Latest news with #WH-1000XM6
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business Insider
The best Sony headphones of 2025
Music fans, frequent travelers, and anyone looking for their next pair of headphones should consider Sony's offerings. I've spent more than a decade reviewing audio gear, testing hundreds of products from a range of brands, and Sony is always among the top performers. The best Sony headphones deliver great audio quality, comfy designs, and solid active noise cancellation (ANC). For those with no spending limit, Sony's new WH-1000XM6 headphones offer the brand's most powerful ANC performance, rivaling high-end competitors from brands like Bose. But if you want to save some cash, the previous-gen WH-1000XM5 headphones are no slouch. They're not quite as good at blocking out unwanted distractions, but they offer similar sound quality for less money. All of the Sony headphones I recommend were tested in various environments while listening to music and watching movies. I put each model through the paces to help determine what kind of user each is best for. They're all worthy picks at full retail price, but they're often on sale, so you can usually snag them at a nice discount. Our top picks for the best Sony headphones Best overall value: WH-1000XM5 - See at Amazon Best overall value The WH-1000XM5 might not be Sony's newest wireless headphones, but they're still my top recommendation for most people. These are the brand's flagship headphones from 2022, and though they've been succeeded by the XM6, they're still in stock and frequently discounted. The XM5 provide good noise canceling, great audio quality, and a comfortable design, all at a more affordable price than the brand-new XM6. Of course, there are some areas where the pricier XM6 come out on top, but the cheaper XM5 deliver better value overall. The XM5's 30 hours of battery life, lightweight design, Bluetooth Multipoint connection, and speak-to-chat features make them versatile headphones for use at home, at work, on the go, and for long stretches at a time. Though I prefer the wider headband used on the XM6, the XM5 remain comfortable to wear for hours on end. Audio performance is great, as you should expect from flagship cans like this, with crisp mids and expansive bass. They work well for listening to music or spoken word and watching movies. They also support high-resolution audio for those interested in capturing every musical detail. Sony's newer XM6 headphones do offer slight improvements in sound quality, but I found it hard to notice many meaningful differences when comparing them. However, the XM6's upgraded noise cancellation is more noticeable. Don't get me wrong, the XM5 are still good noise-canceling headphones, but the XM6 are better at blocking out more distractions. It's also worth mentioning that the XM5's ear cups can't fold up to make them more compact for traveling. This is something that the XM6 can do. But given the current cost difference, I think most people will be more than satisfied with the WH-1000XM5, even if they can't quite match the XM6 in a few areas. Best for noise-cancelling Sony's new WH-1000XM6 are its most advanced wireless headphones so far, and they deliver the brand's best noise-canceling performance. In fact, they deliver some of the most impressive ANC I've encountered on any headphones. The XM6 feature adaptive technology, which keeps the headphones actively adjusting the frequencies they block as your environment changes. The headphones include a new chip with more power than the XM5, so there are now additional built-in microphones (12 total) filtering out the noise around you. On the audio front, you can expect the same excellent sound as the XM5, but with a touch more clarity. The XM6 also have a few welcomed design tweaks, like a thicker headband and a revised power button shape that helps differentiate it from other functions. The carrying case has also been altered and includes a magnetic latch instead of a zipper. Overall, the XM6 headphones are more refined, with small yet impactful improvements. Unfortunately, the price has also evolved, as the XM6 retail for $450. That's $50 more than the XM5 cost at launch and around $150 more than they typically go for now. Given their comparatively high cost, the XM6 headphones are best for those who travel a lot or work in especially distracting environments and are willing to pay top dollar to get premium ANC performance. Best on a budget If you're looking for a decent pair of wireless headphones but don't want to spend serious cash, the WH-CH720N are a compelling choice. These midrange headphones cost around $150 (and have dropped to as low as $88) but still offer most of the features that Sony's more expensive models are known for, like active noise cancellation, long battery life, and a comfortable, lightweight design. Although the WH-CH720N can't match the ANC performance