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It has been three years since Sony unveiled its acclaimed WH-1000XM5 Headphones, and today it has officially introduced its successor—the WH-1000XM6. Merging the sophisticated aesthetic of the XM5 with the portable features of the beloved XM4, it appears to be a notable enhancement to one of the top-tier lines of noise-canceling headphones available. Initial reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers praising the headphones’ exceptional noise-canceling capabilities and supremely comfortable design.

Sony WH-1000XM6 – Noise-Canceling Wireless Headphones

$448 at Amazon | $450 at Best Buy

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Sony has implemented two significant enhancements with these latest headphones. First and foremost is the cutting-edge noise-canceling processor. The QN3 is claimed to operate seven times faster than the processor in the XM5, enhancing active noise cancellation. Equipped with 12 microphones, it can detect and adjust to sounds in your surroundings, swiftly modifying its performance to minimize background noise.

The other notable feature is a foldable design. Sony had previously discarded this with the XM5, and while the foldable mechanism is not identical to the older XM4, the end outcome is similar. Thanks to robust metal joints, you can rotate and fold the earcups, making them convenient to carry in the supplied case.

You’ll enjoy up to 30 hours of usage on a single charge, a broader headband for enhanced support and comfort, and a six-microphone system that captures and relays clear audio for calls. Additionally, it gains from improved drivers, which should offer more refined sound for all your media. The headphones come in black, midnight blue, and silver.

If you’re aiming to enhance your audio experience without spending $450, both the XM5 and XM4 headphones are currently discounted. The XM5 are $348 (originally $400) while the XM4 are $298 (previously $348). The XM5 deliver superior noise-canceling abilities in comparison to the XM4—but they lack the foldable feature, making them slightly bulkier for travel or storage. The XM4 are also on sale for $50 off, although their audio quality and ANC do not quite match the newer XM5.

The XM6 essentially merges the finest qualities from both headphones while further enhancing overall functionality. Be sure to examine all three options before determining which best suits your preferences. Numerous other excellent headphones will be available in 2025, and we’ve listed a few of our favorites below.

Additional Noise-Canceling Headphones


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