Latest news with #SonyWH-1000XM5
Phone Arena
5 days ago
- Phone Arena
It's absurd that Sony expects this marketing strategy to work
The Sony Xperia 1 VII is out and costs €1,499 in Europe. Sorry, no release in the USA, but if you want a quick conversion — that price tag is a bit above the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra in a big ask, so does the Xperia 1 VII deliver? Well, we already reviewed it, and while we find it to be a well-performing handset with a grippy feel and a design that will definitely be liked by many, it just doesn't have enough of an oomph. The software is just a clean Android with no bells or AI (though, Sony claims certain things to be AI-enhanced), the performance is stable but not awe-inspiring, and the cameras are… Well, not on order to sweeten the pot, or make that €1,499 price-tag go down easier, the Xperia 1 VII is actually bundled with a Sony WH-1000XM5 headset. Yes, an XM5, not even the newer proudly states that you are saving €299 on the purchase. Literally losing money unless you grab that deal!And look, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is an excellent pair of headphones and I like it very, very much, the fact that the Xperia 1 VII comes in this forced bundle is just absurd. Is Sony only looking to sell to customers that are looking to buy a flagship phone and a set of premium headphones as well?This would be like Apple selling the iPhone 17 Pro Max only as a bundle with the AirPods Max, for the low-low price of $1,700 (hopefully, Apple is not getting any ideas here).And yes, I've seen some dedicated Sony fans post that you can 'Easily buy the Xperia 1 VII and sell the WH-1000XM5 to make €200 back', but I hope we can see how absurd this sounds. Right?Oh, to top it off — this bundle is only available in major markets. If history repeats itself like it did with the Xperia 1 VI — when the Xperia 1 VII launches in secondary territories, they will get the phone at full price, with no headset to speak of. This just rubs extra salt in the wound.I read a quote once, it was from another tech reviewer, maybe in a tweet. Sorry I can't attribute it, as I have long forgotten who it was from, but the quote rings true to this day. 'Sony phones look and behave like you should buy them just because they are Sony'.Slapping the Bravia logo inside the software, promising Sony Alpha expertise for the camera, and 360 Reality Audio upscaling for music sounds impressive on paper. But you have to execute flawlessly on those points to even think about approaching that €1,499 then, there's the question of investment and long term viability. Sony now promises 4 years of Android updates and 6 years of security patches, which is OK, not great. Samsung and Google commit to 7 years of Android builds, which is much, much better. Then, there is the question of how quick Sony will be with deploying these updates — historically, it hasn't been very the Xperia phones are struggling to get some mainstream attention. Some believe this is due to lack of marketing, but the reality is that even positive word of mouth or glowing reviews would've done the trick. No, the Xperia team needs to rethink the value offer here. It's certainly not about a pair of headphones! Now that's a camera phone Smartphone companies that started off with simple 'flagship killer' products, such as Xiaomi and Vivo, now offer 'Photography kit' phones with lenses, hardware grips, and extra buttons that truly make you feel like you are holding a smartphone-camera hybrid. Meanwhile, Sony — a camera behemoth — is trying to get by with a tiny camera module that can do a sub-par optical zoom. That's… not a good look.
