Sony WH-1000XM6 vs WH-1000XM5: Which Should You Buy?

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Need-to-knows

• WH-1000XM6 have a more dynamic and exciting audio quality
• Both feature excellent noise-cancelling, but the XM6 is a touch better
• XM6 are more portable thanks to the folding design
• XM5 are around $150 cheaper based on current pricing

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Sony’s WH-1000XM headphones series solidified its reputation as the gold standard of noise-cancelling headphones once again with the latest release of the WH-1000XM6. With each iteration, the brand has somehow managed to improve upon an already stellar formula. But the question is by how much?

Is there enough to justify upgrading from the WH-1000XM5 to the WH-1000XM6? Or if you’re looking for new headphones in general, should you spend the extra money on the XM6 or opt for the cheaper XM5?

If you’ve read our full WH-1000XM6 review, then you’ll already know that we believe that the XM6 are noticeably better than the XM5, but enough for you to worry about? Well, this in-depth comparison will help you decide.

Quick Comparison

Noise Cancellation

Ever since the WH-1000XM4, Sony has led the field in active noise cancellation (ANC), each successor marginally better than the last but far superior to other brands. That makes choosing Sony headphones in general easy when it comes to ANC, but comparing the XM6 to the XM5 harder because they are so similar in this category.

But there are differences.

The WH-1000XM6 features Sony’s latest QN3 processor and twelve microphones. This combination delivers industry-leading noise cancellation, particularly excelling at silencing higher-pitched ambient sounds like wind and mechanical noises from things like trains.

Related: Read Mark’s Sony WH-1000XM5 review

The hardware upgrades result in a noticeable-if-minimal improvement over the XM5 which were already incredible, but the XM6 are noticeably more effective at noise-cancelling in chaotic environments.

The WH-1000XM5, while not quite as advanced in terms of hardware, are still exceptional. They use eight microphones, so four less than the XM6, and the older QN2 processor, but still manage to offer better ANC than that found in competitors like the Bose QuietComfort or Sonos Ace.

In quiet environments, you’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the XM5 and XM6, but in noisier settings, the XM6 does pull ahead. If you want the absolute best noise-cancelling on the market to silence those long-haul flights or lock in at work, there really is no other choice than the WH-1000XM6.

Compare: Sony XM4 vs XM5

However, if you want what is still the second-best option, you can happily opt for the XM5 and save some cash. How long the XM5 hold up to newer competition remains to be seen though so going newer probably does future-proof you more.

Verdict: XM6 are the best in the world, but the XM5 are still astoundingly good too.

Sound Quality

Sony has subtly refined its audio tuning over the years, and each model has a slightly different sonic personality (and no, that’s not a Doctor Who reference). The thing with sounds quality is that it’s personal. I could love the sound of one pair of headphones and you could hate it. That being said, the WH-1000XM6 do generally sound better than the XM5. How much you notice the difference, or care about it, is down to how much of an audiophile you are.

Better sound quality? Read Mark’s Sonos Ace review

Most people in the headphone community, including us, concluded that there was something about the XM5 that sounded less exciting, less dynamic and flatter when compared to the WH-1000XM4. As such, we recommended buying the XM4 over the XM5 if you could find a good deal when the latter first released.

The WH-1000XM6 beats both previous generations, particularly the XM5, delivering the most balanced and detailed sound yet from Sony. The redesigned 30mm drivers produce sparkly, accurate highs with a nicely scooped mid-range and correctly proportioned bass. The soundstage is as wide as ever, giving an incredibly involved listening experience.

You can also do your own EQing in the Sony Connect app if that’s your thing to refine the sound more but, straight out of the box, the XM6 sound utterly stunning. The same couldn’t be said for the XM5 when they were released.

Sony’s latest mid-range earbuds: Sony WF-C710N review

Again, a lot of this stuff is elementary if you don’t really care too much about the finer details of audio engineering. The XM6 sound categorically better than the XM5, but your average user probably wouldn’t notice and, if they did, probably wouldn’t care too much. If you buy the XM5, you’d likely be more than satisfied with what you get.

It’s just that Sony has made some obvious tweaks to the XM6 audio profile that sets them apart.

Verdict: XM6 offers the best overall sound, especially for audiophiles. The XM5 is more neutral, with a less exciting profile.

