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Sony
Sony WH-1000XM6
noise cancelling & sound
8.7/ 10
ANCNoise cancelling8.7
0.010.0
At 8.7, its noise cancelling beats 90% of over-ear headphones we've measured.
Measured on 58 of the 239 we've cataloged.
4.8/ 5
SoundMDAQS Overall4.8
1.05.0
A 4.8 puts its audio quality in the top 10% of over-ear headphones we've measured.
Measured on 43 of the 239 we've cataloged.
See the lab data ↓Frequency response · Isolation · Noise cancelling · Audio quality
Key specs
Battery Life Wireless
37.23 hBelow average37.23 h
11 h100 h
below average for over-ear headphones — based on 156 of 239 we've cataloged.
Charging Method
USB-CMost commonUsb-c88%Micro usb9%Others3%
Usb-c is the most common — on 88% of the 138 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 239).
Bluetooth Version
5.35.029%5.326%5.216%5.411%
5.3 appears on 26% of the 147 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 239).
Connection Type
Wired-3.5mm48%Bluetooth44%Wired-usb-c7%Others2%
Bluetooth appears on 44% of the 239 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 239).
Battery
- Battery Life Wireless
- 37.23 h
- Charging Method
- USB-C
- Full Charge Minutes
- 3 min
- Battery Life Anc On
- 30 h
- Battery
- Yes
- Fast Charging
- Yes
Connectivity
- Bluetooth Version
- 5.3
- Connection Type
- Bluetooth wireless
- Bluetooth Codec
- SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3
- Multipoint Devices
- Yes - 2 devices
- Headphone Jack
- Yes
- USB Charging
- Yes
- Latency
- 30 ms
Design
- Weight
- 254 g
- Color Options
- Black, silver, midnight blue
- Ear Pad Type
- Pleather
- Foldable
- Yes
- Headband Type
- Adjustable over-head
Features
- Spatial Audio
- Yes
- Companion App
- Yes
- Control Type
- Physical buttons, touch controls
- Eq Customization
- Yes
- Auto Pause
- Yes
- Voice Assistant Support
- Alexa, Bixby, Google Assistant, Siri
Build
- IP Rating
- None
- Material Chassis Primary
- Plastic, stainless steel
- Sweat Resistance
- No
- Water Resistance
- No
Microphone
- Count
- 6
- Microphone
- Yes
- Noise Reduction Type
- AI-powered
- Type
- 6-mic beamforming array
Sound
- Acoustic Design
- Closed-back
- Ambient Mode
- Yes - adjustable level
- Driver Count
- 1
- Driver Size
- 30 mm
- Driver Type
- Dynamic driver
- Frequency Response
- 20-20000 Hz
- Frequency Response High Hz
- 20000 Hz
- Frequency Response Low Hz
- 20 Hz
- Impedance
- 48 Ω
- Noise Cancellation Type
- Active
Identity
- Model Number
- WH-1000XM6
Release
- Date
- May 15, 2025
- Msrp Usd
- 449.99 USD
- Year
- 2025
Lab data
How we test ›Objective measurements from the SoundGuys test lab — overlay other models to see how this one compares.
Sony WH-1000XM6SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve
Measured frequency response (dB relative) against the SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve. When the measurement goes above the dashed line, that frequency is louder than our preference curve, and when it goes below: it's quieter. Use the curve for comparison purposes only, as your taste may vary.
