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We offer easy, convenient returns with at least one free return option: no shipping charges. All returns must comply with our returns policy.
Read the full returns policyWe offer easy, convenient returns with at least one free return option: no shipping charges. All returns must comply with our returns policy.
Learn more about free returns.| Brand | Sony |
| Color | Black |
| Ear Placement | In Ear |
| Form Factor | In Ear Bud |
| Impedance | 48 Ohms |
| WF-1000XM6 | WF-1000XM5 | LinkBuds Clip |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancelling Best Noise Cancelling. Processor QN3e is 3x faster than the QN2e in WF1000XM5 | Noise Cancelling Premium Noise Cancelling | Noise Cancelling N/A (Open clip style) |
| Battery Life 8 Hrs (24 Hrs with case) | Battery Life 8 Hrs (24 Hrs with case) | Battery Life 9Hrs (37Hrs with case) |
| Hands Free Call Yes/Sony's best calling quality with AI noise reduction & bone conduction sensor | Hands Free Call Yes | Hands Free Call Yes, with AI noise reduction and bone conduction sensor |
| Form Factor/Ear Placement Earbuds with new ergonomic shape and 11% slimmer than the WF-1000XM5/ In Ear | Form Factor/Ear Placement Earbuds/ In Ear | Form Factor/Ear Placement Clip On/ Open Ear |
| Special Features WF1000XM5 features + Mastering Engineer tuned + 10 Band EQ | Special Features Auto Play, High Resolution Audio, Speak to Chat, Intuitive Touch Controls | Special Features Fitting cushion, Auto Play, 3 Listening modes, Tap control |
Sony is a creative entertainment company with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, and more.
For over 70 years, imagination has been the fuel of everything we do. From how people listen to music, to how they play games, to how they watch TV, our big imaginations have led us to create products that innovate and inspire generations.
| Brand Name | Sony |
|---|---|
| Model Number | WF1000XM6B.UC |
| Model Name | WF-1000XM6 |
| Built-In Media | Charging Case, Four sizes of earbud tips, USB-C Charging Cable, Wireless Earbuds |
| Age Range Description | Adult |
| Warranty Description | 1 year |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Series Number | 6 |
| UPC | 027242933460 |
| Manufacturer | Sony |
| Best Sellers Rank |
|
| ASIN | B0G6HLWS6Q |
| Customer Reviews |
3.8 out of 5 stars |
| Headphones Ear Placement | In Ear |
|---|---|
| Headphone Folding Features | In Ear Bud |
| Earpiece Shape | Bud |
| Color | Black |
|---|---|
| Carrying Case Color | Black |
| Item Weight | 0.46 Ounces |
|---|---|
| Carrying Case Length | 61.6 Millimeters |
| Carrying Case Width | 26.5 Millimeters |
| Carrying Case Height | 41.1 Millimeters |
| Carrying Case Weight | 47 Grams |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
Sony WF-1000XM6 The Best Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds (2026 Model), Bluetooth in-Ear Headphones, with Studio-Quality Sound, Up to 24 Hours of Battery Life, Black
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| Impedance | 48 Ohms |
|---|---|
| Noise Control | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Audio Driver Size | 8.4 Millimeters |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz - 20,000Hz |
| Enclosure Material | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Specific Uses For Product | Business, Entertainment, Travel |
| Antenna Location | Calling, Exercising, Office Meetings |
| Compatible Devices | Cellphones, Desktops, Portable Media Player, Smart Speaker, Tablets |
| Water Resistance Level | Water Resistant |
| Additional Features | Fast Charging, Lightweight, Microphone Included, Multipoint Pairing, Noise Cancellation, Rechargeable Battery, Sweatproof, Touch Control, Volume Control |
| Headphone Jack | No Jack |
|---|---|
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Wireless Technology | Bluetooth |
| Bluetooth Range | 10 Meters |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Control Type | Touch Control |
|---|---|
| Control Method | Voice |
| Controller Type | App, Touch |
| Battery Charge Time | 1.5 Hours |
|---|---|
| Battery Average Life | 8 Hours |
Experience next-generation noise cancellation and studio-level sound, co-created with mastering audio engineers. WF-1000XM6 earbuds deliver our best call-quality, a secure and comfortable fit, and long battery life. Powered by advanced QN3e and V2 processors, you’ll enjoy pure, uninterrupted listening and crystal-clear conversations all day, wherever you go.
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazonjust to preface, i am no professional musician or sound engineer. i love music and have been infatuated with audio all my life and have used a wide variety of higher-end audio products in the past. with that said, i have not been in the market for bluetooth noise-cancelling in-ear buds since my airpod pros i purchased back in 2020, which were excellent by the way (rip :')).
overall, highly highly recommend this product to anyone looking for what i would consider premium earbuds in this category of price/features. it is superb in every facet, and although the only real thing i am comparing it to are the 2020 airpod pros, i do not regret a cent i spent on this product. i have however only had the product for a few days now, so maybe updates to follow?
now for the nitty gritty for anyone interested...
appearance: sleek, lightweight, very pretty design in my opinion. the case is solid but still lightweight, and i would not question the durability of sony products; they usually know what they're doing when they put their name behind it. we can always wish for smaller, more discrete designs in products like this, but i am beyond satisfied by their looks and probably durability.
fit: perfect. the tips are made from these foam-like materials (no material science engineer here) and they expand in your ears once you put them in. very comfortable, and advantage for anyone who has silicon allergies and have irritation from tips made of other materials. they give you four different sizes for the tips, and i would imagine that anyone can find some size that would be of good fit for them. extremely comfortable, and i have worn them all day without noticing they were in my ears. actually insane. i haven't worked out in them yet, but when i'm going about my daily activities like walking, making sudden movements or moving patients (i work in healthcare), sweating, zero concern about them falling out.
sound: superior. once again, no professional by any means, but the highs are awesome and lows are deep, pronounced, and banging. voices are crystal clear in music and phone calls. the equalizer feature in the app (will talk more later) is excellent too and very true to intention. sony always makes excellent audio products, and no disappointment or setback here in the slightest. beautiful sound in any genre of music/shows i listen to and watch, one or two ears in. also a plus, crystal clarity at low volumes too, so my volume is always less than a third of total level.
