{"id":6169,"date":"2025-05-19T14:28:35","date_gmt":"2025-05-19T06:28:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/the-sony-xm6-are-an-accomplished-set-of-cans-but-theyre-not-replacing-my-sonos-ace-anytime-soon\/"},"modified":"2025-05-19T14:28:35","modified_gmt":"2025-05-19T06:28:35","slug":"the-sony-xm6-are-an-accomplished-set-of-cans-but-theyre-not-replacing-my-sonos-ace-anytime-soon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/the-sony-xm6-are-an-accomplished-set-of-cans-but-theyre-not-replacing-my-sonos-ace-anytime-soon\/","title":{"rendered":"The Sony XM6 are an accomplished set of cans, but they\u2019re not replacing my Sonos Ace anytime soon"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/tag\/sony\" data-auto-tag-linker=\"true\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/tag\/sony\">Sony<\/a> recently launched one of its <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/audio\/wireless-headphones\/sony-wh-1000xm6-headphones-are-official-here-are-the-3-things-you-need-to-know-and-yes-the-design-is-more-portable\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/audio\/wireless-headphones\/sony-wh-1000xm6-headphones-are-official-here-are-the-3-things-you-need-to-know-and-yes-the-design-is-more-portable\">most-anticipated products of 2025 in the WH-1000XM6 headphones<\/a>. The company\u2019s previous efforts, namely the XM4 and XM5, have proven incredibly successful, so it\u2019s unsurprising that Sony felt the need to continue the lineage.<\/p>\n<p>Those previous models have actually proven to be <em>so <\/em>popular that both will remain on sale alongside their newly upgraded sibling.<\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-base\"\/>\n<p>I\u2019ve been using the XM6 for about a week now to find out if they could dethrone my trusted <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/tag\/sonos\" data-auto-tag-linker=\"true\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/tag\/sonos\">Sonos<\/a> Ace as my go-to over-ear cans. But, as you would have already guessed from the headline of this piece, they\u2019ve fallen a bit short in that challenge for the top.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<span class=\"bg-secondary-500 text-white text-lg font-bold uppercase py-1 px-2 leading-[1.625rem] sm:leading-[6px] sm:text-sm\"><br \/>\nYou may like<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p>It\u2019s got nothing to do with sound quality or noise cancellation, although I\u2019ll touch on those features further down. Instead, it has everything to do with how they fit.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve made no secret of the fact that I\u2019m a <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/audio\/wireless-headphones\/four-months-since-they-launched-there-s-not-been-a-day-i-haven-t-worn-the-sonos-ace-headphones\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/audio\/wireless-headphones\/four-months-since-they-launched-there-s-not-been-a-day-i-haven-t-worn-the-sonos-ace-headphones\">fan of Sonos\u2019 first attempt at producing a pair of headphones<\/a>, predominantly because I find the Ace so darn comfortable, and that\u2019s still true nearly a year after they launched in June 2024.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve never worn the previous XM4 or the XM5 for prolonged periods, but having read my colleague Gerald Lynch&#8217;s <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/reviews\/sony-wh-1000xm5-wireless-headphones\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/reviews\/sony-wh-1000xm5-wireless-headphones\">Sony WH-1000XM5 review<\/a>, which praised the overall comfort level, I was expecting glorious things from the XM6.<\/p>\n<p>According our new <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/audio\/wireless-headphones\/sony-wh-1000xm6-review\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/audio\/wireless-headphones\/sony-wh-1000xm6-review\">Sony WH-1000XM6 review<\/a>, those expectations should have been met. For me, however, they&#8217;ve unfortunately missed the mark.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1600px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vAUdJrUtBQe3N47QZAtCEE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vAUdJrUtBQe3N47QZAtCEE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vAUdJrUtBQe3N47QZAtCEE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vAUdJrUtBQe3N47QZAtCEE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vAUdJrUtBQe3N47QZAtCEE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vAUdJrUtBQe3N47QZAtCEE-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Side view of hinges of the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Sonos Ace headphones\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vAUdJrUtBQe3N47QZAtCEE-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vAUdJrUtBQe3N47QZAtCEE-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vAUdJrUtBQe3N47QZAtCEE-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vAUdJrUtBQe3N47QZAtCEE-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vAUdJrUtBQe3N47QZAtCEE-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vAUdJrUtBQe3N47QZAtCEE-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vAUdJrUtBQe3N47QZAtCEE.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vAUdJrUtBQe3N47QZAtCEE.jpg\"\/><\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\"inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The different hinge designs of the Sony (left) and Sonos (right) headphones plays a big role in on-head comfort. <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Future \/ Max Langridge)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside data-model-name=\"Sony WH-1000XM6,Sonos Ace\" data-widget-type=\"multimodelreview\" data-render-type=\"editorial\" class=\"hawk-base\">\n<div class=\"hawk-multi-model-review-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-multi-model-review-retail-container\">\n<p>Today&#8217;s best Sony WH-1000XM6 and  Sonos Ace deals<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Perhaps I have a fussy head (hopefully not) or abnormally large ears (the shame) but, for me, the XM6 feel like they\u2019re clamping down a little too much, at least when compared against the Sonos Ace. Sony has said it\u2019s increased the clamping force of the new model compared to the XM5 to help aid with passive noise isolation, and it does indeed work on that front.