When they first launched in May 2025, Sony’s WH-1000XM6 only came in two color options: black and a silver platinum that looked more like an off-white. But as is the case these days with popular premium headphones, companies like Sony, Bose, Beats and others are regularly releasing new color options to perk up interest in flagship models as they mature.
I usually don’t get too excited about new headphone colors, but I do find the new olive gray option for the WH-1000XM6 appealing. While I like greens and blues, I prefer a more understated look for my headphones, so a greenish-gray hits a bit of a sweet spot. (I wouldn’t mind a blue-gray, either.)
Joining sand pink and sandstone, Sony says olive gray is part of a growing collection of premium, nature-inspired finishes.
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“While informed by today’s design landscape, olive gray wasn’t created to follow a trend,” the company says. “The timeless earth tone complements any style, making it feel just as relevant years from now as it does today.”
The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones in olive gray folded up in their carrying case.David Carnoy/CNET
I’m not sure I believe that part about it not being created to follow a trend (earth tones are rather in these days), but at least it isn’t one of the shades of brown you can get with the Beats x Kim Studio Pro headphones that were designed in collaboration with Kim Kardashian.
Cosmetic aspects aside, the WH-1000XM6 are excellent headphones and earned a CNET Editors’ Choice award. And while the new olive-gray color lists for $460, it’s already discounted to $400. I’ve posted full reviews of both the WH-1000XM6 and the even higher-end 1000X The Collexion, which came out this year to mark the 10th anniversary of Sony’s 1000X headphones line.
David Carnoy
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