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Comparison

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM6 brings back folding hinges and adds Sony’s QN3 processor, LE Audio and Auracast. The XM5 still has excellent noise cancelling and costs about half as much at Sony’s current sale price.

By PickedTech Editorial TeamLast updated Prices & specs checked Oct 2026

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How this page was made: this is a research-based guide built from manufacturer spec pages, official prices and published lab measurements from the outlets we name and link. We haven’t tested these products ourselves, and we don’t invent scores. Our methodology.

Quick answer

Pick the WH-1000XM6 ($459.99) if you want Sony’s best, with folding hinges, better comfort and improved noise cancelling and call quality. What Hi-Fi? calls it the clear winner. Pick the WH-1000XM5 if you want value. Sony currently lists it at $228.00 (down from $399.99), and SoundGuys says it’s still an attractive buy because the upgrades are incremental.

Last updated Prices checked Oct 2026

Check Sony WH-1000XM6 price (opens in a new tab)Check Sony WH-1000XM5 price (opens in a new tab)

Key facts at a glance

Key facts (prices checked Oct 2026)
Sony WH-1000XM6Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony price$459.99$228.00 sale ($399.99 list)
DesignHinged; foldsFolds flat only
ProcessorQN3QN1
CodecsSBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3SBC, AAC, LDAC
AuracastYesNo
Sony WH-1000XM6
Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Sony WH-1000XM5: side-by-side

WH-1000XM6 vs WH-1000XM5 (Sony, What Hi-Fi?, SoundGuys; October 2026)
WH-1000XM6WH-1000XM5
Sony price$459.99$228.00 sale ($399.99 list)
DesignHinged; foldsFolds flat only
ProcessorQN3QN1
CodecsSBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3SBC, AAC, LDAC
AuracastYesNo
Battery life30 hours30 hours
Weight254g250g
MultipointYesYes

How much do they cost?

Sony WH-1000XM6 plans

Sony WH-1000XM6 (Sony, October 2026)
OptionPriceNote
WH-1000XM6$459.99Launched at $450 (What Hi-Fi?)

Sony WH-1000XM5 plans

Sony WH-1000XM5 (Sony, October 2026)
OptionPriceNote
WH-1000XM5$228.00 saleOriginal price $399.99

What are the pros and cons?

Sony WH-1000XM6: pros

  • Folding hinges are back
  • Better detail and a more spacious sound (What Hi-Fi?)
  • Improved ANC and call quality
  • LE Audio (LC3) and Auracast support

Sony WH-1000XM6: cons

  • Costs about twice the XM5’s current sale price
  • Case is still large
  • Tom’s Guide has concerns about the folding hinges

Sony WH-1000XM5: pros

  • $228 at Sony’s current sale price
  • Excellent ANC and microphone (SoundGuys)
  • Same 30-hour battery life

Sony WH-1000XM5: cons

  • Doesn’t fold away
  • No LE Audio or Auracast
  • No IP rating (SoundGuys)

Which should you choose: Sony WH-1000XM6 or Sony WH-1000XM5?

What Hi-Fi?[3] says there’s no doubt the WH-1000XM6 is the winner, with better comfort, ANC, call quality and ease of use. SoundGuys[4] and Tom’s Guide[5] both say XM5 owners don’t need to upgrade, because the changes are mostly comfort tweaks, small audio gains and Auracast. If you’re buying new, the XM5’s $228 sale price makes it the value pick. Choose the XM6 if you can stretch your budget.

Choose Sony WH-1000XM6 if…

  • You want the best Sony noise cancelling and call quality
  • You want headphones that fold up
  • You want LE Audio and Auracast
Check Sony WH-1000XM6 price (opens in a new tab)

Choose Sony WH-1000XM5 if…

  • You want flagship-class ANC for much less
  • You already own the XM5
  • You don’t need folding hinges
Check Sony WH-1000XM5 price (opens in a new tab)

Pricing compared

Sony’s store lists the WH-1000XM6 at $459.99. The WH-1000XM5 is on sale for $228.00, down from an original price of $399.99. What Hi-Fi?[3] says the XM6 launched in May 2025 at $450, and the XM5 launched at $399.

Design and comfort

What Hi-Fi?[3] says the biggest design change is that the XM6’s sliding arms are now hinged, so they fold properly, while the XM5 only folds flat. The XM6’s case isn’t much smaller. Tom’s Guide[5] found the XM6 comfortable for longer but has concerns about the durability of the folding hinges.

Features and noise cancelling

The XM6 uses Sony’s QN3 processor, while the XM5 uses the QN1. Both support SBC, AAC and LDAC and two-device multipoint. The XM6 adds Bluetooth LE Audio (LC3) and Auracast. What Hi-Fi?[3] says the XM6 improves on noise cancelling and call quality.

Frequently asked questions

Should I upgrade from the WH-1000XM5 to the XM6?
Probably not. SoundGuys[4] and Tom’s Guide[5] say there’s no urgency, since the improvements are mostly comfort, small audio gains and Auracast.
Does the WH-1000XM6 fold?
Yes. Sony brought back hinges, so the XM6 folds properly, unlike the XM5 (What Hi-Fi?[3]).
Do they have the same battery life?
Yes. What Hi-Fi?[3] lists 30 hours for both.

Sources

Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.

  1. Sony: WH-1000XM6 (checked October 2026) (electronics.sony.com)
  2. Sony: WH-1000XM5 (checked October 2026) (electronics.sony.com)
  3. What Hi-Fi?: Sony WH-1000XM6 vs WH-1000XM5 (whathifi.com)
  4. SoundGuys: Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Sony WH-1000XM5 (soundguys.com)
  5. Tom’s Guide: Why XM5 users don’t need to upgrade to the WH-1000XM6 (tomsguide.com)
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