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I’m going to compare the performance of the Sony WH-1000XM6 to the top wireless headphones from Apple, Bose, Sennheiser, B&W, Cambridge Audio, and also Sony’s previous flagship, the WH-1000XM5.

First, I want to talk a little about how different the XM6 is compared to the XM5. It’s got a new noise canceling processor the QN3, 12 microphones including two of those directly on the driver component. We’re going to see in a moment if that does improve noise canceling, transparency and mic pickup.

We also see a whole bunch of new features like the Background Music and Cinema Modes which are basically different versions of Spatial Audio. I don’t use Cinema mode a lot even for watching videos, but I do use background music mode a lot for working, and I can tell you, try combining that with lofi hip hop. Lethal combination. New EQ presets which includes a Game preset designed by Sony’s Inzone team, a 10 band graphic EQ with 4 of those bands dedicated to tweaking bass, and a new Auto Transparency Mode.

Voice control is pretty cool too. The wake word is ‘Hey Headphones’ and there is a list of commands to operate these headphones handsfree. You also get the ability now to turn off the microphone during calls by double pressing the Ambient button. However, the most anticipated change is to the hinge system. It’s now foldable just like how the XM4 was, and there’s a metal component in the middle which should improve tolerance. And there’s also a spring-loaded joint on the earcup compared to the flippy-flappy one of the XM5 which angles the earcups to tighten the seal around the ears.

As a result the fit is indeed a little tighter compared to the XM5, but not to the point of being uncomfortable because the XM6’s cushions are plush, and the headband is a little wider than the XM5, so there’s better weight distribution. My theory is that this spring-loaded system also serves to take some pressure away from the folding hinge, which could mean better durability.

Since it folds now, the XM6 case is also smaller than the XM5, and it now has a magnetic clasp so closing the case is a simple shut and click. I like it much better than the zip cases, and it seems secure enough that the lid is not likely to fly open if you drop it.

Microphone Quality

In terms of microphone pickup, the XM6 is a slight improvement over the XM5. The XM5 could react to background noise and cancel it totally, but you could still hear a hint of it, whereas on the XM6, there’s not even a hint, it’s total silence all the way. My voice is also amplified fuller and louder compared to before, although the noise gating still cuts a little too deep into my voice. Compared to the rest, the XM6 and XM5 have the best mic pickup, although the AirPods Max and and Px7 S3 comes very close.

👉 Listen to the microphone quality samples

Active Noise Cancelling

In terms of active noise canceling, the WH-1000XM6 is the best in this group. The QN3 chip and those extra microphones are really making a difference. As you can see from this measurement, compared to the XM5, it cancels more noise in the upper bass and mids, and is more effective at cutting the treble region, which muffles even further sudden high pitched noises.

Possibly due to the tighter fit around the ears passively blocking those frequencies. In that area, other headphones, with the exception of the Px7 S3, don’t even come close. But depending on the algorithm, the Bose QC Ultra and the AirPods Max are able to adapt and almost match the XM6 in terms of noise canceling, although they still won’t attenuate the high frequencies as much.

👉 Listen to the ANC quality samples

Transparency Mode

Its transparency mode is also quite good. As you can see, its ambient passthrough follows the base noise level very closely up to the 2.5kHz mark, which makes it more useful than the XM5 for quick awareness and verbal exchanges. So in transparency mode, these can sound very close to not wearing headphones at all, although they AirPods Max is still a little ahead in that regard.

Auto Ambient Mode

The XM6’s Auto Ambient mode is interesting. At first,I couldn’t tell that it’s switched on because it sounds like noise canceling is on at first, but it reacts to noises around me and transitions into transparency mode needing to hit the Ambient button. Not something I’ll use because I prefer to have control, but it’s a cool handsfree feature.

Sound Quality

In terms of sound quality on its default settings, in many ways the Mark 6 is similar to the Mark 5. It’s bassy, has good spaciousness in the soundstage, quite forward sounding and detailed, but it has the same bloat in the lower mids and darkness in the treble. Without tweaking, it could sound a little dull to folks who are more used to crisp and vibrant sounding headphones like the AirPods Max, the Px7 S3, and even the Bose QC Ultra.

👉 Listen to the sound quality samples

Buy WH-1000XM6 or WH-1000XM5?

Should you buy the WH-1000XM6 or XM5? Although they’re very similar in terms of sound quality, with deep A-B testing, the XM6’s bass is a little heavier, mids have a bit more focus and presence so it sounds a bit more engaging than the XM5, and its upper mids sound more pronounced, so instruments and female vocals have more bite. It’s definitely an improvement, although not by much.

As you can see in this frequency sweep, they have a rather similar tuning overall. But that aside, even if the XM5 is going on a discount, get the new version. It’s not just that there’s more features and more control over the sound. They’ve made the XM6 more like what people wanted the XM5 to have - a foldable design with a smaller case, hinges that have more tolerance.

Although it hasn’t happened to me personally, we’ve seen many pictures on Reddit and X of the XM5 breaking in the same spot. It seems to me that this hinge system is meant to address that. Add to that even better noise canceling (and mic pickup), and what you’ve got is a far more compelling product than the XM5.

Buy WH-1000XM6 or Bose QC Ultra?

Comparing the XM6 to the Bose QC Ultra, the XM6 sounds more engaging. It has more gain, more body and more presence in the mids and vocals. It is also about 5% louder than the Bose. On the other hand, the Bose sounds a bit more laid back, but also sounds crisper with an airier soundstage. Its bass, although not as heavy as the XM6, does sound tighter and more punchy.