of the other headphones in this guide, they still provide a decent reduction in distracting noise. I wouldn't recommend these if powerful ANC is a priority, but they're effective enough for casual use. However, you should be aware that this model is missing a carrying case. Though pricier than some budget headphones from other brands, the WH-CH720N stand out from less expensive offerings with a big jump in sound quality. Going from cheaper earbuds or basic, entry-level on-ear headphones to these will feel like a night-and-day difference. I found the mids to be clear, and there's a decent amount of bass to give songs a vibrant feel. Of course, people craving a deeper and richer sound with improved clarity should consider spending more for one of my other picks in this guide. But, for the money, the CH720N headphones are strong performers. I also like that they use physical buttons for play, pause, and volume adjustment. If you don't care for touch controls, that may be another reason to consider these over other Sony headphones. For affordable headphone recommendations from other brands, visit our guide to all the best budget headphones. Best for bass Sony has long employed a bass button on its wireless speakers to give them an extra oomph. The ULT Wear headphones follow that same strategy to give listeners a head-shaking experience. Pressing the ULT button on the left ear cup activates "deep, low-frequency bass," while hitting it a second time will switch to a second "powerful bass" mode. I can attest that these specially tuned EQ modes add a significant low-end boost to music. If you love your bass with a side of other instruments, then these are the headphones for you. Beyond the headphones' focus on low frequencies, the ULT Wear still provide a rich and detailed sound overall. Though they're best for bass-heavy songs and action flicks, they're still solid cans for all kinds of music. Plus, they have handy features like Bluetooth Multipoint, so they can be connected to more than one device at a time. But as good as the ULT headphones are, just be aware that they aren't quite as capable as Sony's 1000 series. The audio quality doesn't have the same level of delicate detail or exceptional clarity. Similarly, ANC performance is good, but it isn't as strong or as encompassing as the XM5 and XM6 in every environment. The headphones' fast charging takes a little longer, too. Three minutes of charging will give you 1.5 hours of listening time — the XM5 and XM6 can get three hours of listening time with three minutes of charging. Best earbuds If you prefer a pair of earbuds to keep the bulk down, then the WF-1000XM5 are the best Sony headphones for you. They sound exceptional with hard-hitting, punchy bass and clear vocals. Unlike past WF-1000 earbuds, the XM5 model is slimmed down and should fit better in more people's ears. I had a hard time wearing the older XM4, but these aren't an issue to wear for hours. Even the wireless charging case is petite. ANC performance is also great for a pair of earbuds. These are excellent at blocking out distractions on an airplane or in a busy office. In addition to multiple microphones and advanced ANC processing, the WF-1000XM5 also come with foam ear tips which tend to help block even more unwanted sound from creeping in. That said, their noise-canceling performance isn't quite at the same level as Sony's WH-1000XM6 over-ear headphones. Other notable benefits include really good voice quality during calls, which makes you sound natural and not robotic or choppy. There's also a healthy eight hours of battery life available (solid for earbuds), and in a pinch, three minutes of charging will get you an hour of listening time. Visit our guide to all the best wireless earbuds. How we tested Sony headphones I tested the best Sony headphones using several key metrics designed to evaluate audio quality, ANC, comfort, and extra features. Each pair of headphones was worn in various environments, including at home, on a plane, and in cafés. I wanted to see how they would handle noise in real-world places and if they travel well in my bag. I listened to all kinds of sources, including music, videos, and audiobooks. To evaluate ANC performance, I also played simulated sounds of everyday annoyances like a vacuum cleaner and revving car engines through speakers while wearing the headphones to hear how well each blocked different noises. I also connected the headphones to several devices to gauge how they handled playing music from different sources, like a smartphone and a desktop computer. In addition to comparing Sony's headphones against each other, I also pitted them against popular headphones from Bose, Sonos, Soundcore, and others to get a sense of where Sony's offerings fall in overall value and performance across the headphones market. Sony headphones FAQs What's the difference in ANC between Sony's various headphones? Sony's