Sony WH-1000XM6
Our verdict · The most complete package: class-leading noise cancellation, refined sound and a folding design that finally returns.
Buy it if
Best-in-class adaptive noise cancellation for travel and offices
Skip it if
Premium price sits at the top of the mainstream range
Where to get it
Sony WH-1000XM6
From £400
Indicative price at the time of review.
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The WH-1000XM6 is the model most rivals are measured against, and for good reason. Its new QN3 processor and 12-microphone array clamp down hard on the low-frequency rumble of trains and planes while handling chatter better than any previous Sony. Crucially, Sony has reinstated the folding hinge the XM5 dropped, so the headphones tuck into a slimmer case for a bag or coat pocket. Sound is warm and detailed out of the box and highly adjustable in the Sony Sound Connect app, and multipoint Bluetooth plus quick-attention modes make daily use effortless. Battery life of around 30 hours with ANC on (40 with it off) comfortably covers a week of commutes, and a three-minute quick charge returns roughly three hours of playback.
The good & the bad
Pros
- Best-in-class adaptive noise cancellation for travel and offices
- Folding design returns, with a slim carry case
- Excellent app, multipoint pairing and speak-to-chat
Cons
- Premium price sits at the top of the mainstream range
- Touch controls can misfire with gloves in cold weather
How it compares
| Pick | WATTB Score | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Sony WH-1000XM6This pick | 96/100 | From £400 (indicative) | overall |
| 2.Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | 94/100 | From ~£450 (indicative) | noise cancellation |
| 3.Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless | 90/100 | From ~£329 (indicative) | battery life |
| 4.Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) | 86/100 | From £499 (indicative) | Apple users |
| 5.Bose QuietComfort Headphones | 88/100 | From £250 (indicative) | value |
Good to know
- Price
- From £400 (indicative)
- Battery life
- Approx. 30 hours (ANC on)
- Noise cancellation
- Adaptive, 12-mic array, QN3 chip
- Driver
- 30mm dynamic
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth multipoint, LDAC
- Design
- Folding, with carry case
Insider tip · Turn on Adaptive Sound Control so the ANC and ambient levels adjust automatically as you move between the platform, the train and the office.
Researched by WATTB
- Published
- 31 August 2026
- Updated
- 31 August 2026
- Last verified
- 31 August 2026
- Sources
- 2 sources
We research and rank options from public data, official information and published reviews. How we research →
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