Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones Launched With These 5 New Features

Sony has unveiled its latest flagship headphone, the Sony WH-1000XM6. It’s the successor to the WH-1000XM5 from last year, with plenty of big upgrades. There’s a new case, improved noise cancellation, and better audio quality. Here is everything you need to know about XM6.

Sony WH-1000XM6 Is Here: What’s Changed?

1. Foldable Design And Redesigned Case

Starting with the design, the XM6 can fold down for portability just like the XM4. While Sony removed the folding feature with the XM5, it’s now making a comeback with two hinges.

Another change is the wider headband at the top for extra comfort, and it has memory foam too. Just like last year, it has over the ear cups with touch controls on both sides. The XM6 will be available in three colors: black, silver, and blue.

The charging case is also slimmer this time and is easier to open and close. The traditional zipper has been replaced with a new magnetic clasp.

2. More Mics For Better Noise Cancellation

Sony’s new WH-1000XM6 offers major improvements in noise cancellation and sound quality. For starters, the headphones use the new Sony HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3. The company claims this is seven times faster than the Q1 chip inside the XM5.

One new feature is scene-based listening. It can automatically identify your surroundings to play music and adjust noise cancellation based on the environment.

Furthermore, it now has 12 microphones compared to the 8 on the XM5. This, along with the improved noise cancellation optimizer, should reduce the noise around you. And if you don’t wish to miss important announcements on public transport, the new passthrough mode should help.

3. Lasting Battery And Ability To Use While Charging

Coming to the battery life, it can last 30 hours on a single charge, which is more than enough. And if you turn off ANC or passthrough mode, you get an additional 10 hours of battery backup. This is the same battery backup as last year.

Moreover, there’s a quick charge mode that provides three hours of playback with just three minutes of charging. Sony also says that you can use the XM6 while it’s charging, which isn’t present in the XM5.

Also Read:

• Best Sony WH-1000XM4 Tips, Tricks, and Hidden Features
• Sony WH-1000XM4 Review: Stellar Noise Cancellation Again

4. Crisper Audio And Call Quality

Last but not least, Sony has worked on the audio quality as well with new drivers. It can produce high-frequency audio that results in clear vocals. It has collaborated with three audio engineers: Sterling Sound, Battery Studios, and Coast Mastering.

There’s also support for SBC, AAC, and LDAC codes. You get multipoint connectivity for pairing to multiple devices and 360 Reality Audio for an immersive experience.

Despite having the 30mm size drivers, resulting in better bass and improvement. The XM6 can also upscale standard audio to spatial audio for an enhanced listening experience.

Sony’s new AI noise reduction model has been trained on more than 500 million voice samples and captures your voice better. This should improve the voice quality during calls or when you are chatting with your favourite AI assistants.

You also get Bluetooth 5.3 with Auracast, so you can cast the same audio to multiple headphones. It’s useful for shared audio during a group listening session or a visit to the nearby museum.

5. XM6 Pricing and Availability: More expensive than XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM6 starts at a price of $449.99 in the US and $599 in Canada. This is expensive than the XM5, which launched for $399 two years ago.

Although given that the XM6 brings so many upgrades, the new features do justify the premium over its predecessor. It is available to buy on Sony’s website, Best Buy, Amazon, and other authorized dealers.

Sony WH1000XM5 Vs WH-1000XM6 Specifications Comparison