What is the price of the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds?

The Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds are priced at $329 / £250 / (about AU$480) and became available globally on February 12, 2026.

Are the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds a significant upgrade over the WF-1000XM5?

Improvements in ANC and sound quality are small, and the WF-1000XM5 are heavily discounted, offering better value for most consumers.

What new features does the Sony WF-1000XM6 offer?

The WF-1000XM6 introduces a new Background Music Effect with three modes for ambient listening and retains features like wireless charging and speak-to-chat.

Home / Technology / Sony XM6 vs XM5: Worth the Upgrade?

Sony XM6 vs XM5: Worth the Upgrade?

20 Feb

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Summary

Sony WF-1000XM6 launch at $329, with mixed pricing changes globally.
New features like Background Music Effect offer subtle enjoyment.
Older WF-1000XM5 models are heavily discounted, offering better value.

Sony has launched its latest flagship wireless earbuds, the WF-1000XM6, priced at $329 / £250 / (about AU$480) and available globally from February 12, 2026. While the UK and Australia see a slight price decrease from the WF-1000XM5, US consumers face the same elevated price as the previous model's 2025 increase.

These new earbuds retain appreciated features from the WF-1000XM5, such as wireless charging and speak-to-chat. A notable addition is the Background Music Effect, offering three modes to subtly distance audio, ideal for focus or ambient listening. Although equipped with an extra mic and updated algorithms, improvements in noise-cancelling and call quality are marginal.