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For most buyers, the Sony WF-1000XM6 is the better pick in What Hi-Fi?’s close comparison. Its reviewers preferred Sony for sound, call quality and features. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 may suit you better if comfort, dust protection, Bluetooth 6.0 and user-replaceable batteries matter more. Fit and sound preference are personal, so neither is a universal winner.
Which earbuds win overall?
What Hi-Fi? named the Sony WF-1000XM6 its overall preference, while still rating the contest close and describing the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 as a five-star model. The verdict rests on the reviewers’ listening impressions, call-quality assessment and feature comparison—not on a controlled lab measurement proving Sony is better for every listener. Read What Hi-Fi?’s head-to-head.
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- Choose Sony if you prioritize the reviewers’ warmer, more expressive sound, clearer calls and Sony’s feature set.
- Consider Sennheiser if the reported comfort advantage, IP54 dust protection, aptX codec support or replaceable batteries better match your needs.
- Try them on if possible: ear shape and tip seal can change both comfort and sound, and the comparison notes that Sony’s fit divides opinion.
How do they sound?
This is a preference-led difference, not an objective promise that one tuning will suit everyone. What Hi-Fi? describes the Sennheisers’ 7 mm TrueResponse drivers as clean and balanced, with strong clarity and a nimble, detailed midrange. It also hears sharper or etched treble on some material; the app equalizer can help adjust that balance.
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#1 Best Overall
- Signature Sennheiser Sound, Refined: Experience brilliant, emotionally rich audio with a high fidelity audiophile-grade 7mm TrueResponse driver, meticulously tuned to deliver exceptional clarity, detail, and natural balance at any volume.
- Audiophile Grade Wireless Audio: Advanced Bluetooth codecs including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, and AAC preserve every detail, so music, movies, and games sound immersive, dynamic, and true to the source.
- Exceptional Battery Life: Enjoy up to 40 hours of playtime with on-the-go charging from the case. A replaceable battery extends product lifespan, helping reduce electronic waste while delivering years of premium sound.
- Built For Life: The secure-fitting ergonomic design assures superb wearing comfort and uncompromised audio enjoyment in any environment. Dust- and splash-resistant protection (IP54 rating) lets your audio accompany all your adventures.
- Clearer Calls, Smarter Microphones: Digital beamforming microphones, plus a bone conduction mic, and AI voice isolation keep your voice clear and natural on calls, even in busy environments, at home or on the move.
Which has better noise cancelling and call quality?
Both models have four microphones per earbud, and What Hi-Fi? found noise cancelling effective on both. In its head-to-head, it names Sony the ANC winner and judges its calls clearer. Sony’s announcement attributes its noise-reduction and call features to its processors, microphones, adaptive optimiser, bone-conduction sensor and AI beamforming; these are manufacturer descriptions, rather than independent comparative measurements. See Sony’s UK launch announcement.
Sony says the WF-1000XM6 reduces noise by 25% versus the WF-1000XM5. That is Sony’s own comparison with its previous model, not a measured advantage over the Sennheiser. Check Sony’s product information.
Rank #2
- Signature Sennheiser Sound, Refined: Experience brilliant, emotionally rich audio with a high fidelity audiophile-grade 7mm TrueResponse driver, meticulously tuned to deliver exceptional clarity, detail, and natural balance at any volume.
- Audiophile Grade Wireless Audio: Advanced Bluetooth codecs including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, and AAC preserve every detail, so music, movies, and games sound immersive, dynamic, and true to the source.
- Exceptional Battery Life: Enjoy up to 40 hours of playtime with on-the-go charging from the case. A replaceable battery extends product lifespan, helping reduce electronic waste while delivering years of premium sound.
- Built For Life: The secure-fitting ergonomic design assures superb wearing comfort and uncompromised audio enjoyment in any environment. Dust- and splash-resistant protection (IP54 rating) lets your audio accompany all your adventures.
- Clearer Calls, Smarter Microphones: Digital beamforming microphones, plus a bone conduction mic, and AI voice isolation keep your voice clear and natural on calls, even in busy environments, at home or on the move.
Which is more comfortable and durable?
