New Earbuds King? Sony Officially Unveils WF-1000XM6 Earbuds

Sony has answered in the latest rivalry of flagship earbuds with the introduction of WF-1000XM6, with updates focused on highly improved ANC, along with enhancements in sound processing, call quality, connectivity and wearing comfort, when compared with the previous generation.

Sony WF-1000XM6 Earbuds

The WF-1000XM6 uses Sony’s in-house HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3e, together with the Integrated Processor V2, an Adaptive Noise Cancelling Optimizer, and four microphones onboard each side (up from three) to achieve a claimed 25% reduction in noise compared with the predecessor, with improvements most noticeable in mid-to-high frequency ranges.

The earbuds’ ANC can also reduce sound leakage through gaps between the ear tips and the ear canal, in case its exclusive “Noise Isolation Earbud Tips” (available in four sizes) are not perfectly sealing the ears for whatever reason. A newly adopted ventilation structure is said to increase airflow within the device, which Sony claims to significantly reduce noises originated from other parts of the body, such as footsteps and chewing sounds. To further cater to ideal ergonomics, the earbuds body are now 11% slimmer as well.

The aforementioned audio processors responsible for WF-1000XM6’s ANC is also responsible for its audio, which now supports 32-bit depth. Sony developed a new driver unit that combines different materials for the diaphragm dome and edge to cover both ends of the frequency spectrum, and for its audio signature, the company has called in the mastering engineers responsible for the WH-1000XM6 to give it the same treatment. Other features include DSEE Extreme and 360 Reality Audio support, plus a 10-band EQ accessible via Sony Sound Connect app.

For voice calls, the WF-1000XM6 uses a bone conduction sensor and dual microphones on each earbud, along with AI-based beamforming and noise reduction to keep voices clear. Its connectivity has been updated with a 1.5x larger antenna and revised algorithms to improve Bluetooth stability, with support for Bluetooth LE Audio that improves low-latency support for gaming usage.

The charging case has gone through a makeover as well, moving away from the pebble-shaped case to a new one with brutalist looks – which has its own usage benefits, as Sony claims it is now easier to open the case one-handed, and the earbuds can be picked up more easily, too. Battery life is rated at up to 8 hours on the earbuds, plus another 16 hours through the case for a full 24-hour use with ANC enabled. The case also supports wireless charging.

The WF-1000XM6 is now available in Black and Platinum Silver colors at a SRP of RM1,599.

Bonus: WH-1000XM6 Sand Pink

Separately, Sony has added a new color option for the WH-1000XM6 headphones in Sand Pink, joining the existing Black, Platinum Silver and Midnight Blue variants. It’s now available at the price of RM2,099.

Pokdepinion: New king of earbuds? Looking like one on paper.