Sony has officially launched the WF-1000XM6 earbuds, ending months of speculation and incremental leaks. The new true wireless model is now available to order in Black and Platinum Silver, with a retail price of AED 1,299 ($329.99). That places the WF-1000XM6 above the launch price of the previous generation, marking a roughly 10 percent increase over the WF-1000XM5, which debuted at $299.99.
The higher price suggests a deliberate move further into the premium segment of the wireless earbuds market. As with earlier models in the series, active noise cancellation remains central to the WF-1000XM6 identity. Sony has introduced a new QN3e noise-cancelling processor, which it says is three times faster than the chip used in the WF-1000XM5. Each earbud is also equipped with eight microphones designed to work together to monitor and suppress ambient sound in real time.
Early hands-on impressions indicate that the noise cancellation performance has improved compared to the previous model, particularly in reducing consistent environmental noise such as traffic or office hum. In practical terms, that positions the WF-1000XM6 as a direct competitor to other flagship noise cancelling earbuds in 2026, where adaptive ANC and multi-microphone arrays are now standard at the high end.
Audio performance has also been updated. Sony has incorporated a new driver unit alongside a revised DAC and amplifier setup. The company claims this combination delivers greater clarity and detail across the frequency range. Reports comparing the WF-1000XM6 to both the WF-1000XM5 and Sony’s over-ear models, including the WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM6, suggest the new earbuds hold their own within the brand’s broader audio lineup. Whether that translates into a meaningful upgrade for existing WF-1000XM5 owners will likely depend on listening preferences and how much value users place on incremental gains in resolution and tuning.
Call quality is another area Sony has targeted. The WF-1000XM6 uses beamforming microphones, a bone conduction sensor, and AI-based noise reduction to isolate the user’s voice. The aim is to improve clarity during calls, particularly in outdoor or crowded environments where background noise can interfere.
Battery life remains in line with the previous generation. Sony rates the WF-1000XM6 for up to 24 hours of total playback, with around eight hours from the earbuds themselves and an additional 16 hours from the charging case. Fast charging is supported, with a five-minute top-up delivering approximately one hour of listening time.
The WF-1000XM6 earbuds arrive at a time when the premium true wireless earbuds category is crowded and highly competitive. With a higher price and a focus on refining noise cancellation, sound quality, and call performance, Sony appears to be emphasizing incremental technical improvements rather than a dramatic redesign. For buyers considering the WF-1000XM6, the decision will likely come down to how much those refinements matter relative to the added cost.
