Sony just gave our favourite headphones a free upgrade they actually needed

Not to sound like a broken record, but the new Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones really are a stellar set of cans. They’re some of, if not the best noise-canceling headphones money can buy. Replacing the XM5s, they’ve easily jumped to be some of our favourite cans, and now they’re getting even better.

The excellent WH-1000XM6 headphones, alongside the WF-1000XM5 earbuds, are getting a free update that adds some useful features, not just vague promises of “stability improvements.”

• Read more: I was one of the first to review the Sony WH-1000XM6 and they’re the new gold standard for noise-canceling headphones

Rolled out via Sony’s Sound Connect app, the updates bring a handful of changes that make these headphones feel even more premium. Version 5.0.2 for the XM6 over-ears and 2.0.2 for the XM5 in-ears unlock new tricks like a low-latency mode. It’s ideal for anyone that spends most of their time watching content or gaming with these headphones.

Quick Access and Scene-based Listening also get a welcome tune-up. The features will now switch to your tunes more quickly based on your activity or location. The over-ears get some bonus features, including voice call improvements that work regardless of how much ambient sound you let in.

There’s even moisture detection for the USB-C port now, so if you’ve got them sweaty or soggy, it’s not the end of the world. Multilingual voice control options have also expanded to include French, German and Spanish.

Sony’s free software update for these headphones is free and available now through the Sound Connect app. Updating can take up to an hour, and your headphones need to be fully charged first.

• Related: Best headphones in 2025 including earbuds and over-ear headphones

Connor Jewiss

About

Connor is a writer for Stuff, working across the magazine and the Stuff.tv website. He has been writing for around nine years now across the web and in print too. Connor has attended the biggest tech expos, including CES, MWC, and IFA – with contributions as a judge on panels at them. He's also been interviewed as a technology expert on TV and radio by national news outlets including France24. Connor has experience with most major platforms, though does hold a place in his heart for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, electric vehicles, and smartphone tech. Just like everyone else around here, he's a fan of gadgets of all sorts. Aside from writing, Connor is involved in the startup and venture capital scene, which puts him at the front of new and exciting tech - he is always on the lookout for innovative products.

Areas of expertise

Mobile, macOS, EVs, smart home