As you can probably guess by the model name, the WH-1000XM6 is the sixth iteration of Sony’s long-running wireless headphones series. And we reckon it’s the most complete version yet.
If you have an older pair of the WH-1000X models, you’ll likely be wondering whether it’s time to stick or twist in terms of upgrading. Take the WH-1000XM4 for example. They launched in 2020, and a lot has changed in the time since they first arrived on the scene.
Should you upgrade from that model to the current version? Read on to find out whether the WH-1000XM6 are worth the money.
Price
The Sony WH-1000XM6 were announced on May 15 2025 with an RRP of £400 / $450 / €450 and are available to buy now.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 launched August 2020 and at the time would have cost $349 / £349 / €389. They’ve since been discounted as low as $222 / £187 / €199 on Amazon.
Design
There’s a slight throwback with the WH-1000XM6’s design compared to the WH-1000XM4. They both have the look where the earcups angle inwards but the newer model has a more sophisticated and modern look.
The newer model has a stepless slider, so when adjusting the headband there’s no clicking sound as there is with the WH-1000XM4. The headband is more angular and thicker too, so it can sit on a wider variety of people’s heads.
The buttons have changed, from the redesigned power button to the custom button now referred to as the ANC button. Along with that, the earcups have softer on the WH-1000XM6 making for a more comfortable fit and better seal as the headphones don’t push outwards when worn.
What’s stayed the same is that both models can fold so they take up less space when they’re being transported. There are touch controls on the right earpad that cover ambient modes, playback and and volume control. USB-C charging input and a 3.5mm jack for wired listening are also present on both. The carry case isn’t as compact as the WH-1000XM4’s carry case though.
There’s a dated look about the WH-1000XM4 that marks it out as an older generation. The WH-1000XM6 look more svelte, and comfort levels have improved too. The return of the folding mechanism is something that we appreciate as well. As far as design and comfort goes, the WH-1000XM6 get an easy win.
- WH-1000XM6 win
Noise-Cancellation
When it comes to the internal components, the WH-1000XM6 are powered by the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3, which is apparently seven times faster than the QN1 Processor in the WH-1000XM4.
The WH-1000XM6 feature a total of 12 microphones, over twice as much as the five mics that are in the WH-1000XM4. The number of microphones allows the headphones to constantly monitor and adapt to the surrounding noise for more precise noise-cancelling.
We found the noise-cancelling to be markedly improved with the new model. The noise-cancellation sounds more natural in that there isn’t the noise-cancelling whine or chilly tone to sounds heard on the WH-1000XM4.
We would say that the older model seems to suppress voices better, but in terms of overall effectiveness, the WH-1000XM6 is much better.
- WH-1000XM6 win
Features
Both headphones come with a huge number of features. Rather than compare tit for tat, we’ll focus on what’s new and different with the current model.
In terms of Bluetooth, the WH-1000XM6 support Auracast which allows the headphones to connect devices in public spaces.
Bluetooth multi-point that allows for connection to two devices at once is supported on both headphones, but the current model supports the higher quality LDAC streaming at the same time. Bluetooth LE Audio also offers higher quality streaming over Bluetooth and uses less battery in the process.
Another new feature coming to the WH-1000XM6 is Scene-based Listening. This feature uses sensing technology to play music automatically according to your activity and adjust the ANC levels based on your location and surrounding environment.
Voice control is Google Assistant on the newer model (the WH-1000XM4 also had Amazon Alexa). The latest over-ear features Sony’s own voice control which allows for hands-free control of playback, calls and checking battery life, among other features.
There are a few more 360 Reality Audio feature that the WH-1000XM6 has over the WH-1000XM4. The new 360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema takes stereo sound makes it more ‘3D’. There’s also the 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer that creates a specific ‘immersive’ sound for you when the headphones are connected to a compatible Sony TV.
You also get a choice of three different modes with the Mark IV: Standard, Cinema, and Background. Background pushes music further away from your ears so you can concentrate on what you’re doing without being (too) distracted.
There are more smarts in the form of Spotify Tap and Amazon Music Play Now that brings up your favourite tracks/playlists. Endel Quick Access offers relaxation through soundscapes. Ingress Prime is an AR (Alternate Reality) game that uses audio cues.
The WH-1000XM4 were one of the smartest headphones on the market when they first launched, but the WH-1000XM6 are vastly superior in the feature and smarts count. We haven’t mentioned all the features the new headphones have. There’s simply no competition between the two, especially when it comes to convenience.
- WH-1000XM6 win
Battery
Battery life is the same at 30 hours, and with noise-cancelling turned off, there’s a slight increase with the WH-1000XM6’s 40 hours compared to the WH-1000XM4’s 38.
Another improvement is the ability to listen to music while the headphones are charging, and fast-charging has been quickened. A three minute charge provides three hours of playback compared to the Mark IV’s 10 minutes providing an extra five.
For that faster charging you need an optional USB-C cable that’s not provided with the headphones.
- A draw (just about)
Sound Quality
Compared to the headphones that preceded it, the WH-1000XM4 were clearer and more musical-sounding. Compared to the WH-1000XM6, the latest model are superior in pretty much every way.
The WH-1000XM6 are clearer and more detailed. They don’t sound as rich for a more balanced performance across the frequency range. The midrange is wider, more spacious with voices that sound clearer. Bass is stronger and clearer, while treble is brighter and more detailed.
The WH-1000XM6 offer a much more refined performance, and we’d say that the more balanced approach the headphones take with music gives them a wider appeal to more people. Not everyone enjoyed the rich, bass-heavy approach of the WH-1000XM4. If that’s you, the WH-1000XM6 are much better sounding overall.
- WH-1000XM6 win
Verdict
Aside from the battery life, the WH-1000XM6 are a big improvement over the older WH-1000XM4 in all areas.
The sound is clear and more detailed, the noise-cancelling is much stronger. The features and conveinience offered with the new model is much greater than the WH-1000XM4.
The return of of the foldable design is much appreciated when travelling. Five years is a long time and in that time Sony has boosted the performance in virtually every area.
The question is whether you’ll want to pay £400 / $450 for the priviledge of that boosted performance.
It’s £50 more than what you would have paid for the WH-1000XM4 at launch, and the performance increases makes that a small price to pay for such an increase in performance.
The WH-1000XM6 easily take the win over the WH-1000XM4.