noise canceling: honestly ideal for my purpose in using this product. it's not deafening, and i can reduce all the noises in the background that i don't want to hear but still hear all the acute and nearby sounds. absolutely perfect for working environments or when you are not just trying to hibernate or isolate completely. you won't go deaf to outside noises like some over the ear phones and bose products will, but additional customization for sound cancelling features (will discuss again later) make this even awesome-er.
mic: i have not heard my voice in recording or phone call, but i have heard zero complaints about my audio quality to listeners. i know for a fact i cannot say this for other products in the past, but i cannot say anything negative about this as far as the time of this review, with one or two ears.
controls: one of my favorite features here. i think some of the galaxy buds i had in the past had these way too way back when, but different controls for each ear via touch. left bud toggles noise-canceling features, right bud controls play/stop/prev/next and calls. i can see people may complain that they touch the controls accidentally, since they are not haptic based (like the airpod pros that i had previously) but i've had zero issues with this. you just have to make sure you grip the pods on the sides and stay clear of the touch sensors, which really are not too sensitive.
battery life: once again, new product, new review. so far, i've been able to wear them ALL day practically with intermittent return to case and they've held up no problem. the case also holds charge extremely well. i'm sure battery life declines over time, as these products often do, but primo for now.
other features: app has tons of features that are not just gimmicks and true to function. equalizer settings like i mentioned before which function very well, and customization for noise-canceling/audio quality. there is a "background music" mode that allows you to even more passively listen to music, being able to hear conversations and surroundings with still very clearly audible music. i've used other pods with these features, but sony does this flawlessly. there are also other features that enable adjustments to sound when conversation is detected which is neat and works well.
may be missing a few things, but if you made it to the end of this, congrats! overall, WELL DONE SONY!
I was happy with my M5s and wasn't planning on buying this generation, but after a mishap, here I am.
Happy accident in the end. I liked the M5s, but the M6s are better in every way for me. The fit is better. They stay in better. They feel more comfortable for my ears. The sound profile is very different, but I really like it. The M5s were clear but weak on the bass. The M6s on the other hand, have good bass but it is very controlled. Listening to live music and the drums actually sound like a live drum. The imaging is great. Best buds I have listened to.
Noise cancelling is also up a big notch. The M5s were very good for buds, the M6s are on par with good over the ear headphones. Battery life has been as advertised. The case is a bit big, but still in the range of acceptable.
I bought these for the noise canceling. I use them 99% of the time with no music, or sound playing. I don't like the larger size coming out of the ear. Because, I lay on my side with them, and for that the XM5's are nicer. But, these are louder while staying clear, the noise canceling is nicer, and the heart-beat sound is extremely less. The heart-beat sound is when the noise-canceling is on and you can hear your heart beat. That problem is almost gone now, with the new design. But, different eartips are needed to remove it almost completely. Mine, require the metal charge points on the earbuds to be cleaned after nearly every use. Or, else they won't reciece a good connection and charge. I use a toothpick. I recommend changing the original earbud tips to get nicer noise canceling, and to hear less if any, heart-beat sound. I use Charjen. Also, the current firmware needs an update. Sony provides updates for several years. But, they need a good one, now. Currently, they sometimes glitch in different ways. The firmware should already be perfect. But, from past experience I know Sony will update the firmware. It could be easy for someone to reasonably think that the earbuds are faulty. Sometimes it requires taking them out of the case and then putting them back, and then out again, for them to function correctly. Often, the audio source will still play on the earbuds even after i have placed them in the case. For example, i play the audio and instead of it coming out of my decice, it comes out of the earbuds, that are in the case.
They work well enough for me, and I will tolerate the current firmware, until it is updated. Because, the "no" heartbeat sound on this model is life-changing for me.
I use these until the battery gets low, and then switch to the XM5's until the XM6's are finished charging. The "heart-beat" sound is extremely loud on the XM5's and basically gone with the correct eartips on these.
Update:
Even, with the charging pad connectors on the earbuds clean, at least one of the earbuds often does not charge, after putting them in the case. I always have to drop one in and wait for the light to blink once, and then do the same with the other. Or, else, when I go to put them in the next time, at least one will not have charged, or they will alert me with, "Low Battery". It usually requires dropping each ear bud in several times. Because, the light often does not blink after dropping an earbud in.
In my opinion it is the firmware, and eventually Sony will fix it. So, if you believe that they will be fixed with a firmware update, I recommend getting a used pair. A used pair is currently $248, on Amazon. You will need to buy extra earbud tips regardless of which you choose, and there's probably nothing wrong with them, other than the things that I have mentioned.
I bought the XM5'S certified refurbished elsewhere, 2 years ago. The first pair had a random glitch that was not fixable with firmware. The second pair works perfectly.
Update #2:
There was a battery drain problem. The batteries would drain extremely unevenly. For example, the right earbud would always drain faster than the left. A small amount is normal. But, the battery for the right earbud would be at approximately 20% and the left earbud would be at approximately 43%. That is, "in the range of", normal, if using a voice assistant, and the speak-to-activate feature. But, I had that feature off. Also, the talk-to-disable noise-canceling feature was off. I ordered another pair, and the batteries drain evenly, with about a 2 percentage point difference.
Update #3:
The 1st pair, had all of the problems listed above, and a sound imbalance between the earbuds. For example, with noise canceling on or off, it sounded and feelt like one ear was plugged and the other was not.
The 2nd pair did not have any problems, for one week. Then, the left earbud died. It would not charge. I reset the earbuds several times. An orange light on the case flashes. Which means an error has occurred while charging, preventing the process from completing.
The 3rd pair has been ordered. I will add an update after a week.