WIRED
03-06-2025
- Business
- WIRED
20 Best Deals on Father's Day Gifts (2025)
Shopping for a Father's Day gift doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. We've rustled up real discounts on WIRED-approved gear. All of it is actually on sale—no fake discounts here—and set to arrive before Father's Day on June 15. In need of gift ideas? Check out our curated, hand-picked gift guides, including the Gifts for Dads, Gifts for Men, and Gifts for Golfers. WIRED Featured Deals: Tech Deals Photograph: Parker Hall The Ambient Weather WS-5000 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is an excellent gift for the dad who loves to talk about the weather. This station shows everything from daily rainfall to the current UV index, with the kind of intensive precision only a father could love. You can also pick up a ton of different accessories to measure things like humidity, detect leaks, check your fridge efficiency, and more. This deal comes around quite frequently, but it's a match of the best price we've seen on some of our favorite headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM5 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) have wonderful overall value, with frankly excellent noise cancellation and sound. They're no longer the newest addition to the lineup, but this pair is still fantastic—lightweight, comfortable, and sleek-looking with the user experience to match. The Nextbase 622GW is our very favorite dashcam. This deal gets you the base model that records the front-end view of your car, and it's been on sale for a couple of weeks. The camera is easy to mount and can record video in 4K at 30 frames per second, and it offers clear views of license plates and the vehicle's surroundings. It's got solid night vision and image stabilization. There's also a companion app with options for Alexa-based voice support, video review, and subscription-based SOS alerts in case of an accident. (Though Dad's smartphone probably has crash alerts, too, so consider those options before shelling out for another subscription.) Courtesy of Amazon The Sonos Roam 2 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the best smart Bluetooth speaker. It's dust- and water-resistant, has 10 hours of listening time, and is about as big as a 16-ounce beer can. It has fantastic sound and USB-C charging, and it won't take up too much room when Dad is toting it to tailgates. Maybe your dad doesn't need a smart speaker like the Sonos mentioned above. In that case, check out the Beats Pill (8/10, WIRED Recommends). This feature-packed Bluetooth speaker is available in several discounted colors. It has fast pairing, a built-in speakerphone, and the ability to charge other devices. It also has Beats' Fast Fuel feature, meaning 10 minutes of charging gets Dad five hours of playback time (a full charge gets him 24 hours of battery life). And finally, for a super-portable Bluetooth speaker option, check out this discount. This speaker has a built-in carabiner, making it perfect for clipping to a camp chair, a belt loop, or a cooler handle. It sounds solid and has on-board controls, plus 12-hour battery life. It's also durable, with dust and water resistance, and it comes in several Dad-approved color schemes. Photograph: Ryan Waniata If Dad likes hitting the links, we recommend this golf watch, and this price is a goodie. It's comfortable to wear and easy to use, with foolproof buttons and seamless setup using the companion app for Android or iOS. It has GPS data for over 43,000 courses, and it can record your score as well as provide range tracking for how far you're hitting the ball or how far away hazards and doglegs are. The Nothing Ear (a) earbuds (8/10, WIRED Recommends) are the best earbuds for most people. They're super stylish, with a sleek clear charging case, and they also have great sound and decent noise cancellation. They're also comfortable to wear and have super intuitive controls. Combined with the affordable price tag, it's hard to find a better pair for the money—especially with this sale price. The Soundpeats Capsule3 Pro+ (10/10, WIRED Recommends) are some of our favorite AirPods Pro alternatives. They offer fantastic sound for the money, with clear highs and dynamic bass. It boggled the mind of our reviewers that these headphones were as affordable as they are, and with the sale price, this deal is a no-brainer if you're on the hunt for the best sound at the lowest price. This specific gadget isn't in our list of the best portable chargers, but we generally like Anker gear, and the price is too good not to mention. The 10,000-mAh capacity and 30-watt charging means it's capable of topping off most phones very quickly. It's also small at 5.4 inches, and there's a built-in USB-C cable so Dad doesn't need to worry about finding a cord. Home and Outdoor Deals Courtesy of Birdfy This is our favorite smart bird feeder. We've linked to the version with the solar panel included, but the version without the solar panel is also on sale for $120 ($80 off). Both have been on sale for a couple of weeks. We think the solar panel is worth it, since having to bring the feeder inside to recharge it just adds another chore to the list. The feeder is durable and easy to clean. The camera will send smartphone notifications when a bird is feeding, and it has AI recognition that (usually) correctly identifies the species. Note that the AI recognition does require a separate subscription; you can choose to pay for it ahead of time by purchasing that bundle and save some cash in the process. Another leftover from recent Memorial Day sales, the Aviron Victory Treadmill (8/10, WIRED Recommends) makes running fun. We haven't seen a better discount yet. The screen provides access to games and shows, and the deck is nice and low to the ground, so it's easy to step on and off. The membership that grants access to the fun