Gadget / Earbuds / Review
【Hardcore Gadget Geek's Review】Sony WF-1000XM6 Review: Out Feb 27, JPY 39,600, 8 Hours With Noise Canceling On, Supports LDAC and LC3
The Sony WF-1000XM6 is the flagship of Sony's true wireless earbuds with noise canceling. It went on sale Feb 27, 2026 at JPY 44,550 at the Sony Store, and the listing now reads JPY 39,600. It plays 8 hours with noise canceling on, weighs about 6.5g an earbud, and supports LDAC and LC3.
Key points
- Release date: Feb 27, 2026. JPY 44,550 at launch, now listed at JPY 39,600 at the Sony Store
- 8 hours with noise canceling on (12 with it off). About 6.5g an earbud with the M-size ear tips
- SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3. Bluetooth 5.3, 8.4mm driver
[Released Feb 27, 2026] Sony WF-1000XM6
The WF-1000XM6 is Sony's flagship, with 8 hours of noise canceling
The WF-1000XM6 is a true wireless noise-canceling earbud Sony put on sale Feb 27, 2026. It succeeds the WF-1000XM5, and the Sony Store price at launch was JPY 44,550.
A new integrated processor, the QN3e, handles noise canceling. Sony claims about three times the processing speed of the previous model. The driver is a newly designed 8.4mm unit.
As an IT consultant (SE), I check what a multiplier is measured against. This "about 3x" is also against the previous model.
How I judged it
First, battery with noise canceling on. It lasts 8 hours, and 12 with it off. The 8 hours is 1.5 hours longer than the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro's 6.5 (about 23%).
Next, how the sound is sent. It supports SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3. Used with LDAC at 96kHz and 990kbps, the frequency range extends to 40,000Hz.
The price has fallen JPY 4,950 since launch (44,550 - 39,600), about 11% (4,950 / 44,550). Over two years it comes to about JPY 54 a day (39,600 / 730).
If you can't decide, take the WF-1000XM6. The reason: 8 hours with noise canceling on, plus LDAC, for JPY 39,600.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Sony WF-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Rakuten Ichiba is a Japanese marketplace. Overseas shipping depends on the shop.
Buying from outside Japan? Sign up free for Rakuten Global Express (Rakuten's official forwarding service) and check out with its Japan warehouse address → full guide
When did the WF-1000XM6 come out? Price and specs
| Item | WF-1000XM6 |
|---|---|
| Release date | Feb 27, 2026 |
| Price (Sony Store) | JPY 39,600 (JPY 44,550 at launch) |
| Weight | About 6.5g an earbud (with M-size ear tips) |
| Playback (noise canceling on) | Up to 8 hours |
| Playback (noise canceling off) | Up to 12 hours |
| Calls (noise canceling on / off) | Up to 5 hours / 5.5 hours |
| Driver | 8.4mm |
| Connection | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Colors | Black, platinum silver |
Sony says it rebuilt the balance between the earbud's passive isolation and electronic cancellation to suit comfort and fit.
How does it compare with the AirPods Pro 3 and Liberty 5 Pro?
| Item | WF-1000XM6 | AirPods Pro 3 | Liberty 5 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release date | Feb 27, 2026 | Sep 2025 | May 27, 2026 |
| Price | JPY 39,600 | JPY 42,800 | JPY 26,990 |
| Price gap to WF-1000XM6 | ― | +JPY 3,200 | -JPY 12,610 (about -32%) |
| Weight per earbud | About 6.5g | ― | About 5.9g |
| Playback with noise canceling on | Up to 8 hours | Up to 8 hours | Up to 6.5 hours |
With noise canceling on, the WF-1000XM6 and AirPods Pro 3 both give 8 hours. For a lower price there is the JPY 26,990 Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro.
Strengths and things to note
Strengths
8 hours with noise canceling on. 12 hours with it off.
Wide sound transmission. Four codecs including LDAC and LC3.
Light. About 6.5g an earbud with the M-size ear tips.
Things to note
At JPY 39,600 it costs JPY 12,610 more than the Liberty 5 Pro. Each earbud is about 6.5g, 0.6g heavier than the Liberty 5 Pro's 5.9g. Playback is 12 hours with noise canceling off but shrinks to 8 with it on.
Who is it for?
People who listen with noise canceling on trains, planes and in cafes. Android users who want to use LDAC.
If price comes first, the JPY 26,990 Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro is another way to choose.
Price and where to buy
The Sony Store lists JPY 39,600, and retailers on Rakuten Ichiba also sell it. Over two years, that is about JPY 54 a day (39,600 / 730).
If you can't decide, take the WF-1000XM6. The reason: 8 hours with noise canceling on, plus LDAC, for JPY 39,600.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Sony WF-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Rakuten Ichiba is a Japanese marketplace. Overseas shipping depends on the shop.
Buying from outside Japan? Sign up free for Rakuten Global Express (Rakuten's official forwarding service) and check out with its Japan warehouse address → full guide
For three earbuds side by side, see the best wireless earbuds. For an option that leaves your ears open, read the best ear-cuff earbuds too.
FAQ
When did the WF-1000XM6 come out?
It went on sale Feb 27, 2026. The Sony Store price at launch was JPY 44,550, and it now reads JPY 39,600.
How long does it play with noise canceling on?
Up to 8 hours of continuous playback, or 12 with noise canceling off. Calls last up to 5 hours (5.5 with it off).
Which codecs does it support?
Four: SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3. Bluetooth is version 5.3.
About the writer and sources
Written by a gadget nerd who works as an IT consultant (SE). At work I decide what a ratio is measured against first, and I read this earbud's numbers the same way.
Release date and price were re-checked on Oct 27 against Sony's specification page and press coverage. Last updated Oct 27. Sources are listed below.
