Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones for $649
With 10% discount max $50 when you sign up for mySony
Estimated shipping date is 10 June 2025
Sure but by now they have next to no R&D cost on these any more, their supply lines are long established, they will be churning these out pretty cheaply. And they added $40 ontop of inflation as you say.
Either way it's too much for non audiophile headies. Personally I'm over high end stuff and the premiums involved. It's mostly just to look cool imo and I'm too old and wise now :p
Inflation isn't supposed to be a permanent measure of the pricing of an individual good or service: you're supposed to see benefits alongside that over time, not a company continuously eating away at the same portion of your income (assuming you're fortunate enough to get reasonable wage inflation).
There's not enough here to justify the jump, but it won't stay at this ludicrous early adopter price for long anyway.
Inflation isn't supposed to be a permanent measure of the pricing of an individual good or service: you're supposed to see benefits alongside that over time
I get that, but they do review particularly well from the usual “read the product brochure, listen to some YouTube and rate out of 10” type web sites and casual reviewers, but until we see some reviews from dedicated can gurus we won’t know. We’re seeing improved battery life and noise cancellation, bringing foldable design, among other things.
To me though, the charge while listening is a big deal. Too many times I’ve discovered that my XM4 is flat just as I get all comfy, projector fired up and recliner in the right position lol.
I get that, but it really is a minor convenience quirk as you'll get your mileage with them after a 10m charge, then you can put them back on charge when you're done.
That's right, and those youtubers are probably given a pair to keep. Marques Brownlee does alright new product reviews, good for a 'first look' and functionality. I wouldn't take notice of any audio related information for these yet as you say, until they are properly measured.
Handy with the magnetic case instead of zipper, and looks like the fold down differently again. They are meant to sound better though. Being Bluetooth they'll never be as good as cabled audiophile headphones so wouldn't expect anything too much but any improvements are good.
Great for flying and commuting, better than boze, great for that use case and quality of life functionality.
not you but another comment seemed to suggest only crappy reviewers have reviewed it on youtube. but here are the ones which I found which were in depth with tests.
in order from shortest to longest video.
Soundguys: https://youtu.be/gn8CF473qTA
Gymcaddy: https://youtu.be/yYmKgnICc38
Iphonedo: https://youtu.be/O8ozYT_F-OY
Tihsitechtoday: https://youtu.be/MBSjoqUFWxk
MKBHD and Linustechtips reviews are basically ads.
@2025: I think Soundguys has a website they also do written. I also like Rtings for specific info because they test everything. they are a bit late to post recently though, but for example you want to know how many ms of latency, just scroll down or use Ctrl + F to find it on the Rtings review and you have your answer.
also forgot to type, yeah MKBHD and Linustechtips videos are basically ads, with like 1 "I didn't like" mentioned so it seems like a fair review. but yeah they don't do testing afaik they just say what they think about it.
@n3ck3ntry8bort0rgasm: RTings are great aha, people used to look at me strange when I claimed that LCD panels can and do suffer burn in, now I can just point those doubters to RTings videos about longevity
@2025: yeah I just noticed recently, for new release products they are about a week or two late to post their review.
@n3ck3ntry8bort0rgasm: There are enough graphs and tables to confuse me just enough to believe what they say ;)
@G-rig: yeah I actually recognized Gymcaddy who is focused on audio products, puts out a lot of content and has merch, but always does a decent job in the ANC test comparison.
I'm also familiar with iPhonedo, he does pretty awesome reviews on a wider variety of products and always consistently in depth. watch his 8K insta360 video you will get the picture. he's less known because he is Turkish living in the US, but he goes to the same events with iJustine etc. maybe a bit Apple biased in his reviews, but he backs it up by pointing out what others got horribly wrong.
@G-rig: ok my bad to 2025 and G-rig.
I hadn't watched the Gymcaddy review in full yet and assumed it was the full review, but it's not it's the First Look. creators do this because it separates it into 2 videos for more views and also makes the full review video shorter.
they should post the full review within a week. in that they do a proper back to back ANC test and sometimes include previous gen without a pause so you can tell the difference if any. sometimes they put the comparison in the full review, sometimes they will upload another video called "XM6, vs XM5, vs XM4" or similar where they do proper back to back.
they also later often do comparisons between it and the other major brands like Bose. something like "XM6 vs QC Ultra vs Airpods Max" etc.