content costs $29 a month or $288 per year, and there are also optional $299 loadable weights to add strength training. But if you're OK with the yearly costs, this is a good choice for making home workouts more enticing. Check our guide to the Best Treadmills for more. I'm in the process of reworking our guide to the best coolers, but this Pelican option is still a good one. It's durable and waterproof, and the tall, narrow design and small footprint make it ideal for road trips. It also features four cupholders and raised rubber feet so it can double as a small drink table while camping or at the beach. Photograph: Scott Gilbertson The Celestron 8x32 TrailSeeker (8/10, WIRED Recommends) are excellent binoculars for hiking and birding. They're lightweight and powerful enough for most people, and the glass is easy to see through, with very few chromatic aberrations coming through—even in bright conditions. The Dreo Chefmaker Combi Fryer is the best air fryer for roasts, steaks, and chops. The combination function allows this air fryer to reverse-sear cuts of meat—just add water to the atomizer atop the device before cooking. There's a built-in temperature probe that helps cook steaks and whatnot to your desired rarity before blasting them with heat to brown them. There's also a companion app with recipes that'll help you keep track of dinner progress. Our favorite budget body massager hasn't sold for less than this. It can target the back, neck, and shoulders, and even the lower back if you get creative. There are four kneading nodes, three intensity settings, and a heat therapy option. It can strap to a chair if you'd like, the remote control lets you easily adjust the settings, and there's a 15-minute automatic shutoff too. This is our favorite meat thermometer for kitchen use. It comes with four probes, which connect to the included base station via Bluetooth. Pair it with your phone and the companion app for at-a-glance temperature readings, and customize the experience further with notifications when dinner is reaching its ideal temperature. The system is safe to use for everything from sous vide to smoking, and the app has recipes and guided cooking as well. Deals on Everything Else Photograph: Julian Chokkattu Photograph: Julian Chokkattu These sweatpants are WIRED editor Julian Chokkattu's favorite of the many pairs he tested. He liked the Cloud Leg Straight even more. That pair is on sale, too, but the most popular sizes have sold out already. Both pairs are supremely soft, made with a cotton and recycled polyester fleece blend, which makes them perfect for lounging around. Despite being so comfy and cozy, they don't look too sloppy or oversized, so Dad could wear them out and about without feeling too underdressed. If Dad's water bottle is gross or dented, consider this replacement. It's the most durable water bottle we recommend, and it's available in a lot of neat colors. The slim design fits easily into a cupholder in the car or at the gym. It'll keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours, it's leakproof, and it's dishwasher-safe. It's reliable and gets the job done—just like he does. The best protein powder fluctuates in price often, but many different flavors and serving sizes are on sale right now. It offers 24 grams of protein per serving, it's easy to dissolve, and it has fewer additives than some other brands on the market. It's also available in a mind-boggling array of flavors. There's a chance you already know what Dad likes, but if not, the vanilla ice cream flavor linked above is a safe bet.
Mint
20-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Best premium headphones in India in 2025: Top 9 picks for comfort, noise cancellation, and exceptional audio quality
In 2025, premium headphones in India combine cutting-edge technology with exceptional sound quality, catering to audiophiles and professionals alike. Brands like Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, and Apple lead the market, offering noise-cancellation, spatial audio, and ultra-comfortable designs. These headphones often feature advanced Bluetooth connectivity, long-lasting battery life, and compatibility with voice assistants, making them ideal for travel, work, and entertainment. Whether you're into immersive music, gaming, or calls, premium headphones deliver superior acoustic performance and build quality. With rising demand for high-fidelity audio and smart features, Indian consumers are investing in top-tier headphones that balance style, innovation, and durability for an elevated listening experience. Material Premium Plastic with Soft Foam Padding Outstanding noise cancellation Long battery life No water resistance Slightly bulky for travel Excellent noise cancellation, great battery life, and premium comfort make these headphones a top pick for everyday use. Exceptional audio quality, adaptive noise control, and versatile connectivity make it perfect for professionals and audiophiles alike. The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones deliver class-leading active noise cancellation with an updated design for improved comfort and clarity. Equipped with eight microphones and two processors, they ensure crystal-clear calling and intelligent ambient sound adjustment. With up to 40 hours of battery life, these over-ear headphones are perfect for long travel or work sessions. Their convertible feature allows users to switch seamlessly between wireless and wired modes using a 3.5mm jack. Lightweight with soft-fit leather, they provide a luxurious listening experience backed by premium sound quality and intuitive touch controls. Material Soft-fit Leather and Reinforced Plastic Superior noise cancellation Excellent battery life No water resistance Premium price Buyers love the noise cancellation, clear call quality, and refined comfort, praising its performance in busy and quiet environments alike. Delivers elite sound, unmatched noise cancellation, and flexibility for professionals, commuters, and audiophiles seeking all-day comfort. 3) Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Over Ear Headphones Designed in Germany - Bluetooth Adaptive Noise Cancelling-ANC,4 Digital Mics for Crystal-Clear Calls,60h Battery, 2 Yr Warranty, Black/Copper The Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones offer exceptional sound clarity, long 60-hour battery life, and adaptive noise cancellation for immersive listening. Designed in Germany, these over-ear headphones feature four digital microphones for crystal-clear call quality and smart voice pick-up. The adaptive ANC adjusts automatically to ambient noise, ensuring uninterrupted music or calls. Its convertible feature allows easy switching between wireless Bluetooth and wired listening using a 3.5mm headphone jack. With a sleek black and copper design, these headphones combine premium build quality with comfort and high performance, ideal for travel, work, or daily use. Material Premium Plastic with Cushioned Earpads Outstanding 60-hour battery Adaptive noise cancellation No water resistance Bulky carry case Buyers admire the audio precision, long battery backup, and reliable call quality, with standout praise for comfort during extended use. Offers professional-grade audio, superior battery, and clear calls—ideal for long journeys, hybrid work, or immersive music experiences. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 delivers superior sound quality with adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts to your environment. Designed in Germany, it features four digital microphones for crystal-clear calls, making it perfect for professionals and audiophiles alike. With an impressive 60-hour battery life, it ensures uninterrupted listening over long periods. Its convertible feature allows users to switch between wireless Bluetooth and wired listening via the 3.5mm headphone jack. Sleek black and copper aesthetics, plush earcups, and lightweight build make it both stylish and comfortable for everyday wear or travel. Material Premium plastic and memory foam Headphones jack 3.5mm audio jack Long 60-hour battery life Adaptive ANC adjusts automatically Slightly bulky design No water resistance Buyers love its immersive sound, ultra-long battery, and crystal-clear calls, praising its premium comfort for all-day listening. Exceptional sound, long battery, and noise control make it ideal for travel, work, and immersive audio enjoyment. The Bose New QuietComfort headphones offer world-class noise cancellation, allowing immersive listening without distractions. Designed for long-lasting comfort, they deliver high-fidelity audio with deep bass and crisp highs. The 24-hour battery life ensures extended wireless usage, and its convertible feature supports wired listening through a 3.5mm jack. Intuitive touch controls and a lightweight design make it ideal for daily commutes or long-haul flights. Bluetooth connectivity is seamless, and voice assistant support adds to the convenience. These headphones are perfect for users who value both audio precision and portable versatility. Material Premium plastic and leatherette Headphones jack 3.5mm audio jack Excellent noise cancellation Comfortable for long use No water resistance Slightly expensive Buyers appreciate its crisp audio, plush earcups, and top-tier ANC, calling it ideal for travel and daily listening. Reliable ANC, signature Bose sound, and versatile use make it ideal for professionals and frequent travellers. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones feature spatial audio for an immersive 3D listening experience, enhanced by world-class noise cancellation and premium comfort. With up to 24 hours of battery life, these over-ear headphones ensure uninterrupted audio on long journeys. Their convertible nature allows switching to wired mode via a 3.5mm jack. The limited-edition Lunar Blue finish adds a touch of exclusivity, while the built-in mic ensures crystal-clear calls. Ideal for audiophiles and travellers, these headphones blend advanced sound technology with everyday practicality and luxurious design.s Material Leatherette and high-grade plastic Headphones jack 3.5mm audio jack Immersive spatial audio Elegant limited-edition colour Premium price range Not water-resistant Buyers praise its superior sound clarity, plush design, and spatial audio. They find it perfect for music, travel, and calls. Experience spatial audio, elite noise cancellation, and luxury aesthetics in a limited-edition design for immersive everyday listening. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra delivers exceptional audio performance with advanced noise cancelling and spatial audio technology that surrounds you in lifelike sound. Designed for long-listening comfort, it offers up to 24 hours of battery life and a soft over-ear fit. The built-in microphone ensures clear calls, and it seamlessly shifts between wireless and wired use with the included 3.5mm jack. Ideal for professionals and music enthusiasts, its convertible design enhances usability, while the sleek black finish complements its premium look and feel for everyday luxury and immersive sound. Material Leatherette and plastic Immersive spatial audio experience Long-lasting battery life Not splashproof Slightly bulky design Buyers appreciate its rich sound, premium comfort, and reliable battery. They find spatial audio impressive and call quality sharp. Enjoy brilliant spatial sound, adaptive noise cancellation, and premium comfort in a versatile wireless and wired headphone option. 