Sony WF-1000XM6 Review: The Best Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds Just Got Even Better
Read Time: Approx. 19min.
TL;DR:
- Best-in-class ANC with an HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3e that's 3x faster than the previous generation, 8 microphones per side, and adaptive noise cancellation that outperforms rivals
- An 11% slimmer earbud profile with a matte finish for better grip, IPX4 water resistance, and a fit engineered from real ear data. Sony's most wearable earbuds yet.
- Refined, detail-rich sound quality co-developed with world-renowned mastering engineers. The XM6 delivers Sony's signature V-shaped sound with added nuance and clarity.
- Up to 8 hours of playtime on a single charge (24 hours with the case), with a 3-minute quick charge delivering a full extra hour of listening
- Worth every penny at $329.99, with multipoint Bluetooth, hands-free controls, crystal-clear call quality, broad compatibility, and a feature set that rivals any true wireless earbud on the market
The Wireless Earbuds That Make Every Other Pair Feel Like a Compromise
Sony doesn't do subtle. When the audio giant responsible for the top Active Noise Cancellation gear drops a new generation of its flagship wireless earbuds, the audiophile world stops and pays attention. The WF-1000XM6 is Sony's sixth iteration of its beloved WF-1000XM series, and with each generation, the bar gets raised a little bit higher. But this time around, Sony wasn't just looking to make a few nips and tucks; they've rewritten the formula for hi-fi wireless Bluetooth earbuds.
From a sleeker, more ergonomic design built on rear ear data to a noise-cancelling processor that's three times faster than its predecessor, the WF-1000XM5, the XM6 arrives with a lot more to offer the modern-day audiophile. Sony's signature V-shaped sound–that fun, punchy, lively experience fans have come to love–has been upgraded too. Developed alongside world-renowned mastering audio engineers, the XM6 trades some of its wild energy for something more refined, more deliberate, and arguably more impressive. The question is: does it still feel like Sony? And more importantly, does it earn its place among the best wireless earbuds on the market today? Let's find out.
PROS
- A slimmer, more ergonomic design for an extra comfortable fit
- Sony's signature sound with extra detail retrieval and nuance present
- Best-in-class ANC with a processor 3x faster than previous generation
CONS
- Sony Sound Connect App can be finicky during the initial setup process
- Midrange is musical and enjoyable, but lacks detail retrieval
Design
As Sony's sixth-generation in-ear headphones, the WF-1000XM6s feature several new design elements fit for the modern-day audiophile.
Anyone who uses earbuds while exercising knows the dreaded point–usually about halfway through for me–when you've worked up enough of a sweat that you have to decide: do I fight to keep them in or take them out and suffer in silence. Mixed with frustration and fear of ruining them, this is usually the point when I take them out and rush to finish my workout because there's nothing worse than exercising in silence (you know, unless that's your thing). On one hand, it's annoying that they keep slipping out of my ears, but I also don't want to ruin them by getting tiny sweat beads in the crevices.
Sony must have heard my qualms and made two upgrades that directly combat these problems. The XM6 sports a slimmer, sleeker earbud shape that's more oval than the XM5's round shape. In fact, Sony claims the XM6 is 11% slimmer than the XM5, and that the new ergonomic design is based on collected ear data, so you can ensure a comfortable, secure fit deep in your ear canals.
They've removed the shiny exterior finish and gone with a completely matte finish instead, which means less slipping and sliding in your ears while exercising. And that upgraded material sports an IPX4 water-resistance rating, meaning it's protected against water splashes from any direction for at least five minutes. The IPX4 water-resistant material is no match for rain showers or tough workouts. They can withstand some water, but they're not completely waterproof, so don't dunk them in water or use them while swimming or showering. This is a huge win, because at $329.99, the last thing I want is to ruin them after a handful of uses.
When it comes to fit and comfort, the XM6's new design makes for a snugger, more enjoyable listening experience. I have small ears, so IEMs and earbuds have always been a pain for me. I usually have to test out several ear tips before I find the perfect fit, and sometimes that's still not enough. From the second I placed the XM6's in my ears, I noticed a more secure fit. Unlike Apple AirPods (Apple Airpods Pro, Airpods Pro 2, Airpods Pro 3, Airpods 4) that sit in the bottom of your ear and point down, the XM6's angle upward, which is a plus for anyone wearing earrings, and means less likelihood of accidentally knocking them out.
