These have giant shoes to fill… - Sony WF-1000XM6

Quick Overview

The Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds offer significant improvements over the XM5 predecessors, featuring an 11% slimmer shape, 8 microphones for enhanced noise cancellation, dual advanced processors, and premium sound powered by a new driver unit, though the reviewer notes the bass response dips slightly in the 500Hz to 1kHz range according to frequency response tests.

Key Points: The WF-1000XM6 features an 11% slimmer shape compared to the WF-1000XM5, improving ergonomics and comfort. The new earbuds incorporate 8 microphones for precisely detecting and canceling noise, alongside dual advanced processors. Sony claims 8 hours of battery life from the earbuds themselves, totaling 24 hours with the charging case (with ANC/Bluetooth active). The charging case supports both USB-C charging and wireless charging. The app allows for extensive customization, including per-activity ambient sound control profiles (e.g., riding in a vehicle, walking, transit) and custom EQ settings. Frequency response testing shows strong bass response but an unnatural dip in the 500Hz to 1kHz range, which the reviewer suggests tuning with the EQ. The earbuds support connecting to two devices simultaneously (multi-point connection), supporting both iOS and Android ecosystems.

Context: This video serves as a hands-on review and first impressions of the brand-new Sony WF-1000XM6 true wireless earbuds, the successor to the highly regarded WF-1000XM5. The reviewer focuses on physical design changes, new internal technology like enhanced microphones and processors, battery life claims, and the customization options available through the companion Sony Headphones Connect app, particularly regarding noise cancellation and EQ.

Detailed Analysis

The review begins by noting the high expectations set by the previous generation (XM5) and introduces the WF-1000XM6, which are sponsored by Sony. Key physical improvements include an 11% slimmer shape, which the reviewer finds more comfortable, especially for sleeping with them in (02:54). Internally, the XM6 boasts 8 microphones and dual advanced processors for improved noise cancellation and sound processing (00:28, 00:33). Battery life is rated at 8 hours for the buds, extending to 24 hours with the case, which supports USB-C and wireless charging (01:14, 01:05). The reviewer tests the companion app, noting features like Adaptive Sound Control that automatically adjusts ambient sound based on activity (walking, riding, staying put) (06:19). The EQ section is accessible, allowing users to save custom presets (07:12). A significant feature highlighted is multi-point connectivity, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices, which worked well between an iPhone and an Android device (07:32). During microphone testing on a FaceTime call with simulated traffic noise, the voice pickup sounded good, even with traffic present (08:38). Frequency response graphs show strong bass performance generally staying within the preferred curve, but there is a noticeable dip in the lower midrange (500Hz to 1kHz) that the reviewer suggests correcting with the EQ (10:21). The touch controls are highly customizable via the app (09:33). Overall, the reviewer rates the comfort and features highly, giving it a B- rating, primarily due to the sound signature dip in the lower mids (03:58).