Update #4:
The 3rd pair had the same issue with the noise canceling being unbalanced between ears. It was still partially on, in one ear, even in ambient mode. It is like a sucking and pulling sensation in the right ear. Combined with the difference of the left ear, it is very uncomfortable. After just two minutes it causes nausea. The unpleasant feeling lasts an hour. The effect is like it hurts my right ear. I just want them out of my ears as fast as possible. It is an expierence that i do not recommed. Plus, the earbuds were a return, and i ordered a new pair. The paper label that wraps around the box, if pealed open, in an average way, can be resealed with the glue sticking like new.
Update #5:
I got a 4th pair. They had the same problem as the 3rd and 1st pairs. I know it is not normal, because the 2nd pair was perfect and a new level of calm. Until, they died and wouldn't charge in less than a week. The noise canceling defect causes stress. It's horrible.
Final Update:
I suspect this is a frequently returned item, because of these issues. They have major qualty problems, and a high percentage of defective earbuds. 100% defective out of four.
Also, i tried the Luckvan Memory Foam Eartips for Sony WF-1000XM5. They are super soft and comfortable, and have an earwax shield.
5 star potential.
1 star currently.
I bought these for the noise canceling. I use them 99% of the time with no music, or sound playing. I don't like the larger size coming out of the ear. Because, I lay on my side with them, and for that the XM5's are nicer. But, these are louder while staying clear, the noise canceling is nicer, and the heart-beat sound is extremely less. The heart-beat sound is when the noise-canceling is on and you can hear your heart beat. That problem is almost gone now, with the new design. But, different eartips are needed to remove it almost completely. Mine, require the metal charge points on the earbuds to be cleaned after nearly every use. Or, else they won't reciece a good connection and charge. I use a toothpick. I recommend changing the original earbud tips to get nicer noise canceling, and to hear less if any, heart-beat sound. I use Charjen. Also, the current firmware needs an update. Sony provides updates for several years. But, they need a good one, now. Currently, they sometimes glitch in different ways. The firmware should already be perfect. But, from past experience I know Sony will update the firmware. It could be easy for someone to reasonably think that the earbuds are faulty. Sometimes it requires taking them out of the case and then putting them back, and then out again, for them to function correctly. Often, the audio source will still play on the earbuds even after i have placed them in the case. For example, i play the audio and instead of it coming out of my decice, it comes out of the earbuds, that are in the case.
They work well enough for me, and I will tolerate the current firmware, until it is updated. Because, the "no" heartbeat sound on this model is life-changing for me.
I use these until the battery gets low, and then switch to the XM5's until the XM6's are finished charging. The "heart-beat" sound is extremely loud on the XM5's and basically gone with the correct eartips on these.
Update:
Even, with the charging pad connectors on the earbuds clean, at least one of the earbuds often does not charge, after putting them in the case. I always have to drop one in and wait for the light to blink once, and then do the same with the other. Or, else, when I go to put them in the next time, at least one will not have charged, or they will alert me with, "Low Battery". It usually requires dropping each ear bud in several times. Because, the light often does not blink after dropping an earbud in.
In my opinion it is the firmware, and eventually Sony will fix it. So, if you believe that they will be fixed with a firmware update, I recommend getting a used pair. A used pair is currently $248, on Amazon. You will need to buy extra earbud tips regardless of which you choose, and there's probably nothing wrong with them, other than the things that I have mentioned.
I bought the XM5'S certified refurbished elsewhere, 2 years ago. The first pair had a random glitch that was not fixable with firmware. The second pair works perfectly.
Update #2:
There was a battery drain problem. The batteries would drain extremely unevenly. For example, the right earbud would always drain faster than the left. A small amount is normal. But, the battery for the right earbud would be at approximately 20% and the left earbud would be at approximately 43%. That is, "in the range of", normal, if using a voice assistant, and the speak-to-activate feature. But, I had that feature off. Also, the talk-to-disable noise-canceling feature was off. I ordered another pair, and the batteries drain evenly, with about a 2 percentage point difference.
Update #3:
The 1st pair, had all of the problems listed above, and a sound imbalance between the earbuds. For example, with noise canceling on or off, it sounded and feelt like one ear was plugged and the other was not.
The 2nd pair did not have any problems, for one week. Then, the left earbud died. It would not charge. I reset the earbuds several times. An orange light on the case flashes. Which means an error has occurred while charging, preventing the process from completing.
The 3rd pair has been ordered. I will add an update after a week.
Update #4:
The 3rd pair had the same issue with the noise canceling being unbalanced between ears. It was still partially on, in one ear, even in ambient mode. It is like a sucking and pulling sensation in the right ear. Combined with the difference of the left ear, it is very uncomfortable. After just two minutes it causes nausea. The unpleasant feeling lasts an hour. The effect is like it hurts my right ear. I just want them out of my ears as fast as possible. It is an expierence that i do not recommed. Plus, the earbuds were a return, and i ordered a new pair. The paper label that wraps around the box, if pealed open, in an average way, can be resealed with the glue sticking like new.
Update #5:
I got a 4th pair. They had the same problem as the 3rd and 1st pairs. I know it is not normal, because the 2nd pair was perfect and a new level of calm. Until, they died and wouldn't charge in less than a week. The noise canceling defect causes stress. It's horrible.
Final Update:
I suspect this is a frequently returned item, because of these issues. They have major qualty problems, and a high percentage of defective earbuds. 100% defective out of four.
Also, i tried the Luckvan Memory Foam Eartips for Sony WF-1000XM5. They are super soft and comfortable, and have an earwax shield.
5 star potential.
1 star currently.
My thoughts on the Sony WF-1000XM6…
Starting with the sound, I would describe them as a mixed bag. Currently on firmware 1.5.0, I find the sound with ANC or Transparency enabled to have a tonal balance that favors bass but still maintains a balanced midrange and treble presentation. The bass is deep and punchy, and despite being boosted about 3–5 dB above what I would call neutral, it doesn’t overshadow the sense of clarity and nuance from instruments and vocalists in the mix. This type of sound signature works very well with a wide variety of genres, particularly EDM and hip-hop. Additionally, the added bass in louder environments such as a bus or plane helps combat low-frequency noise from engines.
