Sony WH-1000XM6 Flagship Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Signature Hi-Res Sound, Ultimate Comfort, Foldable Design, Durable Case, 30 HR Battery, iOS & Android - Midnight Blue

Sony's WH-1000XM series has long been the gold standard for noise-cancelling headphones, and with the recent release of the WH-1000XM6, they've once again raised the bar. These aren't just headphones; they're an oasis of calm in a chaotic world, delivering an audio experience that's truly in a league of its own.The packaging for the WH-1000XM6 is as premium and refined as the headphones themselves. A sleek, minimalist box hints at the sophisticated technology within, and the headphones are nestled securely in a well-designed carrying case. The unboxing experience feels deliberate and high-end, a fitting prelude to the product. Delivery was, as expected for a flagship device, swift and secure, ensuring the headphones arrived in pristine condition.Visually, the WH-1000XM6 maintain the series' signature understated elegance. The matte finish and clean lines exude a sense of modern sophistication. They come in classic black, and other stylish options, and the overall design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. A key returning design element is the foldable hinge, a welcome reintroduction that enhances portability and makes them more compact for storage than previous iterations, neatly fitting into their redesigned, more robust case.Picking up the WH-1000XM6, the quality is immediately palpable. They feel remarkably lightweight for a full-featured over-ear headphone, yet substantial enough to convey premium construction. The earcups are luxuriously padded with soft, vegan leather, providing an incredibly comfortable seal that's perfect for extended listening sessions. The redesigned, slightly wider headband distributes weight effectively across the head, further enhancing comfort and reducing pressure points. The physical buttons for power and noise control are tactile and easy to distinguish by feel, a small but significant improvement in usability.But the true marvel of the WH-1000XM6 lies in their performance. The noise cancellation is simply astonishing. Powered by Sony's new QN3 HD Noise Cancelling processor and an impressive array of 12 microphones, these headphones create an almost impenetrable cocoon of silence. Whether it's the rumble of a bus, the chatter of a busy Cambridge coffee shop, or the hum of an aeroplane engine, the XM6 effectively nullifies ambient noise, allowing your audio to take center stage. The Adaptive NC Optimiser intelligently adjusts the noise cancellation in real-time based on your environment and even your fit, making for an effortlessly quiet experience.The audio quality is equally breathtaking. Co-created with renowned mastering engineers, the sound profile is rich, detailed, and incredibly accurate. From deep, resonant bass to crisp, clear highs, every nuance of the music is reproduced with studio-level precision. Features like DSEE Extreme enhance compressed audio, and the 360 Spatial Sound Upmix transforms stereo content into an immersive experience. Call quality is also significantly improved, with AI-powered microphones isolating your voice for crystal-clear conversations, even in noisy environments. The multipoint connection and ultra-low latency via LE Audio make seamless switching between devices and lag-free gaming a reality.The Sony WH-1000XM6 are the ultimate companion for commuters, frequent travelers, remote workers, or anyone who simply craves an immersive and undisturbed listening experience. They are perfect for enjoying music, podcasts, audiobooks, or even just finding a moment of peace and quiet. If you're seeking the very best in noise-cancelling technology combined with stellar audio performance and supreme comfort, look no further. These headphones are a testament to Sony's continued innovation in the audio landscape.

As a bit of background, I've owned the WH XM4s, XM5s and the Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra. I also currently have a pair of Sennheiser open-back 505s, the Sony WF XM5s. Suffice to say, I am a bit of a headphones nerd.I raise this because I think its worth prefacing that this review is of the WH XM6s, within the niche they occupy in my 'roster'. That is the commuting/loud office/neighbours are blasting loud music/building works are going on nearby etc category. Essentially, any context where I'm not guaranteed a reasonable level of quiet in my surroundings, these come into play.In that category, they are simply the best I've ever used. The noise cancelling is fantastic. Outside sounds are reduced dramatically. Some have described it as similar to being underwater, which I understand, but I think makes it sound negative. It simply strips almost all sound around you to a level where it is, at worst, effortless to ignore. It can struggle a bit with sudden high frequencies (e.g. microwave beeps) and high winds can be noticeable but they're still much reduced.Sound quality is absolutely fantastic as well (again, within this specific category - I do prefer my open-backs overall but they're simply not useable in any kind of noisy environment). The bass is powerful, without being overpowering (which isn't a guarantee in modern headphones), mids are clear and instrument separation is excellent.The design is also improved on the previous model. They're light and comfortable on the ears, enough that I can wear them for long periods of time. The hinge is back, which is an effortless win and allows easy folding, and the earcups themselves now fold in the 'correct' direction, meaning you can hang them round your neck with the earcups against your chest. The controls have been improved as well, with a clearer distinction between the power button and the ANC/Ambient sound control. The touch controls on the right ear cup remain the same, and can occasionally be a bit finicky, but I generally find them very easy to use.I don't have very many criticisms at all really. I suppose, as with all headphones of this type, they can start to get a bit sweaty after a time and can create a slightly odd feeling of pressure around your ears. This is expected from this style of headphones, but might be unpleasant for some.The other downside that can't be escaped, is the price. They certainly are not cheap, and for many this will be a dealbreaker. I understand that perspective, but they are still within the price range for this tier of premium, ANC headphones, and I have to say, relative to the competition they absolutely nail it.I do not regret my purchase at all, and these will likely be my go-to headphones for quite some time.