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Sony WH-1000XM3 vs Sony WH-1000XM6

Product A: Sony

WH-1000XM3

72 of 161 known
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Compare the Sony WH-1000XM6 with

Product B: Sony

WH-1000XM6

99 of 161 known
Change Sony WH-1000XM6

Compare the Sony WH-1000XM3 with

60 of 152 fields differ

Download CSVDownload JSON
  • 25 different values
  • 35 known for one only
  • 38 the same
  • 54 missing for both

Biggest differences

Each bar uses the scale of all 149 headsets and headphones.

  1. Quick chargeA: 5hB: 3hWH-1000XM3 is 2 h higher.
  2. Driver sizeA: 40mmB: 30mmWH-1000XM3 is 10 mm higher.

Weight

0 to 400 g

Headset weight
A255g
B254g

All 161 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

ASony WH-1000XM3
BSony WH-1000XM6

General

5 of 8 differ
Series
1000X2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Sony Japan lists it in the 1000X headphone range as WH-1000XM3.
1000X3Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM6Read 30 September 2026Sony's 1000X line
Model numbers
WH-1000XM32Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Page title and product name WH-1000XM3. Colors are sold as (B) and (S) variants of the same model.
WH-1000XM6, YY29841Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Help Guide cover: WH-1000XM6, Model YY2984. Marketing and regulatory model identifiers both stored.
GTIN / EAN
Not available
Not available
Announced
30 August 20185Press article9to5google.com/2018/08/30/sony-wh-1000xm3s-go-on-sale-at-amazon-today-for-349-from-other-retailers-sept-4Read 11 October 2026Article dated 30 August 2018: Amazon starts sales that day.
15 May 20257Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2025-05-15-Sony-Introduces-the-Best-Noise-Cancellation-with-the-WH-1000XM6-HeadphonesRead 30 September 2026Launch release dated May 15, 2025.
Status
Discontinued2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026The page marks the product as production ended (Japanese: 生産完了) and says Sony Store sales have ended.
Available3Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM6Read 30 September 2026Sold in the Sony Store Japan with same-day shipping on 2026-09-28
Predecessor
Not available
Sony WH-1000XM54Reviewwhathifi.com/headphones/sony-wh-1000xm6Read 30 September 2026What Hi-Fi calls the WH-1000XM5 the previous flagship before the WH-1000XM6.
Successor
Sony WH-1000XM48Reviewwhathifi.com/news/sony-wh-1000xm4-wireless-headphones-officially-unveiledRead 23 October 2026What Hi-Fi says the WH-1000XM4 replace the WH-1000XM3 and calls the XM3 their predecessor.
Not available
Launch price (US)
$349.994Press articletechradar.com/news/sonys-wh-1000xm3-turns-your-crowded-commute-into-a-silent-retreatRead 11 October 2026Will be available starting in September for $349.99.
$449.997Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2025-05-15-Sony-Introduces-the-Best-Noise-Cancellation-with-the-WH-1000XM6-HeadphonesRead 30 September 2026Pricing and availability: suggested retail price $449.99 USD.
Launch price (EU)
€3796Press articleclubic.com/salon-informatique-tic/ifa/actualite-845173-sony-casque-phare-wh-1000xm3.htmlRead 11 October 2026Clubic France says the WH-1000XM3 will be on sale in mid-September for 379 euros. The source gives whole euros. Tax treatment is not stated.
€4508Press releasesony.eu/presscentre/sony-introduces-the-next-evolution-of-noise-cancelling-with-the-wh-1000xm6Read 30 September 2026Pricing and availability: €450 suggested retail price.
Markets
Not available
Not available
Colours
Black, Platinum Silver2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Colors: (B) Black and (S) Platinum Silver.5Press article9to5google.com/2018/08/30/sony-wh-1000xm3s-go-on-sale-at-amazon-today-for-349-from-other-retailers-sept-4Read 11 October 2026Black and Silver listings.
Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue, Sandstone3Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM6Read 30 September 2026Japan page lists (B) Black, (S) Platinum Silver, (L) Midnight Blue, (T) Sandstone. English names as in Sony's global image assets. Sandstone is a 2026 addition
Segment
Music2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Sold as wireless noise canceling stereo headset for music listening.
Music3Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM6Read 30 September 2026Listed under headphones, not under INZONE gaming headsets

