Introduction:

The XM6 is an evolution of the 1000-series lineup, and you can feel that evolution the moment you start listening. Sony keeps the warm, bass-heavy sound it’s known for. The bass feels strong and plentiful, and the vocals are crisper than ever, especially with a bit of EQ adjustment in the Sound Connect App. No reports of sound muddying, the vocals stay clear even when you’re listening to a bass-heavy song. Experts note that the XM6’s 10-band EQ adjustment provides more than enough control to accommodate most demands. A few minor adjustments, and voilà, the sound tightens up, feeling more dynamic while keeping that fun and energetic sound character. The EQ customization isn’t meant for reference-style tuning, but to keep it fun & engaging for people who wish to mix it up from time to time.

Active Noise Cancellation:

Users and experts praise the XM6’s active noise cancellation (ANC). While some experts note the marginal improvement from the XM5, users, on the other hand, are questioning if these are the best ANC in the game. For example, a verified purchase on Amazon.com says,

“The XM6 delivers top-tier active noise cancellation. With its new QN3 chip and 12 mics, it does an excellent job of muting both low rumbles and higher-pitched sounds like chatter or keyboard taps”.

Stats show the XM6 reduces up to 87% of external background noise and up to 40dB of low-frequency noise. That basically means no more crying babies on airplanes, engine hum & loud commutes to hear. Immerse yourself in a bubble of tranquillity, with the NC optimizer constantly guarding you from the sound environment.

Microphones:

The microphone system in the XM6 is impressive. With 12 microphones distributed throughout the headphones, it’s no wonder the call quality is flawless. Call clarity couldn’t be clearer, thanks to its intelligent 6 AI-powered mics that can mute out background noise from your voice. The AI beamforming system is also wind-resistant, which means your voice is coherent to the receiver when outdoors. Multiple experts have noted it’s a noticeable upgrade on any XM product so far. However, it’s important to note that some users report it’s inconsistent in noisy, windy outdoor environments, but overall, it performs reliably in indoor conditions.

Comfort:

Comfort has been a mixed bag to some. While Sony has improved the headband’s flexibility, some users report that the clamping force can be too tight depending on their head size and sensitivity. According to one user on head-fi.org, this is what they had to say about the XM6’s clamping force:

“This is day 5 with the XM6 for me, and no matter how long I use this headphone, it always becomes uncomfortable relatively soon (and I try, and I try, giving it more time!) — this really is a mystery for me. This is day 5 with the XM6 for me, and it doesn’t matter how long I’ve been using this headphone; it always becomes uncomfortable relatively soon (and I try, and I try, giving it more time!) — this really is a mystery for me. The XM6 I’m always, ALWAYS feeling the headphone on my head, and it is becoming more and more uncomfortable the more time I use this on my head, especially outside the top of my left ear and the front, too, near my temple (but is similarly uncomfortable, but not so bad, in the same areas in the right ear).”

It really depends on your head shape and whether or not you’re sensitive to a tighter clamping force. Some don’t mind it, but comfort is one area of the XM6 where it isn’t universally agreed upon. Another pointer is that the XM6 is not water-resistant at all, so keep that in mind as well.

Build Quality:

Build quality is one of the XM6’s biggest wins. At just 254 grams, it’s noticeably lighter than many premium headphones, with the industry average being 325 grams. It feels premium when held in your hands, thanks to its solid build quality, which is achieved through its carbon composite material. Sony also brought back the foldable hinge, a feature users greatly missed from the XM5. The foldable hinge allows the XM6 to reduce its size optimally, which makes it a great choice for commuters and travellers with limited space. Not to mention, it comes with a magnetic-closing, compact carrying case. Overall, the combination of low weight, strong build quality, and portability makes the XM6 a great choice for commuters and travellers.

Sony’s Sound Connect App

Sony’s Sound Connect App pairs extremely well with the XM6 and allows you to configure the headphones however you like. You get a 10-band equalizer, which means you can boost the bass or enhance the warmth of the vocals. There’s also Adaptive Sound Control, which automatically adjusts noise cancellations based on where you are and what you’re doing. For example, it can automatically switch from maximum noise cancellation on a noisy subway train to ambient sound pass-through when you sit down at a cafe, making sure you never miss a stop or a conversation while enjoying your music.  Speak-To-Chat is another helpful feature offered in the app. The moment you start talking, the music automatically lowers volume and switches to ambient mode. After 10 seconds of no talking, Speak-To-Chat resumes your sound experience. The app also lets you customize the touch gestures, change controls and monitor your battery level in real time. For anyone who likes to personalize their tech, the app adds a ton of depth and makes the XM6 feel even more capable.

Battery Life:

Battery life on the XM6 is a respectable 30 hours of playtime with the ANC on, and up to 40 hours with noise control off. It’s good, but not class-leading; that crown goes to the Dyson OnTrac, which can play up to 55 hours (ANC on). If battery life is a top priority for you, check out Brad & Chad’s analysis on the Dyson OnTrac here. If you’re in a time crunch, the XM6 can deliver 3 hours of playtime for just 3 minutes of charging. Users also confirm that you can use the headphones while charging, but keep in mind the charging cable is really short, so you’ll need to sit close to the source.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the XM6 has been a successful refinement of the XM5 and its predecessor, the XM4. Most features have been marginally improved, such as the return of the foldable hinge, better noise cancellation, better audio, increased app functionality, and a supreme build quality. The XM6 can easily accommodate customers and their lifestyles, from daily commuters to casual listeners, and not to mention studio creators who appreciate its EQ customization. However, comfort is still one of the biggest thorns in customers’ backsides, with some users saying the clamp force is too tight. Battery life could be better, too. Still, these drawbacks are heavily overshadowed by the XM6’s strengths, and Sony largely delivers on its promise of creating its “definitive version” of its flagship lineup. For people seeking unquestionable noise cancellation and audio quality, look no further, because the XM6 has what you are looking for.