Sony WF-1000XM6

The Sony WF-1000XM6 true wireless earbuds deliver the best call quality and noise cancellation we've ever tested in this form factor. Sound is crisp and customizable, and the fit is secure for all-day wear. If you can snag them on sale, they're a fantastic buy for commuters and remote workers alike.

If you're hunting for true wireless earbuds that nail noise cancellation and call quality, the Sony WF-1000XM6 should be at the top of your list. We've been testing these for a bit, and they're basically the high-water mark for what you can expect from a pair of in-ears under $450. Sony packed an 8.4mm driver, Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC and LC3 support, and an adaptive ANC system driven by the QN3e and V2 processors. That translates to crisp, detailed sound and an almost eerie ability to hush the world around you. Prices bounce around a lot—we've seen them from $280 to $448 depending on the retailer—so keep an eye out for deals. The bottom line? For commuting, calls, and just zoning out to your playlist, these are hard to beat.

In our database, the WF-1000XM6 sits at the absolute top for microphone performance and connectivity—100th percentile in both. Call quality is downright impressive thanks to those eight mics and beamforming tech; your voice comes through clear even with background chatter. The ANC hits the 97th percentile, which means it's neck-and-neck with the best over-ears we've tested. Sound quality lands in the 96th percentile: it's balanced, with maybe a touch more bass than the XM5, and the LDAC support lets you stream high-res audio without a hiccup. Battery life is solid at 8 hours from the buds and 24 from the case, and a quick 5-minute charge nets you an hour of listening. It's not the longest-lasting on the market, but it's perfectly fine for a workday. The IPX4 rating means you can sweat a little, but we wouldn't trust them for a heavy gym session. Overall, these are a powerhouse for noise blocking and voice calls.

Value is tricky because the price tag can swing by nearly $170. At the low end—around $280 from some discount or refurb sellers like Newegg—these are a steal for the ANC and call performance you get. At $448, you're firmly in premium territory, and that's a harder sell when the Technics EAH-AZ100-K or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen are nipping at its heels for less. Still, if you prioritize mic quality and noise cancellation above all else, the XM6 justifies its premium better than most. Just hunt for a deal; the refurbished units some retailers offer are practically mint.

Stacked against its main rivals, the Sony WF-1000XM6 holds its own. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen might edge it out slightly in pure comfort, but the Sony's mic and ANC are noticeably better. Samsung's Galaxy Buds3 Pro offer a more seamless integration if you're in the Android ecosystem, but their sound signature is a bit more bass-heavy. The Technics EAH-AZ100-K give the XM6 a real run for its money with similar LDAC support and a slightly warmer tone, often at a lower price. Then there's the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4, which excel in sound refinement but don't match Sony's call clarity. If calls and noise cancelling are your daily drivers, the XM6 is the one to beat.

If you're a gym rat who needs earbuds that can handle burpees and heavy sweat, look elsewhere—the IPX4 rating is only splash-resistant, and the fit can wiggle loose during intense movement. Consider the Jabra Evolve2 Buds or a dedicated sports pair. Also, if you already own the XM5 and don't care about call upgrades, the sound difference might not be worth the cost. And if your phone doesn't support LDAC (like many iPhones), you're leaving some audio performance on the table, making a more AAC-friendly option like AirPods Pro a practical alternative.

So, should you buy the Sony WF-1000XM6? If you're constantly on calls in noisy environments and you want earbuds that can hush a subway car, the answer is a resounding yes. They're simply the best we've tested for microphone quality, and the ANC is top-tier. Even for pure music listening, the sound is engaging and detailed. The only real reasons to pause are if you need something for the gym or you're on a strict budget. But for everyone else, this is as close to a no-brainer as it gets in the true wireless world—just wait for a price drop.