If you ask me to pick them based on sound, it’s a tough fight, but based on features and performance, I choose the XM6. Its sound is more customizable than the Bose, its noise canceling is a little better and can be turned off, unlike the Bose. Its mic pickup in noisy conditions is better, and for audiophiles, it uses a far more common Hi-Res codec, LDAC, whereas the Bose being Snapdragon Sound certified, only supports aptX Adaptive and regular aptX.

However the Bose does have head tracking as part of its Spatial Audio upmix that works on any device and any content, whereas the XM6’s head tracking only works on certain phones and certain apps with 360 Reality Audio content. As for which one is more comfortable for long flights, the WH-1000XM6 clamps a little tighter than the Bose, so the Bose does have a lighter fit. This means you’ll feel the Bose a little less than the XM6 on long flights.

Overall, I do feel that the XM6 is a bit more compelling, but the QC Ultra does have its advantages.

Buy WH-1000XM6 or Sennheiser Momentum 4?

Compared to the Sennheiser Momentum 4, the XM6 has more vibrance in vocals and instruments, a heavier sound overall. On the other hand the M4’s vocals sound laid back and thin. They’re also about 10% louder than the Sennheisers at 50% volume. That being said, the reason you might prefer the Sennheiser is that its soundstaging is more open, and its bass is cleaner, less bloaty and more precise than the XM6’s bass. Now, as for which is a better purchase, I’m going to say pick the XM6 if you want better noise canceling, transparency and mic pickup.

The XM6 is also more feature rich but I understand, not many people will use all of those features. Nonetheless in terms of all round performance, the XM6 is a stronger choice. That being said, the Momentum 4 is pretty great value. It’s not new, so you can often catch them on promo, and what I like about them is that they’re very tunable, so it’s pretty easy to tweak them to sound better as per individual preference. They support USB-C audio for 16-bit 48khz sound. They also support Auracast so you can receive Auracast streams directly within the app.

Buy WH-1000XM6 or Airpods Max?

Compared to the AirPods Max, the XM6 has a heavier sound with more body and bass, more presence and impact which some people may prefer. It’s also fully supported on iOS and Android so it doesn’t matter which ecosystem you’re on, you can have full access to its settings and features - except for Hi-Res codec support, that is only available on Android. It’s also lighter and more comfortable for long periods of wearing, and in terms of portability, it’s also easier to pack this away in your bag because it folds into a smaller package and has a fully enclosed case.

The AirPods Max on the other hand sounds cleaner separated and has more emphasis on crispness, clarity and fairness which, when compared side by side, can make the XM6 seem dark and dull. Its transparency mode is also far cleaner than the XM6, almost like not wearing headphones at all.

And if you’re on Apple’s ecosystem the AirPods Max works like a dream because you can seamlessly switch between devices without going through any pairing process, share audio with other AirPods users, and even if it doesn’t support hi-res wireless streaming, it does support wired 24-bit 48khz audio if you use this separately available cable from Apple. All things considered, the XM6 seems like better value to me in terms of features and performance, but the AirPods Max has its own special appeal especially to Apple fans.

Buy WH-1000XM6 or B&W Px7 S3?

Comparing the XM6 to the Px7 S3, there really is no competition in terms of sound. The Px7 S3 sounds more Hi-Fi. The XM6 is not as resolving in terms of retrieving details, and vocals sound blunt compared to the crispness, focus, clarity, and clean track separation of the Px7 S3. Such that, if you were to compare them side by side, the XM6 actually sounds bloated. Even in terms of bass, the Px7 S3 delivers more bass accuracy and depth by default.

So I much prefer the way the Px7 S3 sounds. Its build quality also feels more premium, they support 24-bit 96kHz audio over USB-C, and what I also love about the Px7 S3 is its multipoint pairing. It’s super seamless, you don't even have to press pause on one device first to play on the other, just press play right away and it takes over. With the XM6 you’ll have to pause first, and there’s a bit of delay before audio starts playing on device 2.

Button controls are another reason to get the B&W because it can be operated even if you’re wearing gloves. So the B&W is very compelling, but in terms of value to performance ratio, the XM6 is a stronger choice. At a lower price you’re getting better noise canceling, more features, and more custom options. The B&W’s app by comparison is very barebones considering its high price. It’s also more comfortable to wear than the B&W for long sessions, because the B&W clamps harder and the earcups are not as roomy.

Buy WH-1000XM6 or Melomania P100?

Compared to the Melomania P100, again, the XM6 doesn’t sound as Hi-Fi because it doesn’t resolve details as well, separation is not as clean, and it sounds more bloated. The P100 definitely has more focus and clarity in the mids, but where it really shines over the XM6 and all the others is soundstaging. Soundstaging is simply more layered and more realistic on the P100.

How the XM6 is better is in terms of bass. It sounds heavier, fuller, punchier, which makes them better for bass heads than the P100. they’re also about 10% louder than the P100 in case you prefer more muscle behind the drivers. Sound quality aside, there are many reasons to choose the XM6. Whether it be noise canceling, mic quality, transparency, its foldable design which makes them more portable, their feature set and custom options, the XM6 is a stronger choice; whereas the main reason why you should buy the P100 is its sound quality.

I definitely enjoy listening to the P100 more than almost every other headphone in this video. Only the Px7 S3 comes close. Aside from that, audiophiles may prefer it because they support 24-bit 96khz audio over USB-C.

Check latest prices:

Sony WH-1000XM6 - https://amzn.to/3SMPzRa

B&W Px7 S3 - https://amzn.to/4mn593q (UK)

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones - https://amzn.to/3UecNzS

AirPods Max - https://amzn.to/3AoiHX3

Sony WH-1000XM5 - https://amzn.to/4bIqJtZ

Sennheiser Momentum 4 - https://amzn.to/3TAxQOb

Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 - https://amzn.to/4f8HmAL

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