Sony WF-1000XM6 review: The king of noise cancellation returns

Sony's WF-1000XM6 earbuds represent the latest evolution in the company's premium wireless audio lineup, arriving over two years after their predecessor. With promises of enhanced sound quality, improved noise cancellation, and better call performance, these earbuds aim to maintain Sony's position at the top of the true wireless market.

Design: Bigger but not necessarily better

The XM6 earbuds maintain Sony's signature oval shape but have grown noticeably larger than the XM5 generation. Each earbud now weighs 6.4 grams, and combined with the charging case, the total weight exceeds 58 grams. The case itself has also expanded to 62 x 26 x 41mm, featuring sharper corners and a more generic plastic design that feels less premium than its predecessor.

The earbuds incorporate an updated ergonomic shape with embedded ventilation to improve airflow and reduce ear fatigue. However, the foam ear tips that Sony continues to use can cause discomfort for some users. During extended listening sessions, the foam tips tend to expand within the ear canal, creating pressure buildup after 20-30 minutes. Even switching to smaller replacement tips didn't resolve this issue for our reviewer, who ultimately had to use third-party silicone tips for comfortable use.

On the positive side, the microphone grilles are now color-matched to the earbud body, and subtle gold accents add a touch of elegance. The IPX4 water and dust resistance rating, while adequate, falls short of competitors offering IP57 protection.

Features: Packed with functionality

Sony's flagship earbuds come loaded with features accessible through the Sony Sound Connect app. The touch controls are familiar but now offer customization options for the first time. The earbuds feature an updated Integrated Processor V2 with 32-bit audio processing, up from the XM5's 24-bit depth, promising improved clarity, dynamic range, and detail.

A key upgrade is the QN3e noise-cancelling chip inherited from the over-ear WH-1000XM6 headphones. Sony claims 25% more effective noise reduction compared to the XM5, achieved through an additional outward-facing microphone on each earbud (bringing the total to four per side). This hardware upgrade also enhances the ambient sound mode, which now reproduces external sounds more naturally without over-amplification.

Other notable features include:

• Dual device pairing over Bluetooth 5.3 (LE)
• Wear detection sensors for automatic play/pause
• 360 Reality Audio with head tracking
• Adaptive sound control that automatically switches between noise canceling and ambient modes
• Voice control with "Hey Headphones" wake word (supports multiple languages)
• Head gesture controls for accepting/rejecting calls

Performance: Where Sony shines

Audio quality represents a significant step forward for the XM6. The 8.4mm drivers, tuned in collaboration with Sony Music-affiliated recording studios, deliver a sound signature that's both warm and balanced. Unlike many competitors that overemphasize bass, the XM6 maintains a healthy but controlled low end that stays balanced within the soundstage.

The earbuds produce sharper, warmer audio than the XM5 with a wider dynamic range and excellent detail reproduction, particularly for vocals and instruments. They also get noticeably louder than competitors, rarely requiring volume levels above 50% even in noisy environments. The 10-band equalizer in the companion app provides extensive customization options, replacing the XM5's 5-band EQ.

Noise cancellation performance is where the XM6 truly excels. The combination of the QN3e chip and additional microphones creates the most effective noise cancellation we've tested in any earbuds. The XM6 significantly reduces common noise pollutants like car traffic and public transportation commotion, even without music playback. With audio playing, they can completely isolate you from external distractions.

The updated ambient sound mode lives up to Sony's claims, reproducing sounds more naturally with less distortion. The voice isolation filter is particularly effective, allowing you to hear conversations clearly while suppressing other environmental noise.

Call quality impresses with excellent voice pickup and background noise isolation. Interestingly, enabling ambient mode during calls actually improves voice clarity on the user's end. While latency is better than average for video watching, noticeable audio lag remains during gaming sessions.

Connectivity proved flawless throughout testing, with no dropped connections or stutters. Multipoint pairing worked seamlessly, and the connection remained stable even at distances exceeding 10 meters from the audio source.

Battery life: Solid but not class-leading

Sony claims 8 hours of playback with ANC enabled, with the case providing two full recharges for a total of 24 hours. Our testing confirmed these claims, achieving 8 hours and 15 minutes from the earbuds with AAC codec and ANC on. This represents a modest improvement over the XM5's 7.5 hours.

Charging takes 80 minutes for a full 0-100% charge of both buds and case. Wireless charging is available but takes twice as long. A new battery care feature limits charging to 80% to extend battery lifespan.

The verdict: Premium performance with premium compromises

The Sony WF-1000XM6 delivers on its promises of superior sound quality and noise cancellation, maintaining Sony's reputation for audio excellence. The warmer sound signature, improved detail reproduction, and class-leading ANC make these earbuds a compelling choice for audiophiles and commuters alike.

However, the XM6 comes with notable compromises. The larger size and heavier weight may not suit all users, particularly those with smaller ears. The foam ear tips, while offering excellent passive isolation, can cause discomfort during extended use. The case design, while functional, feels like a step backward from the more premium XM5 case.

At €300/$330, the XM6 sits among the most expensive wireless earbuds on the market. While competitors are adding AI features, health tracking, and real-time translation, Sony has doubled down on what it does best: refined audio quality and potent noise cancellation.

For users prioritizing sound quality and noise cancellation above all else, the XM6 represents the current pinnacle of true wireless audio. However, those seeking more compact earbuds, longer battery life, or cutting-edge features like health tracking may want to consider alternatives.

The Sony WF-1000XM6 is available now at Sony's official website and authorized retailers.