The arrival of the Sony WH-1000XM6 marks another refinement in Sony’s reign over the premium noise-cancelling headphone space. Retailing in Malaysia at RM2,099, this sixth-generation model doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but instead focuses on enhancing key areas like comfort, call quality, and adaptive smart features. After a full week of daily use—across commuting, work calls, and music sessions—the XM6 proves itself a worthwhile contender, particularly for users upgrading from older models like the XM4 or those seeking smarter performance enhancements over the XM5.
Design & Comfort: Small Changes, Big Impact
In terms of design, Sony has stuck closely to the formula introduced with the XM5. The XM6 retains the same clean, minimalist design with a non-foldable headband and rotating earcups that lay flat. However, improvements in padding and materials make a noticeable difference. The ear cushions are softer and better at distributing pressure, and the headband padding has been enhanced, making the headphones more comfortable for extended listening sessions. The XM6 remains incredibly light at around 250 grams, which is ideal for long-haul travel or all-day office use. While some users may still miss the foldable design of the XM4, the XM6’s sleek silhouette has a more professional, modern appeal.
Sound Quality: Sharper, More Balanced Tuning
When it comes to audio performance, Sony continues to deliver high fidelity sound through its 30mm drivers—but with updated tuning for the XM6. The result is a cleaner and more balanced sound profile. Vocals are presented with greater clarity and warmth, and the bass, while still punchy, is more disciplined and less overpowering than before. High frequencies are smooth and less prone to distortion at high volumes. The headphones support LDAC, AAC, and SBC Bluetooth codecs, maintaining impressive wireless sound quality. Unfortunately, there’s still no support for Qualcomm’s aptX codec, which may be a minor drawback for some audiophiles.
Noise Cancelling: Subtle, Smart Improvements
Noise cancelling, Sony’s flagship feature, has also seen iterative yet valuable upgrades. Powered by QN3 fine-tunes 12 microphones in real time— the XM6 now incorporates smarter adaptive noise cancelling that learns and adjusts based on your surroundings and routines. During testing, it blocked out mid-frequency distractions like office chatter and traffic more effectively than the XM5. The Ambient Sound mode also feels more natural, making conversations and announcements easier to catch without removing the headphones. While the difference in ANC performance compared to the XM5 is subtle, it becomes clear over time, especially in unpredictable environments like public transport or airports.
Call Quality: A Major Step Up
One of the biggest and most noticeable upgrades comes in call quality. The WH-1000XM6 uses six microphones combined with AI-powered noise suppression to significantly improve voice pickup and clarity. Whether in a café, on the street, or in a breezy outdoor setting, voices come through clearly while background noise is effectively muted. This leap in call quality makes the XM6 a top pick not only for music lovers but also for professionals who rely on wireless headphones for frequent meetings and voice calls. Compared to the XM5, the difference in clarity and background noise handling is dramatic.
Battery Life: Same Endurance, Faster Recovery
Battery life remains strong, offering 30 hours of playback with ANC enabled and up to 40 hours with ANC off—on par with the XM5. What’s new, however, is the improved quick charging: just three minutes of charging now provides up to four hours of playback. It still charges via USB-C, and the box includes a USB-C cable and a 3.5mm audio cable for wired listening. An airplane adapter is no longer included, reflecting the modern shift toward wireless travel accessories.
Smart Features: Enhanced Multipoint and Adaptive Sound
Smart features have also been refined. Through the Sony Headphones Connect app, users can personalize EQ settings, enable adaptive sound control that learns their daily routine, and configure touch gestures. Multipoint Bluetooth pairing has been significantly improved, switching seamlessly between two connected devices without lag—a common complaint on the XM5. Other smart features like Speak-to-Chat, wear detection, and location-aware sound modes make the XM6 one of the smartest wireless headphones on the market.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Sony has also continued its push toward sustainability. The WH-1000XM6 comes in plastic-free packaging and incorporates recycled materials in its construction, aligning with the company’s global eco-friendly direction. It’s a small but meaningful touch for conscious consumers.
Premium Price, Premium Experience
At RM2,099, the Sony WH-1000XM6 sits firmly in the premium tier. But the upgrades it brings—especially in comfort, call clarity, and smarter noise adaptation—make it one of the best all-round wireless headphones in 2025. For users still on the WH-1000XM4 or earlier, this is a no-brainer upgrade. If you’re currently using the XM5, the decision comes down to whether better call quality and multipoint functionality matter enough for the additional spend.
For the frequent traveler, remote worker, or audio enthusiast who values comfort, smarts, and pristine ANC in one package, the XM6 is an easy recommendation.