Design

0 of 7 differ
Form factor
Over-ear3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Over-ear closed headset with ear cups around the ears (location and function of parts).
Over-ear6Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/sony/wh-1000xm6Read 30 September 2026Public introductory product description: WH-1000XM6 over-ear headphones. Style SAMPLE Notes over-ear, not earbud.
Ear cup enclosure
Closed1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Type: closed, dynamic (Japanese: 密閉, ダイナミック).
Closed2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM6/spec.htmlRead 30 September 2026Type: 密閉 (closed)
Wearing style
Headband3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Headband with sliders to adjust the headband length.
Headband1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Parts list: headband with sliders on each side
Folding
Flat and inward2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Swivel and folding structure for carrying (Japanese: スイーベル＆折りたたみ構造). The help guide says to fold the headset into the carrying case.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Fold the headset and put it in the supplied carrying case.
Flat and inward1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Putting the headset in the carrying case chapter: rotate left/right units, fold both units toward headband. Illustrations show flat and inward packing.
Swivelling ear cups
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Swivel and folding structure for carrying.
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Putting the headset in the carrying case chapter: rotate left/right units, fold both units toward headband. Illustrations show flat and inward packing.
RGB lighting
Not available
Not available
Lighting zones
Not available
Not available

Drivers and sound

6 of 20 differ
Driver type
Dynamic1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Type: closed, dynamic.
Dynamic9Reviewavforums.com/products/headphones.32/sony-wh-1000xm6.17345/specsRead 30 September 2026Full specifications / Sony WH-1000XM6 Features / Driver Type: 30 mm Dynamic. Exact architecture explicitly named. Other review table values are not substituted for maker data.
Driver size
40mm1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Driver unit: 40 mm dome type with a CCAW voice coil.
30mm2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM6/spec.htmlRead 30 September 2026Headphone specification / Driver Unit: 30 mm dome-type (CCAW voice coil). Dome does not explicitly classify driver architecture. The dynamic type comes from the AV Forums entry.
Drivers per side
Not available
Not available
Diaphragm material
Aluminum-coated LCP2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Specially designed 40 mm HD driver unit with an aluminum-coated LCP diaphragm.
Carbon fibre composite4Reviewwhathifi.com/headphones/sony-wh-1000xm6Read 30 September 2026Same carbon fibre composite material as the WH-1000XM58Press releasesony.eu/presscentre/sony-introduces-the-next-evolution-of-noise-cancelling-with-the-wh-1000xm6Read 30 September 2026Driver dome uses high-rigidity carbon fibre composite.
Magnet
Neodymium1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Magnet: neodymium (Japanese: ネオジウム).
neodymium2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM6/spec.htmlRead 30 September 2026ネオジウム, translated
Frequency response (wired or passive)
Min4 HzMax40 kHz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Playback frequency band 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (JEITA).
Min4 HzMax40 kHz1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 20264 Hz - 40,000 Hz (IEC), headphone cable with the headset on
Wireless audio transmission band
Min20 HzMax40 kHz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Transmission band (A2DP): 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz at 44.1 kHz sampling, 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz with LDAC at 96 kHz sampling and 990 kbps. The wide value is stored.
Min20 HzMax40 kHz1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026A2DP transmission range 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz with LDAC 96 kHz 990 kbps. 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz at 44.1 kHz
Impedance (passive when specified)
16Ω1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 202647 ohm with wired connection, power on, at 1 kHz. 16 ohm with wired connection, power off, at 1 kHz. The power-off value is stored.
16Ω2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM6/spec.htmlRead 30 September 202616 ohm passive POWER OFF. 48 ohm at 1 kHz POWER ON.
Sensitivity (passive when specified)
101dB1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026104.5 dB/mW wired with power on and 101 dB/mW wired with power off, at 1 kHz. The power-off value is stored.
102dB2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM6/spec.htmlRead 30 September 2026102 dB/mW passive POWER OFF. 103 dB/mW POWER ON.
Sensitivity reference
Per 1 mW1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Maker states the level per mW.
Per 1 mW2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM6/spec.htmlRead 30 September 2026Headphone specification / Sound Pressure Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW power off, 103 dB/mW power on. Stored passive per 1 mW reference.
THD (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Max input power
Not available
Not available
Max digital audio sample rate
Not available
Not available
Max digital audio bit depth
Not available
Not available
DAC
Not available
Not available
Personalised sound
Not available
Not available
Onboard EQ
Not available
Yes11Reviewrtings.com/headphones/learn/how-to-eq-your-headphonesRead 8 October 2026Companion Apps section names WH-1000XM6 explicitly: equalizer settings remain active after disconnecting the app and connecting to another device. This establishes headphone memory, not only an app EQ control.
Custom EQ bands
Not available
104Reviewwhathifi.com/headphones/sony-wh-1000xm6Read 30 September 2026Ten-band equaliser5Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm6-review-read-before-buying-137397Read 30 September 202610-band equalizer in the Sound Connect app
EQ presets
Not available
Not available
Volume limit
Not available
Not available

