I spent a month comparing Sony's flagship WH-1000xM6 vs Sony WH-1000xM5: here's the model I'd buy
Sony's latest cans are an iterative update — there's a new hinge, improved sound quality, and a brand new carrying case. Comfort has improved thanks to the thicker headband, and there's much better call quality. Its 30 hours of battery remains unchanged, however. They're less a leap up and more a lateral step.
The XM5 have been around for a while now, but they're no less excellent years after their initial release. Great noise canceling, solid sound quality and a comfortable fit make for a pair of headphones that's been at the top of our best list for quite some time. They're still available, making them a cheaper alternative.
The Sony WH-1000xM5 have had a tremendous three-year run as the best noise-cancelling headphones overall. They surpassed Bose's prime offerings to become the category's top option and set new standards for active noise cancellation, sound quality, and smart controls.
I'm always using them for travel and work, especially when my AirPods Pro 2 need recharging. My wife is also a huge fan and jacks my pair when I'm not looking.
Upgrading to another model never crossed my mind until the Sony WH-1000xM6 were announced. These next-gen cans launched back in May, and the company was gracious enough to provide me a sample in advance.
I spent the past month testing them to see how they stack up against their predecessor, discovering few distinctions and numerous similarities in the process.
So, are the WH-1000XM6 my new go-to headphones? Let's just say that I haven't passed the WH-1000XM5 to my wife just yet. Scroll down to read my expert opinion.
I'm digging the WH-1000xM6's audio enhancements. Despite employing the same 30mm drivers and proprietary technologies as the WH-1000xM5, everything sounds amazing.
Bass, balance, and definition are equally great. DSEE Extreme technology works wonders by increasing the fidelity on poorly engineered tracks for clearer presentation. The LDAC codec streams hi-res audio at CD-like quality on compatible devices when jamming to the best music streaming services.
Bonus features like the custom five-band EQ with outstanding presets allow for plenty of sound personalization.
Hi-Res Audio and spatial audio are fine-tuned on the WH-1000xM6, and it shows when listening to complex recordings. Depth and instrumental layering are emphasized. The content also sounds more immersive. 360 Reality Audio is OK on the WH-1000XM5.
ANC is also superior on Sony's latest headphones. The new Adaptive NC Optimizer feature adjusts performance by thoroughly examining the external sounds in your environment.
There are 12 mics beneath the hood that block out unwanted distractions across the frequency spectrum. Not all noises are silenced. High-pitched screams and sirens are audible, especially when listening to music at moderate volume or with the Safe Listening feature enabled.
The WH-1000xM5 are still a noise-cancelling stunner. They use eight mics and dual processing (QN1 and V1 chipsets) to eliminate ambient noise at an elite level. Sony's Auto Optimizer feature is solid and automatically selects the best ANC setting for your current environment, though I prefer the Adaptive NC Optimizer for its accuracy.
The WH-1000xM5's 20-level Ambient Sound mode is excellent at picking up every peep with precision from several feet away. This listening mode is just as effective on the WH-1000xM6.
Sony's versatile control scheme of physical buttons, touch sensors, and voice assistance (Google Assistant/Siri) is kept intact. All inputs are highly responsive to presses, swipes, taps and voice commands.
Special features like Quick Attention and Speak-to-Chat return and work well; the former lowers audio to about 10 percent when placing your hand over the right ear cup. A mute/unmute button was added to the WH-1000xM6. While a thoughtful inclusion, it's not something we see being used frequently.
Listeners will find Ambient Sound, Quick Attention, and Sony's auto-mute features (Speak-to-Chat, wear detection) more convenient for boosting awareness. The point is that these two models operate 95% alike.
They also come with identical battery life. You're getting up to 30 hours with ANC on, and 40 hours of continuous playback when the feature is disabled. That translates to about a week's worth of moderate listening time (5 hours daily), depending how you use either set of cans. High volume and select features (e.g., DSEE, spatial audio) drain battery life by about 3 to 6 hours.
Quick charging went untouched; a 3-minute charge generates 3 hours of playtime when using a USB-PD (power delivery) compatible charger. I expected a little more playtime from the WH-1000XM6, or at least smarter battery life management, but Sony thought otherwise.
Less-expensive alternatives like the $249 Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 and $349 Marshall Monitor III boast up to 100 hours of listening time. The WH-1000XM6's battery life looks lame in comparison.
The WH-1000XM5 are, to my ears, the superior calling headset and one of the best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls. Clarity, noise reduction, voice capture, and wind resistance are all terrific.
Apparently, the WH-1000XM6 use AI beaming mics and AI noise reduction for sharper call quality that extracts voices from rowdy backdrops. It's barely noticeable. That's not to say the WH-1000xM6's call quality isn't top tier. The WH-1000XM5 is just better for voice calls.
Another controversial take is the WH-1000xM6's craftsmanship. Some critics think it's a noteworthy step up from the previous entry. I do not. The WH-1000xM6 and WH-1000xM5 are constructed from the same recycled materials and synthetic leather.
They share the same minimalist appearance and colorways. Additions like the mic mute/unmute button, redesigned power button, and wider, asymmetrical headphone band for optimal comfort give the WH-1000xM6 minimal flair.