pricier headphones use more advanced ANC technology than its cheaper options. For example, the ULT Wear headphones use dual noise sensor tech, while the more expensive XM5 and XM6 use more advanced multi-noise sensors. The XM5 has eight microphones, while the XM6 features 12 microphones to listen for and filter out surrounding noise. While all of the best Sony headphones with ANC will dampen the drone of crowds and distant distractions, the pricer options can block out a wider range of noises. The 1000 series is also better at blocking stronger and closer bursts of noise than the options with less advanced technology. For more recommendations outside the Sony brand, check out our guide to all of the best noise-canceling headphones. Can Sony headphones be used for gaming? All of the Sony headphones recommended in this guide can technically be used for gaming, so long as your console or PC supports a Bluetooth connection. However, Bluetooth technology can cause a delay, which isn't ideal for multiplayer gaming. For that reason, the best wireless gaming headsets all support 2.4GHz wireless technology to reduce latency. So, in general, the Sony headphones recommended here are not optimized for gaming. That said, Sony does have a line of headsets called INZONE that are built specifically for gaming, and those models do support 2.4GHz connections. How does Sony compare to other headphone brands? Sony's consumer line of wireless headphones ranks well in performance and comfort, but it's not the only choice for headphones. I've spent significant time with competing headphones from Bose, Sonos, Apple, Master & Dynamic, and others, and am confident in saying that Sony's options stack up well. At the top end, the differences between competing headphones tend to be minor, with distinctions around design, specific features, and small details. However, if your primary focus is ANC strength, then Sony is among the top brands we recommend, second only to the best Bose headphones.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The 8 Best New Products to Buy This Week: Shop Sony, Marshall, & Nike
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Want to shop the best new product releases? In this guide, ShopBillboard highlights our favorite new product launches of the week. From tech-savvy gadgets, to trendy musician merch, to the hottest sneaker releases, we've sorted through the good and the best to curate a collection of new arrivals that are worth your time and money. More from Billboard From Viral 'Big Volume' Mascara to Zendaya's Go-To Foundation, These Beauty Bestsellers Are 30% Off for Lancome Friends & Family Sale Lindsay Lohan Explains Why Singing Again for 'Freakier Friday' Was 'Nerve-Racking' From Earbuds to Skincare to Sneakers, Here Are the 10 Best Deals to Shop at Sam's Club Right Now Best New Speaker: Marshall Kilburn III Speaker, $380 Best New Artist Merch: Mainstays by Becky G. & Alejandra Ribbed Glass Uplight, $16 Best New Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones, $450 Best New Sneaker Release: Nike A'One 'Leo Lights' Sneakers, $115 This week, there's plenty of splurge-worthy products to shop. Becky G and her mother launched a new affordable home goods collection with Walmart, Marshall releases the Kilburn III portable speaker with 50 hours of battery life, and Sony drops their impressive WH-1000M6 headphones. Also, Nike launches the first signature sneaker for WNBA star A'ja Wilson. For more products, see below. Don't see anything you like? We will continuously update this article throughout the month with new releases we think you should know about. Until then, scroll down to shop the 7 best new products to buy this week. $379.99 Buy Now on marshall With an impressive 50 hours of battery life and velvet carrying, Marshall's latest speaker is easy to take on the go. Keeping its signature retro amp design, the Kilburn III is an impressive addition to the Marshall speaker lineup. $85 Buy Now on Lancôme Whether you're hitting the beach, traveling for vacation, or laying out in the park, Lancôme has you covered with all the summer essential in one bundle. The set includes a full-size UV expert defense SPF 50+ prime & moisturizer, a mini rénergie H.P.N. 300-peptide cream with SPF 25, Monsieur big waterproof mascara, mini Lip Idôle Butterglow in Shade 10, and lastly, a yellow tote bag. $450 Buy Now on sony One of the best headphone lines on the market keeps getting better with the launch of the WH-1000XM6. Sony's flagship headphones deliver top-notch sound, impressive active noise-cancellation, and a lighter and more comfortable over-ear design. $115 Buy Now on nike A'ja Wilson's first signature Nike shoe is as dominant as her game. The basketball shoe features a plush Cushlon 3.0 foam underfoot for optimal energy return, light and breathable mesh to help you stay quick on your feet, and a vibrant design inspired by Wilson's