Sony’s 10th‑anniversary 1000X The Collexion (WH‑1000XX) replaces plastic with leather and metal, adding a slimmer cup profile and thicker headband padding. The upgrade aims for a premium look and extended comfort while retaining Sony’s signature DSEE Ultimate upscaling.

Despite a sleek redesign, the headphones fall short on sound and ANC. Over‑emphasized bass and a thinner soundstage erode the detail that made the 1000X line popular, while the passive isolation in the new pads weakens noise cancellation compared to the WH‑1000XM6.

Battery life drops to 24 hours with ANC on, versus 30 hours on the XM6, and the quick‑charge feature is less efficient. At $650, the Collexion’s price reflects its luxury build, yet it delivers fewer core benefits than the mid‑tier model.

For consumers who value audiophile‑grade detail and robust ANC, the 1000X The Collexion offers style but not the performance that justified its steep price. Sony’s attempt to push the flagship line into a higher‑end niche leaves many fans questioning whether the added cost is warranted.