Latest news with #noiseCanceling
Bloomberg
12-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Bose Launches New QuietComfort Earbuds with Wireless Charging
Audio hardware brand Bose Corp. unveiled three new products, including noise-canceling earbuds and two different portable Bluetooth speakers. The $299 second-generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds will be released this summer along with the second-generation SoundLink Micro Speaker for $129, the company said in a statement Thursday.
WIRED
10-06-2025
- WIRED
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Can Sony Snatch the Noise-Canceling Crown?
Which are the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy in 2025? All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Every couple of years, Bose and Sony trade blows in an effort to claim the title of the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy. Until recently, Bose's QuietComfort Ultra (9/10, WIRED Recommends) had the edge, offering world-crushing cancellation that bested Sony's still-great WH-1000XM5 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) and other top models from the likes of JBL, Sonos, and Apple. Now, Sony's back with its latest WH-1000 model, the predictably titled WH-1000XM6 (9/10, WIRED Recommends). The new pair offers an almost startling armament of microphones and noise-cancellation tech, along with improved sound, style, and features. So can it claim the title? Let's dive into the details. Look and Feel Starting with aesthetics, neither of these plastic-clad models stands out like Apple's iconic (and heavy) AirPods Max, but both manage to blaze their own trail to match premium pricing with a posh design. Sony's XM6 gets a refreshed plastic matte exterior that feels both grittier and more robust than its predecessor. Along with extra style points, the new design rectifies one of the XM5's biggest detractions with a new hinge point along the arms that once again makes Sony's best wireless headphones foldable for travel. This leads to a more travel-friendly case, including a design refresh that swaps the zipper top for a convenient magnetic flap. As for the all-important fit, the XM6 rely on thick padding and clamping force along the earcups to keep them secure, but the headband pad is surprisingly thin. The headphones are still comfortable for hours of wear, especially once you break them in, but the band tends to wear on my head more over time than the more lavishly appointed QC Ultra and other favorites like the JBL Tour Pro M3. Bose's pair applies more glitz than the understated XM6, highlighted by sleek curves, a more sumptuous protein leather coating along the pads, and speckled metallic armpieces that grip smaller earcups. Like the XM6, the Ultra fold easily for travel, and their smaller size translates to a slightly more compact case. Though you'll miss out on the zipperless lid, when it comes to a more premium look and fit, Bose's pair takes this category. WIRED: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Features and Controls Both pairs are loaded with flagship features, including conveniences like multipoint pairing, auto-pause sensors, and replaceable earpads. Each model includes a loaded app for tinkering and customizing features like adaptive noise canceling and transparency modes, among multiple other parameters, and both opt for analog audio input rather than USB-C playback from their charging ports. Bose has its specialties, including a more accessible and intuitive app layout. Sony's app is more complicated but also provides more ways to explore and adapt, like a multiband EQ that goes well beyond Bose's three-band version. You'll also get Sony stalwarts like the ability to hold the right earcup to temporarily activate exterior sounds. You might even say Sony goes a little overboard on the feature front, but as we've come to expect, the XM6 keep the most important stuff up front, embodied by the best control system on the market. Simply double tap the right earcup for play/pause, swipe up or down to raise or lower volume, and forward or backward for song skip. Dedicated power and ambient audio keys on the left earcup complete the layout for a remarkably intuitive and responsive experience. Bose's QC Ultra pack their own control innovations, including a handy new volume slider pad that's accurate enough to dial in your levels without blasting your ears. The other controls are less convenient due to their reliance on a two-button solution that puts a lot of weight on the multi-key. The main drawback is the need to hold the key down to laboriously cycle through ambient sound modes, compared to Sony's dedicated key that cycles with a quick tap. It's not a massive difference, but Sony's mix of simpler controls and deeper, more granular features gives its pair a leg up in usability. WIRED: Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise Canceling and Transparency Mode Before digging in here, it's important to note that both of these pairs offer noise canceling