Sony’s WF-1000XM6 earbuds stand out as the top choice for noise-canceling wireless earbuds, yet their price has made them a challenging buy compared to the previous model. The older version often retails at a discounted price of $248, while the updated WF-1000XM6 is priced at $329 and hasn’t seen a price reduction—until now. Currently, these earbuds are available for approximately $298, marking a $31 discount, at Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from Sony, making this an attractive opportunity for buyers.

The WF-1000XM series by Sony has consistently been a favorite for wireless audio enthusiasts, and this latest iteration builds on its already robust foundation. According to a review by John Higgins, a colleague of ours, these earbuds excel in noise cancellation, surpassing both the Bose Ultra Earbuds and AirPods Pro in muting surrounding chatter. They also deliver exceptional sound quality, with well-balanced audio and enhanced bass compared to the previous model. The inclusion of Sony’s LDAC codec ensures that the music retains its rich detail. Additionally, Sony has introduced a new listening mode that reduces audio distractions by simulating the ambient sounds of a café, which can be particularly beneficial for those who use music to concentrate.

Apart from superior sound and noise-canceling capabilities, these earbuds are designed for everyday use. They boast impressive battery life, offering up to eight hours on a single charge and up to 24 hours when using the wireless charging case. For added comfort, Sony provides interchangeable foam ear tips in various sizes and will supply silicone tips at no extra cost if the foam ones aren’t suitable. However, achieving optimal noise cancellation and sound quality requires a snug fit with the foam ear tips, which our reviewer noted can be a bit tricky to secure.