Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Sony WF-1000XM6
Get the Sony WF-1000XM5 on a deal. Unless the price gap is small — then the XM6 is a little quieter and clearer on calls.
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony's previous flagship earbuds: nearly the XM6's sound and the same battery, for less. Noise cancelling is a step behind.
Sony WF-1000XM6
Outstanding noise cancelling, rich detailed sound and clear calls. The best earbuds overall.
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Battery, sound and features are nearly the same: 8 hours with noise cancelling, LDAC and multipoint on both. The XM6 adds about 10% stronger noise cancelling and an extra mic per bud, which is worth a little more, not a lot more.
- —You can save a good chunk over the XM6.
- —Earbuds tend to feel bulky in your ears.
- —You're replacing an older pair, not upgrading from the XM5.
- —The XM6 costs only a little more.
- —You want the quietest Sony earbuds.
- —You make lots of calls outdoors.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Strong noise cancelling and rich sound
- +About 8 hours of battery, the same as the XM6
- +Smaller, lighter buds than the XM6
- −Only four tip sizes and no extra-large, so some people can't get a good seal.
- −The glossy buds are slippery to pick out of the case.
- −No aptX, and LDAC and head-tracked spatial audio work on Android only.
- −Splash resistant only (IPX4).
- +Among the very best noise cancelling
- +Rich, detailed sound with LDAC on Android
- +Clear calls and multipoint
- −The buds are bulky, and the foam tips come in XS to L only, with no extra-large size.
- −The case is big for a pocket and feels less premium than the price.
- −Battery is about 8 hours with noise cancelling, no better than the WF-1000XM5.
- −No aptX, and LDAC hi-res works on Android only.
Ready to choose?
- Is the Sony WF-1000XM5 worth it?
- Is the Sony WF-1000XM6 worth it?
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.