8) Sony ULT Wear WH-ULT900N Noise Cancellation Wireless Bluetooth Over Ear Headphones with Massive Bass, Up to 50Hrs Battery-Black The Sony ULT Wear WH-ULT900N headphones offer powerful bass performance through ULT button-enhanced sound, making them perfect for bass lovers. With up to 50 hours of battery life and active noise cancellation, they ensure extended, immersive listening without distractions. The foldable over-ear design is both travel-friendly and comfortable for all-day use. A built-in mic allows for clear calls, and the headphones can be used wirelessly via Bluetooth or wired with the included 3.5mm jack, making them a flexible choice for music, gaming, and travel. Material Plastic and synthetic leather Headphones jack 3.5mm audio jack Powerful bass with ULT mode Long 50-hour battery life Bulky for small bags No water resistance Buyers love the deep bass, clear sound, and battery life. They find the noise cancelling great for travel and daily use. Get massive bass, extended battery life, and versatile wireless-wired connectivity in a stylish and comfortable headphone design. The Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones in limited edition Sandstone deliver signature active noise cancellation for immersive sound in any environment. These over-ear Bluetooth headphones offer up to 24 hours of battery life, ideal for travel and extended use. Designed for all-day comfort, they feature plush ear cushions and a lightweight foldable frame. Their convertible functionality allows for wireless listening or wired use with a 3.5mm audio jack. Clear call quality, superb audio performance, and an elegant design make them a top choice for audiophiles and commuters alike. Colour Sandstone (Limited Edition) Material Plastic and synthetic leather Headphones jack 3.5mm audio jack Excellent noise cancellation Stylish limited edition finish No water resistance Lacks advanced spatial audio Buyers praise the comfort, balanced sound, and reliable ANC. Many appreciate the attractive colour and battery life on long flights. Combines Bose noise cancelling, premium design, and all-day comfort with both wireless freedom and wired flexibility in one stylish package. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 delivers studio-grade sound with powerful 45mm large-aperture drivers, offering wireless freedom and accurate audio reproduction. With a 50-hour battery life and USB-C fast charging, these headphones are ideal for long listening sessions. Dual microphones ensure clear voice quality for calls, while dual Bluetooth pairing supports seamless switching between devices. The foldable design adds portability, and its convertible feature lets you use them wired when needed. Known for audio precision, this model suits creators, professionals, and serious music enthusiasts alike who want both wireless ease and studio clarity. Material Plastic with metal reinforcements Headphones jack 3.5mm audio jack Long 50-hour battery life Studio-quality sound clarity No active noise cancellation Slightly bulky design Buyers value the sound accuracy, battery longevity, and build quality. Many appreciate its wired option and solid Bluetooth connection. Perfect for audiophiles seeking wireless convenience and studio-level audio with the flexibility of wired use and long battery backup. Sony is considered the No. 1 headphone brand in India, known for its superior sound quality, cutting-edge noise cancellation technology, long battery life, and wide range of premium models. Headphones are wearable audio devices worn over or in the ears, allowing individuals to listen to sound privately from electronic devices like phones, computers, or music players without disturbing others. Skullcandy is considered a mid-range brand offering stylish, affordable headphones with good sound quality. While not typically categorised as premium, it appeals to younger users seeking performance and design. Best inkless printer (2025) Cable Feature Noise Control Water Resistance Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Cancellation Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones Wireless Industry-leading ANC Not water-resistant Sony WH-1000XM5 Best Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Over Ear Headphones Wireless Advanced ANC Not water-resistant Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Over Ear Headphones – Black/Copper (1st entry) Wireless Adaptive ANC Not water-resistant Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Over Ear Headphones – Black/Copper (2nd entry) Wireless Adaptive ANC Not water-resistant Bose New QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones – Black Wireless Customisable ANC Not water-resistant Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones – Lunar Blue Limited Edition Wireless Spatial Audio + ANC Not water-resistant Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones – Black Wireless Spatial Audio + ANC Not water-resistant Sony ULT Wear WH-ULT900N Noise Cancellation Wireless Bluetooth Over Ear Headphones Wireless ULT Noise Cancelling Not water-resistant Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones – Sandstone Limited Edition Wireless Customisable ANC Not water-resistant Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Bluetooth Wireless Over Ear Headphones Wireless Passive noise isolation Not water-resistant Sound Quality Matters: Look for headphones with balanced sound profiles, deep bass, and clear highs. High-resolution audio support ensures a richer listening experience. Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is essential for immersive audio, especially in travel or office settings. Comfort and Fit: Over-ear models with cushioned ear cups offer superior comfort for extended use. Adjustable headbands enhance usability. Battery Life and Connectivity: Opt for at least 30+ hours of battery and Bluetooth 5.0 or later. Dual pairing is a useful bonus. Durability and Design: Premium materials and a foldable, portable design add long-term value. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sony XM6 headphones too pricey? Save over $100 on XM5 headphones at Amazon.