that bests everything we've ever tested. If you need to kill the noise, either pair will do so to an almost disorienting level. With a total of 12 microphones and an advanced new chipset, Sony claims its latest headphones have the best noise canceling on the market. When A/B testing without music, this was difficult to prove. Both are fantastic at removing low-end sounds like my go-to Airplane drone video, while effectively quelling high-register sounds like keystrokes, vacuums, and vocal chatter. What's immediately obvious is how much faster the XM6 works to kill sound, giving them an edge in some key areas. Sony claims its new QN3 processor is '7X faster' than the previous pair's QN1 chip, which translates to crazy-quick response to your environment. Where Bose's pair slowly squashes noises as it analyzes them over time, the XM6 react almost instantly to everything from passing cars to my electric leaf blower. As Wired editor Parker Hall pointed out, the XM6's faster response time also aids their noise canceling in the way most people listen, with music playing, by adjusting the output in real time with your tunes. In testing with light music playing, Sony's pair did seem to offer a slight advantage over the Ultra, especially with sharper annoyances like my ever-vigilant barking dog. Even so, both pairs are so powerful that a little music puts you in the void from virtually all sounds anyway. Transparency mode, the diametric opposite of noise canceling, is similarly close, but again, Sony's faster response time enhances performance. Both pairs sound quite natural, but Sony's model reacted more effectively in real time to punchy sounds like the slamming of my back door or a loud clap, while Bose's pair takes longer to adapt. Sony's blazingly fast silicon seems to be the real secret to the XM6's incredible ambient audio skills. WIRED: Sony WH-1000XM6 Sound Quality This is the other key area in which Sony holds an advantage, offering some of the best sound in the genre. To their credit, the QC Ultra are the best sounding Bose headphones I've tested, serving up impressive balance, clarity, and vibrancy. You'll find marked sensitivity and precision in the midrange and treble that evoke keen instrumental timbres and tight separation across the stereo image. Bass is mildly boomy by default but is easily tamed in the EQ. For those who enjoy it, Bose's pair holds a slight advantage for spatial audio. Both models offer 3D upmixing for more immersive listening with available head-tracking, which keeps your music centered as though listening to a pair of speakers, but Sony's head-tracking is limited to Android devices only, while Bose's pair works for either device type. For stereo playback, Sony's XM6 provides a warmer overall sound signature that still takes care with the higher frequencies, allowing for more intimacy, breadth, and instrumental textures that burst through the mix. Horns, woodwinds, and percussion are particularly gorgeous, with a lyrical, sometimes flinty brilliance that always steers clear of sharpness. The XM6's bass response is just as impressive. It's taut and poised while still letting loose with some extra thump that blends studio-style precision with some playful buzz and grit. Rolling through the latest Andy Shauf project, Foxwarren 2 , I was wholly enamored with the array of synth and percussion sounds, from the bouncy groove in 'Deadhead' to the sawtoothed grind of 'Havana.' Both models offer sound quality worthy of their price tags, but Sony's deeper dive into the details hooked me in the first few minutes and never let go. WIRED: Sony WH-1000XM6 Call Quality Both pairs fared well across a number of calls between friends and colleagues. It's always hard to judge calling accurately given factors like crappy Zoom calls or dodgy cell connections, but I had no trouble with either pair on my end, and everyone I talked to said they could hear me clearly, even in crowded areas. WIRED: Tie Battery Life Another slight strength for Sony, you'll get a max of around 30 hours of playback with noise canceling, just like the XM5, while Bose's pair offers a max of 24 hours with ambient modes engaged. It's worth noting that plenty of cheaper pairs provide more, but either number is plenty for all applications. WIRED: Sony WH-1000XM6 Which Pair Should I Buy? The answer here may seem obvious, with Sony's WH-1000XM6 taking more categories. For my money, their mix of great usability, improved sound quality, and instantly vaporizing noise cancellation makes them the wireless headphones to beat. Still, there's a good argument for Bose's QC Ultra, particularly for long-haul travelers. With better comfort, great sound, and similarly fabulous noise canceling, they remain top contenders. They also debuted at a lower price (though it's now in line with Sony on Bose's site) and can often be found on sale. Either way, you're getting insanely good noise canceling that bests everything else we've tested. Win-win! Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today.
