TechRadar Verdict
The Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds stand out for their exceptional audio quality, often rivaling more expensive audiophile-grade wireless options. Features like Sony’s Quick Attention are particularly effective. However, when it comes to noise cancellation, call clarity, comfortable fit, and spatial audio capabilities, these earbuds are surpassed by some competitors. The high overall rating for these earbuds is largely attributed to their superior sound performance.
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Sonically expansive and neutral
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Much more secure to grab from the case
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Relatively humbly priced compared to other audiophile buds
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Noise cancelling doesn’t match the elite level
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Fit can be an issue, and no hearing tests
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360 Reality Audio support is waning
Sony WF-1000XM6: Two-minute review
The new Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds offer an impressive array of features. As Sony aims to regain its leading position with the 1000X series, it’s worth considering if the continuous addition of features and miniaturization always translates to a better user experience.
These earbuds are 11% thinner than their predecessors, yet they incorporate a 1.5x larger antenna for enhanced connection stability, an additional microphone per bud (totaling eight), and two processors. One processor, the QN3E, manages the microphones and enables a new auto ambient sound mode. The other, the V2, supports 32-bit audio with Sony’s LDAC codec, utilizes a new 8.4mm unique driver, and introduces a new 10-band EQ tab with ‘Find your EQ’ technology and a ‘gaming’ EQ preset.
Questions arise regarding the optimal number of microphones for effective Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and the point at which further size reduction ceases to significantly improve the product.
Despite these considerations, the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds deliver very good sound quality.
Sony has equipped these earbuds with numerous proprietary upgrades and features. However, some of these, like 360 Reality Audio with head-tracking, face declining support from major music streaming services, with Deezer dropping it in 2022 and Tidal in 2024.
For high-resolution Bluetooth audio, the LDAC codec is not compatible with iPhones, though Sony’s DSEE Extreme upscaler effectively enhances the sound of Spotify streams.
The earbuds feature a new pill-shaped design, making them thinner but taller, with a small notch for a better fit. The matte plastic finish and slightly raised position in the charging case contribute to what Sony calls “easier pick up.” This improvement in grip was noticeable, reducing instances of dropping the earbuds compared to the older XM5 model, despite some reservations about the overall in-ear fit.
Unfortunately, the active noise cancellation did not meet expectations during real-world use. Battery life, however, is respectable, offering eight hours from the earbuds with ANC enabled and up to 24 hours with the charging case.
After extensive use, the earbuds are generally well-regarded, with the new antenna providing a consistently stable connection. The Background Music Effect, which subtly pushes music into the background for better focus, proved surprisingly useful. Sony’s Quick Attention feature, allowing users to cover the left earbud to lower music and hear ambient sound, remains a highly practical function, carried over from previous Sony headphones.
Ultimately, the noise cancellation does not achieve the class-leading performance advertised. Competing options, such as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen and Apple AirPods Pro 3 (for iPhone users), offer superior spatial audio formats and a more profound sense of silence. Alternatives like the Technics EAH-AZ100 provide triple device multipoint, clearer calls, and a more comfortable fit. While the WF-1000XM6 are capable earbuds, other options might be preferred at this price point for specific features.
Sony WF-1000XM6 review: Price and release date
- Released on February 12, 2026
- Priced $329 / £250 / AU$499.95
- Available in Black or Platinum Silver
Sony has managed to keep price increases minimal. The previous flagship, Sony WF-1000XM5, launched in July 2023 for $299.99 / £259 / AU$499. The WF-1000XM6 are only slightly more expensive in the US and actually cheaper in the UK.
This pricing strategy may be influenced by competitors like Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, which launched on September 19, 2025, at $249 / £219 / AU$429, making them comparable or cheaper than the AirPods Pro 2 in the UK and US.
Direct competitors include the AirPods Pro 3, Technics EAH-AZ100 ($299 / £259 / AU$478), and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) ($299 / £299 / AU$450). The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 are a pricier alternative at $399 / £349 / AU$599. Sony’s pricing for the WF-1000XM6 appears quite competitive within this segment.
