Sony WH-1000XX The Collexion review: Luxury epitomised

When it comes to the best headphones, Sony has long been at the top of its game. Indeed, it's been a decade since the brand launched its first 1000X headphones – and that's precisely why 'The ColleXion', on test here, has a numeral central in its name.

However, the 1000X The Collexion isn't just the brand's WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling champs with a facelift. Far from it. These headphones are all-new, designed from the ground up, with a focus on luxury – and a keen eye on key competitors, from Apple's AirPods Max 2 to Bowers & Wilkins' Px8 S2.

An elevated price point positions these over-ears in a new market space for the Japanese tech giant, though, while the design and feature set is adjacent to what's become typical of 1000X products over the years. The WH-1000XX – as the product is officially coded on Sony's site – is as new as the audience Sony seeks.

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I've been using these headphones for three weeks for this review – here are my initial thoughts, highlighting 3 things I like and 3 I don't – putting them through their paces at home, in the office, on long-haul flights, and during train commutes.

So what's the conclusion? Has Sony broken the mould with the WH-1000X The Collexion, delivering unrivalled performance that succeeds in standing apart from the XM6? Or does this new luxury venture bring as many questions as those it answers?

Price & Availability

After its 19 May 2026 reveal, The Collexion is now on sale, priced at £549 in the UK, $649 in the USA and A$999 in Australia. You can choose from Black or Platinum.

That's confident pricing, especially when you consider the AirPods Max 2 is priced at £499 / $529 / AU$999, and the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 sit at £629 / $799 / AU$1,299.

While Sony won't want comparisons between The Collexion and WH-1000XM6, the naming convention alone makes that hard to ignore. As does the price difference, given the latter's £399 / $449 / AU$699 launch price.

What's New? Design details

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It might be easier to ask 'what isn't new?', such is the nature of the WH-1000XX. Despite being part of the 1000X family, The Collexion has a unique design, using distinctive materials and processes to achieve its aesthetic.

The outer frame is all metal, with the Sony logo sandblasted to create a subtle contrast. There's no paint used anywhere. There are no screws or seams visible. Even the faux leather used was tweaked in development over a two-year period before achieving its production status.

The earcups are larger than you'll find on the 1000XM6, meaning there's more room inside for your ears. Despite this, however, the profile of the WH-1000XX is actually less prominent – sitting at 40.1mm on a flat surface, versus 45.4mm – to optimise portability.

That said, The Collexion isn't a folding pair of headphones. The headband's arms are fixed – with silky-smooth and silent sliding adjustment for sizing – so won't collapse, as you'll find with the XM6.

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The 1000XX's included carry case – which is a material-clad hard shell – is a work of art in and of itself, though, and I love how it opens and closes with a single latch to the base. So often headphones fail to consider their transport vessel, but Sony's not taken its eye off the prize here.

On the left earcup, The Collexion feature a 3.5mm slot, should you wish to forego the Bluetooth 6.0 norm and wire up for listening (and there's a cable included in the case). There's also an ANC mode adjustment button to toggle between on/off/Ambient, and an on/off/pairing button.

The right earcup houses an open USB-C port for charging – which can't be used for audio, bizarrely – but foregoes any physical buttons. That's to its benefit, though, as there are touch-based controls, which I found to work very well.

Slide a finger up the exterior and the volume will rise, just as sliding one down will perform the reverse function. Press for voice interaction with Google Gemini, if you wish, while auto-pause/play when removing the headphones proves effective – no buttons required.

Sound Quality & ANC

Again, The Collexion isn't the XM6 with a luxe facelift. These new headphones feature an all-new driver, which is 30mm in diameter and features more carbon fibre in its structure. That makes it even more solid to its centre, which is better high-frequency response, while a soft edging allows for extended bass control.

A key component of the 1000XX's sound signature is the active noise-cancellation (ANC), which is binary in its selection of 'on' or 'Ambient' – the latter used for passthrough so you can hear conversational sounds around you with ease. You can also turn it off entirely, should you wish.

Personally, I'm staunchly of the 'always-on' take when it comes to ANC – it affects the sound signature to such a significant degree in giving bass that 'locked in' sensation and greater clarity and width, without distractions from around you. The 1000XX just sound more complete with it activated.