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. SAVE OVER $100: Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are on sale for $298 at Amazon. This deal saves you over $100 on list price. Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones $298 at Amazon $399.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal In Mashable's review of the new Sony XM6 headphones, Timothy Werth writes that "The sound, noise cancellation, and design are all improved, though we expected bigger changes after three years of waiting." So the new headphones are great, but are they really worth the $450 price tag? If that seems a little steep to you, it might be time to invest in the older model. As of May 19, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are on sale for $298 at Amazon. This deal saves you over $100 on list price. SEE ALSO: Review: I compared Sony's new XM6 headphones to the competition These popular headphones offer clear sound quality, an attractive design, great noise cancellation, customizable sound, and good call quality. They do just about everything really well, so if you're undecided about investing in the latest model, you can save some serious cash by opting for the XM5s. Save over $100 on the Sony XM5 headphones at Amazon. Roku Ultra 4K Ultimate Streaming Player (2024 Release) — $79.99 (List Price $99.99) Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker — $99.95 (List Price $149.95) Roborock Qrevo Master Robot Vacuum and Mop — $899.99 (List Price $1599.99) Peloton Bike — $1,145.00 (List Price $1445.00) Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)
Tom's Guide
15-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
I tested the Sony WH-1000XM6 for three weeks — here's what I think of them
Price: $450 / $600 CAD / £TBD/AU$TBDConnectivity: Bluetooth 5.3ANC: YesBattery: Up to 40 hours; 30 hours (ANC enabled)Weight: 0.56 pounds (254g)Colors: Black/White/Navy BlueCompatibility: iOS, Android I've reviewed every single pair of Sony's WH-1000X flagship wireless headphones since their debut in 2016. We've seen four successors since then — the most recent of which was the Sony WH-1000XM5 — and, now, a fifth with the new 1000XM6. At this point in the lineup, Sony isn't reinventing the wheel as much as it is refining the rough edges. That means there's not a massive difference between this new model, 2022's WH-1000XM5, or even 2020's WH-1000XM4. There are some nice upgrades here, don't get me wrong, especially in the vocal clarity of phone calls. They excel thanks to a new 12-beamforming microphone array — but the other differences are so minor that they barely warrant a mention in the introduction. That might make it sound like I dislike the Sony WH-1000XM6; however, nothing could be further from the truth. These are still going to be my travel headphones of choice until Sony releases a new model in 2027 or 2028 — their battery life is on a par with their closest competition, as is their sound quality and noise cancellation. These are still some of the best wireless headphones you can buy, for sure, and I will feel even better about recommending them once they come down from their new lofty $450 sticker price. But I can't give them a perfect rating knowing that last year's model — and even the model released before that — deliver so much of the same performance for two-thirds of the price. The Sony WH-1000XM6 are available online starting on May 15 for $450 or $600 CAD. That's $50 more than the Sony WH-1000XM5 cost when they launched in May 2022, but $150 more than the M5's current sale price of $299. At the XM6's launch price of $450, Sony faces some stiff competition from Bose, Apple, Sennheiser and Bowers & Wilkins. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra come in at $429 and are easily considered the best noise-cancelling headphones. The Apple AirPods Max with USB-C come in at $549 — $100 more than the Sony WH-1000XM6 — but you're getting better functionality with iOS, MacOS and iPadOS devices. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless deliver 60 hours of non-stop listening for $299, while the brand-new Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 are the best-sounding wireless headphones — with the potential to unseat Sony at the top of the list. Unfortunately, the latter have yet to go on sale in the US due to the ongoing US tariff situation, but in the UK are selling for £399…which could mean that we'll get them in the States for around the same price as the M6. If that happens, Sony will have a tough fight on its hands. Compared to the competition, the Sony WH-1000XM6 aren't the cheapest, longest-lasting, best sounding or most user-friendly. But, as with prior XM models, they offer a blend of all these attributes, achieving everything I look for in a pair of wireless headphones at a logical price point. Both internally and externally, the Sony WH-1000XM6 are different from their predecessor — but don't expect extreme changes in