Is the Sony WH-1000XM5 worth the upgrade from the Sony WH-1000XM6?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Sony WH-1000XM5 actually scores 11.7 points below the Sony WH-1000XM6, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. The gains are concentrated in value (8.2 to 9.5). You do give up ground on calls (9.6 to 8.5) and noise cancelling (9.6 to 8.9). Worth checking: codecs goes SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC to SBC, AAC, LDAC and bluetooth goes 5.3 to 5.2. It is at least $150 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound9.08.5
- Noise cancelling9.68.9
- Battery8.18.0
- Calls9.68.5
- Value8.29.5
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | WH-1000XM6 | WH-1000XM5 | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC | |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 | |
| Microphones | 12 | 8 | |
| Quick charge | 3 min → 3 h | 3 min → 1 h | |
| Controls | buttons | touch |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "WH-1000XM6 to WH-1000XM5". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across over-ear and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.