On the inside of the earbuds, you'll find two sensors for connecting to the charging case and two tiny microphones on each one that blend seamlessly into the overall design. With the carrying case fully charged, the XM6 will last up to 24 hours on a single charge. Without the case, the earbuds fully charged last roughly 8 hours with ANC activated, and 12 hours with ANC off. This is a night-and-day difference compared to the XM5's 5-hour battery life. A 3-minute quick charge will give you 1 hour of playback, while a new auto-save power mode extends the battery life when it's 20% or lower.
As far as controls go, they still have capacitive touch sensors on both the left and right earbuds, which can be customized in the Sony Sound Connect App. Using a series of taps and double taps, you can enable/disable ANC/ambient sound, receive and decline phone calls, enable quick access, and adjust the volume level.
On top of that, the XM6's feature built-in voice control for hands-free operation, instant pause and play when you take the earbuds off, control via head gestures, and speak-to-chat that automatically lowers your music volume when you start talking. Whether you're switching between podcasts on your commute or jumping between calls on your smartphone, the hands-free controls and touch gestures make the XM6 an intuitive companion throughout the day.
The XM6's are available in two matte finish options, platinum silver and black, and come with four sets of foam ear tips (XS, S, M, L) and a USB-A to USB-C charging cable for the case. Foam ear tips are known to provide better isolation than silicone, thus further enhancing the XM6's noise isolation in loud listening environments.
Speaking of the case, that's been upgraded too. Sony has redesigned the XM6 case to be sharper and less rounded than the previous generation. I don't know if any of you own or have seen the infamous Dyson Airwrap hair styling tool, but the XM6's case looks identical to Dyson's, just a hundred times smaller. The bottom of the case is wider, allowing it to stand upright more easily; the logo on the top is more subtle, and the USB-C port and syncing button on the back are perfectly positioned. On the front sits a tiny LED light indicating the case's charging status.
The case is bulkier than the previous generation, but it's still small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and slide into your pants pockets. Women's pants are comically known for having smaller front and back pockets than men's, so if the case fits in my jeans' front pocket, it will surely fit in yours.
Previous Generation Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Earbuds
New Generation Sony WF-1000XM6 Wireless Earbuds
Sound
As far as listening to music goes, the Sony WF-1000XM6 Wireless Earbuds are a dream to use. Once connected to my Apple iPhone, I wasted no time launching the Qobuz app and shuffling through my favorites. Within the Sony Connect App, users can also connect their Amazon Music, Apple Music, Endel, Spotify, and YouTube Music accounts, enabling quick access so you can start playing music with a tap.
I personally have the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones, so I'm a big proponent of Sony's wireless gear. I remember when I tested out the XM5's for the first time, and it was one of those "love at first listen" experiences. Sony's wireless headphones and earbuds are the perfect example of a fun, V-shaped sound. You know, that lively, energetic vibe that pulls you in immediately. But when Sony released the WH-1000XM6 Wireless Headphones, many were surprised to discover that fun, V-shaped sound quality had received a facelift.
With the WH-1000XM6, Sony teamed up with world-renowned mastering engineers to create what they call "studio-quality sound," with an emphasis on nuance and precision over impact and energy. Now, the WH-1000XM6 still delivers Sony's V-shaped sound, but it's more refined. Where it was untamed and wild before, it's poised and proper with just the right amount of edge.
So with that being said, it begs the question: Do the WF-1000XM6 Wireless Earbuds follow suit with the studio-quality precision? Or do they take a new form entirely?
The WF-1000XM6 sports the same sonic qualities as its headphone counterpart, with insight from world-renowned mastering audio engineers. Are they the same engineers? I have no idea, but what I do know is that the XM6 delivers fine details and nuance as if its life depends on it. It's the kind of audio quality that makes you reconsider whether you need to reach for your over-ear headphones at all.
Starting big and bold with Frank Sinatra's album Nothing But The Best, I shuffled my way through "Luck Be A Lady" and "The Way You Look Tonight." Oh, what I wouldn't give to have lived during his time. Every time I listen to Sinatra, I can't help but picture a room full of gals and guys swing dancing and having a ball. Hearing the instrumentation alone would entrance me a thousand times more than it already does digitally, let alone Sinatra singing live in front of me.
