Is the Sony WH-1000XM6 worth buying?

Yes—Sony’s WH-1000XM6 is worth buying if you want premium wireless over-ear headphones mainly for travel, commuting, office work, or frequent noise cancellation. It is best suited to people who value strong ANC, good call quality, long battery life, comfort, and Sony’s app/customization features more than getting the lowest possible price.

It is most worth buying if:

• You want top-tier active noise cancellation for planes, trains, cafés, or open offices.
• You use headphones for long sessions and want a lighter, more travel-friendly design than many premium rivals.
• You care about Sony features like multipoint Bluetooth, LDAC support, adaptive noise control, EQ customization, and good transparency/ambient modes.
• You can get them at a discount rather than paying full launch price.

You may want to skip them if:

• The WH-1000XM5 is much cheaper. The XM5 is still excellent and may be the better value if discounted heavily.
• You already own the XM5 and are happy with it; the XM6 is more of a refinement than a must-upgrade for everyone.
• You prioritize comfort above all else, in which case you should also try the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
• You are deep in the Apple ecosystem and want seamless Apple-device integration, where AirPods Max may still appeal despite their age and price.
• You mainly listen at home in quiet spaces; cheaper headphones may be enough.

My practical recommendation: buy the WH-1000XM6 if you want one of the best all-around premium ANC headphones and can find it at a reasonable price. If the XM6 is close to full price while the XM5 is heavily discounted, the XM5 is probably the smarter buy for most people.

Before buying, check current prices and try them if possible. Fit, clamping force, ear-cup comfort, and ANC pressure are very personal, so a good return policy matters.