
Sony continues to lead the premium headphone market with the launch of the Sony WH-1000XM6, the sixth-generation model in its award-winning XM series. Released in May 2025, these wireless headphones bring significant upgrades in design, sound performance, and active noise cancellation (ANC) β making them the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy this year.
π₯ Whatβs New in the Sony WH-1000XM6?
- Return of foldable earcups for easy portability
- Enhanced HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3
- Studio-quality audio tuning by Grammy-winning engineers
- Upgraded 12-mic noise-canceling system
- Sleek new colors: Black, Silver, and Midnight Blue
- Support for Bluetooth 5.3, LDAC, and LE Audio
π§ Design and Comfort: Foldable, Sleeker, More Travel-Friendly
Sony brought back the foldable earcup design in the WH-1000XM6, making them perfect for travelers and commuters. They come with a slimmer, redesigned carry case and a new magnetic clasp. The matte finish resists fingerprints, while the earcups and headband offer an ergonomic, lightweight fit with improved padding and better clamping force for long listening sessions.
π§³ Perfect for: Airplane travel, remote work, and on-the-go listening.

π Sound Quality: Studio-Grade Audio for Every Listener
The XM6 headphones boast redesigned 30mm drivers with a more rigid dome for enhanced high-frequency detail. Sony has also collaborated with Grammy Award-winning engineers to fine-tune the audio profile for precision and balance.
π΅ Key Features:
- Hi-Res Audio and LDAC support
- DSEE Extreme for upscaling compressed audio
- Customizable 10-band EQ with presets
- Special gaming EQ mode for immersive play
Whether you’re streaming music, editing podcasts, or gaming, the XM6 delivers unmatched clarity.
π Noise Cancellation: Best-in-Class ANC with Adaptive Features
Sonyβs new QN3 chip is seven times faster than its predecessor, powering a total of 12 microphones (6 on each earcup) for even more precise adaptive noise cancellation.
π The headphones automatically adjust ANC performance based on your environment β like planes, cafΓ©s, or public transport β ensuring peace and quiet wherever you are.
π Ambient Sound Mode and Speak-to-Chat functions let you hear important sounds or hold conversations without removing the headphones.
π Microphone & Call Quality: Crystal-Clear Conversations
Thanks to six beamforming microphones and Sony’s AI-based noise suppression, the WH-1000XM6 delivers crystal-clear voice calls even in noisy environments. The AI model was trained on over 500 million voice samples to intelligently isolate speech from background noise.
π Battery Life and Charging: Long-Lasting and Fast-Charging
Youβll get up to:
- 30 hours of playback with ANC
- 40 hours without ANC
- 3 hours of playback from just 3 minutes of charging
Unlike previous models, the WH-1000XM6 now supports audio playback while charging β a much-needed feature for power users.
πΆ Connectivity: Seamless Across Devices
With Bluetooth 5.3, LE Audio, Auracast, and multi-device pairing, these headphones are future-ready. Easily switch between your phone, laptop, and tablet without reconnecting manually.
You also get a 3.5mm jack for wired listening β perfect for airplane entertainment systems or studio work.
π° Price in India: Worth the Investment?
As of May 2025, the Sony WH-1000XM6 is priced at βΉ39,990 in India. This marks a premium over the previous model, the WH-1000XM5, which is currently available at βΉ29,990. Smartprix
While the XM6 comes at a higher price point, the enhancements in design, sound quality, and noise cancellation justify the investment for those seeking top-tier performance.
β Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Sony WH-1000XM6?
Absolutely. The WH-1000XM6 is a masterclass in wireless headphone engineering. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, music producer, gamer, or just someone who values peace and sound quality, these headphones offer everything you need β and more.
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