After a longer wait than normal, Sony has officially announced the WH-1000XM6 noise cancelling headphones, which are likely to be the best headphones of 2025. 

Sony normally launches a new model every two years, but the 5-star XM5 model arrived back in May 2022. Still, the wait is over and fans will no doubt be excited for these new 1000X series headphones, which Sony says usher in “the next evolution of noise cancelling.” 

As you might expect, Sony is also stating the XM6 contain its most advanced noise cancelling to date. This is partly thanks to a next-gen chipset and intelligent algorithms. 

“the WH-1000XM6 can block distractions before they reach you,” said Sony. 

The chip in question is the catchily named HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 is a whopping seven times faster than its predecessor and can fine-tune a total of 12 microphones – 1.5x more than the XM5. 

It can do this in real time and Sony says the optimal placement of said mics and the processor allows the noise cancelling to adapt better to your fit and environment. Call quality is also improved with AI (yes, it was bound to be somewhere) beamforming.

Sony doesn’t specify the size of the drivers in the press release, only stating they are “specially designed” units with a “high rigidity carbon fibre composite material dome and uniquely developed voice coil structure.” 

The firm promises “clarity that feels almost tangible” and has collaborated with a team of Grammy-winning and nominated engineers, including Randy Merrill and Chris Gehringer, to ensure the sound quality is as the artists intend. 

Features like High-Resolution Audio Wireless, LDAC and DSEE Extreme were pretty much a given, but are now confirmed.

The design of the WH-1000XM6 is once again familiar yet different. The headphones are feature a soft fit wider headband with vegan leather, while the earpads have a stretchable material for a secure but comfortable fit. 

An updated folding mechanism is the biggest change which uses a metal injection construction. The carry case now features a magnetic closing, too. 

One new feature is called Scene-based Listening which Sony says uses sensing tech to automatically play music based on your activity while adjusting the noise cancelling level for your surroundings. 

Other improvements include faster USB-C charging with just three minutes plugged in, giving you up to three hours of usage.

The bad news? Well, it couldn’t all be plain sailing as the WH-1000XM6 do see the headphones getting another price rise. 

Sony has confirmed the price is £400, marking an increase of £20, and they go on sale this month, possibly straight away. 

You can choose between Black, Platinum Silver and Midnight Blue colourways from day one. 

Chris got his break as a reporter at infamous site The Inquirer and has been at Tech Advisor for more than 12 years. With a BA degree in Music Technology, audio is his specialism, but over the years he has reviewed all kinds of gadgets, from smartwatches to mesh Wi-Fi to coffee machines.