Sony WF-1000XM6 review: Specs
The WF-1000XM6 feature 8.4mm dynamic drivers with a ‘soft edge, hard center’ design and include active noise cancellation. Battery life is rated at 8 hours for the earbuds with ANC on, extending to 24 hours with the charging case. Each earbud weighs 6.5g. Connectivity options include Bluetooth with LE Audio and LDAC, along with USB-C and wireless charging. The earbuds boast an IPX4 waterproofing rating.
Sony WF-1000XM6 review: Features
- 10-band EQ tab with ‘Find My EQ’ and new Gaming preset
- DSEE Extreme upscaler, LDAC, LE Audio and 360 Reality Audio
- Background Music Effect is surprisingly useful
- …but the noise cancellation isn’t the smash-hit it’s billed as
Sony has packed these earbuds with numerous features, many of which will be familiar to existing users of the WF-1000XM series. New additions include an expanded 10-band EQ tab (up from five) and a specific Gaming EQ preset. The Sony Sound Connect app, which replaced the Sony Headphones app in October 2024, is now used with this flagship model. The ‘Find My EQ’ tab, previously seen in budget-friendly Sony WF-C710N earbuds, is also present.
The ‘Find My EQ’ feature allows users to select preferred sound profile bubbles, with the software generating more options based on choices until a personalized preset can be saved. However, it’s important to note that this is not a comprehensive hearing test that analyzes individual hearing and creates a truly unique profile with augmented tones, a feature offered by some competing earbuds at a similar price point.
The companion app’s interface could be more intuitive. The home screen, primarily a list of tabs, can be customized, but this sometimes complicates navigation. Four smaller tabs at the bottom – ‘My Device’, ‘Scene’, ‘Discover’, and ‘Menu’ – further organize features. The ‘Menu’ tab, surprisingly, contains only support and app information, meaning users must navigate through ‘My Device’ to ‘Device Settings’ to access customizable features. This multi-step process can be cumbersome for new users seeking quick access to settings.
Within ‘Device Settings’, the ‘Noise Canceling/Ambient Sound’ section offers a 20-step slider for Ambient Sound, along with Standard, High, or Low sensitivity settings, an auto toggle, and a Voice passthrough option. However, the actual noise cancellation options remain limited to ‘on’ or ‘off’, which is somewhat disappointing given the additional microphone per earbud.
Sony claims the WF-1000XM6 are its “best noise-cancelling” earbuds to date, though no decibel figure is provided. Despite this claim, real-world testing indicates that while certain sounds are dulled, the ANC does not create the profound “bubble of silence” achieved by competitors like the AirPods Pro 3 or Bose earbuds. These alternatives offer a more effective noise-canceling experience where extraneous sounds truly disappear.
Call handling also proved to be a minor letdown, despite Sony’s emphasis on new microphones, a wind-nixing structure, an AI algorithm with beamforming, and bone conduction sensors. Callers reported muffled audio when these earbuds were used for voice calls, especially when compared to the Technics EAH-AZ100. Sony’s ‘Capture Voice’ toggle, intended to amplify the user’s voice during calls, showed minimal noticeable effect. A more significant boost would have been beneficial, particularly given the need to firmly seat the earbuds for a secure fit.
Despite these criticisms, several features of the WF-1000XM6 are highly enjoyable. The Background Music Effect is a standout. Accessible through ‘Device settings > Sound Quality/Volume > Listening Mode > Background Music’, it offers ‘My room’, ‘Living room’, or ‘Cafe’ settings, subtly pushing music further away from the ears. This feature is surprisingly effective for those who prefer background audio for focus or find prominent lyrics distracting.
The on-ear controls are now fully customizable via ‘Device settings > Controls > Change the touch sensor function > Custom’. A notable trade-off is that assigning a long-press of the left earbud for volume decrease disables the Quick Attention feature, a highly useful Sony-specific function that lowers music and boosts ambient sound when the left bud is pressed and held.
Other commendable aspects include the app’s integration with Apple Music for playback information, the ‘Optimal Earbud Tips’ wearer test (which is quite strict), and the option to prioritize either connection stability or audio quality. The larger antenna ensures a consistently stable connection, with no dropouts experienced during testing, addressing a previous issue with the Sony WH-1000XM6.
