Sony WF-1000XM6 Review: Are These The Best ANC Earbuds Right Now?

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Sony has been in the audio game long enough that every new pair of flagship earbuds comes with a simple expectation: they should sound exceptional. The Sony WF-1000XM6 arrive with that reputation firmly intact, promising industry-leading active noise cancellation and premium sound.

After spending time with them, the real question becomes simple: are these the best ANC earbuds right now? Let's find out.

Sound quality: Sony reminding everyone who the OG is

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The first thing you notice with the XM6 is the sound. It's rich and detailed, and surprisingly immersive for such small earbuds. Sony has always been one of the biggest names in consumer audio, and here it feels like the company is reminding everyone why.

I currently use the AirPods Pro (3rd generation) daily because I'm deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem. They work seamlessly with my devices and are incredibly convenient. But when it comes purely to sound quality, Sony's earbuds genuinely stand out.

The XM6 deliver a fuller, more layered listening experience. Bass feels controlled, while mids and highs remain crisp even at higher volumes. Pair that with Sony's excellent active noise cancellation, and you get a listening bubble that's genuinely hard to break.

In short: if audio quality is your top priority, Sony still knows what it's doing.

One of the more unexpected highlights came when I paired the earbuds with my TV. I connected them to my Samsung TV while playing Resident Evil Requiem, and the results were surprisingly immersive.

Indeed, horror games rely heavily on sound design: distant footsteps, creaking doors, and environmental ambience. The XM6 handled those details beautifully. Its sense of spatial depth really added to the tension.

My only complaint isn't actually about the earbuds. The PlayStation 5 still doesn't support most Bluetooth headsets directly, so I had to connect through the TV instead. That's more of a console limitation than anything Sony's earbuds are doing wrong, but it's worth noting.

Calls and connectivity

Call quality is solid and the earbuds connect quickly with my iPhone. However, the ecosystem advantage still belongs to Apple.

The AirPods Pro (3rd generation) simply integrate more deeply with iOS devices, which is expected. Switching between Apple devices, automatic pairing and ecosystem features still give them the edge for iPhone users.

That said, Sony's experience is still smooth enough that most people won't struggle.

The Sony Sound Connect app is another highlight. It allows you to tweak the EQ, customise sound profiles and fine-tune the listening experience to your taste. If you enjoy adjusting your audio settings, this level of control is a big advantage.

Comfort and fit

At first glance, the design of the XM6 might look slightly unusual. But once you actually wear them, it makes sense.

The ear tips have a soft, spongy cushion that gently expands and moulds itself to your ears. Instead of feeling rigid, the earbuds adapt to your ear shape over time, creating a snug and comfortable fit.

It's the kind of design that may look odd initially but ends up being surprisingly comfortable during longer listening sessions.

Price and competition

In the UAE, the Sony WF-1000XM6 retail for around Dh1,299, which firmly places them in the premium segment.

There are cheaper alternatives depending on your ecosystem:

AirPods Pro (3rd generation) for Apple users

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro for Samsung users

Both options integrate better within their respective ecosystems and may make more sense if convenience is your priority.

Verdict

The Sony WF-1000XM6 make a compelling case for themselves as some of the best ANC earbuds available right now.

The sound quality is exceptional, noise cancellation is outstanding, and the overall listening experience feels premium from start to finish.

But ecosystem loyalty is real. If you're heavily invested in Apple or Samsung devices, alternatives like the AirPods Pro (3rd generation) or Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro may simply fit more naturally into your daily routine.

As for me? I'm probably staying in my ecosystem for now. But if pure sound quality is what you care about most, Sony's latest earbuds make a very strong argument for switching.

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