
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sony WF-1000XM6 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 | Sony WF-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $150 | $298 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2022 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | two-way dynamic speakers | dynamic |
| Driver type | - | custom driver |
| Driver size | 11 mm | 8.4 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable Codec | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Wireless range | - | 10 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 7.5 h | 12 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 5 h | 8 h |
| Battery incl. case | 29 h | 24 h |
| Full charge time | 60 min | 90 min |
| Quick charge | 5 min = 1 h | 3 min = 1 h |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | Yes |
| ANC type | hybrid | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Companion app | Yes | Yes |
| Custom EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Wear detection | Yes | Yes |
| Controls | touch | touch |
| Voice assistant | Bixby | Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 10 g | 6.4 g |
| Case weight | 41.2 g | 47 g |
| Water resistance | IPX2 | IPX4 |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | No | - |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 3 | 8 |
| Call noise reduction | 3 mics (2 outer + 1 inner) + Voice Pickup Unit | - |
| Microphone | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
Samsung Galaxy Buds2
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 are compact wireless earbuds that offer hybrid active noise cancellation and a comfortable, featherlight fit. With an 11mm two-way driver system, they deliver balanced sound, while the case extends total playback to around 29 hours. They support wireless charging and feature touch controls, though they lack multipoint connectivity and have modest water resistance.
- Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
- Pro:Effective hybrid noise cancellation for the price
- Pro:Compact case with wireless charging support
- Con:No multipoint pairing for seamless device switching
- Con:Only AAC codec support, no aptX or LDAC
- Con:IPX2 rating offers minimal protection against moisture
Sony WF-1000XM6
The Sony WF-1000XM6 true wireless earbuds deliver a top-tier audio experience with adaptive noise cancellation and robust sound quality, making them a strong all-around choice for daily use and workouts. They feature a long battery life, LDAC support, and multipoint connectivity, though their premium price and slightly bulky case are minor trade-offs. Overall, they excel in most areas, with call clarity and customization options further boosting their appeal.
- Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
- Pro:Rich, detailed sound with LDAC support
- Pro:Long battery life even with ANC on
- Con:Premium price point may deter budget buyers
- Con:Charging case is somewhat larger than rivals
- Con:Stock ear tips might not fit all ear shapes
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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