Spatial audio

2 of 3 differ
Spatial audio support
Surround (VPT)3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026App sound effect mode: Surround (VPT).
360 Reality Audio, 360 Upmix for Cinema1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026360 Reality Audio / Head Tracking chapters: compatible 360 Reality Audio content/services and head tracking setup. 360 Upmix for Cinema settings chapter separately names cinema feature.
Spatial audio licence included
Not available
Not available
Head tracking
Not available
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026360 Reality Audio / Head Tracking chapters: compatible 360 Reality Audio content/services and head tracking setup. 360 Upmix for Cinema settings chapter separately names cinema feature.

Noise cancelling

4 of 10 differ
Active noise cancelling
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Noise canceling function with NC/AMBIENT button, NC Optimizer and Ambient Sound Mode.
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Using the noise canceling function and Listening to ambient sound chapters: NC/AMB button cycles NC/Ambient Sound, customizable using Sound Connect.
ANC type
Hybrid3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Parts list names a microphone (external) and a microphone (internal) for the noise canceling function. Both outside and inside microphones are used, so ANC is stored as hybrid.
Not available
ANC microphones
Not available
124Reviewwhathifi.com/headphones/sony-wh-1000xm6Read 30 September 202612 mics in total, six per earcup: four outside, two inside7Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2025-05-15-Sony-Introduces-the-Best-Noise-Cancellation-with-the-WH-1000XM6-HeadphonesRead 30 September 2026QN3 optimizes 12 microphones in real time.
Adaptive ANC
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Adaptive Sound Control detects behavior and place and uses AI to switch to the best mode automatically. The NC Optimizer also tunes cancellation to the wearer.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Adaptive Sound Control in the app switches modes automatically by behavior recognition. NC Optimizer optimizes the noise canceling to suit the wearer.
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Auto NC Optimizer constantly optimizes noise canceling to the wearing condition and environment
ANC levels
Not available
Not available
ANC attenuation (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Transparency mode
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Ambient Sound Mode and Quick Attention Mode.
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Using the noise canceling function and Listening to ambient sound chapters: NC/AMB button cycles NC/Ambient Sound, customizable using Sound Connect.
Adjustable transparency
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Ambient sound control lets you adjust how much noise canceling and ambient sound is applied.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The app adjusts the noise canceling function and Ambient Sound Mode (ambient sound control).
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Ambient Sound Mode level is adjusted in the Sound Connect app (ambient sound control)
Conversation detection
Not available
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Speak-to-Chat
Wind noise reduction
Not available
Yes4Reviewwhathifi.com/headphones/sony-wh-1000xm6Read 30 September 2026The outer microphones are covered by a mesh redesigned to further reduce wind noise

