When the Sony WH-1000XM6 dropped last year, they had some big expectations to live up to.
They followed up a pair of headphones that had proven somewhat divisive, in the Sony WH-1000XM5. This model left some wearers conflicted owing to the lack of foldability, limited new features, and smaller 30mm drivers, in spite of stepping up in terms of looks and still offering great sound. For me, the XM5 just didn’t quite feel like the statement headphones that the legendary Sony WH-1000XM4 were — and in my view, the real task of the XM6 was to live up to the brilliance of that model.
And what do you know, Sony really did it — the company finally delivered a pair of XM4-beating headphones. The XM6 blended the beauty of the XM5 with the practical design of the XM4, all while delivering substantially better audio than their predecessors, alongside far greater noise cancelling capabilities and a more fleshed-out feature set.
And even though it’s been a year now, the XM6 remain my go-to headphones — even after hearing other flagship kids on the block, including the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2, Apple AirPods Max 2, and even Sony’s own 1000X The Collexion cans. But why do I keep reaching for the XM6? And what really sets them apart from the competition? Well, I’ll get to all of that and more as we take a look at my year of listening with the XM6.
What’s so special about the XM6?
For the uninitiated, allow me to give you the run down on the Sony WH-1000XM6. These are Sony’s best noise-cancelling cans to date, and even on flights, they can easily dispatch low-end rumble, high-pitched clamors, and sudden noises like doors closing. If you’re at the office, things like colleagues chatting, typing sounds, and vehicles passing outside the window will be drastically dulled too — if not totally inaudible.
That’s thanks to Sony’s QN3 noise-cancelling processor, which harnesses a system of 12 microphones to deliver some of the best ANC on the market right now.
The QN3 processor also features a noise-shaper, which pre-empts sudden sound changes, resulting in a more controlled listening experience. Pair that with LDAC for ‘hi-res’ Bluetooth listening as well as a more balanced sound signature than the XM5 and XM4 offered — in part thanks to Sony’s collaboration with leading mastering engineers — and you’re getting amazing audio from the XM6.
As you’d expect, these headphones aren’t producing true studio-grade neutrality or fidelity, but they sound more composed right across the frequency range. Still, bass is phenomenally dynamic and punchy, treble is vibrant and articulate, and there’s definitely an exciting listen to be had. Mids are also incredibly rich and well-weighted, and the XM6 offers a wider soundstage than its predecessor, all while supplying a tight and cohesive listen.
Other XM6 headlines include a new, more comfortable headband, the welcome return of foldability, and enhanced call quality. There are six beamforming mics in the XM6, and I’m yet to try any headphones that beat them for clarity and precision in the call quality department.
You also get the features that made the XM6’s predecessors great, including DSEE Extreme upscaling (which boosts the quality of lower-res audio files), scene-based listening, transparency mode, and the most responsive and accurate touch controls around.
How do they compare to the competition?
So, the XM6 sound pretty great so far, right? But you might be wondering how they compare against the competition. So, let’s see how they compare against some of their main rivals: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2, the AirPods Max 2, and Sony’s own The Collexion headphones.
Let’s start with the QC Ultra, which are in my view the main competitor to the XM6 — they’re similarly priced, and each have a strong focus on ANC performance. But interestingly, I think this contest is a relatively straightforward one.
When it comes to ANC, these two are on very similar footing. I’d perhaps argue that the QC Ultra can deal with higher-pitched sounds ever-so-slightly better, but I’m talking very fine margins. Conversely, I’d consider the XM6 slightly ahead when it comes to those deeper, darker sounds like engines roaring.
But elsewhere, I think the Sony XM6 are just the better buy. For me, the Bose have a less revealing sound that lacks the refinement and attention to detail Sony can deliver. Sony also supplies better balance across the frequency range, and even more customizable sound, making them my clear favorite sound-wise.
The XM6 also have a more cohesive, sleek, and suave look in my opinion — I’m also more partial to the magnet-lock case that Sony bundles in. Both headphones are well-matched elsewhere, though, offering fully foldable designs, solid security and comfortability in-use, and 30 hours of battery life — essentially the standard for headphones in this price bracket.
Moving onto the AirPods Max 2 now, and this is where things get interesting. Of course, these headphones have some features that are suited to Apple devices only — such as Spatial Audio and instant pairing — meaning brand loyalists may prefer these. But as someone with an Android phone, this is hardly something I’m interested in.
I’d also argue that the XM6 are generally better all-rounders than the AirPods Max 2. For instance, Apple’s flagship headphones only muster up a measly 20 hours of playtime with ANC on — something that really should’ve been improved from the first generation AirPods Max.
I also find the XM6’s use of precise touch controls to be more intuitive and user-friendly, and their more accessible price is an undeniable plus. The AirPods Max 2 come in at $549 / £499 / AU$999 — quite the increase over the $449 / £349 / AU$699 you’ll pay for the XM6.
The AirPods Max 2 still impressed me though — they offer significantly improved ANC that blocks external noise on a similar level to the XM6, and they performed very well in the audio department. They have a more spacious and expansive soundstage than the XM6, and the bass is full-sounding and beautifully controlled. While the XM6 sound pretty balanced, they undoubtedly retain a slight preference towards bass and treble from previous generations, but I personally prefer their tighter, punchier approach to the low-end.
It’s an incredibly similar story for Sony’s own 1000X The Collexion headphones, which took aim at the AirPods Max with an incredibly broad, almost three-dimensional soundstage that results in a highly immersive listen.
The Collexion undoubtedly provide stellar detailing and incredible instrument separation, but again, I always reach for the XM6 — I find their dynamism and punch to add a bit more excitement, making funky tracks or hard-hitting anthems come through with more bite.
In addition, The Collexion add very little in the way of features that the XM6 won’t already provide. Sure, they have more 360 Upmix modes, but these sound pretty bad anyway. They also have weaker ANC and lower battery life, largely due to their slimmer build and larger ear cavities.
Don’t get me wrong, The Collexion look great, and their metallic details contrast the faux-leather casing nicely, but for me, the XM6 are stronger overall.
One year later: the verdict
So, even after testing some of the XM6’s biggest rivals, I still reach for them every time. Their combination of class-leading ANC, excellent features, and dynamic, punchy, yet well-balanced audio makes them my go-to time after time.
It’s also worth flagging that after a full year of use, the headphones have held up incredibly well. I can count a total of zero times where I experienced a fault or bug, they don’t have a single scratch (even after being folded and thrown in my bag countless times), and the earcups feel incredibly comfortable, with no signs of degradation whatsoever.
What’s more, I’ve accidentally kept the headphones on during rainy days from time to time, and despite lacking an IP rating, they seemed to have weathered the storm without issue. Would I recommend using them in harsher weather conditions? No. But the fact they’ve stuck it out a couple of times only hammers home their durability and high build quality.
I won’t pretend that the XM6 are cheap by any means. But they genuinely earn their price in every way imaginable. And they do go on sale quite a bit, so if you can find them going for less, I’d strongly suggest snapping them up, and treating yourself to superior sound.
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