# These have giant shoes to fill… - Sony WF-1000XM6 Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOZgQlFCK0w Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/DOZgQlFCK0w Generated: 2026-02-12T16:41:38.687+00:00 --- ## 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. ![Screenshot at 00:28: A cutaway visual of the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbud interior highlighting the presence of 8 microphones used for precise noise detection and cancellation.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/DOZgQlFCK0w/00-00-28.jpg) **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). ### Unboxing & Design - The case is noted as sleek but slightly large compared to competitors (00:51, 00:56) - Earbuds are 11% slimmer than the XM5, improving fit and comfort (02:54, 03:03) - Four sets of ear tips are included, with foam-style tips being a welcome, wild choice (01:47) ### Technology & Features - Features 8 microphones for noise cancellation and dual advanced processors (00:28, 00:33) - Supports multi-point connection (connecting to two devices simultaneously) (07:32) - Battery life is 8 hours per charge, 24 hours total with the case (01:14) ### App Customization - App offers detailed Ambient Sound Control with customizable sensitivity levels and Voice Pass-through (06:19, 06:25) - EQ is fully manual, allowing users to save custom presets (07:12, 10:34) - Touch controls are highly customizable for tap functions, including volume control (09:33) ### Performance Impressions - ANC is effective, even when using only one earbud (08:05) - Microphone quality during a call with background noise is surprisingly good (08:38) - Frequency response shows strong bass but an unnatural dip around 500Hz to 1kHz that requires EQ adjustment (10:21, 10:43) ### Conclusion - The reviewer rates the earbuds a B- overall, suggesting the sound tuning requires user adjustment, despite excellent features like multi-point and advanced ANC (03:58, 11:58) ![Screenshot at 00:04: The host demonstrating the size difference of the XM6 case by holding it next to an old shoe, indicating the large footprint of the predecessor's case.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/DOZgQlFCK0w/00-00-04.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:28: A technical graphic revealing the internal components of the earbud, explicitly showing the 8 microphones used for noise cancellation.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/DOZgQlFCK0w/00-00-28.jpg) ![Screenshot at 01:03: Close-up view of the case side showing the USB-C Charging Port and the physical Pairing Button.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/DOZgQlFCK0w/00-01-03.jpg) ![Screenshot at 02:55: A graphic comparing the shape of the XM6 to the XM5, showing an 11% slimmer shape for better fit in the ear.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/DOZgQlFCK0w/00-02-55.jpg) ![Screenshot at 06:19: A screenshot of the Sony Headphones Connect app displaying the Ambient Sound Control settings, showing options for Noise Canceling, Ambient Sound, Auto Ambient Sound, and Voice pass-through.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/DOZgQlFCK0w/00-06-19.jpg)