It’s been three years since Sony launched its in style WH-1000XM5 Headphones, and right now it’s formally launched its successor–the WH-1000XM6. Combining the glossy design of the XM5 with the folding performance of the fan-favourite XM4, it appears to be like like a promising improve to one of the vital in style collection of noise-canceling headphones available on the market. Early critiques are extremely constructive, with critics mentioning the headphones impeccable noise-canceling expertise and extremely-snug design.
$448 at Amazon | $450 at Best Buy
Sony made two big upgrades with these new headphones. First and foremost is the new noise-cancelling processor. The QN3 is said to be seven times faster than the processor found in the XM5, resulting in enhanced active noise cancellation. Using 12 microphones, it can sense and react to noises in your environment, quickly adapting its performance to reduce ambient sound.
The other big addition is a folding design. Sony abandoned this with the XM5, and while the folding system isn’t identical to the older XM4, the end result is the same. Thanks to metal joints, you can swivel and fold the earcups, making them easy to transport in the included carrying case.
You’ll get up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge, a wider headband for added support and comfort, and a six-microphone system that picks up and transmits crisp audio for phone calls. Of course, it also benefits from enhanced drivers, which should provide clearer audio for all your content. The headphones are available in black, midnight blue, and silver.
If you’re looking to upgrade your audio but don’t want to drop $450, both the XM5 and XM4 headphones are at the moment on sale. The XM5 are $348 (was $400) and the XM4 are $298 (was $348). The XM5 provide superior noise-canceling chops in comparison with the XM4–but they lack the power to fold, making them a bit extra cumbersome for journey or storage. The XM4 are additionally on sale for $50 off, although audio high quality and ANC aren’t fairly as much as par with the newer XM5.
The XM6 basically combines the perfect points of each headphones whereas additionally enhancing total efficiency. Be sure you give all three a glance earlier than deciding which is finest in your wants. There are many different nice headphones out there in 2025, and also you’ll discover a couple of of our favorites beneath.