Sony Unveils the WH-1000XM6 in India: Setting a New Benchmark for Noise Cancellation at ₹39,990

Sony, the global leader in audio technology, has officially launched its new flagship wireless noise-cancelling headphones, the WH-1000XM6, in the Indian market. Continuing the legacy of the highly successful 1000X series, the new model arrives with substantial upgrades in processing power, microphone technology, and acoustic design, aiming to solidify its position as the industry-standard for immersive listening.

Priced at ₹39,990, the WH-1000XM6 is now available for purchase across major retail channels, including Sony Centers, Amazon, and select multi-brand outlets, offered in three premium colour variants: Black, Platinum Silver, and Midnight Blue.

Next-Generation Noise Cancellation Technology

The core highlight of the WH-1000XM6 is the dramatic leap in its noise-cancelling capabilities. Sony has engineered the headphones with a new HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3, which is touted to be up to seven times faster than its predecessor. This enhanced processor works in tandem with an expanded 12-microphone array, an increase of 1.5 times more microphones compared to the WH-1000XM5. This hardware combination allows for a more precise and real-time cancellation of ambient noise across a wider frequency range, handling everything from low-frequency rumbles of aircraft engines to mid- and high-frequency sounds like chatter in an office.

Adding to its intelligence is the Adaptive NC Optimizer, which automatically adjusts the noise cancellation performance based on external atmospheric pressure, environmental noise, and even the user’s wearing style (such as wearing glasses or a hat), ensuring an uninterrupted ‘bubble of silence’ in diverse environments.

Studio-Grade Audio and Enhanced Call Clarity

Beyond silence, the WH-1000XM6 delivers a premium audio experience co-created with world-renowned recording studios. The headphones feature a redesigned driver unit, incorporating a high-rigidity carbon fibre composite dome and a new voice coil, resulting in richer vocals, tighter bass, and improved instrument separation.

For high-quality wireless audio, the headphones support High-Resolution Audio Wireless via the LDAC codec and include DSEE Extreme™, which uses Edge-AI to upscale compressed digital music files in real time, restoring lost high-range sound details. Furthermore, the inclusion of 360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema enhances the spatial audio experience, making them a superb choice for movie and content consumption.

Call clarity has also been significantly upgraded. The headphones utilize a six-microphone, AI-powered beamforming array with proprietary voice pick-up technology, intelligently isolating the user’s voice from background noise for clear, crisp conversations.

Design, Comfort, and Smart Features

While maintaining the premium aesthetic of the 1000X series, the XM6 introduces crucial ergonomic refinements. Most notably, Sony has brought back the folding mechanism, making the headphones significantly more portable and travel-friendly than the previous generation. The design is complemented by a wider, pressure-free headband made with premium vegan leather and stretchable earpads for a comfortable, snug seal during long listening sessions.

The WH-1000XM6 is feature-rich, supporting LE Audio and Auracast™ for ultra-low latency audio broadcasts and multi-point connectivity. Smart features include Scene-based Listening, which automatically adjusts noise cancellation and playback settings based on the user’s activity and location, and Quick Access for instant music streaming. With up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC on, and fast-charging capabilities that provide approximately five hours of playback from a quick 10-minute charge, the WH-1000XM6 is built for all-day performance.

The launch of the WH-1000XM6 at ₹39,990 positions Sony firmly at the forefront of the premium audio segment in India, challenging competitors with a blend of industry-leading noise cancellation, sophisticated audio tuning, and smart, user-centric design improvements.