Sony WH-1000XM6: Finally PERFECT? (VS XM5, Bose QC Ultra & AirPods Max)

Summary

In this video, the reviewer compares Sony's latest WH-1000XM6 headphones with the previous XM5 model, as well as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and AirPods Max. Key differences include a redesigned, smaller travel case, new asymmetrical hinges, a wider headband for improved comfort, and enhanced microphone performance. The XM6 also introduces a new processor, AI-enhanced voice isolation, and updated sound quality. The video delves into sound comparisons, noise cancellation, and the various new features, such as gesture controls and listening modes. Ultimately, the reviewer highlights the XM6 as the most well-rounded option for users seeking premium headphones.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Sony WH-1000XM6 features a redesigned, more compact travel case with a magnetic closure, offering improved portability and one-handed operation.
• 😀 The headphones now feature a collapsible design with a new asymmetrical hinge, addressing the lack of this feature in the XM5.
• 😀 The XM6 has a wider headband to better distribute pressure, improving comfort compared to the XM5, especially for users with sensitivity to headband pressure.
• 😀 The power button on the XM6 is circular and indented, making it easier to find, unlike the previous model's button design.
• 😀 The ear cups on the XM6 have slightly thicker padding for enhanced comfort, and the design remains mostly the same with a soft matte finish.
• 😀 Battery life remains excellent on the XM6, with up to 30 hours with noise cancellation on, and 40 hours without it. Fast charging gives 3 hours of playback after just 3 minutes of charging.
• 😀 The XM6 introduces the ability to use the headphones while charging, and can also be used passively with a 3.5mm audio jack if the battery runs out.
• 😀 The sound quality is improved with new drivers for richer details and clearer vocals. The new 10-band custom EQ provides more flexibility than the 5-band EQ on the XM5.
• 😀 Noise cancellation on the XM6 is slightly more effective than the XM5, with improvements in targeting different frequencies, though the overall strength remains similar.
• 😀 The microphone performance on the XM6 is impressive, with improved background noise cancellation thanks to the addition of two extra microphones and AI-enhanced voice isolation.
• 😀 When compared to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and AirPods Max, the XM6 stands out in comfort, sound quality, battery life, and seamless multi-point connection, making it a top contender in the premium headphone market.

Q & A

What is the main difference in design between the Sony WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM6 headphones?

The main difference in design is the redesigned travel case, which is smaller and features a new magnetic closure for easier access. The XM6 also introduces a new asymmetrical hinge that allows the headphones to collapse, which was a feature missing in the XM5.

How does the comfort of the Sony WH-1000XM6 compare to the XM5?

The comfort of the XM6 is improved due to a wider headband, which helps distribute pressure more effectively. This makes the XM6 feel more comfortable on the top of the head compared to the narrower headband of the XM5.

What improvements have been made to the microphone performance in the Sony WH-1000XM6?

The XM6 has improved microphone performance by increasing the microphone count from 8 to 12 and adding AI-enhanced voice isolation, making it more effective at isolating the user's voice from background noise.

What are the key differences in sound quality between the XM5 and XM6?

The XM6 offers richer sound with more detail, clearer vocals, and better bass retention at higher volumes. The drivers in the XM6 are upgraded for a more polished sound compared to the XM5, which sounds great but might require some EQ adjustments.

How do the Sony WH-1000XM6 compare to the AirPods Max in terms of sound quality?

Both the XM6 and AirPods Max have solid bass and impressive vocal clarity. However, the XM6 offers more flexibility with its 10-band EQ, allowing users to adjust sound to their preference. The AirPods Max, on the other hand, do not have an EQ control, but they do have punchier bass at times.

What are the battery life differences between the Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra, and AirPods Max?

The Sony WH-1000XM6 leads with 30 hours of playback with noise cancellation, or 40 hours without it. The Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra provides 24 hours, while the AirPods Max offers the shortest battery life at 20 hours.

What are the new app-based features introduced with the Sony WH-1000XM6?

The XM6 introduces several app-based features, including listening modes (standard, background music, and cinema mode), voice commands, and head gestures. These features allow users to skip songs, accept calls by nodding their head, and control ambient sound.

How does the noise cancellation in the Sony WH-1000XM6 compare to the previous model (XM5) and competitors like the Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra and AirPods Max?

The noise cancellation in the XM6 is slightly more effective than the XM5, particularly targeting different frequencies. While the XM6 and AirPods Max have strong noise cancellation, the XM6's transparency mode is cleaner and more natural, and the XM6 generally performs better in eliminating background noise in microphone tests.

How does the multi-point connection feature work on the Sony WH-1000XM6 and how does it compare to the Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra and AirPods Max?

The XM6 offers seamless multi-point connection, automatically pausing content on one device when you switch to another. The Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra requires manual pausing before switching, while the AirPods Max automatically switches between Apple devices but does not support multi-point for other platforms.

What is the advantage of the new travel case for the Sony WH-1000XM6?

The new travel case for the XM6 is smaller, more portable, and features a magnetic closure that makes it easier and quicker to open and close, even with one hand. It also has a small elastic pouch for cables, improving organization compared to the flat pocket design in the previous case.