I traveled with Sony XM6 headphones for a week – and cannot go back

Key takeaways of zdnet

• Sony with-1000xm6 headphones provide even better sound and ANC performance.
• He has the best travel case for headphones in 2025.
• I love Sony’s new flagship headphone more comfortable, Snag Fit.

Sony wh-1000xm5 was great, but there was a lack of some characteristics that I consider necessary for travel. This is why I chose Bose Quitcomfort Ultra Headphone for my comfortable fit and foldable design as my Go-to travel headphone. But three years after the XM5 launch, Sony finally issued a qualified successor. And it improves the final-gene product in every way.

Also: I replaced my heavy headphone with these pixel earbuds for travel – and cannot go back

Before Sony it-1000xm6Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 was my travel partner, thanks to their powerful ANC performance, comfortable fit for long-lumbfied flights, luxurious sound and shorter form factor. However, XM6’s foldable earcups, reading-to-store cases, excellent sound, and high-performing ANC rethinked me the packing of over-ear headphones before going to the airport.

I used these headphones for a week, and they are now likely to stay in my backpack for every trip – why is here.

A long -awaited fit upgrade

I did not use Sony XM5 headphones after the initial review period because fit and comfort were not good as XM4, my Bose QC Ultra, or Sonos Ace Headphones. But Sony returns to glory with XM6.

They are four grams of heavier than their predecessor, but I find them more comfortable to wear. This can be caused by broad headband and more circular earcup design. It sports the same earcups, which maintain sweat in a warm environment, but I did not have this issue yet. Nevertheless, XM6 fits me more comfortably and safely than XM5.

Also: Why these headphones are still best than Bose – even if they are one year old

The XM4 sported a double -time design, which allowed you to bend the headphone, not just flat. Sony removed this design feature in XM5, making it difficult to move them around, especially when traveling through airports. With the XM6, the company brought back the dual-hing design, so that you could bend the earcips. I also miss this ability on Sonos Ace, and I am happy that the headphone makers are returning to a more convenient design.

The foldable earcups design also helps to make the case slightly smaller, which now comes with a magnetic latch instead of a series. This is the most simple case design – once you make a habit of storing the headphone in the right position inside it. I also looked at the updated power button design. Sony has made it a rounder and reconded, which makes it more comfortable to use as it is easy to separate it from the ANC toggle button. You still get the same touch control for volume, playback, etc.

Also: Here is how a free software upgrade made Sonos Ace worth her value tag.

I think Sony finally found a comfortable, snug fit, foldable earcups, excellent cases and the correct combination of touch and button control. Overall, these features give it physical characteristics with intuitive knowledge above Sonos Ace and Airpods Max headphones.

Even better ANC and sound performance

The Sony XM6 headphone is equipped with a new QN3 chip, claiming to be seven times more powerful than the QN1 chip used in XM5. It is paired with a total of 12 microphones (six on each earcup) compared to eight on the predecessor.

As a result, you also get excellent active noise cancellation for high frequencies, which is a challenging achievement for many ANC headphones. The ambient public chatter is toned even further, and I found that ANC performance is better than my Bose QC Ultra. The same can be said about Voice-Calling Performance, thanks to six AI-managed beamphoring microphones.

Also: Should you buy Airpods maximum in 2025? A long -awaited upgrade will entice professionals

In terms of sound, Sony’s signature in XM6 is characterized by a warm and smooth sound profile, with clear bass. I love clear tone and tight bass reaction on my favorite songs. The XM6 also provides a slight depth than the XM5, and the devices feel that they are exactly where they are going to happen.

As ZDNET’s audio editor, Zaida Jones saw in his review, “turning over the noise or turning over the ambient sound (on Sony XM6) brings more color and vibrancy, which makes the more pleasant hearing experience.” I like to wear them on traffic and flights.

For battery life, I have so far tested these headphones completely, but they have been rated for 30 -hour battery life at a medium volume level with ANC, and can go up to 40 hours with ANC. XM6’s battery life is expected to exceed life 24 hours and 20 -hour rated battery on Life Life Bose QC Ultra and AirPods Max respectively. A 3 -minute quick charge contains a three -hour music playback, which can be particularly useful if you forget to charge them before flying.

Also: Best Headphone of 2025: Bose, Sony, Beats, and more

The new Sony with-1000xm6 headphones are required when I want to take my headphone instead of Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Earbuds. They provide more comfortable and snug fit, excellent sound and ANC performance, long battery life with quick charging, a little more spontaneous control, and a case that is easy to use. In my one -week use, I haven’t found a deal breaker yet, but I have to see how they rent in the coming weeks against Bose’s New Quitcomfort Ultra Headphone (Jean 2).