Sony’s DSEE Extreme upscaler continues to impress, significantly enhancing detail and nuance in lossier music streams. Its implementation here is so effective that it can make Spotify streams sound remarkably close to audiophile-friendly platforms.
Multipoint connectivity for two devices is included, along with Auto Switch for seamless audio handover to a Sony Linkbuds Speaker, though this latter feature is niche due to limited speaker support.
Spatial audio is technically available through 360 Reality Audio, but its practical use is limited by the declining support from streaming services like Tidal and Deezer.
Sony WF-1000XM6 review: Sound quality
- Crisp bass that neither bloats nor overstates itself
- Plenty of texture through upper mids
- Beaten for dynamic nuance and detail across the frequencies
With sound profiles set to ‘standard’ and a neutral EQ, prioritizing audio quality, the Sony WF-1000XM6 deliver impressive sound. In Sevdaliza’s Mad Woman, the opening clock chimes are beautifully rendered with razor-sharp leading edges, and bass notes extend deep without issue. However, a subtle lack of intentional distortion and build in the mid-range of notes is noticeable, a detail more clearly revealed by alternatives like the Technics EAH-AZ100.
Similarly, Harry Styles’ new track Aperture showcases excellent timing and robust bass drops, but the earbuds occasionally gloss over minor inflections or pops within synth notes, preventing a perfect recreation of their intended imperfections.
Despite these minor critiques, the overall sound quality is very good. Instrumental pieces, such as Nicholas Gunn’s Campfire, benefit from an expansive and emotive soundstage where each musical element is cohesively blended. Human breath sounds three-dimensional and realistic. However, as the soundstage builds in intensity with the introduction of the flute and shaker, a slight lack of excitement is perceived.
It’s worth noting that achieving a perfect fit with the Sony WF-1000XM6 was challenging, which could potentially impact the sound quality. With an optimal seal, these earbuds would likely compete very closely with the best-sounding options in their class.
Sony WF-1000XM6 review: Design
- On-ear controls are reliable and the headshell is grippy
- Divisive fit and ear-tip material – although plenty of tips are provided
- Case magnets feel a little weak
Sony has once again redesigned its earbuds, demonstrating a commendable commitment to refining the fit. These earbuds are 11% thinner than the previous model and feature a pill-shaped profile from above, but they are taller. This results in them protruding slightly more from the ears (and from their taller case), with a small notch designed to nestle into the outer ear.
While this “concha fit” style can be effective, the thinner shape required a rigorous push and twist to achieve a secure “lock in.” There is concern that in the pursuit of a smaller form factor, Sony may not have fully optimized the fit, though fit is highly subjective.
The best fit was achieved using the ‘S’-sized small tips (unusually, not XS), confirmed by Sony’s in-app ear-tip fit test. However, after several hours of listening, some discomfort was experienced in the lower part of the antihelix and antitragus. It is also possible that the thinness of the buds affects noise cancellation efficacy, as they might not fully fill the outer ear as intended.
A positive aspect of the taller, matte plastic design is improved grip, preventing accidental drops when removing the earbuds from their case, a common complaint with the older XM5 buds.
The memory foam ear-tips are easy to switch out, aided by colored bands, but require a moment to re-form if compressed during fitting, unlike silicone options.
The charging case is more angular and slightly taller, featuring a USB-C port, a reset button, and a single green LED light. It also supports wireless charging. A minor concern is the strength of the case lid magnets; while an initial drop-test kept it shut, confidence in consistent closure was lower compared to other premium earbuds.
Battery life claims of eight hours from the earbuds with ANC and 24 hours from the case are standard, matching the AirPods Pro 3, rather than exceptional. In testing, approximately seven hours of use were observed before recharging was needed, often due to higher volume levels and feature exploration.
Sony WF-1000XM6 review: value
- Stuffed full of features and far from the most expensive buds around
- …but the ANC isn’t class leading, and spatial audio might be hard to access
For those prioritizing the absolute best noise-cancelling earbuds, the WF-1000XM6 may not be the top choice. However, noise-blocking power is not everyone’s primary concern, and these earbuds still offer significant value.
