Sony unveils WH-1000XM6 headphones with advanced features
- Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones launched on May 17, 2025, featuring notable design and comfort improvements.
- The headphones include a new QN3 processor for enhanced sound quality and an increased number of microphones for better noise cancellation.
- The retail price for WH-1000XM6 is $449.99, a price increase from the previous model, signaling a competitive strategy by Sony.
On May 17, 2025, Sony launched its latest high-end over-ear noise-cancelling headphones, the WH-1000XM6. This release comes three years after the previous model, the WH-1000XM5, drawing significant anticipation among consumers and audiophiles alike. The new model features a redesign that includes a hinge capable of folding the headphones in multiple ways and an optimally comfortable, wider headband. Additionally, the new case now has a magnetic closure instead of a zip, increasing practicality for users. In terms of technical advancements, the WH-1000XM6 is equipped with the new QN3 processor, which is claimed to be seven times faster than the previous model’s chip. This upgrade is designed to improve sound quality substantially, regardless of whether noise-cancelling is active. Another improvement is the headset's microphone system, which has been enhanced to six microphones on each earcup, up from four. The inclusion of a microphone inside each earcup aims to further enhance noise management capabilities and overall listening experience As for price, the WH-1000XM6 headphones retail for $449.99 in the United States and £399 in the UK, marking a $50 increase from the launch price of the previous WH-1000XM5. This price hike sparked discussions among enthusiasts regarding the increasing cost of high-performance audio gear. Comparatively, the older model WH-1000XM4 is still available for $299.99, seeing a $50 price drop, highlighting Sony's strategy to maintain competitive pricing in the market while also providing consumers with options across different price ranges. Given the updates that Sony introduced with the WH-1000XM6, such as the improved comfort, sound quality, and convenience features, enthusiasts and regular consumers alike remain curious about the headphones' performance in real-life scenarios. The features like the Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses music when the user speaks, have been retained and refined, now accessible via the Sony app. This level of integration with tech is a testament to the company's commitment to elevating user experience in the ever-competitive realm of audio technology.