Design and Portability

There is one big difference between the XM6 and XM5 design and boy is it a welcome one.

The XM5 made a departure from the XM4 by changing the folding mechanism. The XM4 could fold both the right and left earcups fully inwards to make the headphones smaller. The XM5 didn’t fold at all. Now, the XM6 have brought back the full folding mechanism so they collapse down into the same form factor as the XM4.

This might not sound like a big deal but it makes a big difference if you travel regularly with your headphones. Even just throwing them in a backpack, the XM5 are just far more inconvenient than the XM6 (and XM4 for that matter).

That also means that the case for the XM6 is significantly smaller than the XM5.

There are other smaller differences in design between the two, such as a slightly wider headband, earcups that are more aggressively angled to produce a more ergonomic fit and replaceable earcup foam. But these are minor changes and matter far less than the big one about foldability.

Verdict: This one is easy. The XM6 combines the best of both worlds, modern design and practical portability.

Extra Features

The WH-1000XM6 introduces support for LE Audio with compatible devices, offering better sound quality at lower bitrates and improved power efficiency. It also allows you to listen while charging, though not through a single USB-C cable, which remains an odd omission. Touch controls, wear detection, speak-to-chat, and multipoint connectivity all carry over from the XM5, although the Power button is recessed on the XM6 which makes it easier to find.

The WH-1000XM5 lacks LE Audio and doesn’t support simultaneous listening and charging. However, it retains most other features, including auto-pause, voice assistant integration, and similar call quality.

More: Sony ULT Field 5 review

Verdict: XM6 is the most future-proof but the XM5 matches them mostly. If LE Audio support bothers you then there’s only one option!

Comfort

Both headphones are very comfortable, but Sony has made incremental improvements over time.

The WH-1000XM6 are very comfortable thanks to the lighter clamping force, softer padding, and a slightly wider headband. The earcups are also easier to replace, which is a win for longevity.

The WH-1000XM5 are very lightweight and plush. Some users find they fits more naturally on the head, though others dislike its longer stems. At the end of the day, it’s a matter of personal preference but both headphones are basically as comfortable as eachother.

Verdict: A rare draw!

Price and Value

This is the big question, which pair of headphones offers the best value for money? And there is one major difference. The WH-1000XM6 cost $449/£399. This compares to the launch price of the XM5 which was $399/£380. That means, for the Americans amongst us, that the XM6 cost $50 more.

Of course, the gap gets bigger when you consider the current price of the XM5 which is, at the time of writing, $299/£279. If you’re in the US, that is a hugely significant saving. So is it worth spending the extra on the XM6?

With a completely logical head on, the answer is, for most people, no. The XM5 still offer flagship-grade performance in all areas, even if the audio profile is a bit less exciting than you’d like. The XM6 are better, there’s no doubt about it, but if you own the XM5 already there is little reason to upgrade unless you simply want to.

A different option: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review

That being said, the WH-1000XM6 are very good, currently topping our list of the best headphones you can buy. If you are just after a new pair of headphones, the $449 for the XM6 is worth it. What you get is premium in all areas and likely to last you for many, many years to come. If you have the money to stretch the budget, do it.

And if you’re at the opposite end of the spectrum after one of the best bargains around, the XM4 are $229/£199 on Sony’s website but even lower elsewhere. We prefer these headphones to the XM5 on balance. So seriously consider them if money is a concern.

Verdict: XM5 are in the sweet spot when weighing up all the features and quality against price, but the XM6 are ideal if you have the money to spend.

Final Recommendation

• Buy the WH-1000XM6 if you want the latest and greatest in noise cancellation, sound quality, and design. It’s the best Sony has ever made and the most future-proof option.
• Buy the WH-1000XM5 if you want premium features and sound without paying top-tier prices. Just be ready to compromise on portability.
• Buy the WH-1000XM4 if you’re after an excellent pair of headphones at a very reasonable price. They’re still fantastic, even if they’re no longer at the cutting edge.

Sony’s WH-1000X series continues to dominate for a reason. No matter which one you choose, you’re getting a top-tier listening experience. The XM6 have reminded us once again that Sony can reign supreme when they put their mind to it.

Let me know in the comments if you’re planning to upgrade, or if you’re still rocking the XM3s and laughing all the way to the bank.