The WH-1000XM6 may not introduce drastic improvements, but that’s perfectly fine — especially now that it’s discounted.
I’ve been a long-time admirer of Sony’s 1000X series headphones, to the point where I bought several models post-testing. However, the WH-1000XM5 didn’t appeal to me; the design left much to be desired, and the lack of an inward folding feature made it unsuitable for travel.
Thus, I looked forward to trying out the WH-1000XM6. Although Sony didn’t alter the audio drivers extensively, the WH-1000XM6 showcases a significantly improved design; the hinge now features a folding mechanism, making it again convenient for travel. The case is far less bulky compared to its predecessor, and I was able to fit it into my travel bag with ease.
With Sony launching the WH-1000XM6 two years following the WH-1000XM5, a price increase is unavoidable; the headset is priced at $449, yet it’s currently on sale for $398. This represents a modest reduction of 13%, but every bit counts.
✅Recommended if: You travel frequently. The WH-1000XM6 offers unparalleled noise isolation, excelling as a travel headset due to its new folding hinge design.
❌Skip this deal if: You prefer a neutral sound profile. In that case, consider the Bose QC Ultra Gen 2. Additionally, the WH-1000XM6 lacks ingress protection, which is another factor to keep in mind.
Throughout the month I assessed the WH-1000XM6, I noticed no design flaws, and the headset appears more durable than its predecessor. Comfort levels are solid too, thanks to the cushioned ear pads and headband, alongside reasonable adjustability. Similar to its predecessors, the headset does not provide ingress protection, so I wouldn’t recommend using it during gym sessions.
The sole usability concern is that the WH-1000XM6 exhibits a higher clamping force, creating a discernible amount of pressure. This can become bothersome over time, which is one reason I opted not to take the WH-1000XM6 on a recent long-haul flight — I lean towards the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 for this purpose.
The QC Ultra Gen 2 is far more comfortable for prolonged wear, and I encountered no issues on a 16-hour flight, even though it’s 9g heavier — I can’t fathom enduring that with the WH-1000XM6. The WH-1000XM6 truly shines in noise isolation; Sony excels in Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and this year is no exception. The headset effectively blocks ambient noise in loud environments, slightly surpassing Bose.
Regarding audio performance, the WH-1000XM6 retains a bit of a bass emphasis, albeit less pronounced than its predecessors. The headset features the same 30mm driver as the WH-1000XM5, but alterations to the tuning yield a somewhat distinct sound.
There’s a minor enhancement to the bass, delivering added depth and energy to the audio, though overall, the tuning remains enjoyable. While I still favor Bose’s neutral soundstage, it’s undeniable that the WH-1000XM6 is crafted to be vibrant in this aspect.
You can effortlessly modify the sound, adjust the EQ, and switch modes via the Sony Sound Connect app. It also allows you to fine-tune transparency settings, set up 36-degree sound, and modify gesture controls. Speaking of which, the headset features intuitive gestures, triggering actions smoothly.
Sony’s LDAC codec remains functional on the headset, ensuring seamless streaming of lossless music to the headset from your Android device — Google collaborated with Sony to incorporate LDAC into Android 8.0 Oreo, and all subsequent OS versions come with the codec pre-installed.
As for battery life, the WH-1000XM6 surpassed the promised 30 hours, outlasting the QC Ultra Gen 2 by 90 minutes. It also supports fast charging, providing three hours of playback from a mere 10-minute charge, which proved invaluable on occasions when I neglected to charge the headset before heading out.
Overall, I’m impressed with what Sony accomplished with the WH-1000XM6. The design shows marked improvement this generation, making travel more manageable. The audio quality has progressed, and it delivers top-notch noise isolation along with a wealth of practical features. I still lean towards the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 due to fit preference, but if you’ve used Sony’s headsets before, the WH-1000XM6 is sure to impress you. And with the
