Is the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro worth the upgrade from the Sony WF-1000XM6?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro actually scores 23.1 points below the Sony WF-1000XM6, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on battery (8.4 to 4.6) and noise cancelling (9.2 to 6.3). On paper: driver size 8.4 mm to 11 mm and drivers per side 1 to 2. Worth checking: battery life goes 12 h to 8 h and bluetooth goes 5.3 to 5.0. It is at least $121 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound9.37.7
- Noise cancelling9.26.3
- Battery8.44.6
- Calls8.46.5
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | WF-1000XM6 | Galaxy Buds Pro | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 12 h | 8 h | |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC | SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable | |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 | |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | No | |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX7 | |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 8 h | 5 h | |
| Driver size | 8.4 mm | 11 mm | |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 | |
| Microphones | 8 | 3 | |
| Quick charge | 3 min → 1 h | 5 min → 1 h | |
| Driver | 8.4 mm dynamic | 2-driver hybrid | |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 40 kHz | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "WF-1000XM6 to Galaxy Buds Pro". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across true wireless and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.