Sony WH-1000XM6 (Black) review 2026
Sony's 2025 flagship brings back the folding hinge, adds a faster processor and 12 microphones, and edges Bose on voices and wind
Is the Sony WH-1000XM6 Worth It?
Best noise-cancelling headphones overall. The XM6 fixes the two complaints about the XM5 — it folds and it handles wind — and its cancelling, calls and features add up to the most complete package here. It costs $50 more than the XM5 did, which is the only reason to look at last year's model.
Sony WH-1000XM6 Pros & Cons
- Best combined noise cancelling and call quality in the test
- Folds again — the XM5 did not
- LDAC and a 10-band EQ in the app
- Quick charge: three minutes for three hours
- $449.99 at launch
- Sound is tuned warm out of the box; needs the EQ
- No IP rating
Sony WH-1000XM6 at a Glance
Rubric v1: Noise cancelling 30 · Sound quality 25 · Comfort & build 15 · Battery & features 15 · Value 15. Score = Σ ÷ 10, locked Sep 11, 2026. How we rank.
Where to buy — prices checked Sep 11, 2026
Sony WH-1000XM6 specifications
Why it scored 8.8
The XM6 fixes the two complaints about the XM5 — it folds and it handles wind — and its cancelling, calls and features add up to the most complete package here. It costs $50 more than the XM5 did, which is the only reason to look at last year's model.
Where it loses
Value — $449.99.
Still the right pick for
Commuters and flyers who want one pair for everything.
Changelog: Sep 11 — rank 1 → 2 · all changes