Measured

7 of 21 differ
Frequency response notes
Not available
Warm tuning with very emphasized bass. Narrow dips in the mid and high treble. Minor left/right driver matching issues.6Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/sony/wh-1000xm6Read 30 September 2026Public Audio Reproduction Accuracy: warm response, narrow mid/high treble dips, minor left/right matching issues. Public Sound Profile descriptors 5 dB/-1 dB separately noted.
Bass amount
Not available
5dB6Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/sony/wh-1000xm6Read 30 September 2026Test bench 2.3. Very Emphasized (5 dB)
Treble amount
Not available
-1dB6Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/sony/wh-1000xm6Read 30 September 2026Test bench 2.3. Balanced (-1 dB)
Deviation from target
Not available
Not available
Consistency between fittings
Not available
Not available
Harmonic distortion
Not available
Not available
Sound leakage
Not available
Not available
Measured noise isolation
Not available
Not available
Noise isolation (measured, best)
Not available
Not available
Passive isolation (measured)
Not available
Not available
Mic quality notes
Not available
Very good. Voice sounds full-bodied and intelligible, and background noise is separated well. Voice can lose intelligibility in very harsh conditions.6Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/sony/wh-1000xm6Read 30 September 2026Public Our Verdict / Microphone: full-bodied intelligible voice, good background separation. Very harsh noise can reduce intelligibility.
Mic low-frequency extension
Not available
Not available
Mic high-frequency extension
Not available
Not available
Mic speech-to-noise ratio
Not available
Not available
Measured latency
Not available
Not available
Bluetooth latency (measured, worst)
Not available
Not available
2.4 GHz latency (measured, worst)
Not available
Not available
Measured battery life
ASony WH-1000XM3
Not available
BSony WH-1000XM6
ConnectionANCHours (h)
BluetoothYes31.75
Source6Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/sony/wh-1000xm6Read 30 September 2026Continuous 31.75-hour battery life with ANC enabled. Sound Guys measured 37 h 14 min in its own test
Battery life (measured, max)
Not available
31.75h
Clamping force
Not available
Not available
Weight (measured)
254g(9 oz)7Reviewheadphonecheck.com/test/sony-wh-1000xm3Read 11 October 2026Weighed by HeadphoneCheck: 254 g without cable and 269 g with cable. The without-cable value is stored because the maker weight excludes the cord.
Not available

