Sony WF-1000XM6 Review: The Future of Earbuds?

Sony’s latest flagship earbuds, the WF-1000XM6, promise to redefine wireless audio with cutting-edge technology, enhanced noise cancellation, and a sleeker design. But do they live up to the hype? Here’s everything you need to know.

Design: Sleeker, Smarter, and More Comfortable

Sony has gone all-in on refining the WF-1000XM6’s design. The earbuds are 11% thinner than their predecessors, with a pill-shaped profile that fits more naturally in your ears. A new notch halfway up the housing ensures a secure fit, while the matte plastic finish offers better grip and easier handling.

The charging case has also been redesigned—taller and more angular, but still compact enough to slip into your pocket. While the magnets could be stronger, the overall build feels premium and durable.

Sound Quality: A Sonic Masterpiece

Sony has packed the WF-1000XM6 with impressive audio tech, including an 8.4mm dynamic driver with a “soft edge, hard center” design. The result? Crisp, detailed sound with deep, punchy bass that never overwhelms. Whether you’re listening to classical music or bass-heavy EDM, these earbuds deliver a rich, immersive experience.

The new 10-band EQ tab, complete with a “Find Your EQ” feature, lets you customize your sound profile to perfection. And with Sony’s DSEE Extreme upscaler, even low-quality streams sound surprisingly good.

Noise Cancellation: Not Quite Class-Leading

While Sony claims the WF-1000XM6 offer the “best noise cancellation” yet, real-world testing tells a slightly different story. The eight mics per bud and advanced algorithms do a great job of reducing ambient noise, but they don’t quite match the cocoon-like silence offered by competitors like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or Apple AirPods Pro 3.

That said, the Background Music Effect is a standout feature. It subtly pushes music into the background, making it perfect for focusing on work or conversations without removing your earbuds.

Battery Life: Solid, But Not Spectacular

The WF-1000XM6 offer 8 hours of playback on a single charge (with ANC on) and up to 24 hours with the charging case. While this is on par with the AirPods Pro 3, it’s not groundbreaking. Still, it’s more than enough for a full day of use.

Features: Packed to the Brim

Sony has loaded the WF-1000XM6 with features, including:

• LE Audio and LDAC support for high-quality wireless audio.
• Multipoint connectivity for seamless switching between devices.
• Quick Attention mode for instant ambient sound passthrough.
• 360 Reality Audio (though support from major streaming platforms is limited).

The Sony Headphones app has been updated, but it still feels a bit clunky and could use a redesign to make features more accessible.

Value: Competitive Pricing, But Compromises

Priced at $329 / £250, the WF-1000XM6 are competitively priced for a flagship earbud. However, they face stiff competition from the Apple AirPods Pro 3 ($249 / £219) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ($299 / £299). While the WF-1000XM6 excel in sound quality and features, their noise cancellation and app experience leave room for improvement.

Should You Buy Them?

Buy them if:

• You prioritize sound quality and customization.
• You want a sleek, comfortable design.
• You value features like Background Music Effect and Quick Attention.

Don’t buy them if:

• Noise cancellation is your top priority.
• You want seamless spatial audio support.
• You prefer a more intuitive app experience.

Also Consider

• Apple AirPods Pro 3: Better noise cancellation and spatial audio.
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: Superior noise cancellation and comfort.
• Technics EAH-AZ100: Great sound and fit at a similar price point.

Final Verdict: The Sony WF-1000XM6 are a fantastic pair of earbuds with stellar sound quality and a host of features. However, they fall short in noise cancellation and app usability, making them a strong contender but not the undisputed champion in their class.

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• “Packed with features, but the app needs work.”
• “A strong contender, but not the undisputed champion.”
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• “Background Music Effect is a game-changer.”
• “8.4mm drivers deliver crisp, detailed sound.”
• “Competitive pricing, but compromises remain.”
• “The WF-1000XM6 are a fantastic pair of earbuds.”

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