The smaller carrying case with magnetic lock is what really makes them more appealing, at least from an aesthetic standpoint.
Are Sony's new flagship headphones better? Yes, but by an incredibly small margin. Just how small? Here is how I rate them against their older sibling.
Sony WH-1000xM6
Sony WH-1000xM5
Price and value (5)
3
5
Design (15)
12
11
Controls (10)
9
9
Sound quality (20)
19
18
Active noise cancelling performance (20)
19
18
Special features (15)
14
13
Call quality (5)
3
4
Battery life (10)
9
9
Total score (100)
88
87
A one-point victory isn't all that convincing. Furthermore, the WH-1000xM6 are just too expensive right now. I get that Sony felt pressured to increase the price by $50 in preparation for the tariff situation affecting the global economy. All the audio improvements are greatly appreciated as well. However, there is more value in the WH-1000xM5, which currently sell for $298 on Amazon as of this writing, and they are often on sale.
Upgrade to the WH-1000XM6 if money is no object. Otherwise, be happy knowing you'll get remarkable noise-canceling and sound performance from the WH-1000xM5 for nearly $150 less.
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Tom's Guide
6 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
I spent a month comparing Sony's flagship WH-1000xM6 vs Sony WH-1000xM5: here's the model I'd buy
Sony's latest cans are an iterative update — there's a new hinge, improved sound quality, and a brand new carrying case. Comfort has improved thanks to the thicker headband, and there's much better call quality. Its 30 hours of battery remains unchanged, however. They're less a leap up and more a lateral step. The XM5 have been around for a while now, but they're no less excellent years after their initial release. Great noise canceling, solid sound quality and a comfortable fit make for a pair of headphones that's been at the top of our best list for quite some time. They're still available, making them a cheaper alternative. The Sony WH-1000xM5 have had a tremendous three-year run as the best noise-cancelling headphones overall. They surpassed Bose's prime offerings to become the category's top option and set new standards for active noise cancellation, sound quality, and smart controls. I'm always using them for travel and work, especially when my AirPods Pro 2 need recharging. My wife is also a huge fan and jacks my pair when I'm not looking. Upgrading to another model never crossed my mind until the Sony WH-1000xM6 were announced. These next-gen cans launched back in May, and the company was gracious enough to provide me a sample in advance. I spent the past month testing them to see how they stack up against their predecessor, discovering few distinctions and numerous similarities in the process. So, are the WH-1000XM6 my new go-to headphones? Let's just say that I haven't passed the WH-1000XM5 to my wife just yet. Scroll down to read my expert opinion. I'm digging the WH-1000xM6's audio enhancements. Despite employing the same 30mm drivers and proprietary technologies as the WH-1000xM5, everything sounds amazing. Bass, balance, and definition are equally great. DSEE Extreme technology works wonders by increasing the fidelity on poorly engineered tracks for clearer presentation. The LDAC codec streams hi-res audio at CD-like quality on compatible devices when jamming to the best music streaming services. Bonus features like the custom five-band EQ with outstanding presets allow for plenty of sound personalization. Hi-Res Audio and spatial audio are fine-tuned on the WH-1000xM6, and it shows when listening to complex recordings. Depth and instrumental layering are emphasized. The content also sounds more immersive. 360 Reality Audio is OK on the WH-1000XM5. ANC is also superior on Sony's latest headphones. The new Adaptive NC Optimizer feature adjusts performance by thoroughly examining the external sounds in your environment. There are 12 mics beneath the hood that block out unwanted distractions across the frequency spectrum. Not all noises are silenced. High-pitched screams and sirens are audible, especially when listening to music at moderate volume or with the Safe Listening feature enabled. The WH-1000xM5 are still a noise-cancelling stunner. They use eight mics and dual processing (QN1 and V1 chipsets) to eliminate ambient noise at an elite level. Sony's Auto Optimizer feature is solid and automatically selects the best ANC setting for your current environment, though I prefer the Adaptive NC Optimizer for its accuracy. The WH-1000xM5's 20-level Ambient Sound mode is excellent at picking up every peep with precision from several feet away. This listening mode is just as effective on the WH-1000xM6. Sony's versatile control scheme of physical buttons, touch sensors, and voice assistance (Google Assistant/Siri) is kept intact. All inputs are highly responsive to presses, swipes, taps and voice commands. Special features like Quick Attention and Speak-to-Chat return and work well; the former lowers audio to about 10 percent when placing your hand over the right ear cup. A mute/unmute button was added to the WH-1000xM6. While a thoughtful inclusion, it's not something we see being used frequently. Listeners will find Ambient Sound, Quick Attention, and Sony's auto-mute features (Speak-to-Chat, wear detection) more convenient for boosting awareness. The point is that these two models operate 95% alike. They also come with identical battery life. You're getting up to 30 hours with ANC on, and 40 hours of continuous playback when the feature is disabled. That translates to about a week's worth of moderate listening time (5 hours daily), depending how you use either set of cans. High volume and select features (e.g., DSEE, spatial audio) drain battery life by about 3 to 6 hours. Quick charging went untouched; a 3-minute charge generates 3 hours of playtime when using a USB-PD (power delivery) compatible