Headphones / WH-1000XM6 vs WH-1000XM5
WH-1000XM6 vs WH-1000XM5
WH-1000XM6
The most refined noise-cancelling headphone Sony has made.
Wins overall by 0.2 points
Quick Verdict
This is a close call. The WH-1000XM6 edges ahead by 0.2 points overall, but the WH-1000XM5 is still an excellent choice — especially if the value pick in the xm line now that the xm6 has launched.
The WH-1000XM6 and WH-1000XM5 are both closely matched headphones, and the WH-1000XM5 is $122 cheaper than the WH-1000XM6 ($328 vs $449.99). On value, the WH-1000XM5 leads (8.7 vs 7.8/10) — features and performance relative to price. On travel, the WH-1000XM6 leads (9.3 vs 8.7/10) — foldability, case, anc on planes, battery for long trips. On call & mic quality, the WH-1000XM6 leads (9.4 vs 8.9/10) — voice clarity and background noise rejection on calls. Overall, the WH-1000XM6 scores 8.9/10 across our 10 test categories versus 8.7/10 for the WH-1000XM5, though the gap is close enough that your specific use case should decide it. Below, we break down the full spec sheet, category-by-category scores, and exactly who should buy which one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Spec | WH-1000XM6 | WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 | $328.00 |
| Release Year | 2025 | 2022 |
| Battery Life (hrs) | 30 | 30 |
| Battery (ANC off) (hrs) | 30 | 40✓ |
| Quick Charge (min for 3hrs) | 3 | 3 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Weight (g) | 254 | 250✓ |
| Driver Size (mm) | 30 | 30 |
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Microphones (mics) | 12✓ | 8 |
| Foldable | Yes | No |
| Water Resistance | None | None |
| App EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months |
| Colors | Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue | Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue |
Category Scores
Battery Life
The WH-1000XM6 is rated for up to 30 hours with ANC on (30 hours with ANC off), while the WH-1000XM5 is rated for up to 30 hours with ANC on (40 hours with ANC off). Quick charge gets the WH-1000XM6 roughly 3 hours of playback from a 3-minute top-up, versus a 3-minute top-up for the WH-1000XM5.
Noise Cancelling
On our noise cancelling score, the WH-1000XM6 rates 9.7/10 versus 9.3/10 for the WH-1000XM5. WH-1000XM6 carries the ANC edge overall in this matchup based on the combined scoring above — see the Scores section for the full category breakdown.
Comfort
The WH-1000XM6 weighs 254g and scores 9.0/10 for comfort; the WH-1000XM5 weighs 250g and scores 8.8/10. Lighter weight generally means less clamp fatigue over multi-hour sessions.
Sound Quality
Sound quality scores: WH-1000XM6 9.3/10, WH-1000XM5 9.1/10. Driver size is 30mm on the WH-1000XM6 versus 30mm on the WH-1000XM5 — larger drivers don't guarantee better sound, but they're one input into tuning.
Calls & Microphone
The WH-1000XM6 uses a 12-microphone array and scores 9.4/10 for calls, while the WH-1000XM5 uses 8 microphones and scores 8.9/10.
Travel
For travel we weight battery life, ANC, and foldability together. The WH-1000XM6 scores 9.3/10 and folds flat; the WH-1000XM5 scores 8.7/10 and does not fold flat.
Gaming
Neither model is a dedicated gaming headset, but relative gaming scores are 7.4/10 for the WH-1000XM6 and 7.2/10 for the WH-1000XM5. For latency-sensitive games, a wired connection is recommended for either.
Best For
Choose the WH-1000XM6 if…
- • You travel often and want reliable ANC, a compact fold, and long battery life on planes.
- • You're on calls constantly and need clear mic pickup with background noise rejection.
- • You want the deepest app ecosystem and extra features like spatial audio or multipoint.
- • Noise cancelling is your top priority — the WH-1000XM6 scores 9.7/10 for blocking ambient noise.
- • Your main use case is professionals.
Choose the WH-1000XM5 if…
- • You want the most performance for the lowest price.
- • You want to spend less — it's $122 cheaper.
- • Your main use case is students.
Pros & Cons
WH-1000XM6
Pros
- +Best-in-class active noise cancelling
- +Class-leading call quality thanks to the 12-mic array
- +Folds flat again after the XM5 dropped that feature
- +Excellent app with deep EQ and spatial audio controls
- +Multipoint pairing works reliably across two devices
Cons
- −Most expensive Sony XM headphone yet
- −Modest battery gains over the XM5
- −No official water/sweat resistance rating
- −Case is slightly bulkier than AirPods Max
WH-1000XM5
Pros
- +Excellent ANC for the price, especially now discounted
- +Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- +Mature, reliable app ecosystem
- +Strong resale/second-hand value given how common it is
Cons
- −Does not fold flat, bulkier to pack than the XM4
- −Fewer mics than the XM6, so calls are a step behind
- −No wear-detection auto pause improvement over predecessor
Shop by Need
FAQs
Is the WH-1000XM6 or WH-1000XM5 better overall?+
Based on our 10-category scoring, the WH-1000XM6 comes out ahead overall. See the full breakdown in the scores section above — the right pick still depends on which categories matter most for your use case.
Which has better battery life, the WH-1000XM6 or the WH-1000XM5?+
The WH-1000XM6 lasts longer, rated for up to 30 hours with ANC on versus 30 hours for the WH-1000XM5.
Is the WH-1000XM6 worth the price difference over the WH-1000XM5?+
The WH-1000XM5 is the cheaper option at $328 versus $449.99. Whether the pricier model is "worth it" depends on how much you value its lead in value.
Which is better for travel, the WH-1000XM6 or the WH-1000XM5?+
For travel, we weight battery life, ANC performance, and foldability. The WH-1000XM6 scores higher here (9.3/10).
Which has better noise cancelling?+
The WH-1000XM6 has the stronger ANC, scoring 9.7/10 versus 9.3/10.
Can I use the WH-1000XM6 and WH-1000XM5 for gaming?+
Both support standard Bluetooth audio, but neither is purpose-built for competitive gaming latency. Between the two, the WH-1000XM6 scores better for gaming use (7.4/10). For latency-critical gaming, a wired connection is recommended for either.
Do the WH-1000XM6 and WH-1000XM5 support multipoint Bluetooth pairing?+
Yes, the WH-1000XM6 supports multipoint. Yes, the WH-1000XM5 supports multipoint too.
Which is more comfortable for long listening sessions?+
The WH-1000XM6 scores higher on comfort (9.0/10), largely due to clamp force, padding, and weight — the WH-1000XM6 weighs 254g and the WH-1000XM5 weighs 250g.
What's the warranty on the WH-1000XM6 vs the WH-1000XM5?+
The WH-1000XM6 ships with a 12-month warranty; the WH-1000XM5 ships with a 12-month warranty. Always confirm current terms on the manufacturer's site before buying.
Should I wait for the next model instead of buying either of these?+
If either model is more than two years old, a successor may be close — check the "Latest Model" link on each product page. Otherwise, both are current, well-supported options and there's no strong reason to wait.
Cheaper Option
Momentum 4 Wireless — $299.95
Premium Option
AirPods Max — $549.00