise-canceling performance, thanks in part to a powerful new chip. Subtle, but impactful design tweaks increase comfort, while spatial audio upmixing further expands the sonic abilities of the 1000X line. The only real downside is the price continues to go up: the M6 is $50 more than the M5 was at launch. When you combine their performance with Sony's ever-growing list of features, the 1000XM6 are the best headphones you can buy right now. Touch controls are reliable and don't require repeated attempts.
Digital Trends
15-05-2025
- Digital Trends
I spent 48 hours with Sony's WH-1000XM6 and I don't want to give them back
Sony's new flagship noise-cancelling wireless headphones are a combination of upgrades I'd been hoping for and a few changes I didn't even know I wanted. The result is a set of cans that feel instantly familiar yet entirely new. That's no small feat when the product you're following has been topping best headphones lists for years. At $450, they're also the most expensive of the 1000X series so far. My evaluation loaner showed up later than expected, so I'm not ready to give the WH-1000XM6 the full review treatment. However, with two days of use, I can give you my first impressions, which are very favorable. Sony has clearly done it again. Recommended Videos Sony says it has improved the sound, the ANC, and the headphones' call quality and I can vouch for those claims. These improvements are mostly subtle, but that's to be expected. I recently updated our WH-1000XM5 review and found that even in 2025 — three years after they were released — they were still the best overall headphones you can buy. There's only so much you can do to improve world-class capabilities while keeping the price under a certain threshold. By the way, don't let anyone tell you that you need big drivers for big bass. Sony's relatively small, 30mm carbon fiber transducers produce prodigious amounts of low end. For me, the biggest, most welcome changes in the WH-1000XM6 are in the little details. This is Sony's most sophisticated and thoughtful headphone design to date. Sleeker and more sophisticated When Sony shifted from the WH-1000XM4 to the WH-1000XM5, it created an entirely new design. In doing so, some tradeoffs were made. The XM5 were sleeker, but they could only fold flat for storage. The headband connected to the earcups with slender, elegant rotating hinges, but many owners found they weren't rugged enough and Sony ended up replacing a lot of broken units. They were exceptionally light, but they also felt a bit plasticky … not exactly what you expect from a set of $400 headphones. The WH-1000XM6 address all of these shortcomings. They now fold up as well as flat, the hinges are reinforced with metal parts for greater durability, and Sony has found a plastic formulation that manages to be both light and luxurious, with a smooth, matte, stone-like finish that resists fingerprints much better than before. Where the XM5 earcups had visible seams, the XM6 shells are a single continuous surface. The XM5 mic cutout openings always looked like afterthoughts. The XM6 uses tiny, flush-mounted metal grilles that match the narrow visible bands of metal at the hinge. The overall effect, especially with Sony's 'silver' color, is pure elegance and simplicity. I've also got to give Sony props for the new travel case. It's smaller than the one for the XM5, but the true stroke of genius is the magnetic closure — no more zippers! Added comfort In terms of comfort, the XM6 are also a step up. They weigh fractionally more than the XM5 (8.96 ounces versus 8.78 ounces), yet once they were on my head, they felt a little lighter. Sony has increased the clamping force and added springs to the earcup pivots (similar to the Apple AirPods Max), giving the XM6 a more secure fit. Thanks to deeper padding on the earcushions and headband, this doesn't translate into a greater sense of pressure — even while wearing glasses. You may laugh, but one of my favorite changes is how the earcups rotate when you aren't wearing them. The XM5 could only rotate outward, leaving the hard exterior of the earcups resting on your collar bones when worn around the neck. The XM6 go the other way, letting you place them cushion side down. Speaking of the cushions, they're way easier to remove and replace. Not as easy as the magnetic units on the AirPods Max, but at least you don't need a mini crowbar. I'm also happy that Sony now lets you charge the XM6 while using them wirelessly. You can't do that with the XM5 (wired, analog operation is possible). However, Sony still includes a comically short charging cable, so if you want to take advantage of this new option, you'll need to buy a longer one. Lossless and spatial audio Speaking of the cable, I'm stunned that the XM6 lack a lossless connection via USB-C. Virtually every set of current flagship headphones, from Bose to Apple to Beats to Bowers & Wilkins, has this option. It's the one flaw in an otherwise stellar product. Granted, most people will need very quiet conditions to hear the difference that lossless audio makes. But even when you're not listening critically, a wired USB audio connection is handy: All current smartphones have USB-C ports, but precious few retain headphone jacks. Sony still seems to struggle with spatial audio as an experience and can't quite decide how it wants to enable it. On the XM5, it added the feature, along with head tracking, via a firmware update. But the only way to make it work is via a subscription music service like that supports Sony's proprietary 360 Reality Audio format, and head tracking relies on Android software. For the XM6, spatial audio is now available with any stereo source, on both iOS and Android. It's bizarrely labeled — you need to change the listening mode from Standard to Cinema in the Sound Connect app. Unfortunately, head tracking is still confined to Android. This is odd when you consider what 'Cinema' means in a spatial audio context. The idea is to recreate a surround sound home theater experience, such that when you turn your head, it feels like you're looking away from the center channel source of sound. Without head tracking, it's not very cinematic at all. Still, even on an iPhone, it works well for music, and I'm happy to report it can provide a very immersive listening option, if you like that kind of thing. I need to do more testing, but I think I still prefer Bose's Immersive Audio implementation (plus Bose has head tracking as an option). XM5 or XM6? I'll delve into the details in my full review, but here's a sneak peek: The WH-1000XM6 are amazing. They're probably the new champs as far as wireless headphones go. But if you're a happy WH-1000XM5 owner, I wouldn't feel any pressure to upgrade. And if you're looking to buy, it's hard to ignore that Sony's current discount on the XM5 brings them in at $100 less than the XM6.
