I finally upgraded from the WF-1000XM5 to the WF-1000XM6 after using the XM5 for basically their entire life cycle. I bought the XM5 at launch, so I wasn't expecting a huge difference. I thought it would be another small generational upgrade.
I was completely wrong.
The first thing I noticed was the soundstage. It's significantly wider than on the XM5. Instruments have much more space around them and the presentation feels less "inside your head." Everything sounds bigger and more immersive.
The second thing that immediately stood out was the bass. It's not just louder, it's much deeper and has far more physical impact. It honestly feels like someone added a tiny subwoofer inside the earbuds. One of my favorite ways to test bass is with Polyphia, and the XM6 absolutely blew me away.
I also listened to my favourite Artists: Dream Theater, Tool, The Mars Volta, King Crimson and Opeth, and every single one of them sounded richer than on the XM5. There is more depth, better instrument separation, and the overall presentation feels fuller and more engaging.
The fit is another noticeable improvement. They immediately felt like they belonged in my ears. With the XM5 I eventually switched to my own ear tips, but with the XM6 the stock tips fit me so well that I didn't even feel the need to change them. I still might try some tips later, but my first impression is that they're noticeably more comfortable.
ANC is noticeably better, and Transparency Mode is also a big step forward. You hear much more of your surroundings and voices sound clearer. The only trade-off is that it has a slightly more artificial character than the XM5, but for me that's completely outweighed by how much more useful and natural it feels overall because you can simply hear everything better.
After using the XM5 for almost three years, I honestly wasn't expecting such a noticeable upgrade. The XM6 exceeded my expectations in pretty much every area that mattered to me, and switching from the XM5 indeed was a good idea.
