Bose has recently launched their QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, and they are capturing the market, so 2024 is the best time for Sony to launch their new Sony WH-1000XM6 from the 1000X lineup to give competition to Bose and other premium brands like Sennheiser, Bowers & Wilkins, Apple, and Skullcandy. So today, we will reveal the release date of the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones and what features and changes we can expect in the successor of Sony WH-1000XM5.
We can see the success of Sony XM5 performing well in the premium headphones market. Sony sold six thousand XM5 units in a single online marketplace last month, and the number of units sold offline is unknown to us. At present, there are only 4 to 5 premium headphone brands that are giving tough competition with unique features, Immersive audio, Adaptive noise cancellation, Comfort, and high prices, and Sony is one of them.
Sony WH-1000XM6 Release Date?
As we all know, or maybe you don’t, Sony launches its 1000X lineup of headphones and earbuds after an annual break. Sony WF-100XM5 wireless earbuds were released in 2023, and WF-1000XM4 in 2021, so we can assume that Sony will release WF-1000XM6 wireless earbuds in 2025. Similarly, Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones were launched in the year 2022, so from this, we can predict that Sony will launch its WH-1000XM6 headphones in mid-2024. Now, you might be wondering why we mention mid-year. Because the Sony WH-1000XM5 was released in May 2022, and the Sony WH-1000XM4 was released in August 2020, there’s a 95% chance that the Sony WH-1000XM6 launch date is between May and August 2024.
What changes can we expect from the Sony WH-1000XM6?
Adaptive Noise Cancellation:
Sony WH-1000XM5 offers one of the best active noise cancellations, with eight internal mics, that performs well in crowded situations but struggles in blocking external sound with powerful bass. Although Sony WH-1000XM5 ANC is excellent and adapts automatically to your surroundings, there’s a chance that Sony can provide better ANC in WH-1000XM6, which can easily block out heavy bass sounds.
Battery life:
The XM5 offers 30 hours of battery life with ANC ON and around 40 hours with ANC OFF. If Sony enhances its noise cancellation, it will directly affect battery consumption and life. So either Sony can offer better battery life or provide better Adaptive noise cancellation. But it’s not impossible to offer both features in upcoming headphones. Sony can upgrade some internal parts for better ANC and battery life, like Jabra Elite, Sennheiser, and Soundcore did.
Build Quality & Design:
Sony XM5 is a good headphone, but when we compare XM5 with any other premium headphone, like Bowers &Wilkins Px8 or Px7 or Apple Airpods Max, it feels like plastic and cheap, but it’s worth $400. Its style is basic and classy, which might be boring for some shoppers, but others love the design of XM5. In my opinion, I like the design of WH-1000XM5. However, the other features of XM5 are rich and unique. So, we may see a new design and more premium material in the build of the Sony WH-1000XM6.
IP Rating:
Currently, everyone needs wireless headphones that are Water-resistant and Sweat-resistant. For premium headset brands, offering water-resistant headphones and earbuds is becoming very essential. But Sony WH-1000X lineup headphones do not have an IP rating, though WF-1000X series earbuds do. So, the Sony WH-1000XM6 will probably be water-resistant and sweat-resistant.
Connectivity:
Sony XM5 only has one antenna on the left earcup, so sometimes it doesn’t work accurately with a PC or when the CPU is under the table or on the opposite side of the antenna. So we can expect a BT 5.3 version in Sony WH-1000XM6, and Sony may also fix the mic issue when connected to the PS5 controller.
Expected price of Sony New Headphones WH-1000XM6
When Sony WH-1000XM3 headphone was launched in the US, they were priced at $350, and the XM4 costs $350. But when Sony launched its XM5 wireless headphones, they were priced at $399, and currently, the XM5 is available on Amazon for $328. So, the price of Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones will be between $400 to $449. However, this price will be justified if the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are water-resistant and come with World-class Noise cancellation.
Should you buy the XM5 or wait for the XM6?
If you want Sony new headphones and can wait for 7-8 months, you should go for the Sony WH-1000XM6 because there will be no build quality issues with the headband, or the ANC in XM5 will probably be fixed. But if you don’t want to wait and want to buy headphones now, then Sony XM5 is a good choice in the market. You can also consider other premium headphone brands like Bose, Apple, Bowers & Wilkins, and Skullcandy.
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t wanna spend more than $300 for headphones, you can consider Sony XM4 as an alternative for $248. Here are the differences between the features of the Sony Xm5 and Sony XM4.
| Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sony WH-1000XM5 | |
|---|---|---|
| ANC | Yes | Yes |
| Driver Size | 40mm | 30mm |
| Battery life | 30 hours | 30 hours |
| Internal Mics | 5 | 8 |
| Multipoint Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| Voice Assistant | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $248 | $328 |
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )
Are Sony headphones better than Bose?
Sony and Bose headphones are the best that leading the headphone industry with their feature-loaded wireless headphones. But if you want the best ANC and comfort, select Bose headphones. If you want the best sound quality and longer battery life, go with Sony headphones.
Can Sony new headphones be used for the gym?
Yes, you can use Sony new headphones for gym and sports. Although Sony 1000X lineup headphones don’t have an IP rating Sony wireless earbuds have, so we will recommend you to go with Sony wireless earbuds for gym and sports instead of Sony headphones.
Is the Sony XM5 worth it?
Yes, the Sony XM5 is still worth it in 2023 until the Sony XM6 launches. Sony and other 2-3 brands have been the big names in the headphones industry for the last few years, so if you are thinking of buying Sony headphones then it’s the right time because Sony headphones price Dropped by 15%, and you will not get a better deal than now.