<\/p>\n<p>For my noggin, though, it\u2019s just a little too forceful for comfort. They feel more akin to on-ear headphones when I wear them because the padding presses onto my ears a little too much. The Sonos Ace earcups, meanwhile, completely envelop my ears and feel much softer, and as a result feel way more comfortable.<\/p>\n<p>I should add the realization that the Ace earcups envelop my ears more is an interesting one, because the openings are physically smaller than the Sony pair. I think the fact that the space inside the earcups of the Ace is deeper than on the XM6 is the reason for this peculiar phenomenon.<\/p>\n<p>Despite weighing roughly 50g more than the Sony, I think the Sonos engineers have done a better job of distributing the weight of the Ace too. Again, I\u2019m probably just being fussy, but it\u2019s something I noticed as soon as I wore the XM6 for the first time and haven\u2019t been able to shake.<\/p>\n<p>In my opinion, one of the biggest factors to support my claim that the Sonos Ace feels more comfortable for me is the hinge mechanism used.<\/p>\n<p>Both pairs feature hinges that integrate into the earcups, but the one on the Sonos Ace appears to have a greater range of flexibility, so it\u2019s able to better conform to the shape of my head.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1600px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3vxw5eKgTQjNWc8DyUSkHE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3vxw5eKgTQjNWc8DyUSkHE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3vxw5eKgTQjNWc8DyUSkHE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3vxw5eKgTQjNWc8DyUSkHE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3vxw5eKgTQjNWc8DyUSkHE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3vxw5eKgTQjNWc8DyUSkHE-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Close up of the hinge of the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3vxw5eKgTQjNWc8DyUSkHE-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3vxw5eKgTQjNWc8DyUSkHE-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3vxw5eKgTQjNWc8DyUSkHE-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3vxw5eKgTQjNWc8DyUSkHE-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3vxw5eKgTQjNWc8DyUSkHE-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3vxw5eKgTQjNWc8DyUSkHE-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3vxw5eKgTQjNWc8DyUSkHE.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3vxw5eKgTQjNWc8DyUSkHE.jpg\"\/><\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\"inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The Sony XM6 hinge integrated a folding mechanism for easier travel, but which I think limits its flexibility. <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Future \/ Max Langridge)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In contrast, the hinge on the Sony XM6 has a more limited range and so can\u2019t adjust to the shape of my head as freely. That said, Sony&#8217;s said the XM6 are inspired by an older hinge design, inherited from the XM4, that allow them to better fold for traveling. The Sonos mechanism, meanwhile, doesn\u2019t fold away as compactly, so that could have something to do with it.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t get me wrong, that extra compactness is absolutely a great feature to have \u2013 although one that\u2019s admittedly a little lost on me, as I don\u2019t travel that much \u2013 but my head is probably just a little too limiting. Perhaps the hinge will loosen up over time and the XM6 will fit me better? We\u2019ll see.<\/p>\n<p>Mind you, the carry case for the XM6 is, hands down, a winner over the Sonos design in my view. Sony has implemented a magnetic fastener this time around and it works a treat. The zip on the case of my Sonos Ace broke within a few months, rendering it next to useless \u2013 a trait I&#8217;ve noticed many <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/sonos\/comments\/1dswbd9\/ace_case_zipper_broken_already\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/sonos\/comments\/1dswbd9\/ace_case_zipper_broken_already\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\">other Sonos Ace owners have come across<\/a>. I hope other headphone manufacturers follow Sony\u2019s design choice with new pairs in the future.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1600px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWUvBWQW6fV2ehCqwRRJKE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWUvBWQW6fV2ehCqwRRJKE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWUvBWQW6fV2ehCqwRRJKE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWUvBWQW6fV2ehCqwRRJKE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWUvBWQW6fV2ehCqwRRJKE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWUvBWQW6fV2ehCqwRRJKE-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Carry cases for Sony WH-1000XM6 and Sonos Ace headphones\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWUvBWQW6fV2ehCqwRRJKE-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWUvBWQW6fV2ehCqwRRJKE-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWUvBWQW6fV2ehCqwRRJKE-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWUvBWQW6fV2ehCqwRRJKE-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWUvBWQW6fV2ehCqwRRJKE-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWUvBWQW6fV2ehCqwRRJKE-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWUvBWQW6fV2ehCqwRRJKE.