The sound quality is a major highlight, providing an expansive and pleasing soundstage with neutrality and extensive customization options. While a touch more energy and dynamic nuance could enhance the experience, the sound performance is excellent for the price. Users will likely be satisfied with the WF-1000XM6’s sonic capabilities.
A drawback is the accessibility of device- and streaming-service agnostic spatial audio profiles with dynamic head-tracking. Support for Sony’s 360 Reality Audio has diminished, with Deezer and Tidal no longer supporting the format. This means users might feel they are missing out on spatial audio experiences readily available with alternatives like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), which offer various immersive audio profiles alongside customizable ANC.
Should I buy the Sony WF-1000XM6 review?
The Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds offer a compelling package with strong features, excellent sound quality, and a refined design, all at a competitive price. However, potential buyers should consider the following:
- Features: The earbuds are packed with perks, but the active noise cancellation is not class-leading, and access to spatial audio can be limited.
- Sound quality: They provide neutrality and faithfulness in sound, though some might desire a bit more dynamic impact at times.
- Design: The redesigned, taller shape may or may not suit individual ear anatomy, but the earbuds generally perform well in most design aspects.
- Value: Competitively priced with many features, but some compromises exist, particularly in ANC and spatial audio access.
Buy them if…
If quick attention features are a priorityMany wireless earbuds claim to offer effective ways to quickly hear external sounds without removing the buds or fully entering transparency mode. Sony’s Speak to Chat (music pauses and ambient sound filters in when you speak) and Quick Attention (cover the left bud for the same effect) features are among the best available.
For reliable Bluetooth connectivityThanks to a larger antenna, these earbuds provide consistently stable Bluetooth connectivity without dropouts, even when prioritizing connection stability over audio quality.
If ease of handling and secure grip are importantSony has focused on improving the grip and design of both the earpieces and the case, making it easier to retrieve the earbuds without accidentally dropping them, a common issue with previous models.
Don’t buy them if…
If top-tier noise cancellation is essentialWhile Sony aimed to challenge competitors like Bose and Apple, the noise cancellation performance in testing did not quite match the promised elite level.
For extended battery life on long journeysThe battery life, while not poor, has not been significantly upgraded from the previous model and can be surpassed by direct rivals. For example, the Technics EAH-AZ100 offered over an hour more battery life in tests.
If readily available spatial audio with head-tracking is desiredSupport for Sony’s 360 Reality Audio is declining, with major platforms like Tidal and Deezer no longer supporting the format. This limits access to head-tracked spatial audio experiences.
Sony WF-1000XM6 review: Also consider
- Apple AirPods Pro 3: While lacking LDAC, these offer heart-rate tracking, a comprehensive hearing test, and language translation (with an iPhone). Their ANC is exceptionally effective, and Dolby Atmos head-tracked spatial audio is excellent. For iPhone users, these are a strong contender. Read an in-depth AirPods Pro 3 review for the full scoop.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): A superior choice over the XM6 for device- and streamer-agnostic immersive audio profiles, outstanding noise cancellation, and a vibrant aesthetic. Some users might find them slightly large, but their secure fit is excellent. For those prioritizing a silent backdrop for immersive spatial audio, these are a top recommendation. See a full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) review for more.
- Technics EAH-AZ100: These offer slightly better stamina and sound quality at a marginally higher price. They include LDAC high-resolution Bluetooth support (for compatible devices) and provide multipoint connectivity for three brand-agnostic devices, surpassing the standard two. The fit is also considered superior, and Technics’ sidetone technology enhances call handling, making them a better option for voice calls. Get the full picture in a Technics EAH-AZ100 review.
How I tested the Sony WF-1000XM6
- Tested for two weeks
- Tested at home, on a plane, on long train journeys, and while running (occasionally in the rain)
The Sony WF-1000XM6 were tested over two weeks. This involved listening to new music on Tidal, Qobuz, and Apple Music, as well as podcasts and streamed TV shows from an Apple iPhone 15 Pro during commutes. The earbuds were also simultaneously paired to a MacBook Pro, with both connections proving easy and stable.
Testing environments included home, quiet trains, and occasional runs in the rain. The earbuds were also used while following YouTube videos.
