Three years on from their popular predecessor WH-1000XM5, Sony’s new flagship headphones, the WH-1000XM6, have finally arrived . Although they don’t introduce an eye-catching design revamp this time, they do subtly improve almost everything that counts. Consider the XM6 a well-considered remix instead of an entirely new album. The look is familiar, the materials remain largely plastic, but the upgrades inside and out are impossible to overlook.

Premium Price for Subtle Upgrades & a Fold

Sony isn’t shy of the price tag. The 1000XM6 currently retail for $449, more than any model in the range. That’s $50 higher than the XM5, and even higher than Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. It’s an ambitious request from headphones that sacrifice premium metal and glass for plastic. Sony is hoping that comfort, sound, and noise cancelling are more important than a fancy bling.

The most significant physical change is its fold. After leaving this feature out on the XM5, Sony has gone ahead and added back the hinged arms that now allow the XM6 to be folded for a more compact shape. Meanwhile, the carrying case sees some much needed improvements; it is small, it is magnetically clasped (no zipper), and is surprisingly easy to operate one-handed.

Better Hardware

Sony has polished virtually every tactile aspect. The headband is wider, with better pressure distribution. The power button is rounded, so it’s easier to differentiate from the ANC button through touch. Ear cups come off more easily for replacements, and you can finally charge and listen at the same time, though Sony’s implementation is clunky. Still there is no USB-C audio, so you’ll use two cables (USB-C for power, 3.5mm for audio).

Superior Sound Quality

Sony claims that the new noise-canceling chip performs better than the XM5 and any competitor. Initial impressions indicate they are not joking. The transparency mode is still crisp and easy to use, and a quick palm over the right ear cup still briefly channels the outside sound.

Audio quality benefits as well from new drivers and Sony’s own studio engineers’ input. The sound is a typical Sony, warm, bass-emphasized, and lively. It still has a 10-band EQ to fine-tune it to the individual’s liking, and LDAC support for wireless audio of high quality. AirPods Max still beat Sony in soundstage and clarity, but the XM6 will prove more convenient and comfortable for extended listening for most people.

Smart Features, Stupid Gimmicks

Sony has not abandoned its tradition of adding quirky features. The new spatial audio upmixing features (such as “coffee shop” and “movie theater” presets) fall flat. They’re phony at best and terrible at worst. On the tech side, Sony’s voice call improvements seem very promising. With AI beamforming and six mics (an increase from four), the company is looking to enhance voice clarity in distracting environments. Lots of YouTube mic tests will come soon. No surprises with the battery life, 30 hours with ANC turned on, 40 with it off. It’s good but unexciting, particularly at this cost. Still, it’s sufficient for most long flights or weeks of daily use without a lot of worrying.

Worth the Upgrade?

Sony WH-1000XM6 aren’t flashy and they’re not revolutionary, but they’re intentionally polished, and for those moving up from the XM3 or XM4, they could feel like a giant leap forward. The return of the folding design, paired with greater comfort, smarter controls, and superior ANC, makes them enticing. Although, for $449, they won’t be an easy one to impress. If you already have the XM5, hold on to it, but if you’ve been carrying an older pair of headphones and desire the ultimate combination of sound, comfort, and portability in a comfortable familiar case, this could be your new go-to buds.