Sony today launched its WF-1000XM6 Truly Wireless Earbuds, positioning them as a direct competitor to Apple's AirPods Pro 3 at the same $330 price point. The new earbuds feature Active Noise Cancellation that Sony claims reduces noise by 25 percent compared to the previous XM5 generation, with particular improvements in mid-to-high frequency ranges common in everyday environments.

The earbuds use Sony's HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3e with adaptive noise canceling technology and four microphones per earbud to analyze external noise and wearing conditions in real time. Sony redesigned the XM6 with an 11 percent slimmer profile than the XM5, creating a more ergonomic shape that follows the natural curves of the inner ear. The stemless design makes them smaller than AirPods Pro 3, and they include noise-isolating silicone ear tips with a USB-C charging case.

Battery life reaches up to eight hours on a single charge, with the case providing an additional 24 hours. Sony enhanced sound quality with a new driver unit combining different materials for deep bass and clear high frequencies, plus AI-powered real-time restoration of compressed audio files. For calls, the earbuds employ AI beamforming with two microphones and a bone conduction sensor on each side to isolate the wearer's voice in crowded environments. Sony's new earbuds are available now from the Sony website.