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Sony WH-1000XM6 Review: Is This the Best Noise-Canceling Headphone for Travel, Work, and Music in 2025?

Looking for the best noise-canceling headphones in 2025? Wondering if the Sony WH-1000XM6 is worth the $450 price tag? This hands-on review breaks down everything you need to know—whether you're comparing them to the AirPods Max, upgrading from the WH-1000XM5, or just searching for premium travel headphones with superior comfort and sound quality. The WH-1000XM6 improves on Sony’s already acclaimed lineup with stronger ANC, enhanced audio, and a practical return to a foldable design, making it a compelling pick for audiophiles, commuters, and remote workers alike.

Refined Comfort and a Smarter, Foldable Design

Sony has brought back the folding design that fans missed on the WH-1000XM5, and it’s a game changer. The WH-1000XM6 headphones now include jointed arms that allow them to collapse neatly into a smaller, more portable carrying case. Whether you're traveling for business or heading to a café for remote work, portability matters—and Sony nails it here. The new magnetic clasp on the case is a subtle but smart upgrade, replacing the zipper for easy one-handed access.

Adding to the comfort factor is a wider, better-padded headband that reduces pressure during extended wear. Long-haul flyers and hybrid workers will appreciate these subtle but meaningful changes. Removable ear pads also make maintenance and long-term use much easier, which adds to the overall value of these premium headphones.

Class-Leading Noise Cancellation and Sound Upgrades

Noise-canceling performance is where Sony continues to shine. The WH-1000XM6 uses Sony’s newest ANC chip, delivering what the company claims is their most powerful noise cancellation yet—outperforming not just their own WH-1000XM5, but also competing models like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Apple’s AirPods Max.

Transparency mode still sounds impressively natural, and the ability to temporarily mute noise cancellation by placing your hand over the right earcup is a feature that once again proves how user-focused these headphones are.

On the audio front, Sony didn’t just tweak the tuning—they collaborated with engineers from their own music studios to refine it. The new drivers enhance vocal clarity and detail while retaining the dynamic, bass-rich profile Sony fans love. A customizable 10-band EQ lets you fine-tune the experience to your taste, giving audio enthusiasts a sandbox to experiment with sound signatures.

Minor Flaws: USB-C Audio and Gimmicky Features

Not everything hits the mark. Despite finally allowing simultaneous charging and listening, the lack of USB-C audio support feels outdated—especially on a $450 device. You’ll need to use two cables: one for charging and another (3.5mm) for listening.

Sony also includes a spatial audio upmixing feature in its Sound Connect app, with presets that simulate environments like cafés or theaters. Unfortunately, these effects fall flat—artificial and unnecessary. The good news? They’re completely optional and easy to ignore.

Enhanced Call Quality and Familiar Battery Life

For professionals and everyday users who rely on calls, Sony has upgraded the microphone system from four to six mics for voice pickup, while also introducing AI-powered beamforming for clearer conversations. Whether you're in a noisy office or walking through a city, your voice should cut through more effectively.

Battery life remains solid—up to 30 hours with ANC on, and 40 hours without. While there’s no change from the WH-1000XM5, this battery performance still beats much of the competition and supports fast charging for those on the go.

Worth the Upgrade?

So, are the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones worth the higher $449 price tag? If you’re upgrading from an older model like the WH-1000XM3 or XM4, the answer is a confident yes. You’ll enjoy dramatic improvements in noise cancellation, comfort, and portability. For WH-1000XM5 owners, however, the gains may feel incremental—though the foldable design alone might justify the upgrade for frequent travelers.

While the AirPods Max offers a more luxurious build and the QuietComfort Ultra focuses on crisp clarity, Sony’s WH-1000XM6 strikes the perfect balance of high-end audio, smart features, and practical design. These headphones continue to be a top pick for those seeking the best over-ear noise-canceling headphones in 2025.

Key Features at a Glance:

Where to Buy the Sony WH-1000XM6

• Amazon – Often offers bundle deals or slight discounts

• Best Buy – Great for in-store pickup and warranty options

• Sony Official Store – Best for product support and exclusive promotions