@G-rig: did you both G-rig and 2025 catch the Gymcaddy back to back test of XM6 a week ago? (use headphones) https://youtu.be/YOqgb1h523A?si=EMYi8573dZGXMIMN&t=1068
all I can say is wow. these XM6 might be the first to be worth their (non retail) price. I have not heard a single headphone so far (including Airpods Max, QC Ultra) with such a night and day contrast in the ANC comparison. XM4 was not much improvement to XM3, XM5 also not that big to XM4. but you can't miss the difference with the rest and 6.
I did hear in another headphone reviewers video though, that if you are type who is sensitive to the cabin pressure effect from ANC, the XM6 has a lot of it.
@n3ck3ntry8bort0rgasm: No didn't see it.
Good to know. The XM5's ANC is great, so I can imagine the XM6 is a bit better again. I don't currently fly that much so it's not a super important feature at the moment.
Either way I wouldn't pay over $500 for any Bluetooth headphones. Sold the XM5 and picked up the Momentum 4 very cheap. My priority now is for the best sound quality not ANC. The momentum ANC is passable, not fantastic but fine for the office. Haptics and app works fine.
@G-rig: btw one more thing I learned that's easy to miss and maybe not that important to sony customers.
but XM5 was the only sony XM headphones to allow USB-C cable audio. (I think it's called "DAC" mode).
they removed that feature from XM6. I'm guessing their app statistics told them barely anybody with XM5 knew about or used it.
Either way I wouldn't pay over $500 for any Bluetooth headphones. Sold the XM5 and picked up the Momentum 4 very cheap. My priority now is for the best sound quality not ANC. The momentum ANC is passable, not fantastic but fine for the office. Haptics and app works fine.
yeah I'm trying to speak for people who can afford it and want a "silent" flight experience. I'm not travelling by plane anytime soon either so not worth it for me. but for those that value it highly (ANC) I think XM6 is a real step above previous flagship ANC.
Bose, Dyson, and Sonos tried (well Bose tbf has been competetive with sony) but either missed horribly or were not up to XM standards. Sony didn't do it either with XM5 but really looks like they have made the ANC standard noticeably higher with the XM6. Airpods Max were pretty competitive with older XM models but it has it's own issues (heavy, no EQ, weird case).
also small detail on XM6 seems like sony have redesigned the hinge to be supported by a metal piece in the middle. this was a fault/common complaint/issue with all previous XM models.
@n3ck3ntry8bort0rgasm: Yeah mate they seem like an improvement in every way, wouldn't mind testing and getting some down the track when they are under $400 or something :).
So which one is the pick of the Sony XM headphones?
XM4 probably still best bang for buck of the lineup.
Xm4 for sure. Usually around $250-$300 sale price.
i have wh-xm3's, i find i use my soundcore a40 buds more, multi device connect and the fact i can sleep with them in, audio quality ~ same. Anc not as good (as xm3) but still good.
Bit over priced, still have a XM3.
I will wait for a headphone with Bluetooth 6 for my next update.
The reliability of their hinges seem to be getting worse and worse over the last few generations, probably best to avoid this one for now.
$649…. are they having a laugh?… are they taking the piss?….. are they mad?….
Wait till you see the price of the apple headphones (spoilers the apple version is $899 lol)
Most the competitors to the XM5s are about 400-450$ USD, so yeah no real surprise on the price
Yeah - Apple Tax. Sony (like Nintendo and many other companies) are really just leaning into the hyperinflation of pricing across the world.
Probably the thing I'm most shocked about is that the USD pricing. $449 USD which is $699 AUD. So the Aussie price isn't too bad compared to what it could have been if we were getting the usual "Australia - Far Away / Small Market" Tax
Compared to the Airpod Max's which are $549 USD ($855 AUD based on exchange rate) but sell for $899.
Well they are being released for US$449 = AU$700 so I think it's about right. Possibly some tarriffs in there and perceived and real improvements. You can get the XM5 for US$350. Bose are about the same or more.
Just don't run out and buy them on release for full price (goes for everything).
Oh snap… I misread the post. Thought they were $649 normal price then you'd get a further 10% off that. $699 is laughable.
High RRPs so they can already be on sale. Within 6 months - these will be regularly going on sale for 25-30% off just like the XM5s.
Yeah just have to wait. Nothing is cheaper the following year. Won't be upgrading mine anyway.
My XM3 from 5 years ago broke at the right sliding hinge. But the audio, ANC, and everything still work. So i just wrapped it up with black duct tape and still works like a charm.
17$ for hinge on aliexpress
If you are replacing the outer hinge, you have to solder some wires apparently :(
My hinge broke so not sure what to do
Yeah I saw the US price for the release of these, figured ours would be well over 600
Well, maybe one day I'll upgrade the unused but refurb XM5s I spent $250 on, but Christ that price is painful to look at
Got the MX4's… They've been solid since day one.
