Sony Unveils WH-1000X The Collexion Headphones at $649

Sony has released the WH-1000X The Collexion, wireless headphones retailing at $649 (£550), available starting May 19, 2026. This model is priced above Apple's AirPods Max 2 ($549 / £499) and Sony's own WH-1000XM6, which costs approximately $400. The Collexion targets consumers seeking enhanced materials and refined audio performance rather than improved noise cancellation.

Celebrating a decade of the 1000X series, Sony replaced the plastic ear cup casing with a faux leather material developed over two years. The headband and swivel joints are constructed from metal, contributing to a total weight of 320 grams. Padding has been updated for extended comfort. However, these headphones do not fold, unlike the XM6, which may affect portability for commuters and travelers.

The touch controls have been repositioned from the outer ear cup surface to the side and rear edges, preserving a smooth external appearance. Additional features on the lower edge of the ear cups include a 3.5mm headphone jack, Bluetooth status indicator, power button, and microphone grille.

Audio tuning involved collaboration with mastering engineers from Battery Studios, Sterling Sound, and Coast Mastering, all associated with Grammy awards. The headphones incorporate Sony's DSEE Ultimate technology, an AI-driven upscaling system that enhances compressed audio streams to 96kHz/32-bit in real time.

The active noise cancellation (ANC) system utilizes 12 microphones in conjunction with Sony's QN3 and V3 processors to adapt to environmental sounds continuously. Early reviews, including one from TechRadar, indicate that ANC performance does not surpass that of the WH-1000XM6, which remains a more cost-effective option for noise cancellation.

Battery life is rated at 24 hours with ANC enabled and 32 hours with it disabled. This is slightly less than the XM6's 30 hours with ANC active. A quick charge of five minutes provides up to 90 minutes of playback time.

Additional capabilities include 360 Reality Audio with head-tracking, a 360 Upmix mode offering presets for music, film, and gaming, and a six-microphone AI voice pickup system. The headphones come with a hard carry case for protection during transport.

Priced $200 higher than the WH-1000XM6 and $100 above the AirPods Max 2, The Collexion's design has been described as "more than pretty" by Tom's Guide, though it may not appeal to listeners focused solely on audio performance. The soundstage is considered spacious and competitive with the AirPods Max, while some users prefer the more punchy sound of the XM6.

The WH-1000X The Collexion will be available in Black and Platinum White colors through Sony.com, Best Buy, and Amazon starting May 19, 2026.