The midrange sounds very natural and, as stated before, balanced. I don’t detect any oddities in the timbre, which is crucial for immersion and the feeling that someone is singing directly to you. However, as we ascend to the upper midrange, I have noticed a problem. It’s actually not a result of the tuning, but more so the ANC system Sony has designed. There seems to be some sort of feedback loop that distorts the frequencies in the upper mids and lower treble region. I can hear this shift immediately when switching between no ambient control and ANC or Transparency mode.
I am aware that ANC systems can have an adverse effect on sound quality due to their nature of combating outside noise with an opposing sound wave. This procedure can introduce some level of compression, phase shift, and distortion to the mix. I just wanted to point out that the effect seems a bit more noticeable than I’m used to with the Sony WF-1000XM6.
Treble is well extended, and the timbre here is also very well done. The sense of articulation and space is excellent as a result. Cymbals and hi-hats sound well represented in the mix, as do the reverbs and harmonics of instruments. But again, when ANC or Transparency is activated, the sound quality takes a nose dive in the lower treble region, with audible distortion and a slight sense of soundstage compression. When ANC and Transparency are disabled, these issues are nonexistent and the Sony WF-1000XM6 simply sounds magnificent.
Comfort for me is excellent. The foam tips, when cool, are firm and can initially be a bit irritating when first inserted. However, once your body heat transfers to the foam, it softens and molds to your unique ear anatomy, increasing comfort. Due to the nature of foam tips, the stability—or fit—is excellent. Once these are in my ears, they don’t move at all. I can talk, laugh, eat, and even sleep for hours with them in, and they will stay put until I remove them myself.
The noise canceling is fantastic. With the right foam tips inserted properly, it can feel like the world literally shuts off. There is also no hiss when ANC is active—just dead silence. It’s honestly surreal how effective they are at blocking out noise. The Transparency mode is also excellent, providing a very clear rendition of your environment with minimal hiss. Your voice sounds natural as well, with little to no sense of occlusion.
Call quality is excellent. They do a great job of isolating your voice from loud environments so callers on the other end can hear you clearly. This is also a big advantage when using your voice assistant, whether that’s Siri, Gemini, Bixby, Alexa, etc., in noisy environments. There’s nothing more frustrating than giving a long command only to be told you couldn’t be understood because of background noise.
The controls are operated through touch sensors on each earbud. For the most part, they get the job done. However, I still prefer stem-style earbuds like the AirPods Pro or Samsung Galaxy Buds because you get more control options through a mix of squeeze and slide gestures, allowing you to control both media and volume from a single earbud. The Sony WF-1000XM6 allows you to customize controls now, but there’s still the limitation of not being able to control everything from one earbud.
Volume control, while I’m used to it now, can sometimes be annoying—especially when raising the volume by tapping the right earbud four times. Sometimes I accidentally tap three times and end up restarting my song. Also, during a call you can’t adjust the volume, and if you enable the ability to mute the microphone from the earbuds, you lose the ability to hang up calls. These feel like odd omissions since I’ve used earbuds with only touch sensors that still allow full call controls, such as the Technics AZ100 and the Bose QC (non-Ultra) buds.
Build quality, in my opinion, is solid. These feel premium despite being mostly plastic. It’s a soft-touch plastic, and I don’t notice any gaps in the seams. The case has a metal hinge that feels satisfying to open and close. No complaints here. Aesthetically, however, I wish the outward-facing microphones matched the color of the Sony logo for a bit more contrast and a snazzier look.
The feature set of the WF-1000XM6 is extensive. From automatic adjustments to your preferred EQ and ambient sound controls depending on your location and movement, to nodding or shaking your head to answer or reject incoming calls, these earbuds cover most of the latest premium wireless earbud features. One thing to note is that if you have an iPhone, you won’t get spatial audio with head tracking using Sony’s 360 Reality Audio.
Finally, battery life is fantastic—around 8–9 hours with ANC or Transparency on, or 12+ hours with it off, which is the mode I use most of the time for improved sound quality. I only enable ANC in loud environments such as commuting on public transportation or traveling. I keep ambient control off when I’m at home or in the office. I use Transparency mode when I want to listen to music while still being aware of my surroundings—such as when I’m home keeping an ear out for my 6-year-old daughter, or when I’m walking outside and want to remain aware of traffic.
In summary, I really enjoy these earbuds despite the shortcomings in sound quality when ANC or Transparency is enabled (most people will likely be fine with the difference and may not even notice it, but I’m very picky) and the limited call controls. I would still recommend them to anyone looking for a top-tier wireless ANC earbud.
UPDATE (3/23/26): I think I found a way to greatly reduce or eliminate the distortion while in ANC or Transparency mode. Go to Device Settings in the app, then go to the Wearing option and select “Determine Optimal Earbud Tips.” Click “Test the wearing condition” and let it run.
I think the system calibrates the ANC to your ears in addition to determining whether you have a good seal. As a result, the ANC feedback loop distortion seems to have significantly reduced—or maybe even gone away—for me. Give it a try.
My thoughts on the Sony WF-1000XM6…
Starting with the sound, I would describe them as a mixed bag. Currently on firmware 1.5.0, I find the sound with ANC or Transparency enabled to have a tonal balance that favors bass but still maintains a balanced midrange and treble presentation. The bass is deep and punchy, and despite being boosted about 3–5 dB above what I would call neutral, it doesn’t overshadow the sense of clarity and nuance from instruments and vocalists in the mix. This type of sound signature works very well with a wide variety of genres, particularly EDM and hip-hop. Additionally, the added bass in louder environments such as a bus or plane helps combat low-frequency noise from engines.
The midrange sounds very natural and, as stated before, balanced. I don’t detect any oddities in the timbre, which is crucial for immersion and the feeling that someone is singing directly to you. However, as we ascend to the upper midrange, I have noticed a problem. It’s actually not a result of the tuning, but more so the ANC system Sony has designed. There seems to be some sort of feedback loop that distorts the frequencies in the upper mids and lower treble region. I can hear this shift immediately when switching between no ambient control and ANC or Transparency mode.
