After the premium-priced Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 (RM2,399) and Dyson OnTrac (RM3,599), Sony enters the arena with the highly anticipated WH-1000XM6, at a significantly lower price of RM2,099 in Malaysia. That’s roughly 35% cheaper than both challengers.
It’s a move that feels like Sony stepping in to reassert dominance in a segment it helped define. Long regarded as the benchmark for wireless ANC headphones, the WH-1000X series now enters its sixth generation with a mix of familiar strengths and new upgrades.
But in a market with fresh contenders, is this still the headphone to beat?
Malaysia Price, Pre-order and Availability
In Malaysia, the Sony WH-1000XM6 is now available for pre-order in Black, Platinum Silver, and Midnight Blue at RM2,099. Each pre-order includes a premium headphone stand (worth RM199) and RM50 Touch ‘n Go credit upon warranty registration via MySony.
You can pre-order online or try it first at the Sony Store BBCC and the Sony Store Curve.
Here’s a look back at Sony’s pricing progression:
That’s a RM500 increase over the XM4 and RM300 over the XM5. With this latest jump, the question arises: Why did Sony increase the price again, and will the new features justify the added cost?
Sony WH-1000XM6 Specs, Features and Upgrades
The WH-1000XM6 brings with it Sony’s most comprehensive upgrade in years. At its core is the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3, the first major chip upgrade since the QN1 was introduced in the WH-1000XM3. Sony says the QN3 is seven times faster, enabling real-time adaptive noise cancelling with improved precision and responsiveness.
This is paired with 12 microphones, up from 8 in the XM5, strategically placed to better capture ambient noise and adjust ANC more precisely based on fit and environment. The system also improves wind noise suppression, a common issue with previous models.
The driver unit has been re-engineered using a high-rigidity carbon fibre composite dome and a custom voice coil, which Sony says allows for clearer instrument separation, richer vocals and more expressive detail across frequencies. Also contributing to the audio quality is the Integrated Processor V2, which was introduced in the WF-1000XM5 earbuds.
Sony collaborated with Grammy-winning engineers from Sterling Sound, Battery Studios, and Coast Mastering to fine-tune the sound signature, aiming to balance musicality with studio-level accuracy.
High-resolution formats are supported via LDAC, while DSEE Extreme uses AI to upscale compressed audio in real time. For spatial sound, 360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema expands stereo video content into a cinema surround-like experience. Besides that, WH-1000XM6 supports Bluetooth Multipoint, Auto Switch, and is LE Audio-ready with Auracast support for low-latency streaming and shared audio broadcasts.
A dedicated Game EQ, developed with Sony’s Inzone gaming team, is also available through the Sony Headphones Connect app for FPS-style sound tuning. However, the WH-1000XM6 does not support PlayStation Link, so it isn’t compatible with the PS5 in the same seamless way as Sony’s dedicated PlayStation headsets.
The WH-1000XM6 introduces Scene-based Listening, a new feature that builds on Adaptive Sound Control by using activity and location data to automatically adjust ANC levels and play context-appropriate music based on where you are.
Other smart features include an Auto Ambient Sound mode, which filters in important environmental sounds like announcements or conversations when needed. These adjustments can be managed via the Sony Headphones Connect app, which also allows EQ customisation, 360 Reality Audio setup, and toggling Game or Movie modes.
Voice calls also see improvement. The WH-1000XM6 uses six beamforming microphones and an AI-based voice isolation algorithm to suppress background noise and enhance vocal clarity. A physical mute button, located on the earcup, provides instant control during calls.
You can connect to music services directly from the headphones using Quick Access shortcuts. Supported services are Spotify Tap, Amazon Music Play Now, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. So, for example, you can click a button on the headphones to resume music instantly when Spotify is not actively running or get a song recommendation.
An asymmetrical headband design also makes it easier to distinguish left from right at a glance. The headband is now wider and uses softer vegan leather, while the ear pads are said to reduce pressure for all-day use.
Controls are handled via a combination of tactile buttons and a touch panel. The foldable design, which was omitted from the XM5, returns, making it easier to store with the included magnetic carrying case.
Battery life remains at 30 hours with ANC on, with 3-minute quick charging providing up to 3 hours of playback. A full charge takes about 3.5 hours, but you can listen while charging, a feature absent from many competitors.
Sony continues to push for greener packaging and materials. The WH-1000XM6 uses Original Blended Material, a sustainable paper blend made from bamboo, sugarcane fibres, and recycled paper. The headphones themselves also incorporate recycled plastic components as part of Sony’s broader environmental initiative.
Is Sony still king?
The Sony WH-1000XM6 brings measurable upgrades to noise cancelling, comfort, and sound quality, while retaining a price point that’s noticeably lower than its latest competitors. But it also carries a higher price tag than its predecessors, making value a more complex discussion.
It certainly enters the ring with a strong resume. But until we’ve tested it for ourselves, the bigger question remains: Is Sony still the king of ANC headphones, or has the crown started to slip?
