Jada Jones/ZDNET
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones offer even better sound and ANC performance.
- They have the best travel case for headphones in 2025.
- I love the more comfortable, snug fit of Sony’s new flagship headphones.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 were great but lacked a few features that I consider essential for travel. That’s why I chose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones as my go-to travel headphones, for their comfortable fit and foldable design. But three years after the XM5 launch, Sony has finally released a worthy successor. And it improves on the last-gen product in every way.
Also: I replaced my bulky headphones with these Pixel earbuds for traveling – and can’t go back
Before the Sony WH-1000XM6, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 were my travel companion, thanks to their powerful ANC performance, comfortable fit for long-haul flights, great sound, and small form factor. However, the XM6’s foldable earcups, redesigned easy-to-store case, excellent sound, and high-performing ANC made me reconsider packing over-ear headphones before heading to the airport.
I used these headphones for a week, and they’re now likely to stay in my backpack for every trip — here’s why.
A long-awaited fit upgrade
Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET
I didn’t use the Sony XM5 headphones after the initial review period because the fit and comfort weren’t as good as those of the XM4, my Bose QC Ultra, or the Sonos Ace headphones. But Sony returns to glory with the XM6.
They are four grams heavier than their predecessor, but I find them more comfortable to wear. This could be because of the wider headband and a more circular earcup design. It sports the same earcups, which tend to retain sweat in warm environments, but I haven’t had this issue so far. Still, the XM6 fit me more comfortably and securely than the XM5.
Also: Why these headphones are still the best from Bose – even though they’re a year old
The XM4 sported a dual-hinge design, which allowed you to fold the headphones up, not just flat. Sony removed this design feature in the XM5, which made them difficult to carry around, especially when traveling through airports. With the XM6, the company brought back the dual-hinge design, so you can fold the earcups up. I miss this capability on the Sonos Ace, too, and I’m glad headphone manufacturers are returning to a more convenient design.
Sony WH-1000XM6 case with clasp
Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET
The foldable earcups design also helps make the case slightly smaller, which now comes with a magnetic latch instead of a chain. This is the most intuitive case design — once you manage to get used to storing the headphones in the correct position inside it. I also noticed the updated power button design. Sony has made it rounder and recessed, which makes it more intuitive to use because it is easier to distinguish it from the ANC toggle button. You still get the same touch controls for volume, playback, etc.
Also: Here’s how a free software upgrade made the Sonos Ace worth their price tag
I love that Sony finally got the right combination of a comfortable, snug fit, foldable earcups, excellent case, and touch and button controls. Overall, these features give it the intuitive physical features edge over the Sonos Ace and AirPods Max headphones.
Even better ANC and sound performance
Jada Jones/ZDNET
The Sony XM6 headphones come equipped with a new QN3 chip, which is claimed to be seven times more powerful than the QN1 chip used in the XM5. This is paired with a total of 12 microphones (six on each earcup), compared to eight on the predecessor.
As a result, you get excellent active noise cancellation, even for higher frequencies, which is a challenging feat for many ANC headphones. The ambient public chatter is toned down even further, and I found the ANC performance to be better than that of my Bose QC Ultra. The same can be said about voice-calling performance, thanks to the six AI-powered beamforming microphones.
Also: Should you buy AirPods Max in 2025? A long-awaited upgrade will entice professionals
In terms of sound, the XM6 feature Sony’s signature warm and smooth sound profile, with pronounced bass. I love the clear vocals and tight bass response on my favorite songs. The XM6 also offer slightly more depth as compared to the XM5, and instruments feel like they’re exactly where they’re supposed to be.
As noticed by ZDNET’s Audio Editor, Jada Jones, in her review, “Turning on noise cancellation or ambient sound [on the Sony XM6] brings more color and vibrancy, creating a more enjoyable listening experience.” I love wearing them on commutes and flights.
As for battery life, I’ve yet to fully test these headphones, but they’re rated for 30 hours of battery life at moderate volume levels with ANC on, and can go up to 40 hours with ANC off. The XM6’s battery life is expected to exceed the 24 hours and 20 hours of rated battery life on the Bose QC Ultra and AirPods Max, respectively. A 3-minute quick charge yields three hours of music playback, which may be particularly useful if you forget to charge them before a flight.
Also: Best headphones of 2025: Bose, Sony, Beats, and more
The new Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are my new travel essential for when I want to carry my headphones instead of the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds. They offer a more comfortable and snug fit, excellent sound and ANC performance, long battery life with quick charging, slightly more intuitive controls, and a case that’s easier to use. In my one week of use, I’ve yet to find a deal breaker, but I’ll have to see how they fare against Bose’s new QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2) in the coming weeks.
