Things to note: if the discussion is purely about sound-per-pound audio quality, the newer Sony WF-1000XM6 new flagship earbuds are very tough to beat, and that's not easy since the XM5 were already gifted sonically. They're also cheaper than other audiophile-adjacent wireless options released around the same time, and the fan-favorite features (Quick Attention, for one) remain, which makes them more than worthy of Sony's heritage. But for noise-cancelling efficacy, super clear calls and a truly secure fit, they can be outdone. And that's also true for device agnostic spatial audio support — although Apple's top-tier head-tracked Spatial Audio is anything but device- and product-agnostic. All of that being said though, the sound is good…
Pros
- Sonically expansive and neutral
- Much more secure to grab from the case
- Relatively humbly priced compared to rival audiophile buds
Cons
- Noise cancellation is better, but still not elite
- Fit can be a stumbling block; no hearing tests
- 360 Reality Audio support is waning
iPhone owners who prioritise shut-out-the-world ANC need look no further than this set of earbuds (if budget allows). To be clear: the noise cancellation is truly remarkable. This is Apple, so forget Android-friendly higher-res codes (no aptX or LDAC here – although the iOS-ensconced won't really miss them) and I think at this point a dedicated app might be necessary — even for Apple devices — given the tricky-to-install extra perks such as Live Translation. But if you're prepared to hit up Apple's support pages while setting them up, there's so much more to enjoy. Some extra stamina would've been welcome, but what there is here you'll definitely enjoy, especially with heart-rate monitoring…
Pros
- Wall of silence active noise cancellation
- Much comfier and more secure fit
- Heart-rate monitor adds value
Cons
- Still beatable for stamina (with all features deployed)
- Case button will be missed
- Live translation requires work to set up