zodiac sign; she's a Leo. $16.18 Buy Now at walmart Beyond being absolutely stunning, this affordable lamp is functional too. Key features include a pink ribbed glass shade, touch controls, dimmable integrated LEDs and a classy gold base. $10,495 Buy Now on leica Want to impress your photographer friends? Leica's latest entry to the M11 family, the Leica M11-P Safari, continues the company's long tradition of the Leica Safari Editions, which features a very eye-catching signature olive-green color scheme. $169.99 Buy Now on backbone The Backbone Pro is the brand's highest-end mobile controller to date featuring bluetooth support to wirelessly pair with a Mac, iPad, Apple TV or even Vision Pro. It also has a built-in battery that can last up to 40 hours on a charge. $2,000 Buy Now on target The AT-LPA2 turntable is one of Audio-Technica's most impressive designs to date. It features a fully manual, belt-drive turntable featuring a transparent acrylic plinth and platter, which gives the impression that the record is floating while playing. $30 Buy Now on adidas A Heisman winner, a pro wide receiver and defensive back, and an impressive fresh water fisherman, what can't Travis Hunter do? Celebrate the many talents of newly acquired Jacksonville Jaguar superstar. $98 Buy Now on lululemon Your new favorite summer tote bag is waiting for you. $84.99 Buy Now on heydude The collab initially sold out in a minutes, but luckily HEYDUDE restocked these sought after all-black Wally's. Grab them while you still can. BEATS $150 Buy Now at Target If Morpheus gave Neo the option, he would've chosen this pink Pill over red or blue. $50 Buy Now on nike With the 2025 WNBA season right around the corner, there's no better time to show your support. $279 Buy Now on The Nothing company continues to make exciting innovations to their smartphone lineup. The CMF Phone Pro 2 packs impressive performance upgrades in a stunning new design. $155 Buy Now on KNESKO Still looking for a Mother's Day gift, this three-piece gift set featuring a collagen face mask, eye mask, and a full-size 30 mL serum will make her and her skin very happy.
Stuff.tv
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Stuff.tv
WH-1000XM6: the secrets behind Sony's best headphones
The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones aren't designed for audio obsessives. At least, not exclusively. They're also made for commuters, remote workers, casual gamers, frequent flyers, and anyone who wants great sound — and noise cancellation — with minimal faff. And it's precisely this versatility that makes them interesting. Because, as it turns out, they weren't easy to make. At a press event held at Sony's slick 5020 Studios in Madrid, the company pulled back the curtain on how the WH-1000XM6 came to be. What emerged was a picture of a product shaped as much by collaboration, restraint, and problem-solving as by cutting-edge innovation, worthy of topping our list of the best headphones. Shaping the sound The sound of the WH-1000XM6 wasn't grown in a sterile lab. It came from repeated sessions between Sony's engineers and mastering engineer Mike Piacentini, who works at Sony Music's Battery Studios in New York. Having mastered records for artists including Bob Dylan, Depeche Mode, Rage Against the Machine, and more, Piacentini's job was to help tune the XM6 so that they sound good with any genre, on any pair of ears — a task that's easier said than done. 'Koji's team came over twice,' Piacentini said, referring to Sony audio engineer Koji Takamura. 'They brought prototypes — different driver designs, different tuning profiles — and we just listened. We'd sit in my room, compare them to other headphones, my speaker setup, and argue about EQ. That's kind of the job.' He wasn't just tweaking software presets. 'They'd come back after I gave them notes and literally change the physical design — airflow, diaphragm shape, materials,' he said. 'Like, I'd say 'make the snare pop a bit more,' and a few weeks later they'd show up with a totally reworked prototype that actually did it. It's always impressive how they turn abstract EQ feedback into real, physical changes.' Takamura explained that the XM6's 30mm driver is structurally similar to the one found in the XM5, but with key upgrades. 'The dome is carbon fibre composite — more rigid now — so the high frequency response is more natural and clean,' he said. 'The diaphragm edge is soft, and we added airflow holes in the bobbin to make the sound smoother and more natural.' Unlike professional-grade studio headphones used by producers and sound engineers (where the goal is to use the flattest, most clinical-sounding pair of headphones possible), designing a pair of consumer headphones is a different beast entirely. 