Sony has once again raised the bar in the premium headphone space with the launch of the WH-1000XM6 in Malaysia, retailing at RM2,099. As the sixth-generation successor to Sony’s highly acclaimed noise-cancelling headphone line, the XM6 doesn’t radically reinvent its winning formula—but it does refine it in all the right places.
After a full week of testing these headphones across commuting, remote work, voice calls, and long music sessions, one thing is clear: the WH-1000XM6 isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a polished, premium experience that cements Sony’s lead in the noise-cancelling game.
Design & Comfort
Visually, the XM6 maintains the minimalist, modern design introduced with the XM5. You get the same non-foldable headband and sleek, rotating earcups that lay flat—giving the headphones a streamlined silhouette that feels more professional and stylish than the foldable XM4 design of the past.
But the real magic is in the details: softer ear cushions, improved padding, and a lighter 250-gram frame combine to deliver exceptional comfort. Whether you’re wearing them on a 10-hour flight or through back-to-back Zoom meetings, the XM6 stays gentle on the ears. Sony has clearly listened to feedback, and it shows.
Audio Performance: Balanced, Clean, and Refined
Sony’s signature 30mm drivers are back, but the XM6 benefits from updated tuning. The sound profile is sharper and more balanced, delivering clean highs, warm mids, and punchy yet controlled bass. Vocals shine through with clarity, while the bass avoids overwhelming the mix.
The headphones continue to support LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs—ensuring top-tier wireless sound quality. However, audiophiles might still be slightly disappointed by the absence of Qualcomm aptX support, which some competitors offer.
Noise Cancelling: Smarter Adaptation, Better Control
Noise-cancelling has always been Sony’s ace card, and the XM6 improves on the XM5’s already excellent performance. Powered by Sony’s updated QN3 chip, the XM6 uses 12 microphones to fine-tune noise suppression in real time.
During testing, we found the XM6 particularly effective at filtering out mid-frequency noise, like office chatter, airplane hum, and city traffic. The Ambient Sound mode also feels more natural, allowing you to stay aware of conversations and announcements without taking the headphones off.
While the upgrades may feel subtle to XM5 owners, they’re undeniably noticeable over time, especially for commuters, travelers, and those frequently shifting between noisy and quiet environments.
Call Quality: Sony’s Most Dramatic Leap Yet
One of the XM6’s biggest triumphs is its dramatically improved call quality. Using six microphones and AI-enhanced voice pickup, the headphones deliver crystal-clear speech even in noisy outdoor settings.
Whether you’re taking a call on a busy street or in a bustling café, the XM6 effectively isolates your voice and suppresses background noise, making it a true standout for remote workers and professionals. Compared to the XM5, this upgrade is arguably the most compelling reason to consider the XM6.
Battery Life: Solid as Ever, Faster Top-Ups’
The XM6 retains the same impressive battery life as its predecessor: up to 30 hours with noise cancelling and 40 hours without. What’s new is the improved quick charging—just three minutes of charging now delivers up to four hours of playback, perfect for those on the go.
Charging remains via USB-C, and while the package still includes a 3.5mm audio cable, the once-standard airplane adapter has been dropped, reflecting the modern traveler’s wireless-first lifestyle.
Smart Features: Multipoint & Adaptive Sound Get Smarter
Smart controls have been polished for the XM6. Through the Sony Headphones Connect app, users can tweak EQ settings, enable adaptive sound that learns daily routines, and configure intuitive touch gestures.
Multipoint Bluetooth pairing has been significantly upgraded, now allowing seamless switching between two connected devices—a pain point on the XM5. Other beloved features like Speak-to-Chat, wear detection, and location-aware sound modes return, rounding out an impressively intelligent listening experience.
Sustainability Matters
In line with Sony’s global eco-friendly push, the WH-1000XM6 comes in plastic-free packaging and incorporates recycled materials in its build—a small but meaningful touch for environmentally conscious buyers.
The Verdict: A Smart Investment in Sound
At RM2,099, the Sony WH-1000XM6 firmly holds its place in the premium headphone category. For those upgrading from older models like the XM4, this is an easy recommendation. Even XM5 users may find the improved call quality, smarter multipoint pairing, and enhanced comfort compelling enough to justify the upgrade.
In short, the XM6 isn’t just about cutting-edge tech—it’s about delivering a luxurious, all-around experience that fits the lifestyle of the modern traveler, professional, and music lover. Sony didn’t need to reinvent its crown jewel; it just needed to make it better.
