Sony WF-1000XM6 vs. XM5: Should You Upgrade Your Earbuds?

Sony has impressed music lovers once again with the release of the WF-1000XM6. But the big question on everyone's mind is this: How does this new model compare to the already popular WF-1000XM5? The previous model had already been in the market for quite sometime, and it has made a name for itself with its stellar noise cancelling and powerful bass. Can the XM6 top it? Or is this upgrade not really worth it? They both retail at $329.99, so let's see if the XM6 or the XM5 is giving you better value. 

We'll start the comparison with the physical look of each earbud. A first glance will tell you the simple fact that these two have very different build styles. The XM5 is smaller than the XM6 and has a round shape, fitting directly in your ear with no issue. The smaller shape is more comfortable to smaller ears, though with the right size eartip, you can get these to fit into any ear shape with ease. The shiny body stands out and reflects in the right light, and there is still plenty of room for the sensor pad for touch controls.

Meanwhile, the XM6 has a larger body that has a more oval shape. At first, I thought this shape was going to be too large to feel comfortable in the ear. I was proven very wrong when I tried them on, and found that the shape was actually ergonomically shaped to my ear for a very comfortable fit. The XM6's design was very breathable and was easy to wear for multiple hours. The color on these was more matte than what you see in the XM5, which is better for more active wear and everyday use. 

Between the two, I would say its a toss up to decide which is more comfortable. If you prefer a smaller earbud, you may find the XM5 more ideal for your listening comfort. If you don't mind a larger earbud, the XM6 will prove to be a strong contender that doesn't feel as big as it looks. Both come with foam eartips, though the eartips from Azla or Strauss & Wagner would work perfectly on both the XM5 and XM6. 

Using the XM5 and XM6 is essentially the same. You can connect the earbuds by holding the button on the back of each charging case and waiting for the earphones to appear on your device. The touch controls are also the same principle, and you can even adjust the controls in the Sony Sound Connect app to fully customize these controls. 

Sony makes sure that its most well-known features carry through from XM5 to XM6. This includes noise cancelling, customizable EQ, quick attention mode, and more. The Sony Sound Connect app is great for highlighting these features and making them easy to access. In the XM5, the features are easy to use and translate well to the earbuds. The XM6 also has good sensitivity for the features to be plenty influential. The XM6 takes features a step further by creating Listening Modes, a way you can alter the sound and make it seem like you are in different environments. This makes the XM6 good for people that don't want sound that is as frontal or powerful, and instead would like something to sound ambient and more relaxed. You can make it so you are listening with the XM6 in a café, a large living room, or a small bedroom. These modes were very effective, and will definitely be good for people that want their music to take a backseat while they lock in on some other task. 

One of the main features Sony is known for is having excellent active noise cancellation. The Sony WF-1000XM5 has some of the strongest noise cancellation for true wireless earbuds, with models like the Noble Rex5 or the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 being a close second. With the release of the WF-1000XM6, the top spot has been taken. The XM6 has very strong noise cancellation, something that was immediately noticeable upon putting them on. 

The XM5 has a total of 6 microphones: 3 on each earbud. This is great for the strong ANC they are known for, and the call quality being very clear. However, the XM6 takes this and nearly triples it: there are 8 microphones on each side of the XM6 earbuds. With the addition of 5 mics on each side, you can hear how the noise cancellation goes from 'pretty good' to 'very effective'. The noise cancellation on the XM6 is one of the strongest I've heard in noise cancelling earbuds, and between the passive isolation seal being already very good, the technology only enhances that. You can easily block out the entire crowd around you and have no interruptions with your music. 

Not only are the microphones good for picking up sound to cancel out, but they also ensure phone calls are clear. The XM5 was great for the clean call quality and the specialty microphone that was directed for your voice. The XM6 has this feature as well, so you are sure to get ultra-clear quality on both ends. I find the additional microphones on the XM6 do give you a little more clarity on both ends for better communication. If you're in need of a good Bluetooth earphone for work meetings or for just chatting with friends, either one of the Sony models will be good for your calls.

At the end of the day, both the XM6 and the XM5 offer exceptional quality at a fair price point. Both Sony earbuds are going to offer you stellar noise cancelling, crisp sound quality, and a comfortable fit that you'll want to wear everywhere you go. Depending on what's most important to you in a true wireless earphone may determine which model you decide to get. No matter which model you choose, either Sony model will be a step up in your listening game. 

If you're someone who prefers a smaller earbud and more analytical listening, the WF-1000XM5 may be the choice for you. It leans a little more balanced and has a smaller shell to fit into more sensitively shaped ears. 

If you're all about punchy sound and deep immersion while listening, I would strongly consider the WF-1000XM6. You'll get a loud, forward response that you can tune to your liking, all while appreciating the light, breathable design. 

You can get both the WF-1000XM5 and the WF-1000XM6 at Audio46.