Read our in-depth review of Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds, covering sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life, and how they compare to competitors.
© Sony
This review was prepared by journalists from Engadget, who were among the first to test the new product in real-world conditions. The model was long considered the heir to the undisputed market leader, but now the situation has changed: competition has intensified, and user expectations have grown. We examine in detail how successfully Sony has managed to maintain its flagship status.
The Sony 1000X series long set the standard for true wireless earbuds. However, with the launch of the WF-1000XM6, it's clear that competitors are no longer lagging behind. The new model features another redesign—the case has become even more compact and taken on a more rounded shape. The earbuds look sleek and modern, but the signature foam ear tips again raise questions. They provide good isolation, yet the fit may not suit everyone, and a loose seal directly impacts sound quality and noise cancellation performance.
The touch controls remain in place and work reliably. Double taps adjust volume, gestures allow for answering calls, and the system responds quickly and accurately. In this regard, Sony still maintains a high standard.
Sony traditionally emphasizes a rich set of features, and the WF-1000XM6 is no exception. It includes adaptive sound control, automatic pausing during conversations, voice command support, multipoint connectivity, wireless charging, and IPX4 water resistance. Through the Sound Connect app, users can flexibly adjust the equalizer, disable unwanted functions, and monitor the battery level of each earbud.
The power-saving system appears useful. When the charge drops to 20%, some functions automatically turn off to extend usage time. There's also a Battery Care mode that limits charging to below 100% to preserve battery health. Battery life reaches up to eight hours with active noise cancellation and up to 24 hours including the case—a respectable result for the flagship segment.
The WF-1000XM6's main weapon is its sound. Sony has installed new drivers with a redesigned construction: soft edges enhance bass, while a stiffer dome improves high-frequency clarity. With DSEE Extreme technology enabled, the audio becomes deep and rich. The bass is tight without overwhelming the mix, the midrange remains detailed, and the highs sound clean and expressive.
The earbuds confidently handle both atmospheric pop music and heavy guitar tracks. The soundstage feels wide, and instruments don't blend into a muddle even in complex compositions. However, in the subtlest nuances, some competitors, such as Technics, may offer even more precise delivery.
If in previous generations Sony often set the standard for ANC, now leadership has shifted to Bose. The WF-1000XM6 handles background noise well, but suppresses human voices less effectively. In an office or on public transport, this can be noticeable.
The situation with call quality is mixed. Despite using multiple microphones and voice processing algorithms, speech sounds somewhat processed, especially in noisy environments. For everyday conversations, the capabilities are sufficient, but they fall short of ideal.
The Sony WF-1000XM6 remains one of the most functional and musical earbuds on the market. They offer extensive customization, quality sound, and respectable battery life. However, competitors have significantly caught up: Bose leads in noise cancellation, Technics in sound detail, and Sennheiser offers a more comfortable fit.
The WF-1000XM6 is still a flagship, but no longer the undisputed king. Now the choice depends on priorities: if features and Sony's signature sound are important, the new model will meet expectations. But if the best ANC or a perfect fit is critical, it's worth considering alternatives.