Sony raises the bar again with WH-1000XM6

Sony has officially introduced the WH-1000XM6, its latest flagship wireless noise-canceling headphones. Building on the legacy of the WH-1000X series, the new model promises notable upgrades across audio quality, active noise cancellation, design, and call clarity, but with a steeper price point of $450 (₹37,350).

Studio-level tuning, now in your ears?

Sony says the WH-1000XM6 deliver improved clarity and sound resolution. To back this, the company collaborated with seasoned mastering engineers from renowned studios including Sterling Sound, Battery Studios, and Coast Mastering. While Sony claims the headphones offer “studio-level accuracy,” similar assertions in past models have often leaned more toward marketing than real-world listening.

The audio setup includes a 30mm driver featuring a high-rigidity carbon fiber composite dome and a revamped voice coil structure. Under the hood, the headphones now employ a new advanced look-ahead noise shaper to optimize digital-to-analog conversion and reduce quantization noise in real time.

Codec and sound features see a lift

In terms of wireless codecs, the WH-1000XM6 supports SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3. Audio upscaling is handled by Sony’s DSEE Extreme engine, and there’s enhanced support for 360 Reality Audio. A new “Upmix for Cinema” feature lets users enjoy spatial audio from stereo content, adding more dimension to regular tracks and video content.

Noise canceling goes smarter and faster

Sony has stepped up the active noise canceling game with the WH-1000XM6. The new model houses 12 microphones and debuts the QN3 HD Noise Canceling Processor, which Sony claims is seven times faster than the QN1 chip used in the XM5. The Adaptive NC Optimizer now adjusts even quicker to changing surroundings, and the updated driver design further boosts ANC effectiveness. The Auto Ambient Sound mode also sees enhancements for a smoother transition between environments.

Call clarity gets an AI boost

Call quality sees a bump as well, with AI-assisted beamforming microphones designed to better isolate the user’s voice from background chatter. This should make phone calls more intelligible in noisy environments, a weak point in many previous headphone models.

Design tweaks and old features return

Sony has reworked the XM6’s headband with a wider build for reduced pressure and introduced an asymmetrical design for easier side detection. One notable design change is the return of foldable earcups, a feature seen in earlier models but dropped in the XM5. The new headphones are available in Black, Platinum Silver, and Midnight Blue, all with matte finishes, and ship with a redesigned carrying case that now uses a magnetic latch.

Worth the upgrade? Depends on your budget

At $450, the WH-1000XM6 come in at $50 more than the XM5 and $150 more than the now discounted XM4. With the XM5 currently available at $350 (₹29,050) and the XM4 at $300 (₹24,900), budget-conscious buyers may still find solid value in the older models, especially if the newer upgrades don’t significantly impact daily usage.

Keep in mind that official India pricing may vary due to import duties, GST, and local distributor margins. Sony may price the WH-1000XM6 higher in India, likely around ₹39,990 to ₹41,990, based on past trends.