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWUvBWQW6fV2ehCqwRRJKE.jpg\"\/><\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\"inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The magnetic fastener on the Sony case (left) is a major design win in my book. <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Future \/ Max Langridge)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"one-person-s-music-is-another-person-s-sound-3\">One person\u2019s music is another person\u2019s sound<\/h2>\n<p>I\u2019ve learned in my years writing about speakers, headphones and other hi-fi components, sound quality can be subjective and that, ultimately, if you like what you hear, then that\u2019s the product for you.<\/p>\n<p>There are instances where it\u2019s impossible to say something sounds good. But more often than not, I\u2019ve found that I don\u2019t necessarily appreciate how a particular product sounds despite someone else thinking it\u2019s great, or vice versa.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a similar story here, because while our Sony WH-1000XM6 review heaps praise upon their sonic capabilities, I\u2019m a little less enthusiastic. Or at least, I don\u2019t think the Sonos Ace should be completely disregarded if your budget can afford either pair.<\/p>\n<p>As I\u2019ve said, though, sound is a personal preference and I actually prefer the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/reviews\/sennheiser-momentum-4-wireless\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/reviews\/sennheiser-momentum-4-wireless\">Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless<\/a> to either of these competitors for outright sound quality. However, comfort is still at the top of my wishlist, which is why I keep returning to the Sonos Ace. If I could get the Sennheiser sound in the Sonos body, it could just be my dream set of headphones.<\/p>\n<p>I will admit the Sony headphones sound objectively better than the Sonos Ace. They\u2019re more energetic, unearth a bit more detail and have tighter control over particularly tricky songs such as The Darkness\u2019 <em>I Believe in a Thing Called Love<\/em>, resulting in a more cohesive listen.<\/p>\n<p>While the Sonos Ace don\u2019t sound <em>bad <\/em>in any sense of the word, I find myself having fun and bopping my head with the Ace in place when listening to dance music, which is my go-to genre \u2013 far more than when I\u2019m listening to the same tracks on the XM6.<\/p>\n<p>This could boil down to the fact that my ears don\u2019t feel as constrained when using the Ace, resulting in a more 3D-like soundstage.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1600px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WskZYfpyTVDKMQwNJyb5JE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WskZYfpyTVDKMQwNJyb5JE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WskZYfpyTVDKMQwNJyb5JE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WskZYfpyTVDKMQwNJyb5JE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WskZYfpyTVDKMQwNJyb5JE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WskZYfpyTVDKMQwNJyb5JE-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Close up of the hinge mechanism of the Sonos Ace headphones\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WskZYfpyTVDKMQwNJyb5JE-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WskZYfpyTVDKMQwNJyb5JE-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WskZYfpyTVDKMQwNJyb5JE-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WskZYfpyTVDKMQwNJyb5JE-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WskZYfpyTVDKMQwNJyb5JE-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WskZYfpyTVDKMQwNJyb5JE-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WskZYfpyTVDKMQwNJyb5JE.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WskZYfpyTVDKMQwNJyb5JE.jpg\"\/><\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\"inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The Sonos Ace look and feel like a premium pair of headphones and the integrated hinge is excellent. <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Future \/ Max Langridge)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"silence-is-golden-3\">Silence is golden<\/h2>\n<p>Now, when it comes to ANC performance of headphones, I personally don\u2019t notice much of a difference between many of the latest pairs from the top brands. That could be because I listen to music quite loudly (perhaps to my own future detriment) and can\u2019t hear any ambient sounds over it, including colleagues sitting next to me in the office. So it\u2019s hard for me to judge if the noise-canceling tech is working as promised or not.<\/p>\n<p>However, going off the in-depth reviews on TechRadar and speaking with my colleagues, the consensus is the ANC performance of the Sonos Ace isn\u2019t class-leading. The opposite is the case for the Sony XM6, which are \u201cthe real deal as far as ANC is concerned\u201d according to our reviewer.<\/p>\n<p>This, too, might well be a personal preference. The amount of external noise you want to be blocked out could be different to my preference. If I can hear a train announcer telling me what station is coming up next, it doesn\u2019t particularly bother me. If anything, it\u2019s proven to be helpful if I\u2019m taking a journey for the first time and I\u2019m not sure where I\u2019m going.<\/p>\n<p>If you do want total silence, however, then I have to give it the Sony XM6 \u2013 though you could also consider the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/audio\/headphones\/wireless-headphones\/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-review\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/audio\/headphones\/wireless-headphones\/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-review\">Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones<\/a>, which have long been considered the class leader. The Sonos Ace are great, but ANC performance isn\u2019t an area I can confidently defend them for.