Sony WH-1000XM6Price, Battery Life, Specs & Colors
Last updated
The WH-1000X series is Sony's top over-ear line. The WH-1000XM6 adds the QN3 processor and twelve microphones for noise canceling, folds into a case with a magnetic closure, and connects to two devices at once.
Best for
anc.
Sony's flagship noise canceling, run by the QN3 processor and twelve microphones.Confirmed: prnewswire.com
Travel.
Up to 30 hours with noise canceling on, a folding design and a cable for in-flight entertainment.Confirmed: prnewswire.com
Calls.
A six-microphone AI beamforming system for calls, plus a mic mute button.Confirmed: prnewswire.com
Comparison
Compare headphonesHow it compares
Price
$459.99
What it costs to buy. None of these need a subscription.
Weight
254g
Grams on your head. Lower is lighter.
Battery life
~30 hrs
How long it lasts on its own, away from a charger.
Cost over 3 years
Sony WH-1000XM6$459.99
Nothing Headphone (1)$299
Nothing Headphone (1) Pro$399
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)$449
AirPods Max 2$549Weight
Battery life
Current list prices.
The headphones as worn, without the case.
Battery life can vary based on usage, settings and firmware version.
If not this one
Sony WH-1000X is our pick for travel and calls. Where it does not lead, here is what does, and why you would switch.
- If it is mostly for musicAirPods 5
It plays music in spatial audio tuned to a scan of your own ears.
- If you want the deepest sleep dataSoundcore Sleep A30
Built for sleeping in: about 3 grams per earbud, soft silicone, snore masking and sleep tracking.
- If workouts are the pointAirPods Pro 3
It tracks your heart rate and calories through a workout, and it is rated IP57.
Quick answers
All FAQsQuick answers
How much does the Sony WH-1000XM6 cost?
Sony lists it at $459.99. It launched at $449.99 on May 15, 2025. Sony runs sales on it, so check the price block on this page before you buy.
When did the WH-1000XM6 come out?
Sony announced it on May 15, 2025, and it was on sale the same day in Black, Platinum Silver and Midnight Blue.
How long does the battery last?
Sony rates it at up to 30 hours with noise canceling on and 40 hours with it off when streaming AAC or SBC. On LDAC it is 26 and 36 hours. 3 minutes on a USB PD charger gives about 3 hours of playback, and a full charge takes about 3.5 hours.
May 15, 2025 · Went on sale
Sony launches the WH-1000XM6 at $449.99
May 19, 2026 · Announced
1000X THE COLLEXION joins the series
Where to buy
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Similar products to consider
Frequently asked questions
Questions about Sony WH-1000X
Top questions
How much does the Sony WH-1000XM6 cost?
Sony lists it at $459.99. It launched at $449.99 on May 15, 2025. Sony runs sales on it, so check the price block on this page before you buy.
When did the WH-1000XM6 come out?
Sony announced it on May 15, 2025, and it was on sale the same day in Black, Platinum Silver and Midnight Blue.
How long does the battery last?
Sony rates it at up to 30 hours with noise canceling on and 40 hours with it off when streaming AAC or SBC. On LDAC it is 26 and 36 hours. 3 minutes on a USB PD charger gives about 3 hours of playback, and a full charge takes about 3.5 hours.
Can it connect to two devices at once?
Yes. Turn on Connect to 2 devices simultaneously in the Sony | Sound Connect app and it stays connected to two devices, so it can ring for calls on two phones while you listen to one.
What does it add on Android?
Google Assistant on phones running Android 6 or later, LDAC for high-resolution audio on phones that support it, and LE Audio with the LC3 codec for lower delay. Spatial sound with head tracking needs an Android 13 phone that supports it.
Does it play high-resolution audio?
Yes. Over Bluetooth it uses LDAC at up to 990 kbps, with a phone that supports LDAC and Priority on Sound Quality set in the app. It also plays high-resolution audio over the supplied headphone cable.
Can I use it with a cable on a plane?
Yes. Plug in the supplied headphone cable and keep the headphones on to use noise canceling. With the headphones off, music still plays over the cable, without noise canceling.
Is the WH-1000XM6 waterproof?
No. The headset is not waterproof, so keep it out of rain and snow and away from heavy sweat.
What comes in the box?
The headphones, a USB-A to USB-C cable, a headphone cable, a carrying case and documents. There is no charger, and no USB-C to USB-C cable for the fastest charging.
How heavy is the WH-1000XM6?
About 254 grams, or 9 oz.
Can I use it while it charges?
Yes. While you use it, charging stops at about 80%, so for a full charge leave it off.
What changed from the WH-1000XM5?
A new QN3 processor that Sony rates seven times faster than the previous model, twelve microphones, 1.5 times as many as the XM5, a folding design with a magnetic case, and LE Audio. Sony launched it at $449.99.
Is there a newer Sony model than the WH-1000XM6?
Not a numbered successor. In May 2026 Sony added 1000X THE COLLEXION at $649.99, which uses the same noise canceling technology as the XM6 in a premium design. On Sept. 7, 2026 it announced the WH-1000XM4C, a refreshed version of the older WH-1000XM4.
Using it
What does it cost?
Sony WH-1000XM6, the current model: it costs $459.99. That is the list price.
Does it work with my phone?
Sony WH-1000XM6, the current model: yes, it works with an iPhone or an Android phone.
How heavy is it?
Sony WH-1000XM6, the current model: it weighs 254g.
Does it have noise cancelling?
Sony WH-1000XM6, the current model: yes, it cancels noise.
What chip is inside?
Sony WH-1000XM6, the current model: it runs on HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3.
Price and models
Is there a newer one?
No. The Sony WH-1000X is the current model.