After a gap of two years, Sony has finally announced a new pair of flagship wireless earbuds. The WF-1000XM6 arrive as the replacement for the WF-1000XM5, and Sony believes these are its best earbuds yet.
So what’s new?
Sony is introducing an updated version of its Integrated Processor V2, which now features 32-bit audio processing, up from the 24-bit depth of the XM5. Thanks to this change, Sony claims the XM6 offers better clarity, dynamic range and detail.
WF-1000XM6 in black
The buds are equipped with 8.4 mm dynamic drivers and receive custom sound tuning from Sony’s acoustic engineers in collaboration with several Sony Music-affiliated recording studios. You get support for AAC, SBC, LC3 and LDAC audio codecs, as well as Sony’s DSEE Extreme, which uses AI algorithms to upscale compressed audio files.
For users who like to tweak their audio output, Sony is bringing an updated 10-band EQ inside the Sony Sound Connect app. You also get multipoint pairing via Bluetooth 5.3 (LE), Auracast, Fast Pair, and Swift Pair capabilities. The buds also support 360 reality audio with head tracking.
The other major update with the XM6 is the QN3e noise-canceling chip, inherited from the over-the-ear WH-1000XM6. The XM6s provide 25% more effective noise reduction than their predecessors, especially in the mid to high frequencies.
WF-1000XM6 in silver
The ANC system features an Adaptive Noise Cancellation Optimizer, which analyzes external noise and optimizes the sound and noise cancellation in real-time according to how you wear the earbuds. The updated ANC system takes advantage of two additional outward-facing microphones, bringing the total number per earbud to four.
Sony also claims that Ambient Mode sounds more natural and lifelike on the XM6s. The internal antennas inside the buds are now 1.5 times larger than the XM5 generation, providing a more reliable connection.
Battery life from the earbuds is rated at 8 hours, just like the XM5 generation. The charging case brings two full recharges for a combined battery life of 24 hours. The XM6 retains IPX4 ingress protection along with wireless charging support.
Sony WF-1000XM6 will be available in silver and black colors €300/$330. You can watch our video preview here.