I am aware that ANC systems can have an adverse effect on sound quality due to their nature of combating outside noise with an opposing sound wave. This procedure can introduce some level of compression, phase shift, and distortion to the mix. I just wanted to point out that the effect seems a bit more noticeable than I’m used to with the Sony WF-1000XM6.
Treble is well extended, and the timbre here is also very well done. The sense of articulation and space is excellent as a result. Cymbals and hi-hats sound well represented in the mix, as do the reverbs and harmonics of instruments. But again, when ANC or Transparency is activated, the sound quality takes a nose dive in the lower treble region, with audible distortion and a slight sense of soundstage compression. When ANC and Transparency are disabled, these issues are nonexistent and the Sony WF-1000XM6 simply sounds magnificent.
Comfort for me is excellent. The foam tips, when cool, are firm and can initially be a bit irritating when first inserted. However, once your body heat transfers to the foam, it softens and molds to your unique ear anatomy, increasing comfort. Due to the nature of foam tips, the stability—or fit—is excellent. Once these are in my ears, they don’t move at all. I can talk, laugh, eat, and even sleep for hours with them in, and they will stay put until I remove them myself.
The noise canceling is fantastic. With the right foam tips inserted properly, it can feel like the world literally shuts off. There is also no hiss when ANC is active—just dead silence. It’s honestly surreal how effective they are at blocking out noise. The Transparency mode is also excellent, providing a very clear rendition of your environment with minimal hiss. Your voice sounds natural as well, with little to no sense of occlusion.
Call quality is excellent. They do a great job of isolating your voice from loud environments so callers on the other end can hear you clearly. This is also a big advantage when using your voice assistant, whether that’s Siri, Gemini, Bixby, Alexa, etc., in noisy environments. There’s nothing more frustrating than giving a long command only to be told you couldn’t be understood because of background noise.
The controls are operated through touch sensors on each earbud. For the most part, they get the job done. However, I still prefer stem-style earbuds like the AirPods Pro or Samsung Galaxy Buds because you get more control options through a mix of squeeze and slide gestures, allowing you to control both media and volume from a single earbud. The Sony WF-1000XM6 allows you to customize controls now, but there’s still the limitation of not being able to control everything from one earbud.
Volume control, while I’m used to it now, can sometimes be annoying—especially when raising the volume by tapping the right earbud four times. Sometimes I accidentally tap three times and end up restarting my song. Also, during a call you can’t adjust the volume, and if you enable the ability to mute the microphone from the earbuds, you lose the ability to hang up calls. These feel like odd omissions since I’ve used earbuds with only touch sensors that still allow full call controls, such as the Technics AZ100 and the Bose QC (non-Ultra) buds.
Build quality, in my opinion, is solid. These feel premium despite being mostly plastic. It’s a soft-touch plastic, and I don’t notice any gaps in the seams. The case has a metal hinge that feels satisfying to open and close. No complaints here. Aesthetically, however, I wish the outward-facing microphones matched the color of the Sony logo for a bit more contrast and a snazzier look.
The feature set of the WF-1000XM6 is extensive. From automatic adjustments to your preferred EQ and ambient sound controls depending on your location and movement, to nodding or shaking your head to answer or reject incoming calls, these earbuds cover most of the latest premium wireless earbud features. One thing to note is that if you have an iPhone, you won’t get spatial audio with head tracking using Sony’s 360 Reality Audio.
Finally, battery life is fantastic—around 8–9 hours with ANC or Transparency on, or 12+ hours with it off, which is the mode I use most of the time for improved sound quality. I only enable ANC in loud environments such as commuting on public transportation or traveling. I keep ambient control off when I’m at home or in the office. I use Transparency mode when I want to listen to music while still being aware of my surroundings—such as when I’m home keeping an ear out for my 6-year-old daughter, or when I’m walking outside and want to remain aware of traffic.
In summary, I really enjoy these earbuds despite the shortcomings in sound quality when ANC or Transparency is enabled (most people will likely be fine with the difference and may not even notice it, but I’m very picky) and the limited call controls. I would still recommend them to anyone looking for a top-tier wireless ANC earbud.
UPDATE (3/23/26): I think I found a way to greatly reduce or eliminate the distortion while in ANC or Transparency mode. Go to Device Settings in the app, then go to the Wearing option and select “Determine Optimal Earbud Tips.” Click “Test the wearing condition” and let it run.
I think the system calibrates the ANC to your ears in addition to determining whether you have a good seal. As a result, the ANC feedback loop distortion seems to have significantly reduced—or maybe even gone away—for me. Give it a try.
I really wanted to love these earbuds, and in many ways, I do — but they weren’t the right fit for me personally.
First, the positives:
The sound quality on these bad boys is incredible. The bass is deep without being overwhelming, vocals are clear, and everything sounds very balanced. If you care about audio quality, these definitely deliver.
The noise canceling is also top-tier. They block out background noise really well — things like AC hum, gym noise, and general chatter become much quieter. It creates a really immersive listening experience.
Battery life is solid too. I had no issues getting through long listening sessions, and the case provides enough extra charge to not worry about it constantly.
The app is another big plus. You can customize EQ, controls, and other features, which is great if you like having control over your sound.
Now for the downside (and why I returned them):
The fit and comfort just didn’t work for me.
These earbuds have a slightly bulky design and sit deeper in the ear than others. The foam tips expand inside your ear, which can create pressure over time. For me, this led to discomfort and soreness pretty quickly.
Because of that pressure, they would also slowly loosen and feel like they were being pushed out of my ears, especially when moving around. So even though they sound amazing, they didn’t feel secure or comfortable for extended use.
I think these would be perfect for someone who:
-Doesn’t have sensitivity to in-ear pressure
-Wants top-tier sound and noise canceling
-Doesn’t mind a snug, deeper fit
But if you have smaller or more sensitive ears like I do, comfort may be an issue.
Overall, these are excellent earbuds in terms of performance — just not the best fit for everyone.
I really wanted to love these earbuds, and in many ways, I do — but they weren’t the right fit for me personally.
First, the positives:
The sound quality on these bad boys is incredible. The bass is deep without being overwhelming, vocals are clear, and everything sounds very balanced. If you care about audio quality, these definitely deliver.