So as I drift away into the daydream that is Frank Sinatra, I can't help but notice how well the XM6's tonality complements this style of music. The saxophones and trumpets are crisp and clear during "Luck Be A Lady", never fatiguing or sibilant. I even increased the volume to make sure that was the case, and yep, I didn't experience any unpleasant squeaks in the upper treble region. Mind you, treble and bass are two deeply personal frequency elements–what one listener finds pleasurable, another may find overwhelming. If you're sensitive to upper treble, then my take on what's not squeaky might sound awful to you. But what I can reinforce is a sibilance-free listening experience. Frank Sinatra's tracks are the final boss of the treble region. If a piece of gear passes the test, then they're A-okay in my books.
And with "The Way You Look Tonight," I enjoyed another pleasant experience, where the trombones, trumpets, saxophones, and upright bass were smooth and blissful. This song is a quintessential swing track, and the arrangement emphasizes that swing feel. It felt as if the instruments were gliding over hills and valleys on a perfectly charted coarse without interruption–chef's kiss.
Switching genres to hip-hop, pop, and some newer hits, the XM6 demonstrated that it's still very much a Sony headphone, despite its tuning upgrade. Sombr's track "12 to 12" is one of the latest pop hits to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 with a melancholic tone that leverages 1970s funk and '80s-style synths. It's surely funky and fresh, and Sombr's falsettos during the chorus, combined with the bass guitar, textured piano sounds, and drums were musical and energetic throughout. This isn't the track full of hidden details and nuance. It's the one that gets your toes tapping and belting the lyrics...until you realize you're not in your car lol.
Testing the XM6's low-end response, I popped over to Don Toliver's alternative hip-hop/trap music album Octane, and these earbuds did not disappoint. Toliver's track "Tuition" opened up with a deep bass melody and a crisp hi-hat in the background. The XM6's delivered the bass line with impact and depth. It was visceral enough to provide that extra little bit of "oomph," but it wasn't fatiguing or skull-rattling. Anyone who has historically found Sony's low-end response to be muddied or intense will be very pleased with the XM6's performance.
The midrange is musical with the right amount of coloration to maintain its fun sonic quality, but it's not as detailed as some may like. The soundstage, while not as expansive as what you'd get from a conventional pair of over-ear headphones, is impressively wide for an in-ear form factor. The immersive audio experience is further enhanced by how effectively the tips seal the ear canals, which translates to better sound even before any processing kicks in.
Overall, the Sony WF-1000XM6 Wireless Earbuds deliver a warm-leaning, musical sound quality that emphasizes fine details and nuance for an authentic reproduction that's full of life. Put simply, this is the best sound you'll find in a pair of truly wireless earbuds at this price point.
As someone who's used to the sound quality of my XM5 Headphones and prefers a bass-heavy, livelier sound, I found myself enabling EQ for certain tracks, and that made all the difference for me. Having EQ as an option is great because it puts you in control of your listening experience. You can quickly enable and disable it depending on the track or vibe, and choose from 8 EQ presets (two of which are custom EQs you set yourself). A small note, but something worth mentioning for my long-haired folks: during my listening session, I did notice some microphonics from my hair rubbing against the earbuds, but once I pulled my hair back, I had no problems.
DO IT AGAIN
By Ellisar
(DO IT AGAIN)
Luck Be A Lady
By Frank Sinatra
(Nothing But The Best)
Tuition
By Don Toliver
(Octane)
Dracula
By Tame Impala
(Deadbeat)
Features
- Co-Created with Mastering Audio Engineers – Developed alongside world-renowned engineers for studio-level fidelity and faithful reproduction of every note
- HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3e – 3x faster than the QN1 in the WF-1000XM5, delivering cleaner, richer audio with an improved DAC and amplifier
- Adaptive NC Optimizer – Eight microphones per side and dual processors work in real time to adjust noise cancellation to your environment and fit
- Hi-Res Audio Wireless via LDAC – Transmits approximately three times more data than standard Bluetooth, preserving exceptional wireless sound quality
- DSEE Extreme™ with Edge-AI – Real-time upscaling of compressed audio files by recognizing instrumentation, genre, and individual sonic elements
- Sony's Best-Ever Call Quality – Dual beamforming mics, a bone conduction sensor, and AI noise reduction combine for crystal-clear voice capture
- Ergonomic, Pressure-Reducing Design – Natural ear-contour fit with a premium matte finish for all-day comfort and a secure seal that enhances isolation
- Auto Ambient Sound & Speak-to-Chat – Intelligent microphones automatically balance music and the surrounding world, with instant volume reduction when you begin speaking
- Long Battery Life with Quick Charge – Up to 24 hours total playtime; five minutes of charging yields up to one additional hour of listening
- Wireless Charging & Multipoint Bluetooth – Qi-compatible case and simultaneous pairing with two Bluetooth devices for seamless daily use
Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Sound Control & More
Sony's wireless headphones and earbuds are renowned for their noise-cancelling technology. They're arguably considered the leaders in Active Noise Cancellation, and as a wireless headphone fan who has tested a lot of gear–including over-ear headphones, open-ear designs, and the latest in-ear headphones from multiple brands–I agree.
The Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds' ANC technology has improved from the last generation, with an HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3e that's three times faster than the previous processor used in the WF-1000XM5. That, combined with an adaptive NC optimizer, boasting eight microphones per side (as opposed to six in the XM5), and multi-noise sensor tech to keep your listening experience quiet and focused in any environment.
To give you insight into the XM6's active noise cancellation and ambient sound, I used them in various settings and these were my findings: With ANC on, adaptive sound control enabled, and audio playing, I couldn't hear the microwave running from the break room, which sits just outside my office. With the audio paused, I was able to hear the microwave beep once it was done. I walked to the bathroom, washed my hands, and used the air hand dryers and barely heard a peep.
While the pool of competitor ANC Bluetooth Headphones is expanding daily, from the likes of Sennheiser with the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless Earphones, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, JBL Earbuds, Powerbeats Pro, and so on, the Sony WF-1000XM6 remains a strong contender for audiophile wireless earbuds. And in my testing, the XM6's adaptive noise cancellation consistently outperforms the best noise-canceling headphones on the market.
Now, here's a little about Sony's Adaptive Sound Control, another neat feature for the busy audiophile. Adaptive sound control uses your outside surroundings and data to determine your current listening environment and adjusts the ambient sound control based on that reading. When I went to the breakroom to grab my lunch, it changed the status to 'walking', turned off the ANC, and enabled ambient sound. When I returned to my desk, the status updated to 'sitting' and ANC was re-enabled.
If the constant back and forth bothers you, you can turn off adaptive sound control within the app and manually enable ANC via the left earbud's touch control. But if you're someone like me who is using them at work, with incoming deliveries and collaboration with coworkers, it's a handy feature to have. At first, I was like, "Well, that's kind of creepy. It can tell when I sat back down," but hey, that's modern-day technology for ya!
It's also worth noting that the transparency mode–Sony's equivalent to what Apple calls it in the AirPods Pro line–is among the best I've tested. Transparency mode lets ambient noise pass through naturally, so you can stay aware of your surroundings without removing the earbuds. Ideal for city commuters or anyone navigating a busy office.
As for the additional features the XM6 offers, voice calls are crystal clear–thanks to dual beamforming microphones and bone conduction sensors that work together to detect your voice, while AI beamforming technology reduces background noise. I received several calls while using the earbuds, one of which had both parties routing audio through secondary devices–me through the XM6s, and the other through their car's system–yet the call remained remarkably clear on both ends. During the calls, I did notice a maintained level of immersion. For those who rely on headsets for back-to-back calls throughout the workday, that clear call quality and hands-free functionality is a genuine differentiator.
Sony has also done a great job of ensuring compatibility across a wide range of devices and platforms, which is a big deal for anyone using multiple smartphones, tablets, or laptops throughout the day. Multipoint Bluetooth lets the XM6 maintain simultaneous connections to two devices, so swapping between your laptop and phone is seamless.
Setup and Functionality
To connect and get the most out of your wireless earbuds, you'll need the Sony Sound Connect App, available on iOS and Android devices. This is where you'll pair them for the first time, control various features like adaptive sound control, equalizer, listening mode, and multipoint connection, plus gain access to tutorials and insights on your activity and usage.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Within 'device settings' in the app, there are over 10 additional settings you can adjust, from touch controls and voice assistant to sound AR and calling. Sony has truly thought of everything, and it's crazy to think that Bluetooth earbuds this small could have this much functionality. A feature Apple users are accustomed to already, the XM6 Earbuds have an auto power save function, which reduces consumption when the earbuds are at or below 20%.