Gizmodo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
Sony 1000XM5 Headphones Drop Below Black Friday Prices, Amazon Clears Stock Ahead of the Next Model
Sony is renowned for its premium audio gear and its flagship headphones rarely see major discounts. But with the recent launch of the WH-1000XM6, the legendary Sony WH-1000XM5 is now available at a price that's not just lower than Black Friday but almost impossible to refuse: Amazon is liquidating its stock of the WH-1000XM5 and offers these premium noise-canceling headphones for a mere $298 which is a 25% discount over the standard $399 list price. See at Amazon Best in Class ANC Headphones The timing couldn't be better: With the new WH-1000XM6 launch and the price increase, the WH-1000XM5 is receiving a value-oriented price that makes it irresistible. Sure, the new version may offer incremental improvements, but the XM5 remains an industry trendsetter and first among audiophiles. Sony's flagship headphones rarely get discounted, so the chance to get these at this price is a bonu —especially considering that the XM5's sound quality, comfort, and feature set remain among the best available. The WH-1000XM5 is loaded with technology that will give you an immersive and distraction-free music experience. Its industry-leading noise canceling is powered by eight microphones and two processors so you can tune out everything from office office small talk to airplane engines. Commuting, working at home, or just hanging out at home with your favorite playlist, these headphones allow you to listen to what you want without interruptions. You will also love the crystal-clear hands-free calling: Thanks to four beamforming microphones and advanced signal processing, your voice comes through loud and clear even if you're in a noisy setting. This makes the XM5 not just a great choice for music lovers but also for anyone who needs reliable and high-quality calls on the go. You'll also enjoy up to 30 hours of playback from a single charge which will easily see you through a long flight or workday. And when you do find yourself running on fumes, a rapid 3-minute charge yields up to 3 hours of playback which is perfect for those times when you're short on time. What's more, the headphones are so light and feature soft fit leather, you'll be wearing them for hours without a care. Now that the WH-1000XM6 has come out, the WH-1000XM5 is receiving a price cut that leaves it the best value in premium headphones out there. Amazon is liquidating stock, and for $298, this is one deal that's not to be passed over. See at Amazon
Digital Trends
30-05-2025
- General
- Digital Trends
How to enable Auracast on Sony's WH-1000XM6 headphones
Sony's lastest flagship wireless headphones, the WH-1000XM6, are superb in many ways, with great sound, top-notch noise canceling, and improved comfort. They also contain a feature that no other 1000X series model has ever offered: the ability to access Bluetooth Auracast broadcasts. Unfortunately, unlike many of the other features, like spatial audio, EQ settings, and control customization — which can all be accessed with a few taps in the Sony Sound Connect app — getting Auracast to work takes a bit more effort. Here's a brief overview of why Auracast matters and how to take advantage of it on the Sony WH-1000XM6. Recommended Videos Why Auracast? Bluetooth Auracast, which was introduced along with LE Audio in the official Bluetooth 5.2 specification, turns any compatible source device (like a smartphone, laptop, or tablet) into a Bluetooth radio station that can broadcast the same audio to an unlimited number of Auracast-compatible receiving devices (like headphones, earbuds, or speakers). This makes it the perfect way to share audio wirelessly between friends or even large gatherings. Unlike traditional Bluetooth device connections, which require a pairing process before any audio can be streamed, an Auracast broadcast can be found and listened to without any 'handshake' to the source device. All you need is an interface (known as an Auracast assistant) that lets you scan for and tune-in to available broadcasts in your vicinity. If you've ever scanned for an available Wi-Fi access point, it's the same process. In fact, Auracast broacasts, much like Wi-Fi networks, can be open (anyone can listen) or private (you need a password or PIN to listen). When would I use Auracast? Initially, most people will use Auracast in two ways: to share audio from a phone or computer, or to extend a Bluetooth speaker's audio to additional Bluetooth speakers — some brands call this 'Party Mode'. Marshall has just released its first soundbar, the Heston 120, which uses Auracast to extend its surround sound to compatible Marshall Bluetooth speakers. However, over time, we expect to see many additional uses, including: Primary and secondary language soundtracks at movie theaters Wireless headphone and hearing aid connections for TVs at home Wireless headphone connections for TVs in public spaces like gyms or lounges Public address (PA)systems in busy spaces like airports, train stations, or stadiums Audio