STACK #257 March 2026

AUDIO

TECH FEATURE

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5 reasons

Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds Sony WF 1000XM5 vs WF-1000XM6 earbuds – What’s new and improved?

Sony has officially announced the WF-1000XM6 earbuds, raising the bar once again for flagship true wireless audio and adaptive noise cancelling. Words Scott Hocking

• New Adaptive Noise Cancelling Optimiser – The XM6 earbuds introduce real-time adaptive optimisation that continuously adjusts noise cancelling – based on surroundings and wearing conditions – to deliver more consistent, premium NC across different environments. • Improved noise cancelling – The XM6s achieve a further 25% reduction in everyday noise over the XM5s, using dual processors, more microphones per bud, and improved processing when compared to the previous generation’s static optimisation. • Upgraded call quality – Calls get a boost via a refined dual microphone beamforming layout and enhanced AI noise reduction, improving voice clarity in busy and windy surroundings. • Refined ergonomic design – The XM6 buds feature a smaller, lighter, more naturally contoured shape that improves comfort, seal, and long-session wear.

Premium noise cancelling that adapts to you

Knockout call quality Sony promises its best call quality to date. The XM6 earbuds use a new dual-microphone beamforming layout, combined with a bone-conduction sensor, to accurately capture your voice, while optimised noise reduction suppresses background sound. Even in busy or windy environments, calls can sound clearer and more focused – the person on the other end hears you, not the world around you. For commuters and remote workers alike, the XM6s are built to handle calls as well as they handle music. Premium earbuds for life on the go Compact, lightweight, and ergonomically refined, the XM6 earbuds are designed for long listening sessions on the move. A secure, natural fit supports stronger noise isolation, while IPX4 water resistance, battery

Noise cancelling is where the WF 1000XM6 earbuds truly excel. Dual processors work together with four microphones on each bud to deliver Sony’s most effective noise cancelling yet, reducing more everyday noise across a wide range of environments. These buds are also packing Sony’s new Adaptive NC Optimiser, which continuously tracks ambient sound and wearing conditions in real time. These clever earbuds automatically fine-tune noise cancelling to maintain consistently immersive listening. You’ll get quality quiet time, and when awareness is required, Auto Ambient Sound mode can balance music and external sound.

life up to eight hours (NC on)/12 hours (NC off), plus quick charging make these buds the perfect partners for daily commutes and travel. Studio-quality sound Sony has collaborated with renowned mastering engineers to deliver natural balance and fine detail with studio-level precision. A refined driver plus advanced processing reveals texture and space across every music genre. Support for High-Resolution Audio Wireless via LDAC allows more data to be transmitted over Bluetooth, while Sony’s DSEE Extreme upscales compressed music in real time, restoring detail lost during compression. And speaking of Bluetooth, the buds also support Auracast for access to public broadcasts or sharing music to other compatible devices. 360 Reality Audio with head tracking For a more immersive experience, the XM6 earbuds support 360 Reality Audio with head tracking. As you move your head, the

sound field stays fixed in space, creating a more realistic, 3D listening experience that pulls you deeper into the music (on supported content).

36 MARCH 2026

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