Sony’s Iconic Headphones Just Got Even More Elite

Don’t be fooled: These aren’t special edition headphones, they’re the new flagships.

White Sony over-ear headphones worn on a person's head with black hair against a gray background.

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Published May 19, 2026

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For the first time ever, Sony has introduced a new flagship pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones that sit above its XM Series. Meet the Sony 1000X The Collection. They are luxury noise-canceling headphones positioned as elevated versions of the 1000XM6, which were released in May 2025.

That’s right, the new 1000X The ColleXion shares a lot in common with the 1000XM6 (which aren’t going anywhere). But Sony has built them with more premium materials, so they look nicer and are even more comfortable … and are significantly more expensive, too.

Sony 1000X The ColleXion

Woman wearing large over-ear white Sony headphones against a clear blue sky. — The Sony 1000X The ColleXion are best described as “luxury versions” of its 1000XM6 noise-canceling headphones.

New flagships, not limited editions

Sony is introducing the 1000X The ColleXion to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the release of its original 1000X Series, the MDR-1000X, which was introduced in 2026.

But don’t be fooled: these aren’t special-edition headphones. They’re the new flagships and are here to stay.

Man wearing black over-ear headphones around his neck and a brown textured coat in an urban stone building setting. — Instead of being mostly plastic, the 1000X The ColleXion headphones with a vegan leather headband and earcups, along with real metal accents.

Person wearing white over-ear headphones and brown coat reclining on tan leather boat seat with ocean in background. — Sony’s 1000X The ColleXion features most of the same features, abilities and internal components as the brand’s 1000XM6, which was released in May 2025.

That said, the main upgrade with Sony’s 1000X The ColleXion headphones is aesthetics and comfort. Instead of the 1000XM6’s mostly plastic design, which keeps their price (and weight) down, Sony’s newest flagships have been elevated with soft vegan leather and metal accents.

Maybe the coolest feature of the headphones is that both earcups and earpads are made from the same soft vegan leather, combining into a seamless unit that looks as good as it feels.

According to the brand, the 1000X The ColleXion “represents the most refined expression of Sony’s headphone design, combining premium materials, refined craftsmanship and exceptional comfort.”

Black over-ear headphones with padded ear cups inside a black hard carrying case held by a person. — Another new feature: The 1000X The ColleXion comes with a new “bag-like” carrying case with a magnetic enclosure.

Person wearing white over-ear headphones and holding a matching white carrying case inside a car. — The 1000X The ColleXion and carrying case are shown in Platinum finish.

Better sound and comfort (not ANC)

Interestingly, Sony is positioning the 1000X The ColleXion as its new flagship wireless headphones when it comes to sound quality, style and comfort, but not active noise-cancellation… that title will remain with Sony’s 1000XM6.

Here’s why: both the 1000X The ColleXion and the 1000XM6 headphones harness the same active noise-canceling technology (same advanced processors, sensors and 12-mic array), but the new models have redesigned earcups that don’t passively block out ambient sounds as well. This was a compromise for comfort.

So, while the 1000X The ColleXion promise to still be excellent noise-canceling headphones (which Sony is still arguably the industry leader at), the 1000XM6 will hold a slight edge in that category.

Man reclining on a mid-century modern wooden lounge chair with matching ottoman, wearing headphones in a room with gray walls and wooden floor. — The 1000X The ColleXion promise to be brand’s most stylish and best-sounding noise-canceling headphones to date.

Black over-ear Sony headphones worn by a person with brown hair against a sea and sky background. — The 1000X The ColleXion feature redesigned, re-proportioned earcups that optimize contact and pressure. This improves comfort, but doesn’t improve passive noise cancellation.

As for sound, the 1000X The Collexion promises to take the edge. Sony integrated with a bespoke driver unit with “a newly developed high-rigidity dome made from unidirectional carbon composite material.” According to the brand, this promises to deliver more detailed midrange and high frequencies, as well as an overall wider soundstage.

Additionally, the 1000X The Collexion have a few extra features. They are the first headphones to support DSEE Ultimate, an AI-upscaling technology for when listening to lower-resolution audio files. They also add new listening modes for when watching movies or gaming.

Sony is also including a redesigned carrying case with 1000X The Collexion. As shown in several photos above, it’s a bag-like case that allows the headband to rest in the case’s handle so that it’s easier to carry. It’s neat.

Man wearing black over-ear Sony headphones and round glasses, sitting in a black leather chair against a gray wall. — Sony’s 1000X The ColleXion promises an “up to 24-hour” battery life with ANC turned on. This is actually slightly worse than the 1000XM6’s “up to 30-hour” battery life with ANC turned on.

Availability and pricing

As suggested, the Sony 1000X The Collexion headphones come at a premium. They cost $650, which is a steep increase over the 1000XM6, which are priced at $460 (but are frequently discounted, and are currently selling for $400.)

Sony 1000X The Collexion come in two finishes: platinum or black. They are available now from Sony and other authorized retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy.

Note: Alongside this newest release, Sony has revealed a new colorway of the 1000XM6, which now are available in an additional Sandstone (soft-gold/off-white) finish.

White over-ear Sony headphones with silver metal accents and cushioned ear cups.

Sony 1000X The ColleXion (Platinum)

$650 at Sony

Black over-ear Sony wireless headphones with cushioned ear cups and padded headband.

Sony 1000X The ColleXion (Black)

$650 at Sony

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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