Sony’s WH-1000XM series headphones are legendary in the noise-cancelling world, and the new WH-1000XM6 are finally here, promising big improvements. They build on the excellent WH-1000XM5, bringing refined sound, better noise cancellation, and fresh features.
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But what about the older WH-1000XM4? Launched way back in 2020, these headphones are still available and often found at a much lower price. Can a four-year-old model still compete with the latest flagship? We put them head-to-head to see if you should splash out on the new XM6 or save a significant amount of cash with the still-capable XM4.
Key Takeaways:
- The Sony WH-1000XM6 offer superior sound, noise cancellation, and modern features.
- The Sony WH-1000XM4 are dramatically cheaper and still provide impressive audio and ANC for their price.
- Choosing depends heavily on your budget and how much you value the absolute latest performance and features.
A stylish blue pair of Sony WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones on a clean background.
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs XM4: Price Check
This is where the Sony WH-1000XM4 have a massive advantage. As a model that’s been on the market for several years, their price has naturally dropped considerably since launch.
The XM4 originally debuted at £350 / $350 / AU$550 but can now often be found closer to £200 / $220 / AU$380. That’s nearly half the price of the brand-new WH-1000XM6, which arrive with a premium price tag of £399 / $449 / AU$699.
While the XM6 might see small discounts eventually, particularly around major sales events like Black Friday, don’t expect them to drop anywhere near the XM4’s current price for a long time. The XM4 are likely to disappear from sale eventually as stock runs out, but while they’re available, they offer incredible value.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs XM4: Design and Comfort
Design evolution is clear over four years. Both the XM6 and XM4 are designed to be portable, featuring a folding mechanism that lets you pack them neatly into their case.
The XM6 introduce a smoother, “stepless” slider mechanism for adjusting the headband, feeling a bit more refined than the XM4’s clicky sliders. Both models weigh the same lightweight 254g and offer excellent comfort for long listening sessions. The XM6 have a slightly snugger fit, which can help with stability and passive noise isolation.
Sony also added a subtle asymmetrical headband design on the XM6 to make it easier to tell left from right instantly. You also get an extra color option with the XM6 – a stylish midnight blue joining the standard black and silver. A bonus for the XM6 is a new material finish designed to resist fingerprints, keeping them looking cleaner for longer.
While both are comfortable and portable, the XM6 bring several small but welcome design tweaks that give them the edge.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6
The Sony WH-1000XM6 and XM4 headphones on a grey and red background with a white versus sign between them.
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs XM4: Smart Features and Connectivity
This is where the XM6 pull ahead significantly, packing in four years of tech advancements. A big part of this is Sony’s new QN3 HD Noise Cancelling Processor, which is seven times faster than the processor found in the older XM4. Think of the processor as the brain; a faster brain means the headphones can do more sophisticated things.
The XM6 borrow tech tricks from Sony’s high-end audio players, including components that improve audio timing and reduce distortion, aiming for a cleaner, more dynamic sound.
Both headphones have handy features like Quick Attention mode (cover an earcup to hear the world), Speak-to-Chat (music pauses when you talk), and Wearer Detection (music pauses when you take them off). The XM4 introduced location-based ANC adjustments, which the XM6 also have, but the XM6 go further with an adaptive noise cancellation optimizer that automatically adjusts ANC levels based on the noise around you – no manual tweaking needed.
Both pairs support Sony’s high-quality LDAC Bluetooth codec, great if your phone supports it, but neither supports aptX (a common codec on many Android phones). They can both use Sony’s DSEE Extreme tech to make compressed music files sound better, almost like high-resolution audio.
Crucially, the XM6 add next-generation Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast support. LE Audio offers potential benefits like lower power consumption and improved audio quality in the future, while Auracast is a cool new feature that allows you to tap into public audio broadcasts (like at airports or gyms) directly through your headphones. This makes the XM6 more future-proof.
Battery life is identical at a strong 30 hours with ANC on. However, the XM6 allow you to listen while they’re charging, a small but practical convenience the XM4 lack. Call quality is also improved on the XM6 thanks to more microphones and enhanced voice pickup technology, making your voice clearer on calls.
The sheer amount of technological advancement and future-proofing gives the XM6 a clear win here.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6
Sony WH-1000XM4 on a table with a plant
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs XM4: Noise Cancellation Performance
Sony has long been the leader in active noise cancellation (ANC), and both these models showcase that expertise. When the XM4 launched, their ANC was described as “hugely impressive,” effectively silencing the rumble of trains, office chatter, and street noise. They were top-tier performers in their day.
However, the XM6 step things up. Leveraging that faster processor and improved algorithms, they offer even better noise blocking. While you can’t manually adjust the ANC level on the XM6, the automatic optimization is so effective that you likely won’t miss the manual control.
The XM6 are particularly adept at cancelling out low and mid-frequency sounds – exactly the kind you encounter on planes, trains, and buses. Their ANC also feels very natural, avoiding the sometimes unpleasant “vacuum” sensation you can get with other noise-cancelling headphones. They create a wonderfully quiet background, letting your music take center stage.
The XM4 are still excellent for noise cancellation, especially considering their age and price, but the XM6 demonstrate how far the technology has come, providing a superior level of peace and quiet.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6
The official Sony logo, representing the brand behind the WH-1000XM series headphones.
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs XM4: Sound Quality Showdown
Ultimately, headphones are about sound. Sony’s WH-1000XM series has consistently delivered fantastic audio, and this comparison continues that trend.
The XM4 still sound surprisingly competitive, especially when you factor in their discounted price. They offer a dynamic, well-timed, and balanced sound that makes music enjoyable across different genres. They are musical and easy to listen to, representing fantastic audio quality for their cost. If your budget is tight, you’ll likely be thrilled with the sound the XM4 deliver.
However, the XM6 mark a significant leap forward. They deliver the most detailed, dynamic, and open sound we’ve ever heard from Sony’s flagship wireless headphones. Details you might have missed before become clear, dynamic shifts feel more impactful, and instruments and vocals have better texture.
The soundstage feels more spacious, and everything comes together into a cohesive, engaging performance. The rhythmic drive and overall clarity are simply a step up from the XM5, which were already an improvement on the XM4. While the XM4 offer great value sound, the XM6 provide genuinely higher fidelity and a more refined listening experience.
Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6
The black Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones displayed from the side, illustrating their ear cup and headband.
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs XM4: The Verdict
So, who wins? Based purely on performance and features, the Sony WH-1000XM6 are the clear champions. They offer superior noise cancellation, more refined sound quality, useful new smart features, and subtle design improvements that make them the better headphone overall. If you want the absolute best noise-cancelling experience Sony offers right now and your budget allows, the XM6 are the way to go.
However, the biggest surprise here is just how well the four-year-old WH-1000XM4 hold up, specifically because of their price. At their significantly discounted cost, they still deliver excellent noise cancellation (among the best you’ll find at that price point) and a very enjoyable, balanced sound. If budget is your main concern and you can find them in stock, the XM4 are a phenomenal value buy that will still satisfy most users looking for great wireless, noise-cancelling headphones.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your wallet. If you can afford the premium, the XM6 justify their price with across-the-board improvements. If you need to save money but still want impressive noise cancellation and great sound, the XM4 remain a compelling option while they last.
Want to see how the XM6 compare to the last generation? Check out our Sony WH-1000XM6 vs XM5 comparison.
Read our full Sony WH-1000XM6 review or dive deeper into our Sony WH-1000XM4 review.
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