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1600px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5y2BLNKWFTJG9VLTL66cHE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5y2BLNKWFTJG9VLTL66cHE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5y2BLNKWFTJG9VLTL66cHE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5y2BLNKWFTJG9VLTL66cHE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5y2BLNKWFTJG9VLTL66cHE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5y2BLNKWFTJG9VLTL66cHE-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Sony WH-1000XM6 and Sonos Ace headphones with a removable ear cushion removed\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5y2BLNKWFTJG9VLTL66cHE-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5y2BLNKWFTJG9VLTL66cHE-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5y2BLNKWFTJG9VLTL66cHE-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5y2BLNKWFTJG9VLTL66cHE-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5y2BLNKWFTJG9VLTL66cHE-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5y2BLNKWFTJG9VLTL66cHE-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5y2BLNKWFTJG9VLTL66cHE.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5y2BLNKWFTJG9VLTL66cHE.jpg\"\/><\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\"inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Sony has redesigned the speaker driver for the XM6 headphones (left), which you can view when you take off the ear cushion. <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Future \/ Max Langridge)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>With both the Sonos and Sony pairs costing a not-insignificant amount of money \u2013 Sonos Ace retails for $449 \/ \u00a3449 \/ AU$699 and Sony XM6 come in at $449 \/ \u00a3400 \/ AU$699 \u2013 neither should be an impulse buy. If you\u2019re looking to spend this kind of money on a new set of headphones, then I&#8217;d strongly recommend auditioning both pairs first if you\u2019re able to.<\/p>\n<p>While you\u2019re at it, you should probably give the recently released <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/audio\/headphones\/bowers-wilkins-px7-s3-review\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/audio\/headphones\/bowers-wilkins-px7-s3-review\">Bowers &amp; Wilkins Px7 S3<\/a> a listen too, along with the aforementioned Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. B&amp;W\u2019s premium over-ears have always been excellent where sound quality is concerned, but have often lacked in other areas such as ANC. That\u2019s no longer the case with the Px7 S3, which have much-improved noise canceling capabilities. Combined with their gorgeous looks, they could be the ultimate pair in this price bracket.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1600px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sWicLToWHQ7TW8qbnoCWEE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sWicLToWHQ7TW8qbnoCWEE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sWicLToWHQ7TW8qbnoCWEE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sWicLToWHQ7TW8qbnoCWEE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sWicLToWHQ7TW8qbnoCWEE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sWicLToWHQ7TW8qbnoCWEE-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Internal cut out of the earcups of the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Sonos Ace headphones\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sWicLToWHQ7TW8qbnoCWEE-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sWicLToWHQ7TW8qbnoCWEE-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sWicLToWHQ7TW8qbnoCWEE-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sWicLToWHQ7TW8qbnoCWEE-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sWicLToWHQ7TW8qbnoCWEE-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sWicLToWHQ7TW8qbnoCWEE-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sWicLToWHQ7TW8qbnoCWEE.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sWicLToWHQ7TW8qbnoCWEE.jpg\"\/><\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\"inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The internal area of the ear cup of the Sonos Ace (right) is deeper compared to the XM6, which I find much more comfortable. <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Future \/ Max Langridge)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Therein lies a positive to take away from all of this: we now have so many quality choices when choosing a pair of headphones, that it\u2019s hard for even experts like me to give a definitive answer on which brand one-ups the other. And given just how personal our choices are (one of my colleagues prefers the XM6 to the Ace for fit, for example), deciding upon and choosing the right pair is something only you can do for yourself.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-you-might-also-like\"><span>You might also like<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sony recently launched one of its most-anticipated products of 2025 in the WH-1000XM6 headphones. The company\u2019s previous efforts, namely the XM4 and XM5, have proven incredibly successful, so it\u2019s unsurprising that Sony felt the need to continue the lineage. Those previous models have actually proven to be so popular that both will remain on sale [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6170,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-6169","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-blog"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6169","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6169"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6169\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6170"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6169"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6169"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6169"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}