Head-to-head · Best Over-ear Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Sony WH-1000XM6

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Sony WH-1000XM5 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.8 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about audio enthusiasts seeking premium sound — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Over-ear Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5

4.8

6 sources$248as of Aug 1

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the default recommendation in wireless noise cancelling, and its reviews say so almost unanimously: What Hi-Fi?, TechRadar and Digital Trends all gave it full marks, Tom's Guide 4.5 out of 5 and SoundGuys 8.6 out of 10. Cancelling and sound quality are the reasons. The redesign reads less premium than the XM4, there is no IP rating at all, and the plastic build is not what everyone expects near the top of the market.

Strengths

— Outstanding active noise cancellation performance that rivals top competitors
— Superior sound quality with sensational sonic clarity and punchy delivery
— Excellent microphone quality for calls with good app features including custom EQ

Watch-outs

— Build quality feels less premium compared to previous generation
— No IP rating and vulnerable to moisture despite lack of definitive waterproofing

$248 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #6 in Best Over-ear Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM6

4.4

3 sources$458as of Aug 1

Sony's WH-1000XM6 fixes most of what people complained about in the previous generation: the fragile hinge is gone and the design folds again, with no cost to the top-tier noise cancellation and sound quality. What is still missing is water resistance and USB audio support, which matters if you want durability or flexible wired connections. As an all-rounder for commuters and travelers, it stays a strong pick despite those specific omissions.

Strengths

— Delivers excellent active noise cancellation with an Adaptive NC Optimizer
— Features a redesigned, more durable hinge that allows the headphones to fold flat
— Includes 12 microphones for superior call quality and voice pickup

Watch-outs

— Lacks any ingress protection rating, making them susceptible to moisture and sweat
— Does not support USB audio listening, limiting wired usage options
— Ear pads provide minimal clearance between the chassis and the user's skin

$458 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM5 stands out with its superior sound quality and ANC performance that matches the Bose QuietComfort 45, but it's less comfortable than the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless and lacks the premium build quality of the Apple AirPods Max. While it offers better battery life than the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X, it's significantly more expensive and lacks IP rating, unlike the Sennheiser model which provides better value for money.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Sony WH-1000XM5	Sony WH-1000XM6
Weight	251g	227g
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.2	BT 5.4, 3.5mm
Driver	New drivers	40mm
ANC	Outstanding	Yes
Battery Life	Up to 30 hours	40h
Charging Method	USB-C	—
Codec	—	LDAC, AAC, SBC, LC3
Folding	—	Folds flat, hinged

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