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Headphones comparison

Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Sony WH-1000XM6

Compare sound, battery life, fit, controls and connections.

Compared products
01Selected
Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones

  • Over-ear design surrounds your ears.
  • Uses USB-C for charging.
  • Noise cancellation for listening.
  • Up to 30 hours per charge.
  • Bluetooth 5.2.
KSh 32,500In Stock
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02
Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones

  • Over-ear design surrounds your ears.
  • Uses USB-C for charging.
  • Can stay connected to two devices.
  • Noise cancellation for listening.
  • Up to 30 hours per charge.
KSh 44,000In Stock
Add to cart

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2 spaces available

JBL TOUR ONE M3KSh 34,500
JBL Tour One M2KSh 31,000
JBL Quantum 650KSh 28,000
Bose Headphones 700KSh 38,000
Marshall Monitor II A.N.C.KSh 30,000
Razer Barracuda X PUBG BattleGrounds EditionKSh 29,000
Razer Blackshark V3 Pro White EditionKSh 37,000
2 of 4 products

Our quick verdict

The Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones is the better buy: it has virtual surround sound.

Connections

Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones
Bluetooth 5.2 connection
Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
Bluetooth 5.3 connection

Weight

Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones
About 250 g
Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
About 254 g

Two devices

Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones
Connects to two devices at once
Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
Stays connected to two devices

Sensors

Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones
Capacitive wearing sensor, touch control sensor
Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
Wearing detection, touch control sensor

Drivers

Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones
30 mm drivers
Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
1.18 in

Key differences

The main differences to help you choose.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones

  • Virtual surround sound.
  • Lower price: KSh 32,500 (vs KSh 44,000).
  • Connects to two devices at once.

Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones

  • Newer model: released in 2025 (vs 2022).

What matters most to you?

Choose any priorities

How each product answers the questions buyers ask most. Tick a topic to add it, untick one to hide it.

More topicsFewer topics
6 priorities selected.
How each product answers the selected priorities
PrioritySony WH-1000XM5 HeadphonesSony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
WeightAbout 250 gAbout 254 g
Battery lifeUp to 30 hours per chargeUp to 30 hours per charge
Two devicesConnects to two devices at onceStays connected to two devices
ConnectionsBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.3
SensorsCapacitive wearing sensor, touch control sensorWearing detection, touch control sensor
Drivers30 mm drivers1.18 in

Detailed comparison

Explore the full specifications, section by section.

General

General specifications comparison
SpecificationSony WH-1000XM5 HeadphonesSony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
BrandSonySony
ModelWH-1000XM5WH-1000XM6
Announced20222025
TypeOver-Ear Wireless HeadphonesOver-Ear Wireless Headphones
ColorBlack, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue, Smoky PinkSand Pink, Midnight Blue, Black, Platinum Silver

Design

Design specifications comparison
SpecificationSony WH-1000XM5 HeadphonesSony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
WeightApprox. 8.82 ozApprox. 8.96 oz

Battery & Charging

Battery & Charging specifications comparison
SpecificationSony WH-1000XM5 HeadphonesSony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
Battery LifeMax. 30 hrs (NC ON), Max. 40 hrs (NC OFF)Max. 30 hrs (NC ON), Max. 40 hrs (NC OFF)
Charging TimeApprox. 3.5 hrsApprox. 3.5 hrs
Fast Charging3 minutes provides up to 3 hours with a USB-PD adapter—
Charging PortUSB-CUSB-C
Wireless ChargingNoNo

Connectivity

Connectivity specifications comparison
SpecificationSony WH-1000XM5 HeadphonesSony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
ConnectionBluetooth + Stereo Mini JackBluetooth + Stereo Mini Jack
BluetoothBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth Range32.81 ftApprox. 32.81 ft
Multipoint ConnectionTwo devicesYes
ConnectorGold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plugGold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug
Cable Lengthapprox. 3.94 ftApprox. 3.94 ft
App SupportSony | Sound ConnectSony | Sound Connect

Features

Features specifications comparison
SpecificationSony WH-1000XM5 HeadphonesSony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
Voice AssistantGoogle Assistant, Alexa or Siri with compatible devices—
SensorsCapacitive wearing sensor; touch control sensorWearing detection; touch control sensor
Special FeaturesAtmospheric Pressure Optimizing; Auto NC Optimizer; Passive OperationAtmospheric Pressure Optimizing; Adaptive NC Optimizer; Passive Operation

Audio

Audio specifications comparison
SpecificationSony WH-1000XM5 HeadphonesSony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
Drivers30 mm drivers1.18 in
Frequency Response4 Hz–40,000 Hz (JEITA)4–40,000 Hz (JEITA)
Impedance48 ohm (1 kHz) (when connecting via the headphone cable with the unit turned on), 16 ohm (1 kHz) (when connecting via the headphone cable with the unit turned off)48 ohm (1 kHz) (when connecting via the headphone cable with the unit turned on), 16 ohm (1 kHz) (when connecting via the headphone cable with the unit turned off)
Audio CodecsSBC, AAC, LDACSBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3
Active Noise CancellationYesYes
Transparency / Ambient ModeAmbient Sound Mode, Ambient Sound, Quick AttentionAmbient Sound Mode, Ambient Sound, Auto Ambient Sound, Quick Attention
Spatial Audio360 Reality Audio with compatible music services—
MicrophonesBuilt-in microphonesMEMS, Omni directional
Audio FeaturesDsee Extreme; Passive Operation; Magnet: NeodymiumDsee Extreme; Passive Operation; Magnet: Neodymium

Charging Case

Charging Case specifications comparison
SpecificationSony WH-1000XM5 HeadphonesSony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
Case TypeNo charging caseNo charging case
Case Battery Life——
Case Charging——
Case Charging Port——
Case Wireless Charging——
Case Dimensions——
Case Weight——
Case Water & Dust Resistance——
Case Features——

Design & Controls

Design & Controls specifications comparison
SpecificationSony WH-1000XM5 HeadphonesSony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
ControlsQuick AttentionQuick Attention
Ear Tips / Ear CushionsCushioned earcupsCushioned earcups

What's in the Box

What's in the Box specifications comparison
SpecificationSony WH-1000XM5 HeadphonesSony WH-1000XM6 Headphones
Headphones / EarbudsWH-1000XM5 headphonesWH-1000XM6 headphones
Charging CaseNo charging caseNo charging case
Charging CableUSB CableUSB Cable
Audio CableConnection CableConnection Cable
Ear Tips / AccessoriesOver-ear designOver-ear design
DocumentationQuick start and safety documentationWarranty Card; Reference guide

Similarities

  • Both are rated for up to 30 hours per charge.
  • Both have active noise cancellation.
  • Both have an ambient mode to hear your surroundings.
  • Both charge over USB-C.
  • Both connect over Bluetooth.
  • Both recharge in about 3.5 hours.

In summary

The Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones is the better buy for almost everyone, with virtual surround sound.

Back to compared products ↑

In-stock alternatives

Beats Studio ProFor Sony WH-1000XM5 HeadphonesBeats Studio ProView product ↗Bose QuietComfort SC HeadphonesFor Sony WH-1000XM5 HeadphonesBose QuietComfort SC HeadphonesView product ↗

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