Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Headphones : Complete Features and Specifications

Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Headphones are Sony’s latest flagship noise-cancelling headphones, building on the highly acclaimed 1000X series. They were officially launched on May 15, 2025. This information is based on official Sony product pages and press releases.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of their features and specifications:

 

I. Noise Cancellation

 

• Next-Generation Noise Cancellation: Sony  WH-1000XM6 HeadPhones features Sony’s most advanced noise cancellation to date. It is powered by a new HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3, which is stated to be seven times faster than the QN1 chip found in the WH-1000XM5.
• Adaptive Microphone System: Utilizing an adaptive microphone system with 12 microphones (1.5 times more than the XM5), the headphones optimize noise cancellation in real-time.
• Adaptive NC Optimizer: This new feature delivers unmatched noise-cancelling precision by adjusting to external noise, air pressure, and even your wearing style (e.g., with a hat or glasses) for uninterrupted, immersive sound.
• Auto Ambient Sound Mode: This intelligent mode adapts to your surroundings in real-time, balancing music and external sound. Multiple microphones filter noise or allow important sounds like announcements or conversations to pass through. Settings can be adjusted automatically or manually via the Sony | Sound Connect app.
• Quick Attention Mode: Allows you to instantly mute audio and hear your surroundings by simply placing your hand over the right earcup.

 

II. Sound Quality

 

• Premium Sound Co-created with Mastering Engineers: The WH-1000XM6 are engineered to deliver studio-level precision, preserving every nuance and note as the artist intended.
• 30mm Soft Edge Dome Driver: Features a newly developed 30mm driver unit made from a carbon fiber composite material, optimized for both audio quality and noise cancellation.
• High-Resolution Audio and High-Resolution Audio Wireless: Supports both Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless, thanks to Sony’s LDAC audio coding technology, allowing for high-quality wireless audio transmission.
• DSEE Extreme™: Utilizes Edge-AI to upscale compressed digital music files in real-time, restoring high-range sound lost during compression.
• Low Phase Noise Crystal Oscillator & Gold-Infused Solder: Incorporates technology from Sony’s Walkman range, including a low phase noise crystal oscillator for improved timing and gold-infused solder in certain circuit parts to minimize crosstalk and interference.
• 10-Band Equalizer: Offers a detailed 10-band equalizer within the Sony | Sound Connect app for extensive sound customization.
• 360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema: Adds Sony’s spatial audio processing to any stereo content you are watching, enhancing the cinematic experience.
• Gaming EQ: A new equalizer setting specifically designed for casual gaming.

 

III. Call Quality

 

• Ultra-Clear Calls: Intelligent beamforming technology isolates your voice from background noise, ensuring you are heard clearly even in noisy environments.
• Instant Mute: Users can instantly mute the microphone directly from the headphones.

 

IV. Design & Wearability

 

• Foldable Design: The WH-1000XM6 features stainless steel hinges that allow for a foldable design, making them more compact and portable for easy storage in their carrying case.
• All-Day Wear Comfort: Designed with a wider headband and smooth vegan leather for a pressure-free fit, ensuring comfort during extended listening sessions.
• Compact Carrying Case: Comes with a sturdy carrying case that closes with a magnetic clasp, offering protection and portability.
• Weight: Approximately 254g (8.96 oz).
• Finishes: Available in various finishes (e.g., Black, Midnight Blue, Platinum Silver).

 

V. Intuitive Operation and Connectivity

 

• Bluetooth® Specification Version 5.3: Ensures stable and efficient wireless connectivity.
• LE Audio Ready: Supports LE Audio, providing ultra-low latency for gaming and seamless access to broadcasts with Auracast™.
• Multipoint Connection: Allows simultaneous connection to two devices, enabling seamless switching between them (e.g., watching a video on a laptop and taking a call on a smartphone).
• Auto Switch: Works with Multipoint to provide seamless device switching.
• Supported Audio Formats: SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3.
• Effective Range: Approximately 10 meters (32.81 ft).
• Supported Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, CSIP, MCP, VCP, CCP.
• Sony | Sound Connect App: A well-designed and intuitive app (available for Android and iOS) for controlling noise modes, listening modes, connected devices, and customizing various settings including the equalizer and Spatial Sound.
• Voice Assistant Compatible: Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
• Touch Sensor Control Panel: For intuitive control of music playback, calls, and other functions.

 

VI. Battery Life

 

• Continuous Music Playback:

• Max. 30 hours (Noise Cancelling ON)
• Max. 40 hours (Noise Cancelling OFF)

• Continuous Communication Time:

• Max. 24 hours (Noise Cancelling ON)
• Max. 28 hours (Noise Cancelling OFF)

• Battery Charge Time: Approximately 3.5 hours.
• Quick Charging: A 3-minute charge provides approximately 3 hours of playback (with a USB-PD charger).
• Charge Method: USB-C.
• Passive Operation: Supports wired listening even when the battery is dead (without noise cancellation).

 

VII. General Specifications

 

• Headphone Type: Closed, Dynamic.
• Driver Unit: 30 mm.
• Magnet: Neodymium.
• Frequency Response (Wired): 4 Hz – 40,000 Hz (JEITA).
• Frequency Response (Bluetooth® Communication): 20 Hz-20,000 Hz (44.1 kHz sampling), 20 Hz-40,000 Hz (LDAC 96 kHz sampling 990 kbps).
• Impedance: 48 ohm (1 kHz) (when connecting via headphone cable with unit on), 16 ohm (1 kHz) (when connecting via headphone cable with unit off).
• Sensitivities (dB/mW): 103 dB/mW (when connecting via headphone cable with unit on), 102 dB/mW (when connecting via headphone cable with unit off).
• Cord Length: Approximately 1.2 m (3.94 ft).
• Plug: Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug.
• Microphone Unit: MEMS.
• Microphone Direction: Omni directional.
• What’s in the Box: Carrying Case, Connection Cable, USB Charging Cable, Warranty Card, Reference Guide.