Sony’s New WF-1000XM6 Buds Look Plain, but They're Anything But

Sony's new WF-1000XM6 noise-cancelling earbuds deliver impressive performance in sound quality, noise cancellation, and voice calling, making them a top contender despite their plain design and firm ear tips.

• WF-1000XM6 offers top-tier sound, noise cancelling, and voice call performance.

• New design prioritizes fit and practical features like matte finish and wireless charging.

• Achieving a tight ear tip seal is critical for optimal audio and noise cancellation.

The new Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds, priced at $330, introduce a completely new, plainer matte design compared to previous models, featuring improved ergonomics and IPX4 splash protection. Internally, they boast new drivers, a more powerful QN3e chip, increased microphones, and an enhanced bone conduction sensor. These upgrades contribute to exceptional overall performance, earning the earbuds an Editor's Choice award for their leading sound quality, advanced noise cancelling, and superior voice calling capabilities.

Design and Ergonomics

• 00:00:32 The WF-1000XM6 earbuds feature a new, plainer matte design, departing from previous generations and supporting wireless charging. Their shape is intricately molded to conform to ear curves, and a ridge allows for better grip when handling; however, the included firm foam ear tips may not provide a perfect seal for all users, which is crucial for optimal performance.

Noise Cancellation Features

• 00:02:51 The WF-1000XM6 earbuds offer superb noise cancelling, with Sony claiming they have the best performance based on international testing standards. While difficult to scientifically verify without specialized equipment, real-world tests show a slight edge over competitors in muffling lower frequencies, although higher frequencies like voices are still somewhat audible at reduced volumes. The transparency mode is also significantly improved, now sounding quite natural at its highest setting, and includes new auto ambient and voice passthrough modes.

Audio Quality and Performance

• 00:04:46 The sound quality of the WF-1000XM6 is considered superior and more special than competitors like the AirPods Pro 3 and Bose QC Ultra, offering a more accurate and natural sound profile. They provide better bass extension, overall clarity, refinement, and a wide sound stage, making instruments seem correctly placed. This results in a dynamic and bold listening experience that is hard to beat.

Advanced Features and Battery Life

• 00:06:02 The WF-1000XM6 includes Sony's 'speak to chat' feature, which automatically lowers audio volume and activates ambient mode during conversations, along with support for AAC, SBC, and LDAC audio codecs and multi-point Bluetooth pairing. The streamlined Sound Connect app offers extensive customization, and battery life is rated at up to 8 hours with noise cancelling on, plus an additional two charges from the case, making it competitive with other high-end earbuds.