Verdict: Sony’s best noise-cancelling headphones, and the most complete pick for travel. The XM5 is still close enough to be the better value if you don’t need the folding design or LE Audio.
Good for
- Frequent flyers: Sony’s strongest noise cancelling, and it folds into its case
- Android users who want LDAC hi-res Bluetooth or LE Audio (LC3)
- Phone gaming: the LE Audio gaming mode on supported Android phones
- Calls: a 6-mic AI beamforming voice system
Skip it if
- You want the best value: the XM5 is often much cheaper
- You game on PS5 or Xbox wirelessly; consoles don’t support Bluetooth audio
Key specs
| Noise cancelling | HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3, 12 microphones |
|---|---|
| Battery | Up to 30 hours with noise cancelling on |
| Bluetooth | 5.3; SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3; multipoint |
| Weight | About 254 g |
| Design | Folds into its case |
| Released | May 2025 |
How it compares
- Sony WH-1000XM5: the previous model, often discounted; doesn’t fold
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen): the main flagship rival
Featured in: Are the Sony XM5 and XM6 good for gaming? · Best noise-cancelling headphones · Bluetooth headphones for gaming: latency explained
Specs come from the manufacturer’s published specifications (SoundGuys WH-1000XM6 review); iTech Level has not tested this product hands-on. How we choose products.