| Frequency (Hz) | Response (dB) |
|---|---|
| 20 | 7.5 |
| 25 | 8.5 |
| 32 | 8.9 |
| 40 | 8.6 |
| 50 | 7.8 |
| 63 | 7.1 |
| 80 | 6.3 |
| 100 | 5.4 |
| 125 | 4.5 |
| 160 | 2.7 |
| 200 | 1.7 |
| 250 | 1.2 |
| 315 | 0.8 |
| 400 | -0.1 |
| 500 | -0.9 |
| 630 | -0.2 |
| 800 | 0.5 |
| 1000 | 0.0 |
| 1250 | 2.3 |
| 1600 | 3.7 |
| 2000 | 7.3 |
| 2500 | 11.7 |
| 3150 | 11.2 |
| 4000 | 8.7 |
| 5000 | 8.5 |
| 6300 | 5.3 |
| 8000 | 0.9 |
| 10000 | 10.0 |
| 12500 | 1.0 |
| 16000 | 3.4 |
| 20000 | -6.7 |
Sony WH-1000XM6
Passive isolation (dB) with ANC off — how much ambient noise the fit blocks on its own. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | 0.1 |
| 26 | -1.2 |
| 33 | 0.9 |
| 41 | 1.3 |
| 52 | 0.2 |
| 65 | 0.3 |
| 82 | -0.5 |
| 103 | -1.4 |
| 130 | -1.8 |
| 163 | -2.8 |
| 205 | -1.5 |
| 259 | 3.0 |
| 325 | 9.8 |
| 410 | 12.7 |
| 516 | 16.6 |
| 613 | 15.7 |
| 772 | 20.2 |
| 972 | 22.7 |
| 1220 | 22.7 |
| 1540 | 28.7 |
| 1940 | 32.5 |
| 2440 | 32.4 |
| 3070 | 35.3 |
| 3870 | 38.7 |
| 4870 | 48.6 |
| 6130 | 47.5 |
| 7720 | 54.9 |
| 9720 | 45.7 |
| 12200 | 40.5 |
| 15400 | 39.7 |
| 19400 | 41.2 |
Sony WH-1000XM6
Total attenuation (dB) with ANC on — passive isolation plus active noise cancelling. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Total attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | -1.7 |
| 26 | -10.0 |
| 33 | 5.0 |
| 41 | 11.7 |
| 52 | 17.1 |
| 65 | 23.9 |
| 82 | 26.1 |
| 103 | 21.7 |
| 130 | 26.3 |
| 163 | 30.3 |
| 205 | 31.4 |
| 259 | 34.8 |
| 325 | 32.8 |
| 410 | 26.7 |
| 516 | 24.8 |
| 613 | 20.5 |
| 772 | 25.4 |
| 972 | 27.8 |
| 1220 | 23.1 |
| 1540 | 23.3 |
| 1940 | 29.7 |
| 2440 | 33.7 |
| 3070 | 34.5 |
| 3870 | 38.2 |
| 4870 | 45.7 |
| 6130 | 48.9 |
| 7720 | 54.0 |
| 9720 | 41.3 |
| 12200 | 40.9 |
| 15400 | 40.1 |
| 19400 | 40.9 |
Sony WH-1000XM6
4.9
4.3
4.6
4.8
Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (1–5), modeled from the measured response. Higher is better across timbre, distortion, and immersiveness — add other models to see where this one lands.
SoundGuys review
Read the full review ›Noise cancelling8.7
Isolation7.6
Battery life9.8
Comfort & fit8.0
Connectivity9.0
Design7.0
The verdict
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is every bit a worthy successor to Sony's other ANC headphones as you'd hope. They sound very good, have excellent ANC, and are equipped to handle demanding users. However, the lack of cutting-edge connection options might be an issue as the years go by.
✓What we like
✓Excellent ANC
✓Good sound quality
✓Excellent microphone
✓Device compatibility
✕What could be better
✕No USB listening
✕No ingress protection rating
✕Price
Related comparisons
Browse all versus ›See how the Sony WH-1000XM6 stacks up against the competition.
Sony WH-1000XM6
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 WirelessVSVersusSony WH-1000XM6 vs Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 WirelessWhat do you get for $50 more with the Sony WH-1000XM6? We compare both flagship headphones to find out.Read comparison ›Sony WH-1000XM6
Sony 1000X The CollexionVSVersusSony WH-1000XM6 vs Sony 1000X The CollexionSony’s WH-1000X The Collexion costs far more than the WH-1000XM6, but the differences may surprise you.Read comparison ›Sony WH-1000XM6
Apple AirPods Max 2VSVersusSony WH-1000XM6 vs Apple AirPods Max 2There's a $100 gap between these two flagships. Here's whether it's worth it — and which direction it cuts.Read comparison ›Video reviews and comparisons for this product.
