Is Sony WH-1000XM6 Worth Buying Compared to Previous Models?

[Derrickbox]

I’m thinking of upgrading to sony wh-1000xm6, but is it really a big improvement over older versions? How’s the noise cancellation, battery life, and comfort for daily use?

 

[TaylorTravels]

Frankly speaking, when you have to decide on the old models and the new one, the Sony WH-1000XM6 has some valid improvements, particularly on noise cancellation and sound tuning. Sony increased the ANC technology to a new processor with additional mics, thus it is more adaptive in a real-world noisy environment such as aircraft or trains and reviewers are noticing that it is less selective than XM5 at blocking noise.

Battery is almost the same (about 30 hrs with ANC on) and comfort is approximately the same as long-session comfy, although not significantly different.
It is a significant improvement, therefore, over something older such as the XM4 or preceding. But in case you already have XM5s, it is a more discreet jump.

 

[rebeccareed]

I have purchased XM5 and XM6 and, to use it in every daily situation, I consider it to be worth the upgrade, provided the quality of ANC is important to you. The XM6 seems to have a faster and smoother startup cancelling response I actually perceive less background conversation and urban noise than my previous one.

There is not much of a difference in battery life, and the comfort level is also comparable, yet they fold now (some people like to use them during travels). Generally I would say that the primary real-world improvements are better ANC + cleaner ambient/voice passthrough mode.

 

[jimmy]

As I have observed, the XM6 is better in several aspects, namely:

• The 12 mics and a new processor allow noise cancelling to be a little more adaptive and stronger.
• Cozy is equally well, perhaps a little more comfortable fit.
• Quality of calls has improved on more developed mics.
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• The battery life remains similar to that of XM5.

It does not jump very high but it is more sophisticated. XM5 is not the best in the world, but then again, maybe you do not need to upgrade in case you are content with your current device, although older models the change is more noticeable.

 

[ArthurMex]

IMO noise cancelling feel and sound tuning are the greatest with XM6. It is slightly more opulent and clear than earlier models and the ANC is definitely more effective in eliminating middle ground sounds such as voices and swooshes.
The battery life is approximately identical to it used to be (it is still great to use on-the-go or to work long hours), and comfort has not yielded it is still comfortable to use all day.

When you have the older Sony headphones, then you are likely to be able to experience the value. When you have XM5 just last year, then it is more of an upgraded version.

 

[ethanwalker]

I believe it has to do with the upgrade you are moving out of:

• From XM4 or earlier? Worth it ANC has improved to a higher level and sound quality seems to be a bit more balanced.
• From XM5? You will have the refinements, but not night-and-day. Same with battery, and comfort is relatively equal.

When commuting, working in cafes, flights, etc. the XM6 is more comfortable and refined than the previous generations.