The Sony WF-1000XM series has been the ANC champion since the XM3. The WF-1000XM6 continues that legacy with a new V2 processor that adapts 3x faster, improved sound quality, and better call quality. At $279, they’re $30 more than the AirPods Pro 3.
Are they still the ANC king? We tested them for 2 weeks on subways, airplanes, offices, and streets.
Noise Cancellation
Rating: ★★★★★
The WF-1000XM6 have the best ANC in any earbud. The new V2 processor processes noise cancellation signals 3x faster than the V1 in the XM5, adapting to environmental changes almost instantly.
Real-world tests:
- Subway: Engine rumble is almost completely eliminated. Announcements are audible but muffled. The XM6 blocks noticeably more low-frequency noise than the AirPods Pro 3.
- Airplane: Cabin noise reduced to a quiet hum. Better than any other earbud we’ve tested. The XM6 + earplugs combination is overkill — the ANC alone is sufficient.
- Office: Keyboard clicks and nearby conversations are significantly reduced. Not eliminated (ANC can’t block all mid/high frequencies) but reduced enough to focus.
- Street: Wind noise is handled well (the XM6 has improved wind reduction). Traffic noise is reduced but not eliminated — you still hear enough for safety.
Ambient/Transparency mode: Good but not AirPods Pro 3 level. Sony’s ambient mode sounds slightly artificial compared to Apple’s transparency mode. If you switch between ANC and transparency frequently, AirPods Pro 3 has the edge.
Sound Quality
Rating: ★★★★★
The XM6 sound is warm, detailed, and engaging. Sony’s DSEE Extreme upscales compressed audio (Spotify, YouTube) to near-lossless quality. LDAC support means hi-res audio on Android (990kbps vs 256kbps AAC).
Sound signature: Warm with slightly elevated bass. Mids are clear and detailed. Highs are smooth (not harsh). The sound is less neutral than the Sennheiser Momentum 4 but more fun and engaging for most genres.
EQ: Sony’s app has a detailed 5-band EQ + Clear Bass slider. The “Bright” preset reduces bass and increases treble for a more analytical sound. Custom EQ settings sync to the earbuds (work without the app running).
Battery Life
Rating: ★★★★★
- ANC on: 8 hours (earbuds) / 32 hours (with case)
- ANC off: 12 hours / 48 hours
- Quick charge: 5 min = 1 hour playback
- Wireless charging: Yes (Qi)
Battery life is excellent — 8 hours with ANC is more than any flight except ultra-long-haul. The 32-hour total means you can go 3-4 days without plugging in the case.
Comfort & Fit
Rating: ★★★★☆
The XM6 are slightly smaller and lighter than the XM5 (5.4g vs 5.7g per earbud). The included ear tips (5 sizes + foam tips) provide a good fit for most ear shapes. The foam tips provide the best seal (and best ANC performance) but degrade after 3-6 months.
Comfort for extended wear: 4-6 hours before discomfort. Heavier and bulkier than AirPods Pro 3 (which feel like wearing nothing). The XM6 are noticeable in your ears — not uncomfortable, but you’re aware of them.
Call Quality
Rating: ★★★★☆
Significantly improved over the XM5. The XM6 uses 4 microphones per earbud with a new beamforming algorithm. In quiet environments, call quality is excellent. In noisy environments (street, café), the XM6 reduces background noise well but your voice sounds slightly processed. AirPods Pro 3 still has the edge for call quality in noisy environments.
App & Features
Rating: ★★★★☆
Sony’s Headphones Connect app is comprehensive but cluttered:
- ANC level: Adjustable from 0-20 (fine control). Auto ANC adjusts based on environment.
- Speak-to-Chat: Pauses music when you start talking. Useful but triggers accidentally sometimes.
- Multipoint: Connect to 2 devices simultaneously (laptop + phone). Works well for switching between music and calls.
- LDAC toggle: Enable/disable LDAC. Prioritize audio quality or connection stability.
- 360 Reality Audio: Spatial audio format. Limited content but impressive when available.
vs AirPods Pro 3
| Sony WF-1000XM6 | AirPods Pro 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279 | $249 |
| ANC | ★★★★★ (better) | ★★★★★ |
| Transparency | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ (better) |
| Sound | ★★★★★ (warmer, more detail) | ★★★★☆ (balanced, less detail) |
| Battery | 8h / 32h (better) | 7h / 30h |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ (better) |
| Call Quality | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ (better) |
| Hi-Res Audio | LDAC (yes) | No |
| Multipoint | Yes | iOS only |
| Ecosystem | Android + iOS | iOS only |
Verdict
Buy the Sony WF-1000XM6 if:
- You want the best ANC available — nothing blocks more noise
- You value sound quality and LDAC hi-res audio
- You use Android (LDAC is Android-only)
- You want multipoint Bluetooth (2 devices simultaneously)
- You commute or travel frequently and need maximum noise blocking
Buy the AirPods Pro 3 if:
- You use iPhone — the seamless integration is unmatched
- You want the best transparency mode
- You prioritize comfort (lighter, less noticeable)
- You make lots of calls in noisy environments
- You want spatial audio with head tracking
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the XM6 worth upgrading from the XM5?
Marginally. The XM6 has better ANC (3x faster adaptation), slightly better sound, and better call quality. But the XM5 is still excellent. If your XM5 battery is healthy, wait for XM7. If your XM5 battery is degrading, the XM6 is a worthy upgrade.
Do the XM6 work with iPhone?
Yes, but with limitations. iPhone supports AAC codec (not LDAC). You get ANC, sound quality, and all features via Sony’s app. But you miss LDAC hi-res audio and the seamless integration that AirPods offer. For iPhone users, AirPods Pro 3 is the better choice.
Are the XM6 good for running?
Not ideal. The XM6 are secure with the right tips but not designed for exercise. No IP rating for water/sweat (unlike the Jabra Elite 85 Active with IP68). For workouts, consider the Jabra or the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro (IP57).
Conclusion
The Sony WF-1000XM6 has the best noise cancellation in any earbud — period. If you commute, travel, or work in noisy environments, these are the earbuds that block the most noise. Sound quality is excellent (especially with LDAC on Android), battery life is strong (8h/32h), and multipoint Bluetooth is a practical advantage.
At $279, they’re $30 more than AirPods Pro 3. For Android users, the XM6 is the clear winner. For iPhone users, AirPods Pro 3’s seamless integration and transparency mode make it the better choice.
Continue reading: