Sony’s reputation for producing truly impressive audio products precedes it and they have not disappointed with the new WF-1000XM6 earphones.
They have stunning audio and outstanding Active Noise Cancellation to offer a superior experience plus a range of features and enhancements to make them an easy choice for anyone with a deep appreciation for music and audio quality.
DESIGN
The WF-1000XM6 have a slightly changed boxier shape from the previous version.
These are slightly bulkier and have a new structure to improve ventilation along with fitting in more microphones.
This also affects the fit if you have smaller ears.
Because Sony has stuck with the traditional bud shape without a stalk everything, including an 8.4 mm driver, is contained inside the unit that rests in your ear.
For us it was a slightly more snug fit but it was still secure and comfortable.
There is a slight ridge along the outer edge that acts as a grip to maintain that solid fit.
Have a snug fit is important to help the quality of the audio and the effectiveness of the Active Noise Cancellation.
Within the Sony Sound Connect app there is an air pressure fit test you can run to check if you are using the right interchangeable silicon tips.
The charging case has also had a redesign and is now bigger and taller than the previous model but it’s still small enough to fit in your pocket.
AUDIO QUALITY
Sony has hit the bullseye with the WF-1000XM6.
For us we found a wider soundscape that had a lot more detail and warmth at all levels.
No matter what type of music you’re listening to the Sony earphones deliver full-bodied audio that still maintains the finesse and clarity.
From hearing each individual guitar string and piano note the Sony earphones don’t miss a thing.
What pleasantly surprised us was the strength of the bass as well.
High-end earphones and headphones tend to be slightly more on the conservative side when it comes to bass output but we’re happy to report Sony has included a solid helping which should increase the appeal to customers of all ages – especially younger listeners.
ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION
The ANC of the WF-1000XM6 is one of its strongest features.
And with this latest version it has gone to a new level.
That’s all thanks to a new on-board HD QN3e noise cancelling processor and the fact there are now four mics in each earbud to listen out for ambient sounds and cancel them out.
These were excellent on flights and almost completely blanked out the engine noise and allowed us to focus on our music.
It’s the same deal if you’re on public transport or in a busy shopping centre or street.
This is definitely an improvement on the ANC compared to last year’s model.
It’s in the same ballpark, not better, as the ANC quality of the AirPods Pro and Bose earphones.
CALL QUALITY
There are many earphones, including Apple’s AirPods, that boast superior call quality.
Unfortunately not all of them deliver on that promise but the Sony earbuds can certainly hold their own.
We’d go as far as to say this is one of the better earphones we made calls with in terms of quality and noise cancellation.
The people we spoke to were surprised to hear that we were actually talking through earphones, such was the quality.
And they also did a great job knocking down some of the background noise so you can be clearly heard.
So if you do receive a call while listening to your music on the Sony earphones, don’t hesitate to answer that call while keeping your earphones firmly in place.
APP AND CONTROLS
The Sony Sound Connect app offers numerous features from setting up the touch controls and check battery levels.
There is also an equaliser which has a few presets and the option to set up custom settings but we found it didn’t change the quality of the audio too much.
As we’ve already mentioned the app also has a test to find the best fit.
We left the default touch controls alone – the navigation controls were on the right earbud while switching from ANC to ambient mode was on the left earbud.
There’s also a Quick Attention mode which kicks in if you press and hold the left earbud.
This instantly lowers the volume of what you’re listening to so you can talk to someone or listen out for an announcement or what’s going on in the background.
BATTERY
Battery life has been quoted by Sony at eight hours, which we found to be pretty accurate even with ANC on.
The charging case adds up to 24 hours of charge so you can always top up on the run.
The case can also be charged wirelessly.
PRICE
The Sony WF-1000XM6 not only have a flagship sound but also a flagship price at $499.95.
They are not cheap but also in the same price range as its competitors.
For the customer who values audio quality and excellent ANC, they would not blink paying this price for this level of earphones that have those four letters on them – S O N Y.
VERDICT
The Sony WF-1000XM6 are a distinct improvement over the previous model, delivering authoritative audio quality, top-shelf Active Noise Cancellation, and superior call quality. If you love music and demand nothing short of flagship audio quality, then these are the earphones for you.