'With studio headphones, you know who you're building for. With these, you don't. They'll be used by people listening to everything from Dylan to EDM. So it's about making smart compromises that still feel musical.' Piacentini also spoke about the reference material used in testing — a tight selection of tracks he either worked on directly or knew intimately. 'You listen to the same songs 50, 60 times while tuning,' he said. 'You're listening for balance — does the snare hit the same way? Is the vocal sitting right? And more than anything, does it translate from the studio to these headphones?' Interestingly, other engineers brought in by Sony — including Randy Merrill, Chris Gehringer, and Michael Romanowski — all made similar tuning decisions. 'It was reassuring,' Piacentini said. 'We weren't working in a vacuum. The choices we made seemed to land with everyone.' The tuning process itself, once the hardware was fixed, also took time. 'We started with a few different EQs,' Takamura said. 'Then we brought it to Mike. He helped us tune it more precisely, and we saved that as a preset.' Naturally, one of the other key challenges was balancing ANC with sound quality. 'If the noise cancelling is too strong, you lose clarity,' Takamura continues. 'We worked on an algorithm that adapts to your head shape and your surroundings. That's new.' The sound of silence On that note, Sony's noise cancelling has long been among the best — and the XM6 pushes things further. The jump from eight microphones to 12 (six per earcup) gives the system more data to work with, and it's all handled by the new QN3 noise-cancelling processor, combined with a powerful, all-new algorithm. According to Sony, it's seven times faster than the QN1 chip used in the XM5, enabling more responsive real-time adjustments to changing environments. But it's not just about the hardware. Takamura explained how the new algorithm adapts not just to background noise, but also to head shape and air pressure — crucial for keeping ANC consistent in different situations. Still, he acknowledged the trade-offs. 'There's always a small difference between sound with ANC on and off — but we tried to keep it as small as possible.' In testing, the WH-1000XM6 delivered one of the most effective ANC performances I've used. On a flight, engine noise faded to near silence. In a busy home office, keyboard clacks and fan hum dropped to a distant murmur. Even without music playing, the XM6 created a noticeably quieter bubble — and once audio kicks in, external distractions all but vanish. The ambient mode (Sony's take on transparency) has been improved too. It now adjusts automatically based on surroundings — opening up more in quiet spaces, pulling back in louder ones — with no need for manual tweaks. Some power users may lament the lack of customisable ANC controls regardless, and I totally get that. For me, I have zero complaints about the ANC autopilot in the WH-1000XM6. Though I wouldn't mind seeing a future app update with customisation options. Power to the people, and all that. Nips and tucks While not a million miles away from the design of the XM5, there are some notable changes in the XM6 which, according to Sony designerChai Yee L., was led by a mixture of user feedback and stubborn attention to detail. 'We call it evolutionary, not revolutionary,' she said, 'but each change solves a specific problem.' One example, is the headband. On the XM5, it was perfectly symmetrical — sleek, but occasionally confusing. 'Some users wore them the wrong way round,' she admitted. 'That affects the seal, and sound quality. So the new headband is slightly asymmetrical, with a seam at the back to help you identify the correct orientation by feel.' Even the way the headphones fold was rethought. 'We brought back the folding design because people missed it,' she said. 'But we also reworked the hinge. There's less swing, more stiffness, a straighter profile. We wanted to reduce what we call the 'Mickey Mouse effect' — that triangular gap between the earcup and the head.' The carry case, too, has had a rethink — prompted by Sony's Inclusive Design Workshop in 2024. 'The old zip was hard for some people to use. Now it's a magnetic flap. You can open it with one hand.' Play Other small but considered changes include a redesigned power button (to avoid accidental presses), softer synthetic leather pads, and increased clamping force for better ANC performance. 'You can now wear it around your neck with closed cups too,' she added. 'We wanted it to look and feel more portable.' Sony WH-1000XM6: the best headphones for most people If someone were to ask me what headphones they should get, I'd point them in the direction of the WH-1000XM6 without hesitation — budget permitting, of course. They aren't exactly cheap. But if you're after a single pair of headphones for every conceivable task, and are willing to spend a premium, you won't be disappointed. And as for the inevitable XM7? I'm looking forward to what Sony's engineers and designers will cook up over the next few years.