either case. For example, externally, the M6 has a wider headband, and the hinges now fold to make the headphones more compact. But if you didn't know about the hinges, you'd have a hard time telling the old from the new: The earcup material is unchanged, and the M6 still uses a physical button for its most important functions: active noise cancellation and power. You'll also still find ports for a 3.5mm auxiliary cable and USB-C along the outer edges of the earcups. Because of the larger headband, I do find the M6 more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time than their predecessor, but I am concerned that the extra articulation on the all-plastic hinges could be more prone to snapping under increased pressure. Thankfully, Sony does provide a clamshell-style travel case for the headphones that latches closed. It doesn't fold neatly or compress in any way to squeeze into an overpacked bag, but at no point in my testing did I fear for their safety when I packed them inside. In terms of technical changes, the M6 goes for a 12-microphone array versus the 8 mics on the WH-1000XM5, and a new-and-improved QN3 processor powers the active noise-cancelling algorithm. On the technical side, Sony has changed the actual drivers inside the headphones themselves to focus on vocal clarity and extend high-frequency reproduction. These changes do make the M6 sound different from any other previous Sony headphones, but we'll cover all of that down in the performance section below. Controls, similarly, haven't changed much, but Sony's flagship headphones do have a few new tricks up their sleeves. The two physical buttons on the M6 have different shapes now, which means you won't accidentally turn off the headphones when you simply want to turn off active noise cancellation. You can also hold the noise-cancelling button to mute your microphone on calls. All other functions are activated by swiping or tapping on the outside of the right earcup. Double-tapping the side of the headphones will play or pause music, while swiping up or down will raise or lower the volume. Pressing and holding on the earcup will bring up your phone's voice assistant, such as Siri or Gemini. If you're a frequent traveler, Sony's audio passthrough feature is fantastic. To activate it, you simply cup the right earcup. That reduces the volume of your music and uses the external microphones to pick up ambient sound. This is the fastest and most efficient way to talk to a coworker for a quick second, order a drink from the cafe cart on a plane or train, or simply to listen in for an important audio cue. Thanks to the new microphone array, it's a vastly improved experience compared to the XM5. Sony also provides a short USB-C cable for charging and a 3.5mm headphone cable in the carrying case that you can use on a plane. The headphones will still play music when they aren't charged, but you won't be able to turn on active noise cancellation or use the touch controls when they're off. To customize the controls, you can download Sony's Sound Connect app on iOS or Android. Here you can adjust the headphones' functions to your heart's content. There's a built-in EQ that you can use to change the headphone's standard sound and enable new features like head gesture control to answer or decline phone calls. Compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5, the M6 trades a wide soundstage for better clarity. That's not a horrible tradeoff to make — and one that I think some folks will appreciate — but listeners who prefer more space to recordings might be left feeling a little cold. Sony says it developed the sound by visiting Battery Studios in New York City and working directly with its sound engineers. Those engineers have worked on albums for Run DMC, Bob Dylan, Miles Davis, Ozzy Osborne and more, and have optimized the M6 for vocal clarity. Seminal classic 'Kiss from a Rose' by Seal helped me test vocal clarity, and I can say that I've never heard the lyrics in as much detail as I have on the M6. The extension in the upper mids and treble range came through loud and clear, and the harmonies sounded great. Turning to something a little heavier, 'Call Me Little Sunshine' by Ghost had some decent low-end — more than enough for me personally, but perhaps a touch less than bass heads will want. Still, the clarity in the vocals was unmatched. At least some of that comes down to excellent codec support. Right out of the gate, the WH-1000XM6 supports LDAC, SBC, AAC and the latest LC3 codec. No Bluetooth codec will enable lossless playback, but with a 990kbps bitrate, LDAC can transmit 24-bit/96kHz from streaming services like Tidal, Apple Music and Qobuz. I used the latter for my audio testing. So what's the downside here? Well, the vocal clarity does come at the expense of a wide soundstage. Listening to music with, say, the AirPods Max is like listening to a live show. The Sony WH-1000XM6 feels more like you're in the listening booth at a