If you're not familiar with Sony's wireless gear and this is your first purchase, here's a quick rundown on how to connect them and navigate the controls. Download the Sound Connect App and with the earbuds in your ears, you'll see them pop up on the app as an available device to connect. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect your audio device (which may take a few minutes and tries–the app can be finicky). If you don't see the earbuds automatically pop up in the app, follow the instructions to manually pair the device using the power button on the charging case. Once you're connected, you're ready to rock and roll.
Dragon Cables
You may have noticed that the WF-1000XM6's included cable is rather short. To combat that, we recommend upgrading to one of our Dragon USB Cables, where you can customize the length and termination to meet your connectivity needs.
Our HiFi Audio Dragon Cables bring out more of what you love in your music and audio gear. If you love your headphones but wish they had a bit more top-end sparkle - a Silver Dragon Headphone Cable would be a great option. If your USB cables keep dying - as many stock cables do - then check out our quality USB Audio Cables. We say time and time again that materials matter, and our audio cables and custom geometries actually help to bring out those desired properties in your gear and music. We make tons of custom options for our customers so that you can get the right HiFi Audio cable for your exact needs. If you have any questions feel free to Contact Us and we'll be more than happy to help.
Verdict
At $329.99, the Sony WF-1000XM6 Wireless Earbuds are yet another slam dunk for the hi-fi moguls–and one of the best earbuds you can buy right now. Sony has taken everything that made the XM5 great and quietly fixed what wasn't–slimmer design, improved battery life, stronger ANC, and a more mature sonic profile that doesn't sacrifice fun for fidelity. From the first and 2nd gen models, to the sixth generation today, Sony has proven that excellence takes time and the sonic possibilities are endless.
Whether you're drifting through Frank Sinatra on a lunch break like I was, or taking back-to-back conference calls in your office, the XM6 holds its own across genres and environments with ease.
The WF-1000XM6 delivers a premium experience that puts it up against some of the top wireless audiophile earphones on the market. With exceptional comfort, 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, Bluetooth multipoint connection, crystal-clear mic performance, spatial audio capabilities, and many other features, these are high-quality earbuds packed to the brim with impressive technology, thoughtfulness, and limitless functionality. And if the included charging cable doesn't suit your setup, the Black Dragon USB Cable is a worthy upgrade — offering a longer cable and a range of termination options to accommodate any configuration. If you're in the market for a top-tier pair of wireless earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM6 Wireless Earbuds aren't just worth considering — they're worth owning.
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What's in the Box
- WF-1000XM6 True Wireless Earbuds (pair)
- Matte charging case
- USB charging cable
- Earbud tips — four sizes included
Specifications
Earbud Weight: Approx. 6.5g x 2 (including earbud tips (M))
Charing Case Dimensions: Approx. 61.6 x 41.1 x 26.5mm
Charging Case Weight: Approx. 47g
Supplied Accessories: Earbuds, Charging Case, USB Charging Cable, Earbud Tips (4 sizes)
Headphone Type: Closed
Water Resistance: IPX4
Driver Unit: 8.4mm
Frequency Response (Bluetooth): 20Hz-20,000Hz (44.1kHz sampling), 20Hz-40,000Hz (LDAC 96kHz sampling, 990 kbps)
Noise Canceling: Yes
Ambient Sound Mode: Yes
Quick Attention: Yes
Bluetooth Version: Specification Version 5.3
Effective Range: 10m
Frequency Range: 2.4GHz brand (2.4000 GHz- 24835 GHz)
Profile: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, CSIP, MCP, VCP, CCP
Supported Audio Formats: SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3
Supported Content Protection: SCMS-T
Battery Charge Method: USB Charge / Wireless Charge (with case)
Battery Life–Earbuds Only: Max. 5 hrs (NC ON) / Max 5.5 hrs (NC OFF)
Battery Life–With Charging Case: Max. 8 hrs (NC ON)/ Max. 12 hrs (NC OFF)
Battery Chemistry: Lithium-ion (Li-ion)–Earbuds & Case
Battery Form: Rechargeable