So much so, no reason to replace.
I guess best price we can hope for is around $500, if we wait for box damaged, ebay sales etc.
under $350 or no deal! We are ozbargainers after all, never pay the advertised price ;)
These are far worse headphones than the Focal Bathys, yet they are the same price the Bathys was in 2023. What a joke.
Bathys are from perfect, read the reviews. A lot of the quality of life features are worse, they are huge and still aren't even cheap.
Lmfao what? Perfect? Who said they're perfect you mug?
They don't need to be perfect to be far better than overpriced consumer sony rubbish. All the data and measurements shows the Bathys provide far superior fidelity to any Sony headphone, especially their consumer range. It's not even close.
The Bathys are twice the price of these though lmao
All the data and measurements shows the Bathys provide far superior fidelity to any Sony headphone,
Strangely, soundguys.com, who have measured both the XM6 and Bathys, have given the XM6 a higher score for overall sound quality.
Until more reviews are out, or until you’ve tested them yourself, how can you confidently say the Bathys are better?
@2025: Trouble reading, my illiterate friend? I said the same price the Bathys was in 2023. Did you struggle passing year 2 english?
soundguys.com
Pffffahahahahahhahahahahhahahah ahhahahahahahhahahahhahahhahahah
Come back when you have a real resource that conduct real measurements like Amir or Crinacle.
@KarS: Oh I was under the impression they’d already measured them too, since you’re all over here promoting the Bathys. Are you just making shit up?
Nah prefer the Sonys.
Even the name bathys is dumb.
If you read what I said, these type of headphones aren't just about sound quality alone.
How this make front page?
This make front page because popular
Because it's the best headphone at this price range?
Loved my XM4s until it developed a screeching sound that came on randomly but only when on ANC mode. If I had my hands full and could not take them off in time then I would be exposed to a deafening screech. From memory it had something to do with the microphone malfunctioning.
Luckily I paid for extended warranty and ended up getting my money back
Where do you get the 10% code?
I've registered with 2 emails so far and no discount code email received.
same. HELP!
same I emailed and waiting for a response. TBH you can get higher discount waiting on Cashrewards. I've seen in the last few days 12% and 10% cash back from Sony (and using a code cancels this). So around $70 off as a pre order which is pretty decent if you're desperate to get them
You must tick the option to receive promo emails etc. I think there are two checkboxes.
I initially signed up without doing it and got nothing. Signed up again (different email) and made sure to tick both boxes and got the code right away.
Ok thanks. But I think I will wait for more than $50 discount. That seems like too much too pay considering cashrewards recently offered 12% off.
Yeah I ended up going with 15% cashback with top cashback at the goodguys plus a $15 sign signup bonus for using code INSTA so end up with just over $100 cashback, essentially paying $599 instead of the $699 - which I think is a fair price for a newly released Sonys
I'm on net $541 if the CR cashback comes through. $50 Amex, $50 Sony signup, $59 CR.
@gadgetguy: So just confirming the cashrewards came through? Hoping so cause I’ll do the same next time CR is at a bigger %?
BS RRP with an artificial "discount." Not a deal.
The RRP is $699.95 and $50 discount.
No need to buy something straight away. I wouldn't pay over $500 for any Bluetooth headphones.
I use my IEMs more than my sonys now.
Still using my XM3s. when the battery died i replaced it and it was good as new.
Battery life on mine are still great, have only had to replace earpads so far. Super happy with this. Consider the use I've gotten from them, the XM3s might be the best thing I've ever spent my money on, value wise.
This is not only RRP with tiny tiny discount but within a week they will be AT LEAST $100 or MORE and you'll be sorry.
…Buying from SONY themselves is a headache if you ever have an issue as they in my case were completely unresponsive and I had to lodge a dispute with a credit card company for faulty XM4's… I'd much rather go through a local retailer.
PLUS it's just better to wait for the truck loads of refurbs that always get offloaded for half price. So until then I'll just stick to my Sennheiser HE-1
I've +1'd the other 2 neggers as we have to stick together
as we have to stick together
lol this is ozbargain not squid game
squid game
🗿🗿🗿
I've +1'd the other 2 neggers as we have to stick together
How about you anti-RRP brigaders just let people enjoy their deals?
I'd say it is because this whole site then becomes just one big ad for everyone for anything.
It's not OzRRP, it's OzBargain
To be fair, any discount on a preorder is nice to know, thanks OP, ordered one!
