Sony’s WH-1000X line has been the benchmark for wireless noise canceling for nearly a decade. The XM6 doesn’t rewrite the formula — it refines it in almost every way that matters.
What’s new in the XM6
The headline upgrade is the V3 Integrated Processor paired with dual chips and eight microphones. On a recent flight, the XM6 silenced cabin rumble so completely that I had to check whether a crying baby was real or a dream.
Sound quality has taken a step forward too. The stock tuning is warmer and more musical out of the box than the XM5, and the new 8-band EQ in the Sony app lets you dial in whatever signature you prefer.
Comfort and build
At 249 grams, the XM6 is lighter than its predecessor yet feels sturdier. The vegan-leather pads are plush, and I comfortably wore them through two consecutive 10-hour workdays.
Battery and features
Sony claims 40 hours with ANC on — I got 38 hours in mixed testing, which is still best-in-class. Multipoint pairing is now seamless, and the transparency mode is the most natural I’ve tested from any manufacturer.
Should you buy them?
If you want the absolute best wireless noise canceling and can stomach the price, the XM6 is an easy recommendation. If you own the XM5, the upgrade is incremental — but everyone else should put these at the top of their list.
