Sony’s flagship noise-cancelling headphones, the WH-1000XM5, have held the top spot for three years, but their own successors, the new WH-1000XM6, have finally taken the crown. This upgrade comes with significant improvements across design, features, and sound quality.
The XM6 boasts a refreshed design, with added comfort and a return to a folding hinge mechanism. Noise cancellation has also been enhanced, adapting to changes in environment as you move around. Next-gen Bluetooth features like LE Audio, LC3, and Auracast have been added, along with increased sonic detail and dynamic expression.
While the XM6 comes at a higher price point than the XM5 (£400/$450/AU$699), it remains a top choice for those willing to invest in premium wireless headphones. The older model still holds its ground, but the new XM6 is unlikely to be replaced for two to three years.
Competitors like Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones offer impressive performances, but the XM6 edges ahead with superior noise-cancelling ability. Sony’s wireless flagships now outperform Apple’s AirPods Max in key areas, including sound quality and Bluetooth codec support.
The XM6 extends Sony’s lead in the premium noise-cancelling market, offering a winning combination of performance, features, and design.
Source: https://www.whathifi.com/headphones/our-favourite-multi-award-winning-noise-cancelling-headphones-have-finally-been-beaten-after-three-years-at-the-top