Sony WH-1000XM6: The King Returns, and This Time, It Folds
Sony WH-1000XM6: The King Returns, and This Time, It Folds
Design: Listening to the People
When the Sony WH-1000XM5 launched, the tech world was divided. The sound was incredible, the noise cancellation was industry-leading, but the design? It was polarizing. The sleek, seamless look came at the cost of portability—the headphones didn’t fold. For travelers and commuters who treat bag space like prime real estate, this was a dealbreaker. Sony WH-1000XM6: The King Returns, and This Time, It Folds
With the Sony WH-1000XM6, it seems Sony’s engineers actually read the comments section. The new flagship has reintroduced the folding mechanism, a feature sorely missed in the previous generation. This isn’t a step backward in design; it’s a leap forward in usability. The earcups now rotate and fold inwards, allowing the headphones to collapse into a much more compact footprint. This change is accompanied by a redesigned carrying case, which ditches the zippers for a sleek magnetic latch system. It feels premium, almost like opening a high-end accessory box, though I do wonder about its security if tossed haphazardly into a backpack.
The build quality remains focused on lightweight materials. Sony has stuck with a high-quality recycled plastic chassis. While some might yearn for metal at this price point, the plastic keeps the weight down, which is crucial for long-listening comfort. The Platinum Silver colorway we have is stunning—clean, modern, and sophisticated. However, the matte finish on the earcups, while beautiful, is a magnet for fingerprints. If you’re the type who snacks while listening, keep a cleaning cloth nearby.
Connectivity and Controls: A Mix of Classic and Modern
In an era where ports are vanishing, Sony deserves a nod of respect for keeping the 3.5mm headphone jack. Included in the box alongside the USB-C charging cable is a physical audio cable. For audiophiles who demand lossless audio or travelers who want to plug into an in-flight entertainment system without a dongle nightmare, this is a huge win. It’s a small inclusion that adds significant value. Sony WH-1000XM6: The King Returns, and This Time, It Folds
The control scheme on the XM6 has been refined. Sony has moved away from the single, multi-function button that frustrated some users on the XM5. We now have dedicated buttons for Power/Pairing and a separate, distinct button for cycling through ANC and Ambient modes. This separation makes blind operation much easier—no more accidentally turning off your headphones when you just wanted to hear an announcement. The touch controls on the right earcup remain, allowing for intuitive swipes to control volume and playback. It’s a familiar interface that works reliably.
Comfort and Fit: The “Silent White” Embrace
Comfort is subjective, but Sony has clearly aimed for a universal fit. The earpads are wrapped in a new “Silent White” leatherette material that feels incredibly soft and plush against the skin. The clamping force of the headband has been adjusted to be secure without being vice-like. I wore these for a solid three-hour session straight out of the box, and there was zero fatigue. The lightweight build really shines here; you almost forget you’re wearing them, which is the highest compliment you can pay to over-ear headphones.
One minor gripe I have is with the headband adjustment. It uses a smooth slider mechanism rather than stepped clicks. While this allows for infinite adjustability, the lack of visual markers or tactile clicks makes it hard to ensure both sides are extended equally without taking them off and looking. It’s a small detail, but at this premium tier, precision matters.
Sound and Silence: The Active Noise Cancellation Crown
Let’s get to the reason you buy these: the silence. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on the XM5 was already top-tier, but the XM6 pushes it further. Sony has likely upgraded the processor or the algorithm because the suppression of mid-to-high frequency noise—like voices or the hum of an air conditioner—is noticeably better.
Putting them on in a busy studio environment was like stepping into a vacuum. The chaos of the outside world just… vanishes. It’s an eerie, wonderful feeling. For commuters on the MRT or frequent flyers, this isolation is priceless.
Sound quality out of the box retains the signature Sony house sound: warm, energetic, and bass-forward. However, there is a noticeable refinement in the mids and highs. Vocals cut through the mix with more clarity than the XM5s, and the soundstage feels slightly wider. It’s a fun, engaging listen that works well across genres, from pop to hip-hop to podcasts. And of course, with the Sony Headphones Connect app, you can EQ this to your heart’s content.
The Price of Perfection
As the Editor-in-Chief of TechBeatPh, I look at the PHP 27,999 price tag and I have to ask: is it worth it? That is a steep entry price for consumer headphones.
My honest opinion is this: The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the most complete package on the market today. By bringing back the folding design, Sony fixed the only major flaw of the previous generation. They listened to the user base, and that matters.
For daily use, the convenience of the folding form factor cannot be overstated. It transforms these from “home headphones” to “everywhere headphones.” The comfort is exceptional, the ANC is unrivaled, and the inclusion of a wired option adds versatility that competitors often skip. While the price is high, you are paying for a product with virtually no compromises. If you are a frequent traveler, a commuter who values peace and quiet, or just someone who wants the best all-around wireless headphone experience, the XM6 is the new gold standard. It earns its place at the top of the food chain, and arguably, it earns your money.
