Sony WF-1000XM6
Exact average 85.5 · 11 printed, 8 estimated · printed scores only: 86
Image: Sony16 of 19 reviewers who tested Sony's WF-1000XM6 recommend it, the strongest agreement among earbuds. Critics single out the noise cancelling and detailed sound, plus an app full of useful settings. The price is high, and the included ear tips don't suit every ear.
Reviewed by Expert Reviews, CNET, Android Central and 16 more
The catch: Expensive, and the tips don't fit everyone.
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What 19 critics said
Highest score first · all converted to 0–100- 95Expert Reviews
Described as an absolute triumph and a Best Buy, with noise cancelling that matches or beats Bose and sound that outclasses AirPods Pro 3.
Read Expert Reviews review - 92CNET
Editors' Choice earbuds with top-tier sound, noise cancelling and call quality, possibly the best available if the fit works for you.
Read CNET review - 90Android Central
Calls them the best premium daily earbuds, with excellent ANC, detailed sound and smart features and almost no compromises beyond price and IPX4 durability.
Read Android Central review - 90The Independent
A strong flagship upgrade with best-in-class noise cancellation, excellent ambient mode and richer sound, let down mainly by weak call quality and a bulkier case.
Read The Independent review - 90WIRED
The reviewer calls them his favorite do-it-all premium earbuds, with class-leading noise cancelling, transparency, fit and fun tuning.
Read WIRED review - 84soundguys.com
Sony's best earbuds yet, with better ANC, sound, mic quality and fit, though battery and codecs are unchanged and they cost more.
Read soundguys.com review - 84Engadget
Still near the top with full, detailed sound and a huge feature set, but noise cancelling, call quality and fit now lag the competition and the price rose.
Read Engadget review - 80TechGearLab
Best-in-test noise cancellation and strong sound, but a bulky, divisive fit, mediocre calls and a high price mean many listeners may prefer other earbuds.
Read TechGearLab review - 80PCMag Middle East
Outstanding sound, customisation and codec support, but a tricky fit and noise cancelling that trails Apple and Bose at a high price.
Read PCMag Middle East review - 80The Verge
The reviewer says Sony regains the earbud noise-cancelling lead with excellent sound and features, provided a good seal is achieved with the foam tips.
Read The Verge review - 80Tom's Guide
Sony fixed the XM5 criticisms with better noise cancelling and design, balanced sound and solid battery life.
Read Tom's Guide review - 92est.eCoustics
The reviewer calls these buds one of the most complete daily-driver earbuds available and gives them an Editors' Choice award.
Read eCoustics review - 89est.SlashGear
Still the earbuds to beat for sound, with strong ANC and comfortable foam tips, but a bigger design, clumsy controls and a high price keep it from being a clean sweep.
Read SlashGear review - 89est.Trusted Reviews
Sony's best earbuds yet, with excellent noise cancelling, sound and call quality, and the ones to beat in 2026.
Read Trusted Reviews review - 83est.TechRadar
Very good sound and a stable connection, but noise cancelling, call handling and fit trail Bose, Apple and Technics, so the reviewer nudges buyers toward alternatives.
Read TechRadar review - 83est.ZDNET
Editors' Choice for outstanding sound, strong noise cancelling and deep customisation, though the reviewer found the new bud shape uncomfortable and advises checking the return window.
Read ZDNET review - 83est.9to5Toys
After a couple of weeks of use the reviewer finds the new buds improved over the XM5 in noise cancelling, calls and sound.
Read 9to5Toys review - 83est.Business Insider
A hands-on test finds Sony's newest buds a clear step up in noise cancelling, sound and calls, though Bose still blocks noise better.
Read Business Insider review - 77est.NBC Select
Among the best-sounding earbuds the tester tried, with strong noise cancelling, transparency and a flexible app.
Read NBC Select review
"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates
How it compares
Direct comparisons by professional outlets, exact models only, in our words. Shown as evidence; they never change the critic score.
vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)87
- What Hi-Fi? picks the Sony WF-1000XM6.
- Android Central: it depends. Choose this one if: you wear them for long sessions and want comfort even with slightly weaker noise cancelling.
vs Apple AirPods Pro 386
- CNET: it depends. Choose this one if: sound quality is your priority and you can swap in better eartips for a seal.
What critics praise most
What critics dislike most
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Common questions
Is the Sony WF-1000XM6 worth it?
Most critics think so: 16 of 19 recommend it. Expensive, and the tips don't fit everyone.
Do critics agree about the Sony WF-1000XM6?
Broad agreement: scores range from 77 (NBC Select) to 95 (Expert Reviews), a spread of 18 points across 19 reviews. Most reviewers land fairly close together.
What do critics dislike about the Sony WF-1000XM6?
Price (11 of 19 reviews), Fit and comfort (10 of 19 reviews), Controls and app (6 of 19 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Sony WF-1000XM6?
The Sony WF-C710N (critic score 94), top pick, narrowly.