a day ago
Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — Review
Active noise cancellation (ANC), comfort, and sound quality are the core pillars of a competent headset, and Sony seems to have mastered the formula with its WH-1000 series of offerings. From its early days to the more recent WH-1000XM4 and XM5, the persistent fan favourite has never failed to stick the landing…until now.
Stepping back into the fold after three years, the arrival of the WH-1000XM6 spells excitement for audio enthusiasts and casual listeners. The pair of headphones is immediately familiar right out of the box, sporting the same premium and fresh look that users have come to love, with a welcome bonus in tow: the return of its signature foldable design, making it more suited for travelling.
Weighing in at 254 grams, the XM6 is only slightly heavier than its predecessor (259g), leaving no complaints about its compact build. Other notable features include a new 12-mic setup, a Sony QN3 chip that promises a sevenfold increase in noise-cancelling speed, 30mm drivers, and more.
While the headset continues to dominate in the field of active noise cancelling (ANC), its tight clamping force proves to be one of its major missteps, alongside a steep price tag of S$649. This flip-flopping is perhaps the best description of the entire experience — for every strength that it brings, there will also be an accompanying downside.
Check out our full review in the video above.
Summary
The Sony WH-1000XM6 remains the king of the hill when it comes to ANC, but the clamping force and overall comfort make it difficult to justify the hefty price tag. Aesthetics - 7/10
Build Quality - 7/10
Performance - 7/10
Value - 6/10
Geek Satisfaction - 7.5/10
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth's theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia's greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really. Audio Review Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Headset