STACK #258 April 2026

TECH FEATURE

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Specs

XM6 adapts in real time to your surroundings. Low-end train rumble disappears, while higher frequency distractions like traffic or chatter fade into the background. The result is a calm, cocoon-like listening experience, even on a noisy commute. Ambient Sound mode is equally polished. External audio passes through naturally, making it easy to stay aware when crossing roads or listening for announcements. Sound quality: Big sound in a small package Silence matters, but sound is still the boss. Sony has tuned the XM6 for a beautifully balanced and energetic performance. Bass is deep and controlled without dominating the mix. Vocals sit front and centre with clarity and warmth, while treble remains crisp and detailed. In plain terms, these sound excellent. Throw any genre at them – metal, jazz, indie, or classical – and the XM6 will happily transform your playlist into a miniature gig inside your ears. High-quality Bluetooth codec support ensures even compressed streams sound better than expected. Spatial audio support also adds immersion for films and streaming. Call quality: Clear and clever Call performance is strong. AI-powered voice pickup technology isolates your voice effectively, cutting through background noise like wind or street chatter. Multipoint pairing adds everyday convenience, allowing the earbuds to connect to two devices simultaneously and switch seamlessly. Battery life: On the charge Bluetooth: 5.3 Multipoint: Yes, two devices Noise Cancelling: Adaptive ANC with Ambient Mode Battery life: Approx. 8 hours/16 hours in case Quick charg: 5 mins = approx. 60 mins playback IP Rating: IPX4 Wireless charging: Yes Colours: Black and Silver

REVIEW

Sony WF-1000XM6

Top of the class

Sony’s flagship true wireless range returns with the WF-1000XM6, building on the enormous success of the XM5.These premium earbuds aim to set the benchmark once again for ANC and sound quality. We went hands-on to see if they deliver. Words Paul Jones

T he premium earbud and headphone space is a hotly contested proving ground where only the strongest prevail. Dominated by a handful of heavyweight audio brands, it’s not for the faint-hearted, and even the smallest innovation can tilt the balance. Sony has consistently made a bigger splash than most with its WH and WF range of ear gear. Last year, the company blew our lobes off with the superb WH-1000XM6 headphones. Now, in 2026, Sony has turned its attention back to earbuds, delivering a compelling update to the Initially, the XM6s feel slightly bulkier in the hand, but that doesn’t translate to an uncomfortable or unbalanced fit. In fact, quite the opposite. Sony’s ergonomic design keeps them secure on walks, commutes, and workouts. Three sizes of soft gel ear tips help you find the right seal. The earbuds come in two colour options, while the charging case is slimmer and taller than the XM5’s, yet still pocket-friendly. Touch controls are responsive and intuitive, allowing you to manage playback, ANC, and calls with simple taps. These controls can also be customised in Sony’s Sound Connect app. WF-1000XM5 released in 2023. Design and comfort: Fit for a king (or queen)

Noise cancelling: Pocket-sized silence Sony has worn the ANC crown for years. Plenty of brands have taken a run at the title, but whatever is in Sony’s secret silence sauce continues to keep outside noise firmly where it belongs. The XM6 immediately impresses. Despite their tiny footprint, they block out an astonishing amount of sound. You could easily think you’re wearing full-size headphones. With eight precision microphones instead of six, the

Battery life sits around eight hours per charge, with two extra charges stored in the case. A quick five-minute top-up provides about an hour of playback. Verdict: The benchmark just got higher The WF-1000XM6 are less a radical reinvention and more a confident refinement of an already excellent formula. Outstanding ANC, rich sound, comfortable design, and smart features combine to make these an easy recommendation in the premium earbud space.

64 APRIL 2026

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