Sony’s WH-1000XM6 and WH-1000XM5 are the two best-known models in Sony’s flagship noise-cancelling line. One is the current flagship; the other is the previous generation, still sold new and often heavily discounted. Here is how they compare, and which one you should buy.
Quick verdict: buy the WH-1000XM6 if you travel often, take lots of calls, or want the best noise cancelling and a folding design with a compact folding case. Buy the WH-1000XM5 if you want most of the experience for much less money. If you already own the XM5 and are happy with it, the upgrade is not essential.
Prices below are US prices checked on November 2, 2026, and may vary.
Sony WH-1000XM6: the current flagship
- List price: $459.99; Sony’s own store recently showed it on sale for around $379.99–$399.99.
- Noise cancelling: a new QN3 noise-cancelling processor and a 12-microphone array. This is the best noise cancelling and call quality of the two.
- Design: a folding design that comes with a folding case, so it packs smallest for travel.
- Battery: up to 30 hours with noise cancelling on.
- Audio and connectivity: LDAC high-resolution audio support and multipoint Bluetooth.
Sony WH-1000XM5: the previous flagship, still a great buy
- List price: $399.99, and it is still sold new; US street prices recently around $199–$228 at major retailers.
- Noise cancelling: a QN1 processor plus V1 chip with an 8-microphone array — still strong, but a step behind the XM6.
- Design: the earcups swivel flat, but the headphone does not fold down the way the XM6 does.
- Weight: 250 g, a light over-ear design that stays comfortable for long sessions.
- Battery: up to 30 hours with noise cancelling on.
- Audio and connectivity: LDAC support and multipoint Bluetooth.
The differences that matter
- Noise cancelling and call quality: the XM6 is ahead — newer QN3 processor and 12 microphones, versus the XM5’s QN1/V1 chips and 8 microphones.
- Folding and travel: the XM6 folds down into a compact folding case; the XM5 only swivels flat.
- Price: the XM5 costs much less — recently around $199–$228 new, roughly half the XM6’s list price on sale.
- Weight and comfort: both are light over-ears; the XM5 weighs 250 g.
- Sound: both support LDAC. The XM6 has the newer tuning, while the XM5 remains a strong listen — there is no measured winner here, just two good-sounding headphones.
Which should you buy?
- Get the WH-1000XM6 if you travel often, take lots of calls, or want the best noise cancelling and the folding case.
- Get the WH-1000XM5 if you want most of the experience for much less money.
- Already own the XM5? If you are happy with it, the upgrade is not essential.
If you want to connect either pair to your phone, see our guide on how to pair Sony headphones. And if your budget tops out lower, have a look at the best headphones under $300 in 2026.
FAQ
Is the XM5 discontinued?
No. As checked on November 2, 2026, the WH-1000XM5 is still sold new — it is simply the older model in Sony’s line.
Do both work wired?
Yes. Both the XM6 and the XM5 include a wired option via a cable, so you can listen with a wired connection when you need one.
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