The noise canceling is also top-tier. They block out background noise really well — things like AC hum, gym noise, and general chatter become much quieter. It creates a really immersive listening experience.
Battery life is solid too. I had no issues getting through long listening sessions, and the case provides enough extra charge to not worry about it constantly.
The app is another big plus. You can customize EQ, controls, and other features, which is great if you like having control over your sound.
Now for the downside (and why I returned them):
The fit and comfort just didn’t work for me.
These earbuds have a slightly bulky design and sit deeper in the ear than others. The foam tips expand inside your ear, which can create pressure over time. For me, this led to discomfort and soreness pretty quickly.
Because of that pressure, they would also slowly loosen and feel like they were being pushed out of my ears, especially when moving around. So even though they sound amazing, they didn’t feel secure or comfortable for extended use.
I think these would be perfect for someone who:
-Doesn’t have sensitivity to in-ear pressure
-Wants top-tier sound and noise canceling
-Doesn’t mind a snug, deeper fit
But if you have smaller or more sensitive ears like I do, comfort may be an issue.
Overall, these are excellent earbuds in terms of performance — just not the best fit for everyone.
Before I tell you about the qualities of these earbuds, I want to say that I think the key to their effectiveness is in the unique quality of the ear tips. They are not silicone. They are made of some other type of rubber, coated with a non-slip surface that keeps them tight in your ears. Numerous sources say they will need to be replaced every 3 months. The only place I could find them available is through a company called Encompass that Sony has authorized to sell parts. Get ready for this... They cost $5.95 per TIP! ($11.90 per pair) plus $13.66 shipping. That's an annual cost of $61.26 if you order 4 sets of tips at a time so you only pay shipping once. For what is already a premium priced set of earbuds, you will have an ongoing cost for tips. That makes these earbuds EXTREMELY expensive to own! As time goes on and Sony introduces new products, the ear tips will become available. When you do a search on Encompass you will find the tips they first recommend for the 1000XM6 are no longer available! The tip they offer is recommended as an alternative. By the way, the stock number of the tip is 5-025-921-02.
Performance: The sound quality is similar to the Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Earbuds. The problem I had with the Bose is that they would not stay in my ears. The silicone tips would pick up oil from my ear canals and basically make them slippery. This was especially a problem when flying. It was always hard to find the bud in the cramped seat. I could easily get over 8 hours on a charge with the Bose. Sony says the 1000XM6 are good for 8 hours (total 24 hours with 2 additional charges from the case). I do not get anywhere near 8 hours from the Sonys. I would say 6 - 6 1/2 hours per charge, or around 20 hours total. This is not good for long overseas flights if you intend to have audio for the entire flight.
The thing that sets these apart from the Bose is that once you have them properly positioned in your ears, they stay in. The Sony Connect phone app evaluates if you have an airtight fit. I have tried both medium and large ear tips, and regardeless which ones I have in, the right does not achieve an airtight fit. Even though, I get very good sound quality from the Sonys and they stay put. After wearing the earbuds for a while, the right fit gets more comfortable and still does not fall out.
Unfortunatley I sold my Bose. I would like to try Sony's tips on the Bose and see if they work, and if they stay put. That would be the ideal of both worlds.
I can't say I am happy with my Sony purchase - but I am glad they stay in. I have accepted that these are going to be an expensive option for earbuds. When I am at home I still go to my Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (Over the ear).
I'm writing this review because I almost didn't buy these Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds.
Like many people, I conducted extensive research before making a purchase. I read reviews, watched videos, compared brands, and nearly talked myself out of buying them altogether. The "Frequently Returned Item" flag on Amazon gave me serious pause. Then I started reading some of the negative reviews, and I hesitated even more.
I'm glad I didn't let that stop me.
My primary reason for purchasing these earbuds was noise cancellation. I often work in an environment where a television and other noise are clearly audible, making it difficult to concentrate or write. I needed something that would significantly reduce those distractions.
One of my first tests was during soundcheck at the jazz venue I own. I wanted to see how they would perform in a real-world environment with live music. I activated the noise cancellation through the Sony app and was genuinely surprised by how much sound was reduced. I could still hear some music, but it was pushed so far into the background that it no longer demanded my attention.
I was equally impressed with the sound quality. The music was clear, detailed, and balanced. Vocals sounded natural, instruments were well defined, and the overall listening experience felt rich without being overwhelming. Whether I'm listening to jazz, spoken-word recordings, or simply trying to focus, the audio quality has exceeded my expectations.
Another feature I appreciate is the ability to customize the sound through the Sony app. You're not limited to a one-size-fits-all listening experience. The app allows you to adjust the sound profile to suit your personal preferences, which is a nice bonus if you enjoy different types of music or want to fine-tune the audio to your liking.
The true test came later in an environment where television noise was clearly audible before putting on the earbuds. Once I inserted them, the TV immediately became faint background noise. After activating noise cancellation, I had to make an effort to hear it at all.
Then I added low-volume brown noise.
At that point, the television disappeared completely from my awareness.
Aside from the negative reviews and Amazon flag, I also had another concern. I'd never really given earbuds a fair chance because I was always afraid they would fall out. That turned out not to be an issue at all.
The key for me was finding the right fit. I didn't simply place them in my ears. I inserted each earbud and gave it a slight upward twist to secure it in place. Once I did that, they felt stable and secure.
I highly recommend taking the time to experiment with the included ear tips. I'm currently using the large tips that came with the earbuds, and they're working very well for me. I also have some silicone that I'm continuing to test for comfort. Everyone's ears are different, so don't rush this step. The right tip makes a significant difference in both comfort and noise cancellation.
For anyone considering these earbuds for focus, writing, editing audio, creative work, or simply creating a quieter environment, that combination of Sony's noise cancellation and low-volume brown noise is remarkably effective.
No product is perfect, but these earbuds have exceeded my expectations. If you're hesitating because of the handful of negative reviews or "Frequently Returned Item" warning, I would encourage you not to make your decision based on those alone.
Give yourself time to find the right fit, experiment with the tips, and learn how to wear them properly.
