How good is the microphone on the Sony WH-1000XM6 for phone calls?

9.13

Overall Score: 9.13/10

Professional:8.5/10

Consumer:9.77/10

📖 Read TLDR Review to learn more →

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The microphone is actually good now. This wasn't always true of Sony headphones.

What changed:

The XM6 has six microphones dedicated to call quality (up from four on the XM5), plus AI-powered noise reduction. Sony clearly prioritized this after years of complaints about previous models.

What callers actually hear:

Clear, natural voice. The microphone does a good job isolating your voice from background noise. Coffee shops, airports, open offices, the XM6 handles them reasonably well.

Wind handling improved:

The XM5 struggled outdoors. The XM6 is noticeably better with moderate wind.

Video calls:

Works well with Zoom, Teams, Meet, and other platforms. No special settings required.

Compared to competitors:

The Bose QC Ultra is similarly good. The AirPods Max is decent but not as strong in noisy environments. The XM6 is now competitive with the best for call quality.

One thing to know:

If you're using multipoint and switch devices for a call, there's a brief adjustment period. Call quality stabilizes quickly.

If taking calls is a priority, the XM6's microphone is finally at the level it should be.