Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Get the Sony XM6 if you can. Unless the XM5 is far cheaper — then it's still excellent value, if you treat it gently.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Last generation's Sony: still excellent noise cancelling, rich sound and 30 hours of battery, now for much less. The hinge is its weak spot.
Sony WH-1000XM6
Class-leading noise cancelling, rich and detailed sound, and the clearest calls. The ones to get.
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Both last about 30 hours and both sound and block noise very well. The XM6 is quieter, much better on calls and folds up small; the XM5 is the value pick when the gap is big.
- —It's on a big discount.
- —You mostly listen at home or at a desk.
- —You don't need the best calls.
- —The price gap is small.
- —You travel and want a compact case.
- —You make a lot of calls on the move.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Excellent noise cancelling for the money
- +Rich sound and about 30 hours of battery
- +Usually far cheaper than the XM6
- −Owners report the plastic joint between ear cup and headband cracking, often within the first year.
- −They fold flat but don't fold up, so the case is bulky.
- −Noise cancelling and calls are a step behind the XM6.
- −No audio over USB-C, and they aren't made for sweat or rain.
- +Among the very best noise cancelling
- +Rich, detailed sound with a 10-band EQ
- +Clear calls, even outdoors
- −The fit is snug and the cups are fairly small, which some people with glasses or big ears find tight.
- −Fast charging (3 minutes for 3 hours) needs a USB-PD charger, which isn't in the box.
- −No audio over USB-C, and the mic doesn't work over the cable.
- −A few owners report a cracked headband ring or hinge.
Ready to choose?
- Is the Sony XM5 worth it?
- Is the Sony XM6 worth it?
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- Best headphones
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.