Features & Opinions
More from the team ›Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
3 headphones I would buy instead of the AirPods Max 2These premium headphones deliver class-leading ANC, longer battery life, and more flexibility for less money.
Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterI tried the Sony WH-1000XM6's new gaming feature, and at least half of it worksSony's GMAP update promises lower latency and better voice chat on the WH-1000XM6. Actually using it turned out to be the hard part.
Adam BirneyManaging Editor3 headphones to buy instead of the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 WirelessWhether you want better ANC, more features, or a lower price, these headphones give the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless some real competition.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterThe Sony 1000X The Collexion fixed my biggest problem with the XM6I can rock these headphones all day.Adam BirneyManaging EditorSorry Apple fanboys: 70% of you chose the Sony XM6 over the AirPods Max 2Sony keeps the crown.Adam BirneyManaging EditorWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.
Tom TriggsContributorThe Sony WH-1000XM6 have a comfort problem, but there’s an easy fixAn ear pad swap makes the Sony WH-1000XM6 the flagship it should’ve been.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterI can't bear to wear the Sony WH-1000XM6Poor comfort prevents the WH-1000XM6 from being my daily driver.Adam BirneyManaging EditorI tried the Sony XM6's Background Music mode and can't work without itI usually ignore spatial audio features. But Background Music mode on the Sony WH-1000XM6 changed how I work.Adam BirneyManaging EditorThe Sony WH-1000XM6 is showing the same fatal flaw as the XM5Sony's redesigned flagship was supposed to fix the hinge. Early reports suggest it didn't.Adam BirneyManaging EditorThe Sony WH-1000XM6 exemplifies why technology is boringAfter months of hype, the Sony WH-1000XM6's biggest upgrade was better hinges, and that says everything about where tech innovation has gone.
Ansel TanVideo ProducerThe Sony WH-1000XM6 sounds better than the Apple AirPods Max, here's howWhile not a resounding victory, a victory nonetheless.
Christian ThomasEditor-at-large
Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterI tried the Sony WH-1000XM6's new gaming feature, and at least half of it worksSony's GMAP update promises lower latency and better voice chat on the WH-1000XM6. Actually using it turned out to be the hard part.Adam BirneyManaging Editor3 headphones to buy instead of the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 WirelessWhether you want better ANC, more features, or a lower price, these headphones give the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless some real competition.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterThe Sony 1000X The Collexion fixed my biggest problem with the XM6I can rock these headphones all day.Adam BirneyManaging EditorSorry Apple fanboys: 70% of you chose the Sony XM6 over the AirPods Max 2Sony keeps the crown.Adam BirneyManaging EditorWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.Tom TriggsContributorThe Sony WH-1000XM6 have a comfort problem, but there’s an easy fixAn ear pad swap makes the Sony WH-1000XM6 the flagship it should’ve been.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterI can't bear to wear the Sony WH-1000XM6Poor comfort prevents the WH-1000XM6 from being my daily driver.Adam BirneyManaging EditorI tried the Sony XM6's Background Music mode and can't work without itI usually ignore spatial audio features. But Background Music mode on the Sony WH-1000XM6 changed how I work.Adam BirneyManaging EditorThe Sony WH-1000XM6 is showing the same fatal flaw as the XM5Sony's redesigned flagship was supposed to fix the hinge. Early reports suggest it didn't.Adam BirneyManaging EditorThe Sony WH-1000XM6 exemplifies why technology is boringAfter months of hype, the Sony WH-1000XM6's biggest upgrade was better hinges, and that says everything about where tech innovation has gone.Ansel TanVideo ProducerThe Sony WH-1000XM6 sounds better than the Apple AirPods Max, here's howWhile not a resounding victory, a victory nonetheless.Christian ThomasEditor-at-largeMore Over-Ear Headphones
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