Sony WF-1000XM6: TWS Flagship with Improved ANC & Audio Quality

Sony has officially unveiled its latest flagship wireless earbuds, the WF-1000XM6, on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The new earbuds succeed the WF-1000XM5, which launched two years prior and represent a significant step forward in audio technology.

As the successor to a popular model, Sony claims the WF-1000XM6 delivers improved performance across the board. Enhancements include upgrades to audio quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), and connectivity. These improvements come as the market for premium wireless earbuds continues to expand, with consumers demanding increasingly immersive and personalized listening experiences.

The newest Sony earbuds now feature the latest Integrated Processor V4, supporting 32-bit audio processing – a jump from the 24-bit processing found in the previous generation. This upgrade, according to Sony, results in greater clarity, a wider dynamic range, and more detailed sound reproduction.

Significant improvements have been made to the active noise cancellation (ANC) capabilities. The Sony WF-1000XM6 is equipped with the QN3e noise cancelling chip, previously used in the over-ear WH-1000XM6 headphones.

Sony asserts that the ANC system on the WF-1000XM6 offers up to 25 percent better noise reduction compared to its predecessor, particularly in the mid-to-high frequency ranges.

The ANC system also includes an adaptive noise cancelling optimizer, which analyzes the surrounding sound environment and adjusts noise reduction in real-time, based on how the earbuds are worn. To support this capability, Sony has added two additional outward-facing microphones, bringing the total to four microphones per earbud.

The WF-1000XM6 utilizes 8.4mm dynamic drivers and has received a custom sound tuning developed in collaboration with recording studios affiliated with Sony Music. This collaborative approach aims to deliver a refined and balanced audio experience.

The TWS supports a variety of audio codecs, including AAC, SBC, LC3, and LDAC. It also incorporates Sony’s DSEE Extreme technology, which uses AI algorithms to enhance the quality of compressed audio files.

For users who prefer to customize their sound profile, Sony is offering a new 10-band equalizer (EQ) accessible through the Sound Connect app on mobile devices.

Sony WF-1000XM6 tersedia dalam dua pilihan warna, Black dan Silver.

Sony has also improved connectivity by increasing the size of the internal antenna within the earbuds by 1.5 times compared to the previous generation. The company claims this change results in a more stable and reliable connection.

The ambient mode on the WF-1000XM6 is now designed to sound more natural and realistic, allowing environmental sounds to be heard more clearly when activated.

In terms of battery life, the Sony WF-1000XM6 offers up to 8 hours of playback, matching the performance of the XM5 generation. The charging case provides two additional full charges, extending the total battery life to 24 hours.

The earbuds also support wireless charging and have an IPX4 water resistance rating.

The Sony WF-1000XM6 is available in Black and Silver and is priced at $330, which is approximately 5.5 million Indonesian Rupiah.