Our verdict
The WF-1000XM6 are Sony’s top noise-cancelling earbuds. What Hi-Fi? called them “benchmark-setting at the money” and gave them full marks for sound. SoundGuys measured 9 hours 41 minutes of playback from one charge, beating Sony’s 8-hour claim with noise cancelling on. They support LDAC, a higher-quality Bluetooth format for compatible Android phones, and can connect to two devices at once. The catch is fit: TechRadar found them hard to seat and achy after several hours, while SoundGuys found the fit easy to get right. Their UK RRP is £249. We have not tested them ourselves: this review draws on Sony’s specifications and reviews by What Hi-Fi?, SoundGuys and TechRadar.
Buy it if
- Sound quality is your top priority in earbuds
- You use an Android phone that supports LDAC
- You want long battery life between charges
Skip it if
- You have small ears or have struggled with earbud fit before
- You use an iPhone and want the tightest Apple integration
- You make lots of calls on the move, as TechRadar’s callers found the sound muffled
How it would fit your home
Long journeys
SoundGuys measured nearly ten hours from one charge, and the case adds more. That covers most flights and train journeys without a top-up.
Working between a phone and laptop
Multipoint lets the earbuds stay connected to two devices at once, so you can move between them without pairing again.
Calls on the move
What Hi-Fi? and SoundGuys found calls clear and wind handled well. TechRadar’s callers said the reviewer sounded muffled, so call quality may vary.
The details, in plain English
Sound
What Hi-Fi? scored the sound five out of five, describing weighty yet well-defined bass and more detail than Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen). TechRadar found the sound expansive and neutral but with less punch than the Technics EAH-AZ100. SoundGuys praised the sound, but noted the sound changes when noise cancelling is switched off.
Noise cancelling
SoundGuys measured an average noise reduction of 88%, against 90% for AirPods Pro 3. It found some voices slip through in the middle frequencies. What Hi-Fi? rated it “a cut above” Samsung’s Galaxy Buds4 Pro, though Bose may still lead on low rumbles. TechRadar called it “fairly good” but said Bose and Apple both beat it.
Battery and charging
Sony claims up to 8 hours with noise cancelling on, or 12 hours with it off, and reviewers quote 24 hours in total with the case. SoundGuys measured 9 hours 41 minutes, and found a three-minute quick charge gave about 45 minutes of listening. TechRadar got about seven hours with heavy use at higher volume. The case supports wireless charging.
Fit and comfort
Fit is the main point of disagreement. SoundGuys scored comfort highly but found them slightly top-heavy and possibly too big for small ears. TechRadar found them hard to seat and said its ear ached after several hours. What Hi-Fi? reported mixed confidence in the seal and wanted an extra-large tip; the app’s fit test passed after a few attempts. Four tip sizes, XS to L, are included.
Connections and features
The earbuds use Bluetooth 5.3 and support SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3. LDAC sends higher-quality audio but needs a compatible Android phone and the right setting in Sony’s Sound Connect app; iPhones use AAC. They connect to two devices at once. Sony rates them IPX4, which covers splashes and sweat. SoundGuys found the low-latency mode for gaming was still in beta.
Strengths and drawbacks
What it does well
- Full marks for sound from What Hi-Fi?, with weighty, well-defined bass
- SoundGuys measured 9 hours 41 minutes of playback from one charge
- Strong noise cancelling: SoundGuys measured an average 88% noise reduction
- LDAC higher-quality Bluetooth for compatible Android phones, and connection to two devices at once
- Wireless charging case and IPX4 splash resistance
What to watch out for
- Fit divides reviewers: TechRadar found them hard to seat and achy after hours
- Apple and Bose still have slightly stronger noise cancelling
- Only four ear-tip sizes, and the case is bulky
- Sound changes when noise cancelling is turned off (SoundGuys)
Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 cost £219 and suit iPhone owners best; SoundGuys measured slightly stronger noise cancelling on the AirPods (90% against 88%). Samsung’s Galaxy Buds4 Pro, also £219, are the Galaxy-phone alternative, though What Hi-Fi? rated the Sony “a cut above”. We have not tested these earbuds side by side.
Alternatives we have reviewed
| Product | Our verdict | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Sony WF-1000XM6 (this one) | Among the best-sounding earbuds you can buy, with long battery life and strong noise cancelling. | £249RRP · silver WF1000XM6S.CE7, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
 Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 | Worth considering as secure-fitting workout earbuds with noise cancelling, if you accept a large case and a limited heart-rate feature. | £249.99RRP, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
 Apple AirPods Pro 3 | The most convenient high-end earbuds for iPhone owners who want strong noise cancelling, instant pairing and Find My built in. | £219RRP, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
 Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro | A strong choice for owners of a recent Galaxy phone who want clear, detailed sound. | £219RRP · black SM-R640NZKAEUB, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
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Where our findings come from
This review is based on Sony’s UK product page and international specification sheet, the Currys listing, and hands-on reviews by What Hi-Fi? (Andy Madden with Kashfia Kabir and Ketan Bharadia, 12 February 2026), SoundGuys (Adam Birney, updated April 2026, including lab measurements) and TechRadar (Becky Scarrott, 12 February 2026). Their findings are credited to them in the text, and where they disagree, as on fit, calls and noise cancelling, we say so. Some specifications come from Sony’s international spec page because the UK page lists few. Prices were checked on 12 October 2026.