charger. I expected a little more playtime from the WH-1000XM6, or at least smarter battery life management, but Sony thought otherwise. Less-expensive alternatives like the $249 Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 and $349 Marshall Monitor III boast up to 100 hours of listening time. The WH-1000XM6's battery life looks lame in comparison. The WH-1000XM5 are, to my ears, the superior calling headset and one of the best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls. Clarity, noise reduction, voice capture, and wind resistance are all terrific. Apparently, the WH-1000XM6 use AI beaming mics and AI noise reduction for sharper call quality that extracts voices from rowdy backdrops. It's barely noticeable. That's not to say the WH-1000xM6's call quality isn't top tier. The WH-1000XM5 is just better for voice calls. Another controversial take is the WH-1000xM6's craftsmanship. Some critics think it's a noteworthy step up from the previous entry. I do not. The WH-1000xM6 and WH-1000xM5 are constructed from the same recycled materials and synthetic leather. They share the same minimalist appearance and colorways. Additions like the mic mute/unmute button, redesigned power button, and wider, asymmetrical headphone band for optimal comfort give the WH-1000xM6 minimal flair. The smaller carrying case with magnetic lock is what really makes them more appealing, at least from an aesthetic standpoint. Are Sony's new flagship headphones better? Yes, but by an incredibly small margin. Just how small? Here is how I rate them against their older sibling. Sony WH-1000xM6 Sony WH-1000xM5 Price and value (5) 3 5 Design (15) 12 11 Controls (10) 9 9 Sound quality (20) 19 18 Active noise cancelling performance (20) 19 18 Special features (15) 14 13 Call quality (5) 3 4 Battery life (10) 9 9 Total score (100) 88 87 A one-point victory isn't all that convincing. Furthermore, the WH-1000xM6 are just too expensive right now. I get that Sony felt pressured to increase the price by $50 in preparation for the tariff situation affecting the global economy. All the audio improvements are greatly appreciated as well. However, there is more value in the WH-1000xM5, which currently sell for $298 on Amazon as of this writing, and they are often on sale. Upgrade to the WH-1000XM6 if money is no object. Otherwise, be happy knowing you'll get remarkable noise-canceling and sound performance from the WH-1000xM5 for nearly $150 less.
Engadget
a day ago
- Engadget
This Amazon bundle includes the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones and a free $30 gift card
There are a few undeniable truths in this world: the sky is blue, Mario Kart is always a good idea and Sony's 1000X line of headphones is amazing. The latter was proved true once again when Sony released the WH-1000XM6 edition of its wireless noise canceling headphones in May. The only downside is its price, coming in at $450 — $50 more than its predecessors launch price. Amazon is throwing all of us a bone, though, and having a sale of sorts. Right now, you can get the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones and a $30 Amazon gift card for $448. Yes, that is $2 less than the headphones on their own. It's no secret that the "bundle" serves as a nice incentive to buy Sony's new headphones from Amazon, but, hey, a $30 gift card never hurt anyone. Sony released the WH-1000XM6 headphones three years after their predecessor, but the new model quickly proved to be worth the wait. We gave the M6s a 94 in our review thanks to features like improved sound and better active noise cancelation. One of the best things about this model compared to the M5s is the return to a folding design — I love my M5s but it's very annoying that they don't shrink at all. The M6s are also very comfy and have a wider headband for easy wear.
Yahoo
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PlayStation boss Hermen Hulst wants to develop Astro Bot into an enduring series, calling it one of the consoles "most exciting recent successes"
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. PlayStation boss Hermen Hulst has praised Astro Bot, calling it one of PlayStation's "most exciting recent successes." Astro Bot was a breath of fresh air for Sony's first-party output which has been relegated to cinematic third-person action games for the longest time, and embodied the spirit of Japan Studio (it getting shut down is probably the biggest blunder of Sony's 2020s, if you ask me). Since then the game has become one of the most beloved platformers of all time, winning Game of the Year at the BAFTAs and The Game Awards. Sony Interactive Entertainment's business group CEO Hermen Hulst gives the game praise during a recent video presentation (via Genki_JPN). During the talk, he calls Astro Bot one of PlayStation's "most exciting recent successes." Hulst adds: "Astro Bot was a smash hit, achieving universal acclaim among players and critics and sweeping industry award shows." When speaking about growing game IP into franchises, Astro Bot is listed as an "emerging IP," hopefully meaning that we should be getting more Astro in the future, (thankfully). Hopefully the success of Astro Bot shows PlayStation the value in having franchises that don't quite fit into that prestige AAA mold or the live service world. After Japan Studio was shuttered in 2021, it meant the studio which were constantly pumping out unique games and ideas were all but gone (the studio was merged into Team Asobi). But, in an era where big Sony series are taking longer to come out (the PS5 generation will probably almost be over by the time the next Naughty Dog game releases), little games like Ape Escape, Gravity Rush, and Patapon would go down a treat. Sony is "really thoughtful" about bringing PlayStation franchises like God of War and The Last of Us off console, and PS5 games going to PC is a matter of "if", not when.