I'm very glad I took the chance.
Sound Quality: Absolutely perfect. Sony has been making excellent audio products for years and this is just another example of the care they put into their sound. No complaints, except for the fact that they sound more or less identical to the XM5 from a few years ago. Not much has changed.
ANC/Transparency: Scary good. These are "rob me" levels of ANC, the kind where you can't hear someone sneaking up on you. You can't hear a damn thing while it's on, as long as you get a good seal. The transparency mode is really good too, but it's just a tiny bit robotic. The part I love the most is that Sony finally added some extra pressure-relieving vents around these earbuds (the little dotted areas where the microphones sit). Why does that matter? It means you no longer get any rumbling or popping sounds in your ears when you move your jaw, such as when you're eating, yawning, talking, etc. This was a huge problem with the XM5, because they only had one pressure-relieving vent per earbud, whereas these have three per bud. They finally solved this problem with the XM6, and I couldn't be happier about it.
Other Features: The "background music" listening mode is neat, it basically simulates a virtual surround environment to trick your brain into thinking the music is coming from all around you. The only downside is that you can't use any of your equalizer presets when it's on, which is a bit strange. I love speech detection too, and I think more earbud manufacturers need to start implementing this technology. So far, I think Sony and Google are the only ones that do. If you start talking, it automatically forces you into transparency mode and lowers the volume of your media so you can talk to people. Once you go 15 seconds without speaking or making noise (you can change the timing in the app, as well as the sensitivity), it goes back to normal. No more quickly reaching to tap an earbud or switch modes if you need to chat.
Touch Controls: Meh. They're not as sensitive as some of the other earbuds I've used over the years, but at least Sony is allowing for more customization compared to the XM5. Still wish you could swipe to increase or decrease your volume, like you get with Bose and Google earbuds.
Fit/Comfort: This is where my personal problems start to arise. Sony is still using the same eartips made of the same stiff, uncomfortable foam after all these years. I was hoping they'd move to something softer, or maybe give customers silicone tips that actually don't slip out, but no. People with certain ear shapes will not find these comfortable at all, either due to the eartips or due to the body of the earbuds pressing against parts of your ear (depending on how you orient them for stability). Others might be able to wear them comfortably for hours and hours without a single issue. It all depends on your ears. I bought some Azla foam eartips and they're more comfortable for me personally, but I'm still experimenting. If, after a while, they haven't solved the problem, I'll just have to return these earbuds. I'm really not a fan of this big, bulky "pill" shape either. Sony could stand to add some removable wing tips for these earbuds in order to help with the stability. Hopefully some aftermarket manufacturer will make some in the near future; there's plenty of room inside the charging case so that they won't interfere with it.
**Please bear in mind that anything you read online related to the fit or the comfort of these earbuds (or ANY earbuds, for that matter) will depend entirely on the shape of your ears, the size of your ears, your skin type, how easily you sweat, your environment, etc. There are over eight billion people on this planet, which means there are over sixteen billion ears. No two are alike. Some people think these earbuds fit perfectly. Others will struggle. We're all different in this regard. Try them out for yourself and make your own judgments.**
Battery: Fairly impressive, but it could be better. 8 hours of listening with ANC/transparency mode is good, but in 2026, it's a little lacking. But at least they give you the option to turn off those modes, which boosts the battery life to 12 hours. I feel like the case needs to be recharged more frequently than some of my other earbuds. I also noticed that it's a LOT harder to get these earbuds to line up with the charging pins in the case compared to their older earbuds. You really need to twist and fiddle with them to get them to charge, even if the pins and the contacts are totally clean. If you don't, they'll just stay connected to your phone and drain the battery. Be careful!
App: Good god, I wish they would fix their app. There's been a recurring problem for years where, when you open it, it displays the UI that suggests your earbuds are connected and it gives you all of the options to fiddle with. Then, after about 5-10 seconds, it switches back to the "connect" screen and it reveals that it didn't register any of your inputs, if you made any. You then have to tap connect twice (in two separate pop-ups!) to reopen the app and get your settings back. THEN you can make your changes. This problem isn't exclusive to the XM6, all of Sony's earbuds have been doing this since at least 2024. It's not very intuitive to navigate either (some things are named weirdly or hidden behind unexpected menus), but I chalk part of this up to the fact that Sony is a Japanese company and English is not their strong suit.
Overall Quality: Sony made a lot of smart decisions with these earbuds, but they also made a few stupid ones. I love the quality of the sound. I love the ANC and transparency modes. I love the extra features. But I hate the fact that I need to rely on third-party products to make them fit comfortably in my ears. The battery is fine, but feels slightly lacking. My advice is to buy these earbuds, but ONLY when they're on sale. $329 is pretty steep. These earbuds aren't a straight upgrade, it's more like a minor update that introduces a couple of new problems that need to be solved in the next generation... which we probably won't see until 2030 at this rate.
Ao vivo é muito mais bonito o na cor prata. Vendedor atencioso, responsivo e célere. Até agora, 2 dias de uso, se mostra melhor em ANC do que meu Bose Ultra de primeira geração. Quanto ao som, questão é pessoal e prefiro o som Bose. Priorizo o melhor ANC que possa existir e recursos mais amplos e sofisticados tendo feita a escolha correta para o momento. Recurso de retirar do ouvido, pausar o som e retornar, não funciona até agora, mas não ligo pra isso. Recomendo o vendedor pela agilidade na entrega (eradia 24 e chegou ontem) e no esclarecimento das dúvidas.
Sony WF-1000XM6. Considerado pela maioria dos analistas e público como um dos melhores fones de ouvidos, se não o melhor TWS atual, e de fato, surpreende, empolga e entrega o que promete. Recomendo!
Sony WF-1000XM6. Considerado pela maioria dos analistas e público como um dos melhores fones de ouvidos, se não o melhor TWS atual, e de fato, surpreende, empolga e entrega o que promete. Recomendo!
