Sony WH-1000XM6 vs XM5 vs XM4: Which Noise Cancelling King Should You Buy?

Sony’s WH-1000X series headphones are legendary for their noise cancellation, and the latest model, the Sony WH-1000XM6, has arrived to claim the crown. But with its popular predecessors, the XM5 and XM4, still widely available, is the newest version truly the best choice for everyone? We put all three head-to-head to help you decide which Sony headphones are right for your ears and your wallet.

Here’s the quick rundown: The XM6 brings the best performance yet, especially in silencing the world around you, while the older XM4 remains a surprisingly strong value pick. The XM5 sits in the middle, but isn’t always the sweet spot.

What the WH-1000XM6 Brings to the Table

If you were hoping for a completely new look, you won’t find it here. The Sony WH-1000XM6 build feels like a smart mashup of the last two generations. It brings back the popular folding design from the XM4, which makes them much easier to tuck into a bag compared to the non-folding XM5. You also get the sleeker, more streamlined look introduced with the XM5. Sony also says the hinges are stronger than the XM5’s, which is great for durability, and the headband is a bit wider for extra comfort.

But the biggest upgrades are under the hood and in the audio experience.

Sound Quality: A Wider Stage

Sonically, the WH-1000XM6 sound is a clear step up from both the XM5 and XM4. Sony gave the XM6 a new, improved 30mm dynamic driver. What does this mean for your music? You get a noticeably wider soundstage. Imagine your music feeling less like it’s coming from inside your head and more like you’re in the room with the band, with instruments placed more distinctly around you. This creates a more open, immersive, and revealing listening experience.

Noise Cancellation: The New Champion

This is where the XM6 really shines and arguably makes its strongest case for being the best. The XM6 uses a new QN3 HD processor, which is significantly faster than the previous one. This power, combined with a whopping 12 microphones (that’s four more than the XM5 and seven more than the XM4!), allows the XM6 to analyze and cancel external noise like never before.

In real-world tests – whether dealing with train commutes, the drone of a vacuum cleaner, or a busy office – the XM6 delivered incredible silence. While the XM5 and XM4 were top-tier when they launched, Sony has clearly pushed the technology forward, and the XM6 now stands out as potentially the best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy right now, even stacking up favorably against competitors like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. AI algorithms also help fine-tune the noise blocking, keeping you focused.

Sony WH-1000XM6 and WH-1000XM5 noise cancelling headphones compared

Crystal Clear Calls

More microphones also mean better call quality. The XM6 features six beamforming mics, specifically tuned to pick up your voice. This gives you the clearest call quality Sony has offered on headphones yet. They do an excellent job of isolating your speech from background noise, ensuring you sound clear even in noisy environments.

New Features and Refinements

While the XM5 offered few new features over the XM4, the XM6 adds some welcome additions. One significant inclusion is Auracast compatibility. This is a new type of Bluetooth that lets you “tune into” public audio broadcasts from devices like TVs in airports or gyms without needing to pair.

There’s also a new Cinema listening mode designed to make stereo sound feel more three-dimensional and immersive when watching movies.

Many beloved features from previous generations are still here and often refined. You still get LDAC for high-resolution Bluetooth streaming (if your device supports it), Sony’s DSEE Extreme technology to improve the sound quality of compressed audio files (like Spotify streams), intuitive touch controls, and a useful ambient sound mode that lets you hear your surroundings.

The touch controls themselves have seen slight tweaks in the XM6, making actions like adjusting volume or covering the earcup to temporarily let in ambient sound feel a bit smoother than on the XM4. Sony also removed most voice prompts on the XM6 for a less interruptive experience.

Comparing the design of Sony WH-1000XM6 and older WH-1000XM4 headphones

Looking Back: The XM5 and XM4 Today

Comparing the XM5 and XM4 to the new XM6 helps frame their current value.

Sony WH-1000XM5: A Stepping Stone

When the Sony WH-1000XM5 launched, they introduced a sleeker, less clunky design than the XM4. However, they removed the ability to fold, making them less portable for some. Crucially, the performance jump in ANC and sound quality over the XM4 was only marginal for many users, yet they came with a higher price tag at launch. They also added very few new features compared to the XM4.

Today, the XM5 can be found for significantly less than their original price, positioning them between the XM4 and XM6 cost-wise. They still offer great noise cancellation and sound, and their design is preferred by some.

Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones folded for storage, next to the non-folding XM5

Sony WH-1000XM4: The Value King?

The Sony WH-1000XM4 were a massive hit for a reason. They offered fantastic noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, great features, and a comfortable, foldable design. Even today, they hold up remarkably well.

While their ANC and sound quality are technically surpassed by the XM6, they are still more than good enough for most people. They retain key features like LDAC, DSEE Extreme, and touch controls. They also offer the same impressive 30-hour battery life with ANC on as both the XM5 and XM6 – Sony hasn’t improved on this benchmark yet.

Crucially, the XM4 are now the most affordable of the bunch, often found at prices well below the XM5 and significantly less than the XM6. This makes them a compelling option if you want premium noise cancellation and features without paying top dollar.

Sony WH-1000XM6 and WH-1000XM4 headphones showing their foldable design

Price Comparison

• Sony WH-1000XM6: These are the newest and command a premium price, launching around $449 / £399 / AU$699.
• Sony WH-1000XM5: Having been out for a while, their price has dropped considerably, often found around the $300 / £250 mark.
• Sony WH-1000XM4: As the oldest model, they offer the best potential savings, typically available for under $250 / £200 / AU$400.

The Verdict: Which Ones Are for You?

Choosing between these three excellent pairs of Sony headphones depends mainly on your budget and how much you prioritize the absolute best performance.

If you want the undisputed champion of noise cancellation, the most refined sound, the best call quality, and the latest features like Auracast, and your budget allows, the Sony WH-1000XM6 are the clear winner. They are a worthy upgrade if you crave the absolute best and are easily among the best noise cancelling headphones available today. Read our full Sony WH-1000XM6 review for more details.

If you’re looking to save money but still want premium noise cancellation and sound, the Sony WH-1000XM4 remain a fantastic option. Their performance is still very good, the folding design is a plus for portability, and their current price offers exceptional value. They might not have the very latest tech, but they deliver where it counts for a much lower cost.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are trickier to recommend as the default choice. While they offer a nice design and good performance that sits between the XM4 and XM6, the leap from the XM4 wasn’t huge when they launched. Unless you find them at a price that’s significantly lower than the XM6 and only slightly above the XM4, you might find better value either by stretching for the XM6 or saving with the XM4.

Ultimately, the XM6 takes the crown for pure performance, while the XM4 is the reigning king of value. The XM5 occupies a middle ground that might appeal if you find a great deal, but generally, the choice boils down to whether you prioritize the absolute bleeding edge (XM6) or maximizing bang for your buck (XM4).

Which model do you think is the best? Let us know your thoughts!