Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones, HD NC Processor QN3, 12 Microphones, Adaptive NC Optimizer, Mastered by Engineers, Studio-Quality, 30-Hour Battery, Platinum Silver

Each new version of the Sony WH1000 series Wireless Noice canceling headphones has improved over the last version and the WH1000-XM6 is no exception. This is their best headphone yet for sure. The sound is much improved and comes very close in quality to the much more expensive headphones I own like the Dali I-O8, the Focal Bathys and the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100. The noise canceling is also improved. It still does not block 100% of noise, but no headphones do and it comes closest to that (i saw a test that showed the XM5 blocked 84% and the new XM6 blocks 87% of noise which seems right to me. I love that they listened to their customers and brought back the folding design but did it in an entirely new way rather than fo back to the standard old design. I initially bought the Midnight Blue because of the reported anti-fingerprint coating but was disappointed in it as it still shows off finger smudges (although perhaps not as bad as the previous versions). Due to that I also purchased the Platinum Silver and I love the matte finish on this color which looks so much cleaner and feels more premium, in my opinion. The headphones are comfortable for me with just the right amount of clamping force so that they sit firmly on my head without being uncomfortable. There is a weird sensor on the inside of the ear cups which protrudes out a bit and could be an issue for some although I haven’t had a problem with it. The headband is wider and this adds to comfort level over the previous XM5’s, but not by a large margin. Still, it is better. Also they have added new features which I appreciate such as gestures (nodding up and down to answer a call or side to side to decline a all), voice commands (“headphones turn up the volume, skip this track”, etc. and you can call up your device assistant such as Siri for iPhone by saying “assistant”) and a ten-band equalizer to control the sound as you like it. The case is almost the best part, with the new magnetic enclosure its a snap to open and close. One thing is they added the ability to listen to the headphones while charging, which would be great except the cord provided for charging is so short this isn’t feasible and also there is no USB-C audio which should be a feature as most headphones currently do offer this and is becoming standard issue. I wish they could improve the battery life but 30 hours is fine and certainly serviceable. The other audio modes are mostly useless to me (Background music, Cinema) so i have only tried them once, but I have yet to watch a movie with them so its possible Cinema would work well with that as that is the intention of it after all. I am disappointed they removed the ability to a toggle the Speaker-to-chat on/off by a two-fingered press on the touch pad, now you can only do this in the app. Not sure why they removed it as I found it most handy in the XM5’s. There are enough added and improved features that I feel the increased price is justified and also was inevitable with the Trump tariffs. I think they are worth the cost and have always believed the saying “you get what you pay for”. If out of your price range the XM5 and XM4 are both excellent options for a lower price, but I still recommend the XM6 as the best Sony has to offer!

I have a variety premium headphones (Bang & Olufsen H95, Bose 700, Bose QC 2, Air Pod Max) and I got to say that the Sony 1000Xm6 by far is the best sounding headphones I own, I love how the black looks on these XM6’s. Even if it is made entirely of plastic, it does not feel cheap and it is very light weight with clear fantastic audio, very responsive touch sensor control, very visible power button. The app is tricky the first time you pair your XM6 bit once done, the app is fantastic. The nose cancellation is better than Bose which I cannot believe I am saying this given there legendary status in that field. I paid $1K for Bang & Olufsen H95 and the XM6 headset blows the H95 out of the water and cost almost $700 cheaper although the H95 does have better build quality. I absolutely am in love with the XM6. The battery is very good, I have had these headsets for 5 days and I only had to charge them once which was the day I bought them and gave them it’s initial charge. I do plan to eventually get Bose QC Ultra’s because I hear they are equal to the XM6. Nevertheless, the XM6 is the best I have owned thus far.Pros:Absolutely fantastic nose cancellationSuperb crisp clear Audio & SoundGood build quality (not great but good)Great microphoneVery comfortableVery light weight (no metal)Sony Connect app is very niceBattery.Cons:Headphones built completely out of plastic (though I do love how light it feels) but for $450, these headphones need to have some metal in it.The Sony Connect app can be a little tricky when it comes to connecting your headphones for the first time.Headphones does not have a very visible right side or left aide making it confusing when it comes to making sure you are putting the headphones on right. You have to look inside just above the ear cuffs to see a very tiny R for right ear and L for left ear.Cushions are thinner than normal and the faux leather can get a little warm after a while.Verdict: Even with it’s all plastic build, lack of clear Right side Left aide, the thin faux leather, these headphones are worth the $450. They are truly one of the best if not the best headphones I own thus far. You’ll love the technology, great audio, and how comfortable they are to wear. If you have the means, I recommend purchasing a pair.