Sony WF-1000XM6 review

The WF-1000XM6 replaces the WF-1000XM5 as Sony's top earbud, and the headline change is the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3e, which Sony says runs 3x faster than the QN2e chip in the previous model. Noise cancelling is adaptive, so it adjusts to your surroundings rather than running at one fixed level. Sony says the sound was co-created with mastering engineers, and Android users with LDAC phones can stream at higher bit rates, with DSEE Extreme upscaling compressed files in the Sound Connect app. Battery is listed at up to 24 hours in total with the case, the case charges wirelessly, and multipoint keeps a laptop and phone connected together. The weak points are price and protection: the list price is $329.99, though Sony was selling it for $299.99 when we checked, and the IPX4 rating is lighter than the IP57 on Apple's and Samsung's flagships. For a traveler who wants maximum quiet on any phone, it is the safest pick.

Who it is for

Frequent flyers and commuters who want the strongest documented noise cancelling on iPhone or Android.

Price

$329.99 list price; $299.99 on sale at Sony when checked.

Original Price $329.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 7, 2026.

Key features

• Adaptive noise cancelling driven by the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3e, which Sony says is 3x faster than the QN2e in the WF-1000XM5
• Up to 24 hours of total battery life with the charging case
• LDAC support and DSEE Extreme upscaling through the Sound Connect app
• Multipoint connection and Speak-to-Chat
• IPX4 water resistance and a wireless charging case

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Sony markets it as its best noise cancelling earbud, ahead of the WF-1000XM5
• Strength: Full feature set on both iPhone and Android through one app
• Strength: Wireless charging case and multipoint included
• Weakness: Most expensive pair in this list at list price
• Weakness: IPX4 is lower than the IP57 rating on AirPods Pro 3 and Galaxy Buds4 Pro
• Weakness: LDAC needs a compatible Android phone, so iPhone users get AAC

Key facts

• List price: $329.99
• Battery: Up to 24 hours total with case
• Water resistance: IPX4
• Processor: QN3e, 3x faster than QN2e

Where it ranks

Sony WF-1000XM6 is No. 1 in our Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds verdict and No. 3 in Best Wireless Earbuds.