Sony WH-1000XM6
LDAC · 30 h · 12-mic ANC with QN3
Sony WH-1000XM5
Over-ear · 2022
Sony WH-1000XM6 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WH-1000XM6 lands at 95 and Sony WH-1000XM5 at 93. That puts Sony WH-1000XM6 ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Sony WH-1000XM6 if…
- ✓Best sound quality in ANC class
- ✓LDAC + multipoint + Auracast support
- ✓Excellent EQ app and ANC tuning
Pick Sony WH-1000XM5 if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Sony WH-1000XM6Tuning, detail, and staging
Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on sound (96 vs 93).
Noise cancelling
Sony WH-1000XM6ANC strength for commute and travel
Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on anc (94 vs 91).
Comfort
TieLong-session wearability
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
TieSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | 30 mm dynamic | — |
| ANC | Hybrid · 12-mic with QN3 HD Noise Cancelling Processor | — |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 LE | — |
| Codecs | LDAC + LC3 + AAC + SBC | — |
| Battery | 30 h (24 with ANC on) | — |
| Charging | USB-C, 3 min for 3 h | — |
| Weight | 254 g | — |
| Type | — | Over-ear |
| Release year | — | 2022 |
Sony WH-1000XM6
- +Best sound quality in ANC class
- +LDAC + multipoint + Auracast support
- +Excellent EQ app and ANC tuning
- −ANC marginally trails Bose QC Ultra
- −Plastic build vs premium rivals
- −No higher-res codecs above LDAC
Sony WH-1000XM5
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
FAQ: Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM6 or Sony WH-1000XM5? +
Sony WH-1000XM6 scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Sony WH-1000XM6 worth the price? +
At $449, Sony WH-1000XM6 delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sound.
Is Sony WH-1000XM5 worth the price? +
At $399, Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in sound.
Does Sony WH-1000XM6 or Sony WH-1000XM5 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for sound quality, Sony WH-1000XM6 or Sony WH-1000XM5? +
Sony WH-1000XM6 — leads on sound (96 vs 93). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Sony WH-1000XM6 or Sony WH-1000XM5? +
Sony WH-1000XM6 — leads on anc (94 vs 91). ANC strength for commute and travel.