Microphone

7 of 16 differ
Microphone
Built-in3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Built-in microphones in the left and right units for calls (hands-free). No boom microphone.
Built-in1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Location/function of parts chapter identifies built-in microphones on headset units. No cable or detachable boom.
Microphone element
MEMS1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Microphone type: MEMS
MEMS2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM6/spec.htmlRead 30 September 2026MEMS
Microphone pickup pattern
Omnidirectional1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Directivity: omnidirectional
Omnidirectional2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM6/spec.htmlRead 30 September 2026Microphone specification / Direction: omnidirectional. This is microphone capsule pattern, not AI beamforming array pickup width.
Voice microphones
Not available
65Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm6-review-read-before-buying-137397Read 30 September 20266-mic beamforming array for voice calls7Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2025-05-15-Sony-Introduces-the-Best-Noise-Cancellation-with-the-WH-1000XM6-HeadphonesRead 30 September 2026Six-microphone AI beamforming system for calls.
Total microphones
Not available
1213Reviewwhathifi.com/headphones/sony-wh-1000xm6Read 8 October 2026The exact reviewer explicitly states total mic count 12, with six physical microphones per earcup: four outside and two inside. Sony independently states that QN3 processes twelve microphones for noise cancellation and uses a six-microphone call beamforming system. The total is the directly published physical count, not an addition of ANC and voice roles.
Mic frequency response
Min50Max8,000Hz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Effective frequency band 50 Hz - 8,000 Hz
Not available
Mic sensitivity
Not available
Not available
Mic signal-to-noise
Not available
Not available
Mic sample rate
Not available
Not available
Mic noise reduction
Not available
AI4Reviewwhathifi.com/headphones/sony-wh-1000xm6Read 30 September 2026Beamforming AI removes external noise on calls
Flip to mute
Not available
Not available
Mute button
Not available
Yes8Press releasesony.eu/presscentre/sony-introduces-the-next-evolution-of-noise-cancelling-with-the-wh-1000xm6Read 30 September 2026Tactile button mic mute. App setup required, see footnotes 3 and 4.
Mute indicator
Not available
Voice prompt10Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026About the voice guidance chapter: Mic Off and Mic On prompts announce microphone state during a call. Call-functions chapter also documents an optional notification sound every seven seconds while muted.
Sidetone
Not available
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Frequently asked questions / You hear your own voice: headset microphones pick up surroundings and voice during calls via Sidetone function.
Adjustable sidetone
Not available
Not available
Foam microphone windscreen
Not available
Not available

Connectivity

5 of 20 differ
Audio connections
Bluetooth, Analog3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Bluetooth pairing chapters and the headphone cable connection to the INPUT jack. The USB Type-C port only charges.
Bluetooth, Analog1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Bluetooth pairing and Using the supplied headphone cable chapters. USB charging section only, no USB audio path.
Analog source plugs
3.5 mm TRS1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Input plug: gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug.
3.5 mm TRS2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM6/spec.htmlRead 30 September 2026Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug. Analog microphone unavailable.
Cable connector on headset
3.5 mm1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Cord type: single-sided, detachable. The headset has a stereo mini input jack.
3.5 mm2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM6/spec.htmlRead 30 September 2026Detachable single-sided cable, stereo mini jack on the headset
Longest included cable
1.2m1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Cord length approx. 1.2 m, OFC wire, gold-plated stereo mini plug (headphone cable).3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Headphone cable approx. 1.2 m (47 1/4 in.).
1.2m2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM6/spec.htmlRead 30 September 2026Approx. 1.2 m, gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug
Headset USB plug or port
USB-C3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026USB Type-C port is used to connect the headset to a computer or USB AC adapter for charging.
USB-C1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Charging the headset chapter: USB Type C port with supplied USB-A to C cable.
Audio over USB-C cable
No3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The guide describes the USB Type-C port only for charging. No USB audio path is described.
No4Reviewwhathifi.com/headphones/sony-wh-1000xm6Read 30 September 2026You still can't listen via a wired USB-C connection
Passive wired listening
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026You can listen to music even if the headset is turned off. The noise canceling function cannot be used then.
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026You can listen to music even if the headset is turned off. Noise canceling then does not work
Wireless receiver
None3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Bluetooth headset. No dongle in the package contents.
None1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Checking package contents chapter includes headset, USB cable, headphone cable, carrying case, documents. Bluetooth pairing requires host. Wireless dongle not included.
Wireless receiver connector
Not available
Not available
Wireless range (claimed)
10m1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Maximum communication range: line of sight about 10 m.
10m1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Specifications / Communications: System Bluetooth 5.3, maximum line-of-sight range approximately 10 m.
Bluetooth
4.21Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Bluetooth standard Ver. 4.2, Power Class 2.
5.31Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Specifications / Communications: System Bluetooth 5.3, maximum line-of-sight range approximately 10 m.
Bluetooth codecs
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Supported codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The headset supports 5 codecs for A2DP music playback: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and LDAC.
SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC31Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026SBC/AAC/LDAC on Classic Audio. LC3 on compatible LE Audio devices, selected with Sound Connect.
LE Audio
Not available
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Compatible LE Audio host required, app connection setting differs from Classic Audio.
Auracast
Not available
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Broadcast reception is enabled using Sound Connect on supported phones.
Bluetooth multipoint
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Lists multipoint and multipairing.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Multipoint connection chapter: two Bluetooth devices at the same time. It cannot be used while Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa is set on the NC/AMBIENT button.
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Connecting headset to 2 devices simultaneously chapter: two Bluetooth devices at same time. Audio switches between rather than mixes.
Multipoint devices
23Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Multipoint connects two Bluetooth devices to the headset.
21Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Connecting headset to 2 devices simultaneously chapter: two Bluetooth devices at same time. Audio switches between rather than mixes.
Paired devices remembered
83Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The headset can be paired with up to 8 devices.
81Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026The headset can be paired with up to 8 devices
Mixes 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio
Not available
Not available
Fast pairing
Not available
Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Help guide covers Microsoft Swift Pair. Google Fast Pair is backed by the Sound Guys review5Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm6-review-read-before-buying-137397Read 30 September 2026If the Fast Pair/Swift Pair doesn't work
Base station
Not available
Not available

