True Wireless
Sony WF-1000XM5
88Outstanding
$249
Full review dataSony WF-1000XM5 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sony WF-1000XM5 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sony WF-1000XM5 - Outstanding overall at around $249.
True Wireless
Sony WF-1000XM6
88Outstanding
$298
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value7.0
Sony WF-1000XM6
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Sony WF-1000XM5 | Sony WF-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $249 | $298 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2023 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 0.33" | dynamic |
| Driver type | - | custom driver |
| Driver size | 8.4 mm | 8.4 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless range | - | 10 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 12 h | 12 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 8 h | 8 h |
| Battery incl. case | 24 h | 24 h |
| Full charge time | 90 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 | Yes | Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 11.8 g | 6.4 g |
| Case weight | 39 g | 47 g |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 6 | 8 |
| Microphone | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
Sony WF-1000XM5
These are high-end true wireless earbuds that focus on adaptive noise cancellation and detailed audio, supporting LDAC for high-resolution streaming. They offer a solid battery life of up to 12 hours without ANC, plus a comfortable fit and IPX4 sweat resistance for daily use. The touch controls and companion app add convenience, though the price reflects their premium status.
- Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
- Pro:Long battery life (12 hours without ANC)
- Pro:Supports LDAC and AAC codecs
- Con:Premium price point
- Con:No higher water resistance rating than IPX4
- Con:Touch controls may take time to master
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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