And thanks to @frkino for basically saying HODL a couple of days ago
This deal is basically 7% off. I don’t see any downvotes from you, your brigade, or anyone else on this 7% off RRP deal https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/900145
@2025: You can surely see the difference? If you can't then I don't want to waste my time explaining it as it will go above your head.
@kaybrr: Ok you posted $200 off a video card, which worked out to 7.4% off.
Remind me again, who’s the stupid one here? Or does the .4 difference in percentage points make all the difference between posting a deal and an up vote, no vote and a down vote in your mind?
Even then, it was only $100 less than a different store without a coupon, so it’s really a 3.8% discount…
If 7% is, as you say, a
tiny tiny discount
What is 3.8%!! You call that a deal!?!? And make a post about it?!? Then downvote someone else’s post when the discount is greater? Ahaha
PLUS it's just better to wait for the truck loads of refurbs that always get offloaded for half price.
Personally, I’ll never feel comfortable buying a product that is intended to be worn against bare skin as “refurbished” or “used”
Gonna be at its normal $599 price shortly, and be below $500 by Boxing Day.
Don't post pre-order with RRP on OzB.
RRP is actually $699.95.
But yes, not an attractive discount anyway.
Don't tell us what we can't post if it's not against the rules and we deem it a bargain.
This is an advertisement for a product at RRP. It does not belong here.
My XM4's are still running great so not ready to upgrade yet. Only thing I don't like is you can't use them in BT mode while charging. My son 'borrows' them, then when I go to use them, realise the battery is flat. 😬
If the XM6's allow this, it'll be a huge selling point IMO.
This is what I would have considered audiophile pricing a decade ago.
Keyword: decade.
Could get great headphones for cheaper than that 10y ago, back when headphonic and the forums were going. I can remember my first proper pair were AT AD900, about $400.
I still like my AD900X for airy tracks but swapped to daily driving the HD6XX like 2 years ago. My gut feeling is that audio quality hasn't really improved over the years. I'm unsure why consumers want to pay this much for negligible improvements in audio quality and ANC. My XM3s still fill the role of wireless ANC fine.
Agree, they are fairly airy, I've got the 6xx as well and they are better for everyday sound. Still not perfect, not that comfy and prefer a cable on one side but great for under $350. Prefer Beyerdynamic overall.
Yep that's good if they still work, can't buy them anymore but with this style you're paying for features and convenience, not outright sound quality.
Audiophile + BT don’t mix
Audiophile + ANC don’t mix
BT + ANC does mix
BT + ANC does mix
Can you explain this more? Cause imo, that's the entire selling point of headphones that most people use nowadays.
My point is that you can’t have BT, ANC and “Audiophile” at the same time - BT compresses the audio, and ANC changes it more
But what I am saying is that BT and ANC are an awesome combo.
Personally I’d prefer those two features over any possible audio quality gains from using an “audiophile” par of headphones for 9 out of 10 times I use them.
Insane price
There is so much one company could do with sound and anc quality…..The 6th iterative upgrade of the same headphone product should not cost or taste like it’s giving the pi$$.
but it's got 12 microphones now, up from 8 in the last version!!
don't get me wrong I think this is absurd. like how many friggin microphones do you need, I heard hybrid ANC (what every modern ANC uses) just requires 2 on the outside, and 2 mics on the inside. that's it. some added one more to get better call quality but I don't think the extra ones on top of that actually do much.
I posted the Dyson OnTrac post in forums. at the time they claimed record breaking 8 mics.
now it's 12 mics. next 14, then 18. 😂
The last two generations of Sony's had the worst hinges that basically keeps breaking. Reddit posts at least one or two a day with people's pictures of their XM4 or XM5 broken hinges. I bought my XM5 on launch and the hinge was loose within a month of owning. Sony didn't want to warrant it at all even though it was a month old and obvious manufacturing defects.
Some people are rough and just throw them in their bag loose, then wonder why stuff doesn't last. I've never had an issue with either, use the case that comes with them.
Easy to blame users for their issues - except that I've never treated mine badly (who does, for a $500+ headphone?) and it happened to me within the first month's of use. Easy for you to see there is at LEAST two posts a day of broken hinges.
Millions of XM3, XM4 and XM5 suddenly for sale used. I’d say if you don’t need/want the XM6 go for those instead but it seems most sellers are trying to get the RRP. :/
![[Pre Order] Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones for $649.95 Delivered (New Sony Customer Only) @ Sony](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/38/906138.jpg?h=a5c084f1)
The XM3 released at $499 in 2018, and inflation brings that to $610 in 2024. To me, considering this, $649 isn’t an insane price.