Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Sony WH-1000XM4
Buy the WH-1000XM6 if you want the best noise cancelling, call quality and codec support Sony sells, at $367.00 at Walmart as of November 3. Buy the WH-1000XM4 if you want proven ANC and 30-hour battery for less, at $268.00 at Poshmark as of November 3. The XM4 has dipped to $160.00 as recently as November 2, so watch its price before paying full ask.
Today the Sony WH-1000XM4 costs $110.00 less at its best price.
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Sony WH-1000XM6
3.1$378.00at AmazonObserved at 10:34 AM
Choose the WH-1000XM6 if you want the strongest noise cancelling, LDAC and LE Audio, and the best call quality of the two.
Pros
- Best-in-class noise cancelling with the QN3 processor and 12 microphones
- LDAC, LC3, LE Audio and Auracast support
- Strong call quality from six-mic beamforming
- Folds with a compact magnetic-closure case
- Up to 40 hours with noise cancelling off
Cons
- $367.00 is about $99 more than the XM4
- Listed at 1.5 lb, heavy for long wear
What separates them
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Sony WH-1000XM4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Nov 3, 2026) | $367.00 at Walmart | $268.00 at Poshmark |
| Noise cancelling | QN3 processor, 12 mics, adaptive optimizer | Active NC, older processor |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3, LE Audio, Auracast | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth version | Newer, with multipoint | 5.0, with multipoint |
| Battery life | 30 h with NC on, 40 h off | 30 h, 200 h standby |
| Quick charge | 3 min for 3 h | 10 min for 5 h |
| Call quality | Six-mic AI beamforming | Built-in mic for calls |
| Weight |
Price history
$378.00$160.00
- Sony WH-1000XM6: lowest $295.99 on Oct 31 at Walmart; $378.00 on Nov 3.
- Sony WH-1000XM4: lowest $160.00 on Nov 2 at eBay.
Prices at every store
Sony WH-1000XM6
- WalmartNew
In stockSold by Tri State CameraReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$398.00Free shippingVerified - Office DepotNew
In stock
$459.99Observed at 10:36 PM - AmazonRefurbished
Availability unknown
$359.00Free shippingObserved at 10:34 AM - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
$378.00Free shippingObserved at 10:34 AM
Also available at
- PC Richard & SonCheck price at PC Richard & Son
- SweetwaterCheck price at Sweetwater
- NordstromCheck price at Nordstrom
Specs compared
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Type | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Max Battery Life | 30 hours | 30 hours |
| Bluetooth | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3, Multipoint, LE Audio, Aura… | — |
| Finishes | Black, Silver, Midnight Blue | — |
| Noise Canceling | Yes | — |
| Connectivity | Wireless | — |
| With Microphone | Yes | — |
| Color | Black, Midnight Blue, Platinum Silver, Olive Gr… | — |
| Style | On-ear | — |
| Over-Ear | Yes | — |
| Height |
Questions and answers
- Which has better noise cancelling?
- The WH-1000XM6. Its QN3 processor drives 12 microphones and adapts to air pressure and fit, while the XM4 uses the older ANC system.
- Is the XM6 worth about $100 more?
- Yes if you fly often or take calls in noisy places. The XM6 adds stronger ANC, LE Audio and better mics. If you mostly listen at home, the XM4 covers the basics.
- Which lasts longer on a charge?
- They tie at 30 hours with noise cancelling on. The XM6 reaches 40 hours with it off, and the XM4 charges faster: 10 minutes for 5 hours versus 3 minutes for 3 hours.
- Can I use either with two devices at once?
- Yes. Both support Bluetooth multipoint, so you can stay connected to a phone and a laptop.
- Which is lighter to wear all day?
- The XM4, at roughly 0.55 lb against 1.5 lb listed for the XM6. The XM6 has a wider headband and softer cushions to spread the weight.
- Is the $268.00 XM4 new?
- No. That Poshmark listing is described as used once with original packaging. New XM4 stock is priced higher at other stores.
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