Audio
Sony WH-1000XM6 Review: The Clear Buying Verdict
"Top-tier sound quality, noise cancellation and call quality." — CNET
No single aggregate score — here's what the reviewers agree on, below.
The short version
Critics broadly rate the Sony WH-1000XM6 as a top-tier pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones. Trusted Reviews found the ANC competitive with Bose, while What Hi-Fi? praised the detailed, dynamic and open sound. TechRadar also reports excellent call clarity, comfort and durability. The honest catch is price: Tom's Guide argues that some cheaper rivals compete closely on sound, and CNET recommends buying during a sale.
What reviewers loved
- Trusted Reviews found the noise cancellation stronger than the XM5 and effectively tied with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra in its pink-noise comparison.
- What Hi-Fi? reports exceptionally detailed, dynamic and precise sound, with a punchy presentation that keeps individual elements organized into a cohesive whole.
- TechRadar praises the six-microphone call system for exceptional voice clarity and precision.
- Reviewers report a more comfortable headband, restored folding design and sturdier carrying case than the previous model.
- TechRadar reports that the headphones remained scratch-free, comfortable and fault-free after a year of regular use.
What held it back
- The price is high. CNET says cost is one of the few notable drawbacks and recommends waiting for a sale.
- Tom's Guide says the sound is balanced and clear but does not always outperform similarly priced or even cheaper competition.
- What Hi-Fi? says the XM6 lack the sweeter midrange presentation of the Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless.
- Tom's Guide remains uncertain about the long-term durability of the carrying case's magnetic clasp.
Buy them if you want premium noise cancellation, punchy and detailed sound, clear calls and a comfortable folding design in one package.
Skip them if value matters most or you prefer the sweeter, more relaxed midrange presentation that What Hi-Fi? heard from the Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless.
What the reviewers say
Sound quality is the main attraction. What Hi-Fi? says the XM6 "deliver the most detailed, dynamic, precise and open sound" it has heard from a Sony wireless flagship. Trusted Reviews also found stronger, better-defined bass than the XM5, along with a wider soundstage and improved detail. TechRadar describes the balance as dynamic and punchy, with vibrant treble and rich mids.
The wider package is similarly strong. Trusted Reviews found ANC essentially level with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra in its comparison, while CNET named the XM6 its best noise-cancelling headphones overall. TechRadar praises comfort, call quality and long-term durability. Tom's Guide provides the important counterpoint: these are good four-star headphones, but their sound does not make them the automatic winner against every cheaper or similarly priced rival.
⚙ Best settings — dial it in
The supplied reviews do not publish fixed calibration values, so we will not invent them. CNET confirms that the sound can be adjusted through Sony's Sound Connect app. For fully calibrated values, see CNET.
| Equalizer | Use the Sound Connect app to customize the EQ to your preference; no specific EQ values were supplied in the cited material. |
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The competition
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Trusted Reviews found their noise suppression effectively identical to the XM6 during its pink-noise comparison.
Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless
What Hi-Fi? describes the Sennheiser as sweeter and more relaxed through the midrange, but considers the XM6 punchier, more entertaining and a step up in overall audio quality.
Should you buy it?
Yes, if you can justify the price. The critical consensus points to excellent ANC, highly detailed and energetic sound, clear calls, improved comfort and useful foldability. They are especially well suited to commuters, travelers and remote workers. They are not an uncontested value winner, though. Tom's Guide hears meaningful competition from less expensive models, and What Hi-Fi? prefers the Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless for midrange sweetness. Waiting for a discount is the right move for most buyers. Disclosure: RightWei summarizes the cited reviewers' hands-on tests and does not test units itself.
Sources
RightWei aggregates and summarizes independent reviews — we link to the original hands-on tests so you can go deeper. We don't test units ourselves.