Latency

1 of 2 differ
Low latency mode
Not available
Yes10Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Current exact-model Help Guide, About the sound quality mode and Supported codecs chapters: named Low latency setting uses LE Audio. Compatible LE Audio host and current headset firmware/Sound Connect app required. GMAP switches automatically only with a compatible host and game. No numeric latency inferred.
Claimed latency
Not available
Not available

Compatibility

0 of 3 differ
Compatible platforms
Android, iOS, Windows, macOS3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The guide has pairing chapters for Android smartphones, iPhone, Windows computers and Mac computers.
Android, iOS, Windows, macOS1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Separate pairing chapters explicitly Android smartphone, iPhone, Windows 10/11 computer, Mac computer. No console capability inferred.
Connection per platform
Not available
Not available
Official licence
Not available
Not available

Battery and charging

9 of 13 differ
Battery capacity
Not available
Not available
Swappable battery
Not available
No10Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Charging chapter: built-in rechargeable battery replacement is referred to Sony support or a Sony dealer. This is service replacement rather than a user battery swap.
Batteries included
Not available
Not available
Claimed battery life
ASony WH-1000XM3
ConnectionANCCodecHours (h)
BluetoothYesaptX, aptX HD, LDAC24
BluetoothNoaptX, aptX HD, LDAC30
BluetoothYesAAC30
BluetoothNoAAC38
BluetoothYesSBC28
BluetoothNoSBC36
AnalogYesNot available36
AnalogNoNot available44
Source3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Available operating time, music playback over Bluetooth. aptX, aptX HD and LDAC: 24 hours with noise canceling, 30 hours with both off. AAC with DSEE HX off: 30 and 38 hours. SBC with DSEE HX off: 28 and 36 hours. DSEE HX auto lowers the AAC and SBC values. Ambient Sound Mode rows are not stored. Headphone cable connected with power on: 36 hours with noise canceling, 44 hours with both off.
BSony WH-1000XM6
ConnectionANCCodecHours (h)
BluetoothYesAAC30
BluetoothNoAAC40
BluetoothYesSBC30
BluetoothNoSBC40
BluetoothYesLC330
BluetoothNoLC340
BluetoothYesLDAC26
BluetoothNoLDAC36
AnalogYesNot available28
AnalogNoNot available38
Source12Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026The exact current WH-1000XM6/YY2984 Help Guide on printed pages 29 to 30 gives music playback after a full charge. AAC and SBC each allow up to 30 hours with ANC on or 40 hours with ANC and Ambient Sound Mode off. LC3 over compatible LE Audio has the same 30/40-hour claims. LDAC allows 26 hours with ANC on or 36 hours with both noise-control modes off. Powered analog playback allows 28 hours with ANC on or 38 hours with both modes off. Each named codec is retained in its own row. Sony warns that Equalizer, DSEE Extreme, Speak-to-Chat, Service Link, and other changes to default app modes reduce these maxima. Playback volume and LDAC bitrate are unspecified. Communication durations are excluded. The 25 to 35°C footnote attaches to the quick-charge estimates, so it is not assigned as a continuous-runtime test condition.
Battery life (claimed, max)
44h
40h
Battery life with ANC (claimed)
36h
30h
Battery life without ANC (claimed)
44h
40h
Charging port
USB-C1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Charging method: USB charging.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026USB Type-C port with the supplied USB Type-C cable.
USB-C1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Charging the headset chapter: USB Type C port with supplied USB-A to C cable.
Full charge time
180min1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Charging time approx. 3 hours for a full charge with a 1.5 A AC adapter.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Charging is completed in about 3 hours for an empty battery.
210min1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Approx. 3.5 hours
Quick charge time
10min3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Music can be played for about 5 hours after 10 minutes of charging with a USB AC adapter that supplies 1.5 A or more.
3min1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Charging the headset chapter: 3 minute charging gives approximately 3 hour music playback with compatible USB PD adapter. Conditions qualified in quick playback note.
