This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
The WF-1000XM6 is the best-feeling Sony flagship I have owned, and I have used every generation since the XM4. The silver finish looks like matte stone or washi paper in person, far nicer than in product photos. The new bean-shaped buds stick out more than the XM5, yet sit more securely in the ear. In a three-way listening test, the XM6 had the strongest punch on drums and snares, with a slightly bass-leaning tilt. At ¥45,000 it is expensive, but everything is at a very high level.
What I tested
- Sony WF-1000XM6 in silver (¥45,000 at the time of recording)
- Compared with my Sony WF-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Pro 3
- Unboxing, fit, noise cancelling and ambient sound at home, and a flat-EQ listening session with the same songs on all three
What I found
- Finish: matte and stone-like, with very little plastic feel. The case is slightly larger than the XM5 case.
- Fit: the buds rest in the bowl of the ear instead of just plugging in, so they feel less likely to fall out. I barely noticed any extra weight.
- Passive isolation is strong even with ANC off, almost like earplugs. Turning ANC on removes that blocked feeling and makes it sound more natural.
- Ambient sound mode is very natural, but AirPods Pro 3 still feel closest to wearing nothing. The XM6 leaves a faint veil.
- Sound: the XM5 lacks some attack; AirPods Pro 3 are clear and easy to listen to; the XM6 has the most impact and rhythm. If treble feels short, a small EQ boost helps.
- Ear tips are very soft, and each size has a different inner color, so S and SS are easy to tell apart.
Side-by-side
| WF-1000XM6 | AirPods Pro 3 | WF-1000XM5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall sound | Punchy, slightly bass-leaning | Clear and easy | Easy, but less contrast |
| Drum and snare attack | Strongest of the three | Much improved | A little weak |
Who it is for
- Good fit: you want rhythm and weight in your music, you care about materials, or you use an Android phone.
- Good fit: the AirPods stem catches on your hood in winter. The rounded XM6 does not.
- Look elsewhere: you live in the Apple ecosystem and rely on automatic switching between iPhone and Mac, where AirPods Pro 3 are smoother.
Watch the review
The video is in Japanese. The listening comparison of all three earbuds starts around 27:50, best heard on headphones.
Limitations
This is a first-impressions review recorded shortly after unboxing, so I cannot comment on battery life or long-term durability. I did not test on a train. Prices are Amazon Japan prices in yen at the time of recording.
Products
Sony WF-1000XM6 (silver): on Amazon Japan
Apple AirPods Pro 3: on Amazon Japan
Sony WF-1000XM5: on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Earbuds, Speakers & Audio (35) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.