Sony WH-1000XM6 vs WH-1000XM5: Should you upgrade to the newest headphones?

Jada Jones/ZDNET Audio geeks, rejoice. Sony has finally released the successor to its popular WH-1000XM5 headphones, and the new headphones bring worthy improvements and Sony's stellar sound to a new generation. Also: The 13 best headphones of 2025 The WH-1000XM6 headphones are here, and their key highlights include classically rich sound, improved noise cancellation, and a reformed headset design for comfort and portability. The headphones share some similarities to their predecessor, including battery life capacity and general design. However, they also come with a new (and pricier) price tag of $450 at launch. That's a lot of cash to spend, especially when the price of Sony's WH-1000XM5 will only continue to drop. That begs the question: Which headphones should you buy? Should you opt for Sony's newest headphones or go with tried-and-true? I break it all down below. Specifications Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM6 Available colors Black, Midnight Blue, Silver, Smoky Pink Black, ... Read full article.