Compare prices for Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones & Earbuds

The Sony WH-1000XM6 does a lot right: noise cancellation is excellent, sound is refined and enjoyable, battery life is strong, and they're comfortable for long sessions. On paper, they look flagship. But the call quality is honestly pretty bad for this price—voices sound thin, muffled, or distant, and the mics struggle outside a quiet room. People on the other end regularly ask me to repeat myself. For $400+ headphones in 2026, this level of call performance feels unacceptable. That single shortcoming makes the whole package feel overpriced.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 get a lot right. The noise cancellation is top-notch, the sound is refined and enjoyable, battery life is solid, and they're comfy for long sessions. On paper, they scream flagship. But the call quality? Honestly, it's pretty bad for headphones this pricey. Voices sound thin, muffled, or distant, and the mics struggle unless you're in a dead quiet room. Background noise rejection is weak, and people on the other end keep asking me to repeat myself or switch to my phone. For a $400+ pair of headphones in 2026, that's just not acceptable. That one flaw makes the whole package feel overpriced. You're paying a premium for small upgrades in sound and ANC, yet one of the most basic everyday features—clear phone calls—is a clear weak point. There are cheaper options that handle calls better while still delivering great listening performance. These are good for music and travel, but the poor call quality keeps them from feeling worth the money.