Sony's WH-1000XM6 Headphones: A First Look at the Noise-Cancelling Powerhouse

Sony Unveils WH-1000XM6 Headphones: TechRadar's Hands-On Review New York, NY – May 15, 2025 – Sony's highly anticipated WH-1000XM6 headphones have officially launched, and early reviews are promising. TechRadar's Jacob Krol provided an initial hands-on review, highlighting several key upgrades. The headphones retail for $449.99 in the United States and are available in midnight blue, white, and black. Krol emphasized the improved noise cancellation, stating, "Sony is promising improved noise cancellation, and it's doing so via 12 microphones." This is a significant upgrade from the eight microphones found in the XM5 model. He also noted the inclusion of a new processor and an automatic optimizer that adjusts noise cancellation based on the user's surroundings. Other features include a transparency mode for quickly switching between noise cancellation and ambient sound, and the ability to upmix non-spatial audio into spatial audio for a more immersive listening experience. The headphones offer 30 hours of battery life and charge via USB-C. While the case is smaller, the headphones do not fold in half like the XM4s. Overall, Krol's first impressions were positive, describing them as "pretty, pretty sharp." The review concludes by inviting viewers to share their thoughts on the new headphones and their preferred color and features.