Best over-ear headphones at a historic discount! Sony WH-1000XM6 are three thousand cheaper

A few weeks ago, we wrote that the Sony WH-1000XM6 dropped below 10,000 CZK for the first time. Now they are even cheaper – on Alza.cz, they cost 9,016 CZK with code SONYAUTUMN05. These are flagship headphones with an improved QN3 processor, 12 microphones, and according to many reviews, the best active noise cancellation on the market. The original price at launch in May was 11,990 CZK, so you save almost 3 thousand.

What’s new compared to XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM6 arrives three years after the XM5 model, which is an unusually long break. During this time, Sony has redesigned almost everything. The main change is the HD QN3 processor, which, according to Sony, is 7× faster than the QN1 from the XM5.

Another significant change is the number of microphones – from 8 in the XM5 to 12 in the XM6. Six are on each earcup: four on the outer edge, two inside under the replaceable pads. The outer microphones feature a new mesh that better dampens wind noise. All of this combined makes the XM6 headphones with the best ANC Sony has ever produced.

The design has also changed – the XM6 bring back hinges, so they can be folded. The XM5 didn’t have this. The case is still quite large, but now it has a magnetic lock and opens like a book, which is more practical. The headband is wider and flatter for better ergonomics.

Best ANC on the market according to What Hi-Fi?

British What Hi-Fi?, one of the most renowned magazines for audio technology, awarded the Sony WH-1000XM6 a full score of 5/5 and declared them the best wireless headphones Sony has ever produced. In the ANC category, they write: “Low and mid-range frequencies are handled exceptionally well, especially on the London Underground. The Bose QC Ultra might feel a touch more effective, but not everyone likes the way they process noise. Sony offers a more natural, sophisticated, and subtle performance.”

In practice, this means that the XM6 create a clean, quiet background without low-frequency hum. The Adaptive NC Optimizer constantly adjusts to the environment – when you’re on the subway, noise is eliminated differently than when you’re sitting in a cafe. The system handles this automatically; you don’t have the option to manually adjust the ANC level like with Bose.

Regarding calls, What Hi-Fi? writes: “Call quality on the WH-1000XM6 is excellent. Precise Voice Pickup Technology combined with microphones and beamforming AI does a fantastic job of suppressing background noise. Even with wind and passing cars outside, the other party has no problem hearing what you’re saying.” According to the review, they are better than Bose, B&W Px7 S3, and even AirPods Max.

Sound tuned by Grammy engineers

Sony collaborated with Grammy-winning mastering engineers on sound tuning. The result? What Hi-Fi? writes: “The WH-1000XM6 deliver the most detailed, dynamic, precise, and open sound we’ve ever heard from Sony’s wireless headphones. They are capable of diving into any track and extracting an incredible amount of information.”

The headphones feature 30mm drivers with a carbon fiber diaphragm, the same size as the XM5, but with a new “soft edge” design. They support Hi-Res Audio and DSEE Extreme technology, which enhances compressed tracks from streaming services. The Sony Sound Connect app includes a 10-band equalizer for detailed sound tuning.

Interestingly, Sony used technologies from its premium Walkmans – a low phase noise crystal oscillator for better timing and gold solder in some parts of the circuit. These sound like minor details, but together, according to tests, they make an audible difference.

40-hour battery life and fast charging

Battery life remains the same as with the XM5 – 30 hours with ANC, 40 hours without ANC. Fast charging works great: 3 minutes of charging = 3 hours of listening. For the first time with Sony headphones, you can listen to music while charging. However, you still cannot listen via a wired USB-C connection – only the 3.5mm jack works.

They support Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 codecs. Multipoint works perfectly – you can be connected to a laptop and phone simultaneously, and the headphones will automatically switch to a call when someone rings. This works seamlessly across iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac.

Conclusion: the best Sony headphones at the best price

The Sony WH-1000XM6 for 9,016 CZK with code SONYAUTUMN05 is the best offer we’ve seen for these headphones. The original price of 11,990 CZK was higher, but for this price, you get the best ANC on the market, top-notch call quality, and excellent sound – all confirmed by renowned tests and real users.

Competition in this category is strong – Bose QuietComfort Ultra also have excellent ANC, but Sony is more natural according to tests and has better microphones. B&W Px7 S3 are comparable in sound quality but lack such advanced ANC. AirPods Max are more expensive (even with a discount) and, according to tests, do not match Sony’s call quality.

What do you think of Sony’s WH-1000XM6?