Sony WH-1000XM6 Review: Still the ANC King in 2025? (Indonesia & Global Test)

 Sony has long been a flagship name in premium audio, and the latest WH-1000XM6 headphones, officially launched in Indonesia on June 2, 2025 at Rp7,499,000 ($449.99), continue this tradition with meaningful upgrades. Garnering acclaim worldwide for their advanced noise cancellation and refined sound quality, the WH-1000XM6 promise to offer one of the best ANC headphone experiences in 2025. This review delivers a hands-on, real-world assessment with balanced insights relevant to both Indonesian users and global audiophiles.

Unboxing the Sony WH-1000XM6: First Impressions

The WH-1000XM6 arrives in a sleek, minimalist package that reflects Sony's commitment to premium presentation. Inside the box, users find the headphones themselves, a compact magnetic closure travel case—which is a welcome upgrade from the prior zipper design—and essential accessories: a 3.5 mm audio cable for wired listening and a USB-C charging cable (notably short, recommended to use a personal longer cable for convenience).

Build quality is premium with the familiar somber elegance of the 1000X series. Unlike the previous XM5, the XM6 brings back foldable hinges, enabling compact storage in the new smaller case. The hinges are thicker and more robust, designed for frequent use without compromising durability. Additionally, the headband now features asymmetrical vegan leather with softer, stretchable earpads that promise improved comfort. Available in Black, Midnight Blue, and Platinum Silver, the Sony headphone caters well to diverse style preferences. The Global pricing at $449.99 positions it competitively within the flagship segment.

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Sony WH-1000XM6: Complete Specifications

Sony has empowered the WH-1000XM6 with substantial technical improvements:

• HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3: This is seven times faster than the QN1 processor in the XM5, delivering superior real-time noise cancellation.
• 12-Microphone Array: Increased from the XM5’s 8 mics, this array offers advanced beamforming and AI-assisted noise isolation for calls.
• Bluetooth 5.4 with LE Audio: Incorporates the latest Bluetooth LE Audio, Auracast broadcast capabilities, and Multi-Point connectivity for seamless device switching.
• Codec Support: The headphones support LDAC, AAC, SBC, and the new LC3 codec, the latter enhancing voice call clarity over Bluetooth LE Audio.
• Battery: Rated for 30 hours of playback with ANC on and a quick USB-C charging feature giving 5 hours of use from just 10 minutes charging.
• Weight and Size: Weighing approximately 246 grams with folding design, dimensions suit all-day use without feeling cumbersome.

These elite specifications highlight Sony’s dedication to advancing sound quality, connectivity, and noise control technology within the WH-1000XM series.

Active Noise Cancellation: Real-World Testing

The WH-1000XM6’s ANC performance remains a benchmark in the industry. Tests in diverse environments confirm Sony’s claims:

• Airplane Cabin: The headphones deliver deep bass noise suppression and stable isolation of ambient hum. Unlike competitors, ANC remains consistent without pressure changes affecting comfort or performance.
• Jakarta Cafes: In busy Jakarta cafe environments, the XM6 effectively cancels chatter and clatter, allowing clear music immersion and focus. The tropical climate’s ambient noise challenges are visibly tamed by Adaptive NC Optimizer, which adjusts ANC in response to changing conditions for optimized sound.
• Office and Street: Urban traffic, office chatter, and street noises are substantially reduced, with the XM6 outperforming both its predecessor and rivals like Bose QC Ultra by providing a natural yet powerful noise cancellation that does not feel artificial.
• Compared to WH-1000XM5: The XM6 offers a subtle yet notable ANC improvement, especially in midrange and bass rumble cancellation.
• Adaptive NC Optimizer: This feature intelligently tailors noise reduction to your environment and even monitor air pressure changes, providing a seamless listening experience whether commuting or stationary.

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Audio Quality and Codec Performance

The WH-1000XM6 shines with lush audio quality enhanced by both hardware and software improvements:

• LDAC Wireless Performance: The LDAC codec delivers near Hi-Res wireless sound with crisp detailing and rich dynamics.
• LC3 and Bluetooth LE Audio: Introduced support for LC3 enhances voice call quality and improves Bluetooth efficiency without compromising sound fidelity.
• 360 Reality Audio: AI-driven upmixing creates an immersive spatial audio experience, perfect for music lovers appreciating surround-like soundstage.
• Gaming EQ: A dedicated gaming equalizer optimizes sound cues for casual gaming, reducing latency and enhancing immersion.
• Sound Signature: The headphones produce a warm, balanced sound signature with controlled punchy bass, clear mids, and sparkling yet smooth highs, suitable for a wide range of genres.

Call Quality and Microphone Performance

Sony has enhanced call clarity with a 12-microphone setup leveraging advanced AI beamforming:

• The microphones isolate voice effectively, even in noisy Jakarta streets or bustling workspaces.
• Tests show clear voice transmission free from typical background noise, including wind interference.
• Calls sound natural for both Indonesian and international users, making this headphone reliable for professional virtual meetings as well as casual calls.
• Despite improvements, some users note that microphone performance, especially outdoors, is strong but still less perfect than the superb ANC.

Battery Life and Charging Tests

Sony promises and delivers impressive battery longevity under real-world conditions:

• The WH-1000XM6 lasts approximately 30 hours of continuous playback with ANC active.
• Quick Charge offers 5 hours of playback from just 10 minutes of USB-C charging, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Battery performance shows slight codec dependency—using LC3 or AAC helps conserve battery relative to LDAC.
• USB-C charging supports listening during charging, enhancing usability during travel or long work sessions.

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Comfort for Extended Listening Sessions

Sony improved the WH-1000XM6’s ergonomic design for long-duration use:

• The earpads are made from soft stretchable material with good breathability, easing toll on skin and ears during extended use.
• The reintroduced foldable hinges and well-balanced headband reduce pressure points, important for users wearing the headphones during long-haul flights or workdays.
• Tested in hot, humid climates, the headphones maintain comfort without excessive heat buildup or perspiration.
• Weights and pressure distribution make the WH-1000XM6 suitable for 8+ hour sessions without fatigue.

Feel comfort in your ears

Essential WH-1000XM6 Accessories

Completing the premium experience, Sony and third parties provide well-fitted accessories:

• Protective cases with magnetic closures and compact design offer excellent travel safety.
• Replacement earpads in vegan leather and breathable fabrics extend headphone lifespan.
• Various cable options, including long USB-C cords and audio cables, increase flexibility.
• Cleaning kits ensure maintenance of delicate surfaces and sensors, preserving performance.

Protect your investment today with genuine accessories designed for WH-1000XM6.

Final Verdict: Is Sony Still the ANC King?

The Sony WH-1000XM6 genuinely justifies its flagship status:

• Pros: Best-in-class ANC, comprehensive codec support (LDAC, LC3), excellent sound signature, superior call clarity with 12 mics, ultra-comfort for long sessions, responsive adaptive NC Optimizer, and competitive pricing.
• Cons: Microphone performance, while excellent, still leaves room for improvement outdoors; slightly heavier than XM5.
• Value: At $449.99 or Rp7.499.000 in Indonesia, the WH-1000XM6 balances advanced features and performance well against rivals like Bose QC Ultra and Apple AirPods Max.
• Recommended For: Frequent travelers, urban commuters, audiophiles seeking premium noise cancellation, gamers, and professionals needing reliable call quality.
• Consider Alternatives: If microphone clarity outdoors is a top priority or budget is limited, other models might be worth exploring.

Upgrade your audio game now with the WH-1000XM6 — a worthy successor delivering incremental but meaningful enhancements to Sony’s ANC headphone crown.