Sony · WH headphones

1000X THE COLLEXION (WH-1000XX)

Released May 2026

Noise-cancelling over-ear headphones with metal and faux-leather construction, LDAC and spatial upmixing, suited to listeners who want Sony's more expensive alternative to the WH-1000XM6.

Type: Over-ear
Noise cancelling: Yes
Battery: 24 h
With case: –
Best codec: LC3
Weight: 320 g

What reviewers say

Reviewers praise the spacious, detailed sound, comfortable fit and construction. Both prefer the WH-1000XM6 for stronger noise cancelling and note the shorter battery life and non-folding design. What Hi-Fi? finds the sound less engaging than some rivals; TechRadar particularly dislikes the spatial upmixing modes.

From whathifi.com and techradar.com

Specifications

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Sound

Type: Over-ear
Noise cancelling: Yes
Transparency mode: Yes
Driver size: 30 mm
Back: Closed
Impedance: 48 ohms
Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3
Chip: QN3 + V3
Drivers: Soft edge and unidirectional carbon-composite dome; wired response 4 Hz to 40,000 Hz (IEC, powered on); Bluetooth 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz at 44.1 kHz, or 20 Hz to 40,000 Hz with LDAC at 96 kHz/990 kbps; sensitivity 103 dB/mW and impedance 48 Ω powered on
Chip: HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 and Integrated Processor V3
Noise cancelling detail: 12-microphone Multi-Noise Sensor system, Adaptive NC Optimizer with fit and air-pressure adjustment, Quick Attention and automatic Ambient Sound Mode
Audio features: DSEE Ultimate; 360 Reality Audio Upmix for Music, Cinema and Game; default Listening Mode button settings are Standard, Music and Cinema, customisable in Sony | Sound Connect

Battery

Listening time (maker's claim): Up to 24 hours
Battery life detail: Up to 32 hours with noise cancelling off; call time up to 16 hours with noise cancelling on or 20 hours off; Bluetooth and wired listening can continue while charging
Fast charging: 5 minutes gives up to 1.5 hours; full charge approximately 3.5 hours

Design

Weight: 320 g
Bluetooth: 6.0
Two devices at once: Yes
Headphone cable: Yes
Controls: Touch playback and volume controls, Listening Mode button, wearing detection, Speak-to-Chat, built-in voice commands and call control by head gestures; Gemini on compatible devices
Fit and ear tips: Metal headband and faux-leather earcups; broad cushioned headband and removable earpads; swivels flat but does not fold (What Hi-Fi?)
Water resistance detail: No water resistance rating published
Works with: Sony | Sound Connect; LE Audio with Auracast and Gaming Audio Profile, multipoint, Fast Pair and Swift Pair; approximately 10 m Bluetooth range; analogue playback needs power (What Hi-Fi?)
Colours: Platinum, Black
In the box: Carrying case with magnetic closure, 1.2 m detachable headphone cable, warranty card and reference guide; no USB charging cable listed

Pros and cons

Pros

LDAC and LC3, with LE Audio, Auracast and multipoint
DSEE Ultimate and three spatial upmixing modes
Listening can continue over Bluetooth or the headphone cable while charging

Cons

Up to 24 hours with noise cancelling, below the WH-1000XM6's 30 hours
Earcups swivel flat but the headband does not fold
Analogue listening requires battery power (What Hi-Fi?)

Closest rivals

Model	Type	Noise cancelling	Battery	With case	Best codec	Weight	Released
BoseQuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)	Over-ear	Yes	24 h	–	AAC	230 g	Aug 2026
AppleAirPods Max 2	Over-ear	Yes	20 h	–	AAC	386.2 g	Apr 2026
SteelSeriesArctis Nova Pro Omni	Over-ear	Yes	19 h	–	LC3	339 g	May 2026

Sources

Photo: sony.scene7.com

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