Sony’s newest flagship over-ear headphones, WH-1000XM6, promise the “best noise cancellation” in the industry and seamless wireless connectivity, the company said Thursday. The $450 cans — not cheap but less than AirPods Max’s $549 list price — should appeal to discerning Apple fans.
And Sony enlisted Post Malone as a pitchman for the new headphones, for what that’s worth. Hardly seems necessary, as this series of cans typically sits at or near the top of many best-headphones lists every year.
Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones: Top noise cancellation
Sony simply calls these "the best" noise-canceling headphones. They feature great sound, HD NC Processor QN3, 12 microphones, Adaptive NC Optimizer and 30-hour battery life. Choice of black, blue and silver colors.
- Market leading noise cancellation
- Excellent sound quality
- Easy wireless connectivity
- Relatively pricey
WH-1000XM6 headphones introduce Sony’s new HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3, which operates seven times faster than its predecessor. With 12 microphones — a 50% increase from the previous WH-1000XM5 model, released mid 2022 — these headphones can detect and neutralize ambient noise with unprecedented precision.
Sony’s new Adaptive NC Optimizer automatically adjusts to environmental conditions, including air pressure changes during flights. That’s a welcome feature for frequent travelers using MacBooks or iPads at 35,000 feet. And Auto Ambient Sound mode intelligently balances music playback with important external sounds like announcements or conversations.
Studio-quality sound endorsed by Grammy winners
Photo: Sony
Apple Music subscribers will appreciate the attention to audio fidelity. Sony collaborated with mastering engineers from Sterling Sound, Battery Studios and Coast Mastering to ensure the headphones deliver music exactly as artists intended.
“Sony has always been a benchmark for premium quality, and the WH-1000XM6 headphones take it to a new level,” said Randy Merrill, mastering engineer from Sterling Studio. “They transport me to a different world with their excellent bass, frequency response, soundstage and detail. They truthfully represent the sounds of the recordings that we work so hard to make.”
The headphones feature carbon fiber composite drivers and a specially developed voice coil that promises to reveal subtle details across all frequencies. WH-1000XM6 supports High-Resolution Audio and High-Resolution Audio Wireless through Sony’s LDAC technology. And the cans use Edge-AI-powered DSEE Extreme to upscale compressed digital music files in real time to restore high range sound lost in compression.
Multi-device connectivity for Apple ecosystem users
For those invested in Apple’s ecosystem, the WH-1000XM6’s Multi-Point and Auto Switch capabilities allow seamless transitions between devices. So you can switch from listening to music on your iPhone to answering a call on your MacBook without manual reconnection.
The headphones support LE (Low Energy) Audio, delivering ultra-low latency that enhances gaming experiences on Apple devices and provides access to broadcasts with AuraCast. Users can also listen while charging, simply by plugging in a USB cable.
Comfortable design with intuitive controls
Photo: Sony
Sony redesigned the 1000X series with comfort in mind. The wider headband features synthetic leather for pressure-free wearing. And the earpads use stretchable material that provides a secure yet gentle fit during extended listening sessions.
The controls will feel familiar to Apple users accustomed to touch gestures. They can enjoy a responsive touch panel complemented by tactile buttons for noise canceling, ambient sound and microphone muting functions.
WH-1000XM6 folds compactly using an advanced metal injection mechanism, making them easy to store in bags alongside MacBooks and iPads. The redesigned carrying case now features a magnetic closure for quick access.
Smart features and solid battery life
The Scene-based Listening feature uses sensing technology to automatically play music and adjust noise cancellation based on activity and location. The headphones integrate with major streaming services including Apple Music.
With up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation activated, Apple users can enjoy multiple workdays or long flights on a single charge. When power runs low, a quick three-minute charge provides three hours of playback. That’s perfect for those moments before rushing to catch a flight.
Post Malone partnership
Photo: Sony
As part of Sony’s “For The Music” campaign, the company partnered with Post Malone, whose music is prominently featured on Apple Music playlists. “These new noise canceling headphones make you feel completely inside the music,” said the Grammy-nominated artist.
With Apple reportedly not planning to release new AirPods Max until later this year, Sony’s WH-1000XM6 presents a compelling alternative for Apple users seeking premium over-ear headphones with industry-leading noise cancellation and excellent sound quality.
Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones availability
You can buy WH-1000XM6 headphones for $449.99 in black, platinum silver, and midnight blue at Sony.com, Best Buy, Amazon, and other retailers.
Sony simply calls these "the best" noise-canceling headphones. They feature great sound, HD NC Processor QN3, 12 microphones, Adaptive NC Optimizer and 30-hour battery life. Choice of black, blue and silver colors.
- Market leading noise cancellation
- Excellent sound quality
- Easy wireless connectivity
- Relatively pricey
Buy from: Amazon