studio after everything's been mixed. With both headphones you're missing imaging (positional locations of guitars, vocals, bass and drums) but the WH-1000XM6 are a much more focused, compact sound. Now, Sony is working to actively open up that sound in two yet-to-be-realized ways. Like the Sony WH-1000XM5, the XM6 supports 360 Reality Audio. The tough part is finding music that's been mastered in that format as currently only Amazon Music Unlimited has it. The other option that Sony is touting is stereo upmixing to 360 Spatial Sound. I wasn't able to try that ahead of launch, but it's something I'll spend a great deal of time tinkering with later. Unfortunately, I didn't have a plane flight to hop on in the three weeks I spent with the 1000XM6, but I do have a newborn — one that will let you know when she needs a nap by crying as loudly as possible — and a Sonos system that can output more than 85db of sound. When that happened, the M6 did a solid job blocking out most of the sound…but not all of it when I was listening to music at a moderate volume. I could, of course, blast the music above a safe listening level (greater than 80 decibels) to compete with the screams, but that didn't feel comfortable for more than a few minutes at a time. To simulate plane noise, I threw on an album called (Airplane Sounds) from Qobuz and cranked the sound on my Sonos system. At 70db, the airplane background noise was barely noticeable when I popped on the Sony WH-1000XM6. At 75 or 80db, however, I could hear the background noise over some music I had playing on the headphones. Considering that the background noise on an airplane can reach 105db during takeoff and landing, the WH-1000XM6 won't be able to mask every sound during your next flight. The TL;DR? If you're sitting next to a screaming baby on an airplane or subway, expect that you'll be able to hear both the baby and the mode of transportation, at least, partially. If there's one big reason to upgrade to the Sony WH-1000XM6, it's for the upgrade in call quality. With 12 beamforming microphones, the XM6 do an exceptional job picking up your voice in any environment. Everyone I spoke to using the headphones said that they were hugely impressed with the sound quality, with Tom's Guide's Staff Writer Ryan Epps calling it 'perfect'. To hear it for myself and do some comparative testing, I left voicemails on my wife's phone using the WH-1000XM6, 1000XM5 and AirPods Max. I thought all three were great, but the XM6 were definitely the best of the bunch. Are the WH-1000XM6 going to replace a boom mic for podcasting? No, probably not. But for conference calling, they are more than up for the task. Sony says there's been no change on the battery life front, but I'm not too bothered by that — 30 hours of ANC is more than enough. That would get you through the longest flights, no problem, or about three-and-a-half days if you're wearing them all day at the office. To charge them, you can connect them to a laptop via the included USB-C cable. You can charge them while you're using them, or let them charge and walk away. Sony estimates you'll get about three hours of playback from a three-minute charge — a number that's tough to measure, but seems to be right based on my time charging them between sessions. With ANC turned on, you're looking at 30 hours of playback (give or take a bit based on how loud you listen to your music) and around 40 hours with ANC turned off. I found that 3 hours of use dropped the battery percentage to 90% — which would roughly confirm Sony's battery life claims. That's a fairly good battery life all things considered, and it's around what I'd consider the industry standard. More than Bose and Apple, equal to Bowers & Wilkins, but not quite as much as Sennheiser. They're not a massive overhaul, obviously, but there's just enough of a difference with them that Sony can say the WH-1000XM6 are distinctly different from their predecessors. The sound quality is now laser-focused on vocals, and the additional microphones allow the M6 to adapt to any loud ambient noise…within reason. That said, these are not the be-all, end-all of noise cancellation, nor are they the headphones I'd reach for when I want the best bass response or a live concert sound. Precise imaging and wide soundstage just aren't Sony's strong suit here. For that, I'd recommend the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 when listening to music on the go, or a pair of reasonably priced open-back headphones like the Sennheiser HD505 when you're listening to music at home and want better audio quality. Don't write the WH-1000XM6 off, however. They offer a decently long battery life, great codec support and much-improved call quality. If the competition wasn't so fierce — or its most recent predecessor such a steal for $299 — these would be a 4.5 or even a 5 out of 5, but as they are, they are very good and sure to be a staple on our list of the best headphones for years to come.