Quick charge playback
5h3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026About 5 hours after 10 minutes with a 1.5 A or higher USB AC adapter.
3h1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026About 3 hours after 3 minutes with a USB PD adaptor of 9 V/2.3 A or more. About 1 hour with a 5 V/1.5 A adaptor
Use while charging
No3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026If charging starts while the headset is turned on, the headset turns off. While it is connected to an AC outlet or computer, turning on and music playback cannot be performed.
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026You can use the headset while charging. Charging stops at about 80% while in use
Charging dock or stand
Not available
Not available

Controls

2 of 6 differ
Controls
Buttons, Touch3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Touch sensor control panel on the right unit, NC/AMBIENT button and power button.
Buttons, Touch1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Location/function of parts and Controlling the audio device chapters: Power/NC/AMB buttons, left, right touch sensor control panel.
Volume control
Touch3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Touch sensor control panel remotely controls playback and volume.
Touch1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Swipe up and down on the touch sensor control panel
Game and chat mix
Not available
Not available
Remappable controls
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026The app can change the function of the NC/AMBIENT button.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The app changes the function of the NC/AMBIENT button, for example to Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
Yes10Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Using Quick Access chapter: Sound Connect assigns services separately to double and triple presses of the NC/AMB button. Availability varies by region.
Wear detection
Not available
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Wearing the headset chapter: auto-stop/resume by wearing sensor, can change using Sound Connect.
Voice assistant
Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Chapters for using the Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and the voice assist function (Siri).
Google Assistant, Siri, Tencent Xiaowei1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Google Assistant and Siri are device functions. Tencent Xiaowei is for mainland China models only.

Comfort and build

6 of 11 differ
Headband type
Not available
Padded8Press releasesony.eu/presscentre/sony-introduces-the-next-evolution-of-noise-cancelling-with-the-wh-1000xm6Read 30 September 2026Soft-fit wider headband with vegan leather.
Headband material
Not available
Vegan leather8Press releasesony.eu/presscentre/sony-introduces-the-next-evolution-of-noise-cancelling-with-the-wh-1000xm6Read 30 September 2026Design section: headband infused with vegan leather.
Frame material
Not available
Not available
Ear cup material
Not available
Not available
Ear pad material
Artificial leather over low-rebound urethane foam2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 20263D-stitched ear pads using low-rebound urethane material (Japanese: 低反撥ウレタン素材を採用した立体縫製イヤーパッド).7Reviewheadphonecheck.com/test/sony-wh-1000xm3Read 11 October 2026Artificial leather padding and an adjustable headband.
Not available
Replaceable ear pads
Not available
Yes5Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm6-review-read-before-buying-137397Read 30 September 2026Review: earpads peel out and snap back onto hooks.
Ear pad attachment
Not available
Clip5Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm6-review-read-before-buying-137397Read 30 September 2026Pads peel out of the chassis and snap back on hooks
Ear pad opening
Not available
Not available
Ear tips included
Not available
Not available
Dust and water rating
Not available
Not available
User-replaceable parts
Not available
Ear pads10Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Location and function of parts chapter, pages 13 to 14: remove the right earpad and reattach its five tabs until they click. Pads are removable without opening the housing.