Interestingly, despite the WH-1000XX using the same base ANC model as in the XM6, the result is not the same. Sony has taken the approach that these new headphones are ideal for at-home listening, where ANC needn't be as firm in its delivery.

As such, some higher-frequency sounds pass through to some degree, meaning those looking fundamentally for the best noise-cancelling will find more from the XM6. It's an intentional difference and another consideration for your typical use cases.

I'm still impressed by the ANC overall, though, which has done a decent job in blocking out the majority of sounds in an office space, and dumbing down the roars of London Tube travel or that mid-to-upper 'hiss' frequency on a long-haul flight. It's more comparable to Bowers & Wilkins' 'softer' approach, if you like, which is no bad thing at all – if that's what you seek.

Software

The sound profile is adjustable in myriad ways, too, with Sony's Sound Connect app a great portal for dialling into the product's various settings. My particular favourite is the 10-band graphic equaliser (EQ), which allows you to create personalised Custom saves in addition to the variety of pre-set options. Morphing the 1000XX's sound to your ideal preference is therefore a breeze.

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That said, there are areas where I find Sony's software goes off-piste. The addition of a new Integrated Processor V3 – complementing the Sony HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 – is said to bring the brains for delivering '360 upmixes', a newly expanded feature within the app.

It's here, however, that I can't fathom Sony's thinking. The '360 Upmix' options of Music, Cinema, Game and Background music all 'squeeze' the sound profile, making for a more metallic, grainy and poorly AI-separated mix with a sense of spatial enhancement. It's a strong 'no' from me – and throughout a variety of genre selections I haven't found it to be of benefit.

Furthermore, the Adaptive Sound Control feature, while a concept that I like in principle, I just don't think works in reality. This auto-switches the ANC to Ambient, depending on what you're doing – with static, walking/running and riding in transport catered for. It's too abrupt in its delivery, I find, marking another software feature that's always off for my use.

Battery Life

One point I didn't make in the design section is that Sony has split the battery of the WH-1000XX into two cells, each 375mAh, for a balanced feel when wearing. I really can't complain on the fit, comfort or weight (320g) of these headphones – which I've worn for many hours at a time to the point I've half forgotten they're even on.

However, the battery life's output, which is quoted at up to 24 hours per charge, doesn't live up to that in my use – and the WH-1000XM6 actually lasts longer, which many prospective buyers may find perplexing.

Just how much use am I talking about? I've been seeing roughly 2.5-to-3 hours per 20% depletion. So it's circa 15 hours of delivery on one charge with ANC activated – which is long enough for even the longest of long-haul flights. Turn the volume down and you'll see more, I'm sure.

The question is how much this will matter to your use. Some other brands can deliver dozens of hours per charge, with some headphone products even pushing into triple digits. For me, however, I wouldn't want more battery capacity to result in more weight and therefore a less balanced product design and diminished comfort.

Sony The Collexion review: Verdict

Sony's all-new luxury headphones are a bold statement that largely pays off. The Collexion is delightfully crafted and delivers an enjoyable sound signature that competes with the key competition – even at this price point.

I think the naming convention is ill-considered, though, irrelevant of the decade celebrations, marking out the 1000XX as too comparable to the lower-priced 1000XM6 – the latter offering better battery life and 'stronger' ANC delivery.

All of which leaves me wondering precisely who these new headphones are for. Especially with some of the software features – 360 Upmix and Adaptive Sound, plus no USB-C audio – seeming averse to luxury and audiophile aspirations.

Nonetheless, after these three weeks of use, I can't call out Sony's 1000X The Collexion in terms of comfort or sound quality. These are exceptional headphones that I'll be using for a long time coming, which will be 5-star winners for some – just not everyone.

Also Consider

If you're going to spend this much cash, then just a bit extra will net you the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 with real leather and, for me, a more intricate and higher-end design.

But if it's active noise-cancelling excellence that you most seek, then saving a bit of cash and jumping on Sony's WH-1000XM6 will net you the best travel headphones instead. Bose's QC Ultra Headphones are a similar alternative.

Other considerations? Apple's AirPods Max 2 look mighty similar in style terms – and those wanting the ecosystem advantages with iPhone and Mac integration may find this of greater appeal.