Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Quick take: The Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $150 less.
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $398 | $248 |
| Rating | 4.6★ (3,200) | 4.4★ (30,000) |
| Type | Over-Ear Headphones | Over-Ear Headphones |
| Noise Cancelling | Adaptive ANC | Adaptive ANC |
| Battery (single charge) | 30 hrs | 30 hrs |
| Battery (with case) | — | — |
| Quick Charge | 3 min = 3 hrs | 3 min = 3 hrs |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Driver Size | 30 mm | 30 mm |
| Weight | 254 g | 250 g |
| Water Resistance | — | — |
| Wireless Charging | No | No |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes |
| App EQ | Yes | Yes |
Pros & cons
Sony WH-1000XM6
- ✓Arguably the best ANC money buys right now
- ✓Folding hinges return after the XM5's rigid design
- ✓12-mic array delivers excellent call quality
- ✓3-minute charge buys 3 hours of playback
- ✓Wider headband spreads pressure better than the XM5
- ✓LDAC and LC3 codecs plus reliable multipoint
- ✗$449 list price stings versus the discounted XM5
- ✗30-hour battery is now merely average — Momentum 4 doubles it
- ✗LDAC streaming drains the battery noticeably faster
- ✗Matte finish picks up skin oils quickly
- ✗Power button sits awkwardly close to the ANC button
Sony WH-1000XM5
- ✓Flagship-grade ANC for roughly $150 under launch price
- ✓250 grams practically disappears on your head
- ✓Warm, bass-forward tuning still competes with anything here
- ✓Reliable multipoint and mature Headphones Connect app
- ✓3-minute quick charge yields 3 hours
- ✓30-hour battery matches the newer XM6
- ✗Widespread headband-stem cracking reports — spawned class-action chatter
- ✗Non-folding design forces a bulky travel case
- ✗Touch controls misfire in cold or humid weather
- ✗Smooth plastic finish scuffs easily
- ✗No aptX support, as with every Sony flagship