Software

1 of 3 differ
Companion app
Sony | Headphones Connect3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Sony | Headphones Connect app.
Sony | Sound Connect1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026What you can do with Sony Sound Connect / Installing Sony Sound Connect chapters: Sony Sound Connect mobile application from Google Play and App Store.
App platforms
Android, iOS3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Android smartphones and the iPhone/iPod touch both support the app.
Android, iOS1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026What you can do with Sony Sound Connect / Installing Sony Sound Connect chapters: Sony Sound Connect mobile application from Google Play and App Store.
User firmware updates
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026The app can update the headset software.
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Keeping software up to date chapter: headset software update using Sound Connect application.

Dimensions and weight

1 of 2 differ
Headset weight
255g(9 oz)1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Mass approx. 255 g. The cord is not included.
254g(9 oz)1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Approx. 254 g2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM6/spec.htmlRead 30 September 2026Approx. 254 g without cable
Headset dimensions
Not available
Not available

Certifications

1 of 3 differ
Hi-Res Audio
Not available
Hi-Res Audio, Hi-Res Audio Wireless1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Wired: High-Resolution Audio needs the headset turned on. Wireless certification from What Hi-Fi8Press releasesony.eu/presscentre/sony-introduces-the-next-evolution-of-noise-cancelling-with-the-wh-1000xm6Read 30 September 2026Explicit Hi-Resolution Audio and High-Resolution Audio Wireless support.
Communication certifications
Not available
Not available
FCC ID
Not available
Not available
Other certifications
Not available
Not available

In the box

3 of 3 differ
In the box
Wireless noise canceling stereo headset, USB Type-C cable (USB-A to USB-C), Headphone cable, Carrying case, Plug adapter for in-flight use1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3/spec.htmlRead 11 October 2026Accessories: USB cable, warranty, carrying case, airplane plug adapter, connection cable, manual.2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM3Read 11 October 2026Accessories: USB Type-C cable (about 20 cm), headphone cable (about 1.2 m), carrying case, airplane plug adapter.3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026Checking the package contents: headset, USB Type-C cable (USB-A to USB-C, approx. 20 cm), headphone cable (approx. 1.2 m), carrying case, plug adapter for in-flight use.
Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset, USB Type-C cable (USB-A to USB-C), Headphone cable, Carrying case, Documents1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Checking the package contents chapter: headset, USB Type C cable USB-A to C, headphone cable, carrying case, documents.
Cables included
ASony WH-1000XM3
TypeLength (m)Count
USB Type-C cable (USB-A to USB-C)0.21
Headphone cable, 3.5 mm gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug1.21
Source3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm3/v1/en/print.pdfRead 11 October 2026USB Type-C cable approx. 20 cm and headphone cable approx. 1.2 m.
BSony WH-1000XM6
TypeLength (m)Count
USB-A to USB-CNot available1
Headphone cable, 3.5 mm L-shaped plug1.21
Source1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2984/v1/en/print.pdfRead 30 September 2026Cable length from the Sony Japan spec page
Carrying case
Not available
Hard6Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/sony/wh-1000xm6Read 30 September 2026Travel verdict: hard protective case with magnetic clasp.

Warranty

None of 1 known
Manufacturer warranty (source market)
Not available
Not available

Both are also in the API. Back to all headsets and headphones.