Sony WH-1000XM6 Review: Are These the Best Noise-Canceling Headphones Yet?

If you’ve been expecting that the next milestone in high-quality headphones will soon hit the market, Sony proved you right – once again. The Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones are available now, and they not only set the bar even higher but also make a great promise: top-notch sound, unmatchable noise elimination, clear calls, and 30 hours of battery life.

With a price tag of $448, the WH-1000XM6 is definitely a product that can hardly be called affordable. But does this high price point match the product’s quality? Well, let’s see.

Noise Cancellation That Is More Intelligent Than Ever

The noise-canceling technology of Sony has been the best in the category of ANC for years, and the XM6 manages to outdo its predecessors. Through the use of the new HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 and the addition of 12 microphones to the system, the model is superior in realtime isolation of sound against all other devices available today.

Furthermore, no matter if you are on a plane or in a café or simply, you are walking down a noisy street, the smart headphones adapt their working modes to those environments by use of an all-new adaptive NC optimizer. As a result, you only get the music and not the environmental noise that’s around you.

One of the unique things about the QN3 chip has to be its fast performance. The new chip is 7 times faster than the one found in the previous product, WH-1000XM5. That way, it enables the system to be constantly adjusted and detects the slightest changes in noise.

Studio-Quality Audio, Co-Engineered with Professionals

Sony didn’t adopt the only route of improving the noise abolition feature. They have formed a partnership with professionals working on audio mastering and made a sound experience that gives one the feeling of being in the studio with the artist.

The WH-1000XM6 has undergone a process of being equipped with a custom driver and a lightweight carbon fiber dome. The resultant sound is detailed, clear vocals, full bass, and crisp high frequencies. For the people who tend to listen to those types of music where the quality and the fine details matter, this headphone produces a crystal clear sound that cannot be easily found elsewhere. The clarity of the sound will be enjoyed by jazz, acoustic, and classical music fans.

If you are one of those people who like to listen to music on apps such as Tidal, Apple Music, Spotify, then these headphones are perfect for you. They support Hi-Res Audio and are also compatible with advanced codecs over Bluetooth for higher fidelity.

Call Quality Is a Huge Win

Sony has gone the extra mile in terms of voice call quality — which has been a feature lacking in a lot of ANC headphones until now.

The XM6 has a 6-microphone AI-based beamforming system that uses smart noise reduction and wind-resistant design. As a result, your voice is picked up clearly amidst chatter and wind, resulting in a high-quality call.

You will find that this feature is as clear as a bell whether you are on a work call or walking and talking outside with your family.

Comfortable Fit, Portable Design

Making comfortable headphones is often not a priority in the high-end category, but this is not the case with these headphones. The WH-1000XM6 is equipped with a wider (asymmetrical) headband and soft leather earpads made of synthetic fabric, which are intended for wearing all day without creating pressure points.

The design of the headphones also focuses on foldability and convenience, hence they can easily be stored in a compact magnetic case. This makes them ideal for travel purposes or commuting. Simply put them in your bag and you are good to go without fear of damaging them.

Not merely technically elegant, but also visually. The three exclusive colors — Platinum Silver, Black, and Midnight Blue — are all equally head-turning and they can easily be taken as a deluxe level of sound.

30-Hour Battery and Fast Charging

The battery life of Sony is an area where the company still leads the pack. Playing for as long as 30 hours after a single charge lets you cover not only a transcontinental flight but also the full working day in the office.

Need to be fast? Are you running short of time? You can obtain 3 hours of playback by only charging your gadget for three minutes with the help of a USB-PD adapter. This is the most suitable method for those situations when you are leaving in a hurry. (AMOUNT OF TIME)

Both wired and Bluetooth options are possible, so if your battery is low, you’ll still be able to stay connected.

Final Verdict: Worth the Investment?

Actually, the Sony WH-1000XM6 isn’t a simple upgrade – it’s a great modern wireless headphone with many functions that one would wish for.

So, what’s really exciting in these headphones?

• Outstandingly good noise isolation
• Studio-grade sound quality
• Phones sound loud and purely
• It feels very comfortable even when you wear it for long hours
• The battery lasts long and the charger fills it up fast
• In addition, it is not only well built but is also quite mobile and travel-friendly.

They are not at all cheap with their current $448 price tag – however, those who are extremely particular about sound quality, noise cancellation, and the fit of the headphones will definitely find these a bargain.

Where to Buy

You can buy the Sony WH-1000XM6 in Platinum Silver, Black, and Midnight Blue. The product is available on Amazon. In addition, Amazon is offering an $80 instant discount by using your Amazon Store Card, but for a limited time only.