Where's the Noise › Sony
WH, WF, 1000X, CH, C: what Sony's model names mean, and which pair fits which person.
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| If you want | Buy | Because | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Sony overall | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Sony's flagship over-ear | Amazon |
| Best value Sony | Sony WH-1000XM5 | The previous flagship | Amazon |
| Cheapest Sony with ANC | Sony WH-CH720N | Budget over-ear | Amazon |
| Sony earbuds | Sony WF-1000XM6 | Flagship earbuds | Amazon |
Flagship over-ear
Sony's best and, by RTINGS' measurements, the best noise cancelling pair available. The upgrades over the XM5 that you will notice are the folding hinge, stronger noise cancelling and better call microphones.
Previous flagship
The value Sony. It still uses the same app and offers the same rated battery as the XM6, and it is the Sony to buy if the price gap on the day is large.
Budget over-ear
Sony's lightest noise cancelling over-ear and an award winner at its price. Multipoint and EQ included; LDAC and a case are not.
Flagship earbuds
Sony's best earbuds, with LDAC, a 10-band EQ and eight hours per charge. Fit varies more than with the over-ears, so test every tip size early.
Budget earbuds, no ANC
Tiny and inexpensive, without active noise cancelling.
Good if you want small, cheap Sony buds and do not need noise cancelling. Skip if noise cancelling is why you are shopping.
WH models are over-ear headphones; WF models are true wireless earbuds. The letters are the whole difference between the WH-1000XM6 and the WF-1000XM6, and they are easy to mix up on a listing.
1000X is the flagship line, and XM6 means the sixth generation. CH is the affordable over-ear line, and the C earbuds, like the WF-C510, are the budget earbuds. Not every budget model has noise cancelling: the N in WH-CH720N is the clue, and the WH-CH520 without it has none.
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Sony WH-1000XM5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Folding | Folds into its case | Cups swivel flat only |
| Noise cancelling processor | QN3 | QN1 |
| Battery, ANC on (rated) | 30 h | 30 h |
| Quick charge (rated) | 3 min for about 3 h | 3 min for about 3 h |
| Weight | 254 g | 250 g |
| Standing | RTINGS' and What Hi-Fi?'s top pick | What Hi-Fi?'s top pick for three award years before the XM6 |
Battery and charging figures are Sony's ratings.
Fly often or take calls all day: the XM6, for the strongest noise cancelling and the best microphones. Want most of that for less: the XM5, and accept that it does not fold. Want light, cheap and good enough for a commute: the CH720N. Want it in a pocket: the WF-1000XM6, after checking that the fit works for your ears. And if you do not need noise cancelling at all, the WF-C510 is the cheapest good Sony earbud.
Yes, if the price gap to the XM6 is large on the day. You give up the folding hinge and some noise cancelling; you keep the battery, app and multipoint.
AirPods Pro 3 on an iPhone; the WF-1000XM6 on Android if sound quality and LDAC matter most.
None of the over-ears have a water rating. The WF-1000XM6 is rated IPX4 for sweat; for running outdoors, consider open-ear instead.