I've used Sony's WH-1000XM6 headphones every day since they came out a year ago here's why they're my favorite headphones, even over Bose, AirPods and Sonys fancier Collexion

Date:
Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:30:00 +0000

Description:
One year on, Sonys XM6 are still king of the noise-cancelling headphones game
heres why Id pick them over the likes of Boses QuietComfort Ultra and Apples AirPods Max 2.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter 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 didnt 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. Latest Videos From Watch full video here:

And even though its 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 Sonys
own 1000X The Collexion cans. But why do I keep reaching for the XM6? And
what really sets them apart from the competition? Well, Ill get to all of
that and more as we take a look at my year of listening with the XM6. Today's best Sony WH-1000XM6 deals 374 299 View Prime Day 329 View Deal 329 View Deal Show more We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Whats so special about the XM6? (Image credit: Future) For the uninitiated, allow me to give you the run down on the Sony WH-1000XM6. These are Sonys
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 youre at the office, things like colleagues chatting, typing sounds, and vehicles passing outside the window will be drastically dulled
too if not totally inaudible. You may like Sony 1000X The Collexion review: these luxurious headphones are serious AirPods Max 2 rivals The best Sony headphones for all budgets, as tested by our audio experts Sony reveals new high-end 1000X The Collexion headphones, and explains their upgrades

Thats thanks to Sonys 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 Sonys collaboration with leading mastering engineers and youre getting amazing audio from the XM6. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

As youd expect, these headphones arent 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 theres 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 Im 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 XM6s 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. What to read next The best wireless headphones, chosen by our experts for all budgets The best headphones you can buy today, all tested by our experts The best over-ear headphones for any budget, all tested by our experts How do they compare to the competition?
Here I am, holding up the Sony WH-1000XM6 and a pair of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Image credit: Future) So, the XM6 sound pretty great so
far, right? But you might be wondering how they compare against the competition. So, lets see how they compare against some of their main rivals: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2, the AirPods Max 2, and Sonys
own The Collexion headphones.

Lets start with the QC Ultra, which are in my view the main competitor to the XM6 theyre 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. Id perhaps argue that the QC Ultra can deal with higher-pitched sounds ever-so-slightly
better, but Im talking very fine margins. Conversely, Id 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 Im 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. Today's best Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and Sony WH-1000XM6 deals Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd 399.95 332.71 View Prime Day See all prices Sony WH-1000XM6 329 View Deal See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Sony WH-1000XM6 next to the Apple AirPods Max 2 (Image credit: Future) 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 Im interested in.

Id also argue that the XM6 are generally better all-rounders than the AirPods Max 2. For instance, Apples flagship headphones only muster up a measly 20 hours of playtime with ANC on something that really shouldve been improved from the first generation AirPods Max.

I also find the XM6s 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 youll 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. Today's best Apple AirPods Max 2 and Sony WH-1000XM6 deals Apple AirPods Max 2 499 View Prime Day See all prices Sony WH-1000XM6 329 View Deal See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Sony 1000X The Collexion beside the Sony WH-1000XM6 (Image credit: Future) Its an incredibly similar story for Sonys 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 wont 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.

Dont 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. Today's best Sony 1000X The Collexion and Sony WH-1000XM6 deals
Sony WH-1000XM6 374 299 View Prime Day See all prices Sony 1000X The
Collexion 549 View Deal See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices One year later: the verdict The magnet-lock
case for the XM6 is truly excellent (Image credit: Future) So, even after testing some of the XM6s 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.

Its 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 dont 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.

Whats more, Ive 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 theyve stuck it out a couple of times only hammers home their durability and high build quality.

I wont 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, Id strongly suggest snapping them up,
and treating yourself to superior sound. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. The best noise cancelling headphones for all budgets Our top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons

Read our full guide to the best noise cancelling headphones 1. Best overall: Sony WH-1000XM6 2. Best mid-range: Bose QuietComfort Headphones 3. Best under $100/100: 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 4. Best under $60/50: Soundcore Q30



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/audio/wireless-headphones/sony-wh-1000xm6-one-year-o n


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)