Sony Launches WH-1000XM6 Headphones With Foldable Design For $449

Sony makes some of the best headphones with active noise cancellation, but a big change to the design in recent years removed the convenient foldable mechanism. With its new WH-1000XM6 release, Sony appears to be bringing back the foldable design alongside other improvements.

The WH-1000 series of Sony headphones has been a go-to option for comfortable, long-lasting headphones with solid noise cancellation. They’ve been a great choice for travel, and have also integrated well with Android phones through support for Fast Pair and Google Assistant integration (and soon, Gemini).

Sony is now launching its latest generation, the WH-1000XM6. The headphones share a similar design to the XM5 generation, but most notably bring back the ability to fold the earcups into the rest of the frame for more compact storage. The hinge folds and turns to lay the headphones flat to fit in their storage case (which now closes magnetically), or just more compactly inside of a backpack or bag.

The WH-1000XM6 also features a build made from recycled plastic.

Beyond the outer hardware, Sony is also upgrading its new headphones with and faster QN3 chip for better noise cancellation and using 30mm drivers for sound. There are also now six microphones used for ANC on each side of the headphones, for a total of 12. Battery life and weight are largely unchanged from the XM5 generation at up to 30 hours (with ANC on) and 250g, respectively. Multipoint connection support and Spatial Audio are also still available, and they still support Google’s Fast Pair.

Sony WH-1000XM6 are available now (shipping May 16) for $449 from Sony, Best Buy, and Amazon in black, blue, and silver color options.