tours at museums, art galleries, or monuments Virtual PA for conferences and trade shows How do I use Auracast on the Sony WH-1000XM6? Before we get to the specific steps, there's one thing you need to know: The WH-1000XM6 won't support Bluetooth Auracast when connected to iPhones or iPads. The reason is Sony's approach to Auracast as a technology. Instead of providing the Auracast assistant capability within its Sound Connect app, Sony relies on the mobile phone's own software to provide it. At the moment, only select phones with Android 13 or higher possess Auracast assistant functionality built-in. If you want to use Auracast with an iPhone, you'll need a product like JBL's Tour One M3 or Tour Pro 3 — which come with an Auracast assistant in JBL's Headphones app for iOS. For the following steps, we used a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, running One UI 7.0 on Android 15. Check to see if your phone/Android version combination supports Bluetooth Auracast before proceeding. Use the Sound Connect app to switch to LE Audio Bluetooth Auracast only works when the receiving device (headphones, earbuds, etc) uses LE Audio. This is a different mode than the so-called classic Bluetooth connection. Sony ships the WH-1000XM6 in classic Bluetooth mode by default so you need to manually switch it LE Audio mode. Connect the WH-1000XM6 to a phone running Android 13 or higher Open the Sony Sound Connect app Scroll down and select Device Settings Select the System tab Scroll down and select the down arrow next to Classic Audio only under the LE Audio connection setting for headphones section Select the LE Audio Priority radio button Agree to the Change to [LE Audio Priority] dialog box by selecting OK You will see a notification that the headphones must be reconnected, select Check Operating Procedures to see detailed instructions or Cancel Return to your phone's Bluetooth settings Find the WH-1000XM6 in the paired devices menu Unpair or forget the WH-1000XM6 (method may vary by device) Press and hold on the WH-1000XM6's power button until the LED flashes blue and you hear the 'Pairing' voice prompt from the headphones On your Android phone, Google Fast Pair should automatically recognize the headphones and ask you to Connect Once connected, select Done Enter the settings for the WH-1000XM6 from the Bluetooth device menu (method may vary by device) Select the LE Audio option You will hear the headphones disconnect and reconnect Your WH-1000XM6 should now be in connected to your phone via LE Audio. To verify: Return to the Sony Sound Connect app Below the main image of the headphones and the battery life readout, you should see LE Audio displayed If you don't, repeat steps 1-17 Use Android's Bluetooth settings to find and connect to an Auracast broadcast Return to your phone's Bluetooth settings Find the WH-1000XM6 in the list of paired device and enter the settings menu for the headphones (method may vary by device) Scroll down and select Listen to Auracast broadcast If any Auracast broadcasts are available, they will be listed on the following screen Select any available Auracast broadcast You should now hear the audio through the WH-1000XM6
CNET
30-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Woot Just Dropped the Dyson Zone Headphones to a New Record-Low Price
Most know Dyson for hair tools like the viral Airwrap or powerful vacuums, but the brand also keeps up with the big brands in the audio market. Of course, price is always a sticking point, regardless of the Dyson product, but that has changed for a limited time. The new Dyson Zone active noise-canceling headphones are now 63% off, reducing the cost to $260 from $700. We don't see discounts this massive every day, so this one might not last long. For $260, you get a blue pair with eight noise-canceling microphones, custom EQ, intelligent signal processing and full-spectrum clarity for optimized, clear sound. The cups are also designed to rest softly on your ears, thanks to micro-suede cushions. If you live in a city or commute often, you'll appreciate the attachable visor that delivers purified air to your nose and mouth without touching your face. And speaking of being on the move, the battery will last up to 50 hours with just audio and noise cancelation, or 4 hours when the air purification feature is active -- perfect for busy days. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. This smart device also lets you monitor air quality and tweak settings using the MyDyson app. At $440 off, this is one of those rare deals that don't come around often. Still, if you think this discount isn't for you, check out our list of the best headphones deals to explore some more options. Why this deal matters Dyson is known for precise engineering, and it shows with this pair of headphones. And a rare 63% off deal lets you grab this premium device for way less than half the original price -- but it might not last for long. Quantities on Woot are always pretty limited. So, if you've been looking to upgrade, this is your chance to score the Dyson headphones for a new low price.
