For years, the WH-1000 series of headphones from Sony has always set the benchmark for providing the ultimate value package. They sound incredible, have all the modern features, and come with a reasonable price tag. For 2025 and beyond, Sony’s WH-1000XM6 promises to uphold the honour of the lineage – offer op-class ANC performance along with an audiophile-grade soundstage.
Coming two years after the XM5, the WH-1000XM6 focuses deeply on enhancing the user experience through a more robust design and better software-based features. Priced competitively in India at Rs 39,990, the XM6 reaffirms Sony’s commitment to the premium headphone space by delivering high on the listening experience, all while the competition focuses on other factors that may not necessarily appeal to the core crowd.
But is it good enough for us to recommend it as a must-have upgrade over the previous generation 1000XM5, or even skipping the premium AirPods Max? Let’s find out.
Design and comfort
The WH-1000XM6 retains the lightweight chassis (around 250g) and superior over-ear comfort from its predecessor. The foldable design, which was amiss on the XM5, returns, thereby making it easier to stow away in backpacks and small areas. The carrying case, as a result, becomes slimmer and more compact, although you need to be good at geometry to place it the correct way. Since it is a foldable design, it is often easy to carry it around without the case.
The case itself is sturdy and uses the new magnetic latch to keep the innards safe (including the charging and 3.5mm audio cable). As for the headphone, the plastic body keeps the weight down, but the hinge system utilises a metal component, promising better durability as it ages.
The XM6 introduces an asymmetric headband design that instantly communicates the correct orientation for wearing the headset. The power and dedicated noise-cancelling buttons have been given different textures and shapes, thus preventing users from mistakenly pressing the wrong control while the headphones are worn. Additionally, maintenance is simplified as the ear pads are now designed for tool-free replacement. The overall tension of the headband is nicely calibrated, securing it enough to prevent it from falling off during moderate activity. The plush earpads offer immense comfort that not only extends listening, but also makes you sleep! It’s that soft and gentle on the ears.
That said, the lack of any official IP-rating for resistance to sweat or water remains a notable omission here. Additionally, the matte black finish is prone to smudges from oily skin.
Audio performance
The XM6 carries forward Sony’s signature sound profile — detailed and energetic across most frequencies while being slightly oriented for bass. This kind of tuning is usually preferred by most users.
When paired with high-quality codecs like LDAC and LC3, the output is impressive. Unfortunately, there’s a lack of support for aptX HD or Lossless formats, which means the XM6 isn’t the ideal tool for enjoying lossless-grade audio. iPhone users are restricted to AAC, and unlike the AirPods Max, there is no direct digital audio streaming via the USB-C port. This means you need to use an external DAC for true lossless playback.
The battery life remains strong and competitive, offering a reliable 30 hours of playback time with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) activated. Charging is taken care of via a USB-C port.
Then there’s the noise cancellation system, which now relies on a more powerful QN3 processor and a total array of 12 microphones. This combination drastically improves both the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) performance and the effectiveness of the voice-driven commands. In public spaces like offices and parks, the 1000XM6 does a good job in silencing the ambient noise – nearby chatter, chirping birds, clicky keyboards, and general loud conversations are doused easily. Some high-pitched noises do make it to the ears, but the earcups and the ANC manage to keep the overall aural experience unharmed.
Smart features
The Sony Sound Connect app offers access to functional features like 360 Reality Audio, Multipoint connection (allowing two paired devices simultaneously), and Adaptive Sound Control are all present. The popular Speak-to-Chat feature, which automatically pauses music when you start talking, is now even more flexible. You can fine-tune its sensitivity and the pause duration to prevent music from pausing during involuntary sounds like a cough or a quiet affirmation.
The unique Background Music listening mode simulates distance, placing the audio further away (with settings like “My room,” “Living room,” or “Cafe”) to allow users to enjoy music while studying or working without it obstructing their thoughts — a much more sophisticated effect than simply lowering the volume. The Cinema mode uses Sony’s 360 Reality Audio Upmix technology to simulate a larger, enclosed soundstage experience.
For interactions and playback control, the ‘head gesture control’ (currently in beta) allows users to accept or reject incoming calls with a simple nod or shake of the head.
Verdict
As always, the Sony WH-1000XM6 continues to be the ideal headphone for those who focus highly on two key criteria – a solid audio performance and a design that sets a benchmark for wear comfort and practicality. Everything else that the 1000XM6 offers is a bonus – the supremely good ANC, the foldable design, the lightweight chassis and the easy playback controls. Battery life, as usual, is something that you need not worry about.
If you have Rs 40,000 to spare on a pair of premium headphones, you cannot do any better than the Sony WH-1000XM6.
