At last. Three long years after the WH-1000XM5 launched, Sony has announced the XM6. We've given them a thorough test, so for our full verdict, head to our Sony WH-1000XM6 review. But if you want a brief overview of them, you're in the right place.
We'll run you through the cans by category, so you can see what all the fuss is about.
Ready? Then let's begin.
Sony WH-1000XM6: price
As predicted, the XM6 are more expensive than their predecessors.
While the XM5 launched at £380 / $399 / AU$649, the XM6 cost £400 / $449 / AU$699. Of course, a price increase is never welcome, but at just £20 / $50 / AU$50, it could have been worse.
Still, that makes them pricier than the Bose QC Ultra Headphones, Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3. So Sony has a lot to do.
Sony WH-1000XM6: design
Probably the biggest design change from the XM5 is that the new model folds up. Thanks to the the hinges at the end of each sliding arm on the headband, they fold up into a ball to make them easier to carry in a pocket or bag.
However, the case still requires them to be stored flat. We think Sony has missed a trick here, as they take up more space in a pocket or bag when stored in the case than when folded up on their own.
The other design tweaks are more subtle. The headband is wider and flatter than the XM5's to make it more comfortable, and is asymmetrical to make it more obvious which way round it goes.
The sliders for adjusting the earcups are once again noiseless and stepless, but the clamping force has been increased slightly to aid noise isolation. So they fit a bit more snugly.
The earcups are a little rounder than the XM5's, and they don't have a seam running down the edge. And the power button is now circular and slightly recessed.
Again, they have touch controls on the right earcup, but you can deactivate them in the Sony Sound Connect app if you prefer.
The new 30mm 'soft edge' dome driver is new, and claims to improve sound quality and ANC. It's the same size as the XM5's, and is made from the same carbon fibre composite material, which is used for its lightness and rigidity.
Finally, the XM6 are coated in a fingerprint-resistant material, so should stay pristine after you've got your grubby mitts on them. They come in three colours: silver, black and midnight blue.
Sony WH-1000XM6: features
Sony claims its new HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 is a whopping seven times faster than the QN1 chip found in the XM5. It also has a ‘look-ahead noise shaper’ that reduces distortion and improve dynamics during the digital-to-analogue conversion process.
Like their predecessors, they have Sony's DSEE Extreme sound enhancement engine to upscale lower-quality digital audio files to near high-res quality.
They also have some tech previously found in Sony's premium Walkman range of portable music players. Like a low phase noise crystal oscillator to improve timing, and the use of gold-infused solder in certain parts of the circuit.
Battery life is the same 30 hours as the XM5. And for the first time, you can listen to music on them while charging.
Other new features include 360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema (which brings spatial audio to stereo mixes from visual content), a 10-band equaliser, and a dedicated Gaming EQ.
Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast also join the XM5's supported codecs of SBC, AAC and LDAC. Other returning features include Bluetooth Multipoint, Speak-To-Chat, Quick Attention and Ambient Sound mode.
Sony WH-1000XM6: noise cancellation
Sony has increased the number of microphones for the XM6 to 12 – six on each earcup. These aim to improve both noise cancellation and call quality.
But the improvements go beyond the number of mics used. The mics on the outside edge of the earcups are now covered by a mesh to reduce wind noise, while the new adaptive NC optimiser constantly adjusts depending on your environment, adapting the ANC accordingly.
However, you can't manually adjust the noise cancellation like you can with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.
Sony WH-1000XM6: verdict
We've reviewed the XM6, and absolutely love them – you can check out our Sony WH-1000XM6 review for our full verdict.
Suffice to say, they sound even better than the XM5, which is quite an achievement, while meaningful upgrades in terms of design and features make them seriously tempting even for owners of the XM5.
We have a feeling we'll be writing about these for some time to come...
MORE:
Read our full Sony WH-1000XM6 review
Check out the best noise-cancelling headphones around
And the best over-ear headphones
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