Tom's Guide
23-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Forget Sony WH100XM6 — these excellent over-ear headphones are now available to pre-order in the US
If you're looking for the best pair of over-ear headphones you can buy right now, there's a strong argument that the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 is it. We awarded it 4.5 stars in our recent review and we can't get enough of these headphones right now. Following their release in the U.K. and Europe, Bowers & Wilkins has just confirmed these headphones are now available to pre-order in the U.S. That wasn't always a given; B&W said it was weighing up options as to whether it would launch the headphones in the U.S., and there was always a question of how much they'd cost due to the ongoing uncertainty around tariffs. But you can order them right now for $449 at Amazon, with shipping slated for June 11 — the day after their formal release. And since Sony just confirmed it was bumping the U.S. price of the WH-1000XM6 to the same price, we'd recommend opting for the Px7 S3s. The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 are one of the best pairs of over-ear headphones you can buy right now thanks to supreme sound quality, awesome comfort and a great battery life. In our Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review, we called these Editor's Choice 'phones the best sounding headphones for the price with impeccable build quality. What do you need to know about the B&W Px7 S3? Well, our audio editor thinks they're an excellent alternative to Sony and Bose with better sound, a more comfortable fit, and better build than both. The headphones have been redesigned from the previous iteration of the Px7s, to make them two ounces lighter. The padded headband and plush memory foam of the earcups mean you can wear these all day without noticing and, well, they've got tactile physical buttons for controlling volume and playback. Although it's likely you'll use these wirelessly, you can plug them in with a USB-C cable for hi-res listening at 24-bit 96kHz. The only thing to note is that you won't be able to use wired listening if the battery is dead. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Overall though, at a time when many companies are either hiking prices or withholding U.S. product launches entirely, it's great to see these excellent British headphones are going to make their way across the pond after all — and at a good price to boot.
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![[Watch] When RM2,099 Buys You Peace Of Mind (And Ears)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ftherakyatpost.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Rakyat Post
20-05-2025
- Business
- Rakyat Post
[Watch] When RM2,099 Buys You Peace Of Mind (And Ears)
Subscribe to our FREE In the chaos of Malaysian city life, where construction noise mingles with rush-hour traffic and crowded cafes, Sony's latest offering promises a slice of tranquillity. The new WH-1000XM6 headphones, priced at RM2,099, are ambitiously claimed to deliver the brand's best noise-cancelling experience yet. The XM6 continues Sony's upward pricing trend – a notable jump from its predecessor, the XM5, which launched at RM1,799, and a significant leap from the XM4's initial price of RM1,599.. Available in sophisticated Black, Platinum Silver, and Midnight Blue, these premium headphones seem designed for the modern Malaysian lifestyle. Whether you're cramming into a packed LRT carriage or trying to focus in a busy office, Sony claims these headphones can create your own peaceful bubble. Beyond Specs: Real-World Comfort Meets Daily Demands The real-world appeal lies in its practical features. During testing at The comfortable fit, with its wider headband and soft ear cushions, suggests these could be a faithful companion through long workdays. For entertainment enthusiasts, Sony has partnered with Post Malone to showcase how these headphones can transform everyday listening experiences. They've added theatre-like sound features for movie watching, which could be perfect for those long-haul flights or quiet evenings at home. Making Sense of Sony's RM2,099 Investment Perhaps the most practical feature is the quick-charging capability—three minutes of charging gives you three hours of listening time, ideal for those last-minute rushes when you forget to charge overnight. However, the RM2,099 price tag raises the question: is it worth the investment? Sony is sweetening the deal with a pre-order package that includes a premium headphone stand (worth RM199) and RM50 TNG e-wallet credit upon warranty registration. For those wanting to experience the headphones before making the investment, Sony Store BBCC and Sony Store Curve are offering touch-and-try sessions. It's worth noting that while these headphones might be overkill for casual listeners, they could be a worthwhile investment for daily commuters, frequent travellers, or professionals who spend hours on calls. READ MORE : READ MORE : Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
