It is a truth universally acknowledged that Sony’s XM-series headphones are the best in class for most people. They're just exemplary wireless, Bluetooth, noise-canceling, over-ear headphones. Priced at $450, they're not cheap, but this is a case where you truly get what you pay for. The latest model, the XM6, is now available to purchase at all the usual retailers (see them at Amazon). If you don’t want to spend that much money, however, you can save on a bundle of previous models as well. Let’s take a closer look.
Where to Buy Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
- $448.00 at Amazon - Get at Amazon - $448
- $449.99 at Best Buy - Get at Best Buy - $449.99
- $449.99 at Sony - Get at Sony - $449.99
The headphones come in three stylish color options: Black, Midnight Blue, and Platinum Silver. They feature a new foldable design that makes them more compact than the previous XM5 model. They also come with a travel case, so you can toss them in a bag without worrying about them bending, breaking, or getting scratched.
So, what makes the Sony XM6 headphones stand out from the competition? It’s a culmination of many small improvements, honed over years and models. They boast brand-new processors and 12 adaptive microphones that deliver unparalleled noise cancellation. This feature makes them perfect for blocking out ambient sounds, allowing you to focus on your music, podcasts, phone calls, video conferences, or any other audio experience. Speaking of calls, Sony claims the M6s have, and I quote, "a 6-microphone AI beamforming system" that effectively isolates your voice from surrounding noise.
As for battery life, Sony promises up to 30 hours on a single charge. They also feature fast-charging technology that gives you up to three hours of playback with just three minutes of charge time – though, you'll need an optional USB-PD compatible AC adapter to achieve this. The headband has a flexible design, so you don’t have to worry about snapping it in half. It’s adorned with synthetic leather that's designed for comfort during long listening sessions.
Older Sony XM-Series Headphones Are on Sale
Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones
- $399.99 save 25% - $298.00 at Amazon - Get at Amazon - $298
Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones
- $348.00 save 34% - $228.00 at Amazon - Get at Amazon - $228
If you can’t justify the cost of the new XM6 model, consider picking up one of the older models. They're more affordable to start with, and Amazon also has them on sale for a limited time. They’re nearly as good (though the WH-1000XM5 doesn’t fold at all, a design decision Sony was right to correct with the XM6 model). Even so, the XM5 has been our pick for the best wireless headphones since its release in 2022.
