Sony has introduced a premium edition of its long-running 1000X noise-cancelling headphones to mark a decade since the line first appeared in 2016. Called the 1000X The ColleXion, the new model sits above the recent WH-1000XM6 in price at $649 and prioritizes materials and build quality over major technical advances.
The 1000X series has shaped expectations for mainstream over-ear noise-cancelling headphones for years, frequently appearing in recommendation lists. Rather than replace the XM6, which launched only last year, this ColleXion version functions as a halo product focused on craftsmanship. It features metal hinges, a non-folding chassis, faux leather on the headband and earcups, and reinforced metal ports with no visible plastic. The result is a noticeably more substantial feel, though it comes with practical compromises.
The earcups swivel but do not fold, limiting compactness compared with the XM6. Sony opted for a lighter clamp force and thicker, denser padding on the cushions and headband, which distributes weight more evenly. In extended wear, the design delivers solid comfort without the pressure points common in many over-ears, though the different fit slightly alters noise isolation.
Active noise cancellation remains essentially the same as in the XM6, which already ranks among the stronger performers in the category. Sony acknowledges the new shape and reduced clamp may produce marginally weaker cancellation in some scenarios.
Audio performance follows a similar pattern of refinement rather than reinvention. New drivers aim for cleaner separation and more headroom in complex mixes, with a touch more detail and openness than previous models. Yet the overall signature stays consistent with the 1000X house sound. The companion app brings familiar features including adaptive sound control, customizable EQ, and DSEE Ultimate upscaling for compressed files. Software support has not changed.
Battery life stands at 24 hours, a step down from the XM6’s 30 hours. Charging occurs only through USB-C, with no support for wired digital audio over the same port—an omission that feels noticeable at this price. These limitations highlight the ColleXion’s role as a statement piece rather than an all-around upgrade.
Positioned as a celebration of the 1000X legacy, the headphones deliver on premium materials and wearing comfort while relying on proven performance technologies. For listeners who value build quality and are willing to accept shorter battery life and less portability, it offers an elevated take on a familiar formula. Others may find the standard XM6 delivers most of the same core capabilities for considerably less money. The release illustrates Sony’s strategy of layering high-margin variants atop its core lineup without disrupting the mainstream options that built the brand’s reputation in noise cancellation over the past ten years.
