I have spent 48 hours using Sony's WH-1000XM6, and I really don’t want to return them.

      Sony's latest flagship noise-cancelling wireless headphones combine several anticipated upgrades along with new features that I didn't realize I desired. The result is a pair of headphones that feel both familiar and entirely fresh. Achieving this is significant, especially considering the predecessor has consistently topped best headphone lists for years. Priced at $450, they are also the priciest of the 1000X series to date.

      My evaluation unit arrived later than anticipated, so I'm not ready to provide a comprehensive review of the WH-1000XM6. However, after two days of usage, I can share my initial impressions, which are quite positive. Sony has clearly delivered another impressive product.

      Sony claims improvements in sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), and call performance, and I can confirm these enhancements. While the upgrades are mostly subtle, that is expected. I recently updated our review of the WH-1000XM5 and found that even in 2025—three years post-launch—they still remain the best overall headphones available. There's a limit to how much you can elevate an already outstanding product while maintaining a certain price point.

      Also, don't let anyone convince you that large drivers are necessary for substantial bass. Sony's smaller 30mm carbon fiber drivers output remarkable low-end sound.

      For me, the most appreciated changes in the WH-1000XM6 lie in the finer details. This model represents Sony's most advanced and carefully designed headphones to date.

      Sleeker and More Upscale

      When Sony transitioned from the WH-1000XM4 to the WH-1000XM5, they implemented a completely new design. This resulted in some compromises. The XM5s were more streamlined but could only fold flat for storage. Although the headband featured slender, stylish rotating hinges connecting to the earcups, many users found them less rugged, leading to numerous replacements from Sony. While they were incredibly light, they had a somewhat plastic feel, which wasn't what you'd expect from $400 headphones.

      The WH-1000XM6 correct these issues. They can now fold both flat and compactly; the hinges have been reinforced with metal for enhanced durability, and Sony has developed a plastic material that maintains lightness while exuding a luxurious feel with a smooth, matte, stone-like surface that is less prone to fingerprints.

      Where the XM5 earcups displayed noticeable seams, the XM6 shells present a seamless design. The XM5's microphone cutouts appeared as afterthoughts, while the XM6 employs tiny, flush-mounted metal grilles that align with the slim metallic accents at the hinges.

      The overall impression, particularly in Sony's “silver” color, is one of pure elegance and minimalism. Additionally, kudos to Sony for the new travel case. It's smaller than that of the XM5, and the ingenious magnetic closure eliminates the need for zippers.

      Enhanced Comfort

      In terms of comfort, the XM6 represent an improvement as well. They weigh slightly more than the XM5 (8.96 ounces compared to 8.78 ounces), yet they feel lighter when worn. Sony has increased the clamping force and added springs to the earcup pivots (similar to Apple AirPods Max), resulting in a more secure fit. With deeper padding on the ear cushions and headband, this does not lead to increased pressure, even for glasses wearers.

      You might find it amusing, but one of my favorite changes is the way the earcups rotate when not in use. The XM5 could only rotate outward, which meant the hard outer shell rested on your collarbone when hanging around your neck. The XM6 rotates in the opposite direction, allowing you to place them with the cushions facing down. Regarding the cushions, they're now easier to remove and replace. While not as simple as the magnetic ones on the AirPods Max, it’s certainly more convenient than before.

      I’m also pleased that Sony now permits charging the XM6 while using them wirelessly. This wasn't an option with the XM5 (although wired analog operation was possible). However, Sony still includes an absurdly short charging cable, so to utilize this new feature, you may need to purchase a longer cable.

      Lossless and Spatial Audio

      Regarding the cable, it's surprising that the XM6 do not support a lossless connection via USB-C. Nearly all contemporary flagship headphones from brands like Bose, Apple, Beats, and Bowers & Wilkins offer this feature. It's a notable shortcoming in an otherwise excellent product.

      Sure, most people would require very quiet environments to appreciate the benefits of lossless audio, but a wired USB audio connection remains practical: nearly all smartphones now come with USB-C ports, while very few retain headphone jacks.

      It appears Sony is still trying to refine the spatial audio experience and hasn't quite settled on its approach. The XM5 introduced this feature, along with head tracking, through a firmware update. However, functioning required a subscription music service like Nugs.net that supports