As someone who travels and listens to music a lot, I have been searching for what feels like forever for wireless earbuds that fit my very strict criteria (trust me I have tried so many). I need them to a) have great near hi-fi sound quality, b) have amazing ANC, c) have great battery life, d) have good mic quality for calls, e) have great touch controls and be easily modifiable, and f) more subjectively, they have to be comfortable for long-term use.
Coming from someone who has tried nearly every major brand for earbuds, I found almost every one lacking in at least one of these criteria. However, the Sony WF-1000XM6 have not only met but surpassed every one of my expectations, which was a major shock to me.
a) My biggest praise goes to the sound quality. Right out of the box, these will be nearly perfect for most. I have been hearing parts of songs I haven't heard before; these are genuinely the closest wireless earbuds to my wired hi-fi IEMs. A slight bit of EQ to suit your own preferences (or to make them more accurate) also goes a long way.
b) I find the quality of the ANC to be very impressive; even on loud transit these mute most of the outside noise.
c) The battery life is truly spectacular. I have been consistently hitting the expected 8 hours of use without charging on long-distance commutes, and the absolute craziest thing is the quick charging. Taking the earbuds out for a few minutes while adjusting something or chatting has gotten me a surprising amount of playback time.
d) Call quality has also been strong in my experience, with my voice coming through clearly even in less-than-ideal environments.
e) Sony's app is also awesome, making EQ and modifying touch controls very straightforward. The case feels premium with a really nice open and close, and while it's subjective, I find them to look rather good as well. Holding to temporarily pause ANC and switch to transparency mode is one of my favourite features when making a quick comment or order.
f) As someone with pretty small ears, I find these incredibly comfortable to wear for long-distance travel. I don't get tired of the ANC like I do with some other buds.
My main downsides are that the case may be too bulky to fit in some (especially women's) pant pockets, and the look and comfort may not be perfect for everyone.
As for price, these are undeniably premium earbuds with a premium price tag, and that may be a deal-breaker for some. However, as someone who has tried most other premium earbuds, I think the Sonys do the best overall, and to me they're well worth the cost.
Bonus tips: When it comes to sound quality, make sure to enable LDAC or any other high-quality codec if your phone (or other device) supports it.
You can also look into EQing these, there are tons of simple guides online.
And if the stock ear tips don’t feel quite right, third-party tips may be worth trying.
Yes and outstanding
Ya tengo unos WH-1000XM4 y la verdad me dejaron muy satisfecho con la calidad de los materiales, la construcción, comodidad y sobretodo el sonido y la cancelación de ruido.
Cuando mis audífonos se descompusieron, unos beats studio buds, decidí irme por Sony, porque de verdad me encantaron los XM4.
-El sonido es muy similar a los XM4 y la verdad era algo que esperaba, ya que me gusta mucho la firma de sonido que tiene Sony.
-Con lo que es la comodidad, el estuche es bastante pequeño, no es el más pequeño, pero está muy bien. Los audífonos son algo grandes, pero no pesan nada, las puntas de estos son de espuma, lo que ayuda mucho en que no se caigan, pero se sienten raro cuando no habías usado de ese tipo material anteriormente, incluso a veces se siente que hacen algo de presión y llega a cansar un poco a la larga. Traté de ponerme las de tamaño S, pero me quedaban muy pequeñas, así que estoy atorado con las M que vienen por defecto.
-Ahora si, lo que muchos les interesa de este producto es el ANC, es de lo mejor que hay en cualquier producto, tengo de comparación los WH-1000XM4, se siente en comparación como si los XM4 no tuvieran anc, así de buenos son los xm6, con los beats studio buds es incluso más notable la diferencia.
-La batería es muy buena, me dura alrededor de 6 a 7 horas con el anc activado, conectados por LDAC y con un volumen del 60%-70% antes de tener que ponerlos en el estuche. Y el estuche los puede cargar 2 veces más en poco tiempo. Algo que me gustó es que tiene opción para cuidar la batería, en la cual detiene la carga de los audífonos al 80% mientras están en el estuche.
-La app es muy buena, tiene muchas opciones disponibles para dejar los audífonos a tu gusto, no te bloquea a solo una opción.
En general, este es un producto muy bueno, es caro, pero siente que vale lo que pagas.
Ya tengo unos WH-1000XM4 y la verdad me dejaron muy satisfecho con la calidad de los materiales, la construcción, comodidad y sobretodo el sonido y la cancelación de ruido.
Cuando mis audífonos se descompusieron, unos beats studio buds, decidí irme por Sony, porque de verdad me encantaron los XM4.
-El sonido es muy similar a los XM4 y la verdad era algo que esperaba, ya que me gusta mucho la firma de sonido que tiene Sony.
-Con lo que es la comodidad, el estuche es bastante pequeño, no es el más pequeño, pero está muy bien. Los audífonos son algo grandes, pero no pesan nada, las puntas de estos son de espuma, lo que ayuda mucho en que no se caigan, pero se sienten raro cuando no habías usado de ese tipo material anteriormente, incluso a veces se siente que hacen algo de presión y llega a cansar un poco a la larga. Traté de ponerme las de tamaño S, pero me quedaban muy pequeñas, así que estoy atorado con las M que vienen por defecto.
-Ahora si, lo que muchos les interesa de este producto es el ANC, es de lo mejor que hay en cualquier producto, tengo de comparación los WH-1000XM4, se siente en comparación como si los XM4 no tuvieran anc, así de buenos son los xm6, con los beats studio buds es incluso más notable la diferencia.
-La batería es muy buena, me dura alrededor de 6 a 7 horas con el anc activado, conectados por LDAC y con un volumen del 60%-70% antes de tener que ponerlos en el estuche. Y el estuche los puede cargar 2 veces más en poco tiempo. Algo que me gustó es que tiene opción para cuidar la batería, en la cual detiene la carga de los audífonos al 80% mientras están en el estuche.
-La app es muy buena, tiene muchas opciones disponibles para dejar los audífonos a tu gusto, no te bloquea a solo una opción.
En general, este es un producto muy bueno, es caro, pero siente que vale lo que pagas.
From Sony
3.8 out of 5 stars, 494 ratings
Customer reviewsOne-time purchase: $298.00 10% Savings
List Price: $329.99
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