Fold, Flex, and Future-Ready: Sony’s WH-1000XM6 Sets the ANC Bar Higher

Brian k. Neal

Sony’s latest entry into its flagship headphone lineup, the WH-1000XM6, arrives with a set of updates that feel more like thoughtful refinements than radical overhauls—an evolution that reinforces Sony’s dominance in the ANC (active noise canceling) space while addressing some long-standing user requests.

One of the most noticeable changes is the return of the foldable design. After the rigid, non-collapsible frame of the WH-1000XM5 drew criticism for being less travel-friendly, Sony listened. The WH-1000XM6 brings back the fold, allowing for easier storage and portability without sacrificing durability or aesthetics. It’s a move that fans of the earlier models will immediately appreciate.

Inside, Sony has introduced its new QN3 HD Noise Canceling Processor. The company claims this processor is seven times faster than the one used in the WH-1000XM5 and works in tandem with a total of twelve microphones—up from the previous eight. This enhanced system, along with a newly developed Adaptive NC Optimizer, can adjust noise canceling levels in real-time based on environmental noise and even changes in air pressure. Sony’s ANC has consistently been at the top of the game, and this latest version looks poised to strengthen that position even further. For those who prefer more control, users can still dive into the Sony app to manually fine-tune their ANC preferences.

Audio performance gets a boost too, thanks to newly developed carbon fiber composite drivers. These drivers are designed for high rigidity, which Sony says helps improve clarity and detail across the frequency range. Listeners can expect more expressive vocals and better instrument separation—elements Sony claims help convey the emotion behind each track. High-Resolution Audio and Wireless Hi-Res Audio support are built in, alongside Edge-AI and DSEE Extreme, the latter of which upscales compressed audio in real-time for a richer listening experience.

Sony also expands its use of AI throughout the WH-1000XM6. A new beamforming system leverages six microphones to isolate the user’s voice during calls, filtering out background noise and improving clarity even in chaotic environments. The headphones also introduce a feature called Scene-based Listening, which uses AI to analyze your environment and location, then automatically adjusts the ANC level based on your surroundings. It’s a smart, seamless approach to adaptive audio that works with major streaming platforms including Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

Battery life remains impressive, with up to 30 hours of playtime with noise canceling enabled. And for users in a rush, a quick three-minute charge can provide up to three hours of playback time. The WH-1000XM6 also includes multi-point connectivity and support for LE Audio (Low Energy Bluetooth), meaning better power efficiency and the ability to stay connected to multiple devices simultaneously—handy for those juggling laptops, phones, and tablets throughout the day.

Sony is launching the WH-1000XM6 in three colors: classic Black, Platinum Silver, and a new Midnight Blue. The headphones retail for $449.99 in the US and £399.99 in the UK. With a blend of subtle design reversals, cutting-edge AI features, and continued audio excellence, the WH-1000XM6 feels like a confident stride forward. It may not be a dramatic reinvention, but for users ready to upgrade—or finally ready to buy into Sony’s noise-canceling pedigree—it’s a compelling new benchmark.