What Hi-Fi? found the Sennheiser more comfortable in its comparison, while noting that opinion on Sony’s fit varies. The reviewers recommend trying the supplied tip sizes and checking that each earbud seals securely; an imperfect seal can undermine both comfort and noise cancelling.
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Rank #3
- Signature Sennheiser Sound, Refined: Experience brilliant, emotionally rich audio with a high fidelity audiophile-grade 7mm TrueResponse driver, meticulously tuned to deliver exceptional clarity, detail, and natural balance at any volume.
- Audiophile Grade Wireless Audio: Advanced Bluetooth codecs including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, and AAC preserve every detail, so music, movies, and games sound immersive, dynamic, and true to the source.
- Exceptional Battery Life: Enjoy up to 40 hours of playtime with on-the-go charging from the case. A replaceable battery extends product lifespan, helping reduce electronic waste while delivering years of premium sound.
- Built For Life: The secure-fitting ergonomic design assures superb wearing comfort and uncompromised audio enjoyment in any environment. Dust- and splash-resistant protection (IP54 rating) lets your audio accompany all your adventures.
- Clearer Calls, Smarter Microphones: Digital beamforming microphones, plus a bone conduction mic, and AI voice isolation keep your voice clear and natural on calls, even in busy environments, at home or on the move.
How long does the battery last?
The figures below come from different sources and conditions, so they are not a controlled, side-by-side battery test. Sony’s maximum playback figures and Sennheiser’s stated iPhone-at-mid-volume test should not be treated as directly equivalent.
| Battery measure | Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 | Sony WF-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum playback per charge, ANC on | Up to 6 hours, according to Sennheiser UK | Up to 8 hours of music playback, according to Sony USA |
| Maximum playback per charge, ANC off | Up to 12 hours, according to Sennheiser UK | Up to 12 hours of music playback, according to Sony USA |
| Total playback with charging case, ANC on | 25 hours in What Hi-Fi?’s comparison | 24 hours in What Hi-Fi?’s comparison |
| Total playback with case under the maker’s specified test condition | Up to 40 hours with an iPhone at mid volume, according to Sennheiser UK | Not stated under the same condition; Sony USA lists wireless charging with the case |
The single-charge ANC-on figures favor Sony, while What Hi-Fi?’s ANC-on case-life comparison gives Sennheiser a one-hour edge. Those are separate measures and should not be collapsed into one battery winner. Sennheiser says both the earbuds’ and case’s batteries are user-replaceable with standard tools. See Sennheiser UK’s product specifications.
Rank #4
- Signature Sennheiser Sound, Refined: Experience brilliant, emotionally rich audio with a high fidelity audiophile-grade 7mm TrueResponse driver, meticulously tuned to deliver exceptional clarity, detail, and natural balance at any volume.
- Audiophile Grade Wireless Audio: Advanced Bluetooth codecs including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, and AAC preserve every detail, so music, movies, and games sound immersive, dynamic, and true to the source.
- Exceptional Battery Life: Enjoy up to 40 hours of playtime with on-the-go charging from the case. A replaceable battery extends product lifespan, helping reduce electronic waste while delivering years of premium sound.
- Built For Life: The secure-fitting ergonomic design assures superb wearing comfort and uncompromised audio enjoyment in any environment. Dust- and splash-resistant protection (IP54 rating) lets your audio accompany all your adventures.
- Clearer Calls, Smarter Microphones: Digital beamforming microphones, plus a bone conduction mic, and AI voice isolation keep your voice clear and natural on calls, even in busy environments, at home or on the move.
Which codecs and features do they support?
Both offer multipoint according to What Hi-Fi?, but their Bluetooth versions and codec lists differ. Codec support only helps when your phone, computer or other source supports the same format; a longer list alone does not guarantee better sound.
| Feature | Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 | Sony WF-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth version | 6.0 | 5.3 |
| Listed codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive/Lossless | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Other listed audio features | Dolby Atmos support; Smart Control Plus app | Hi-Res Audio Wireless, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, EQ and head tracking |
| Multipoint | Yes, according to What Hi-Fi? | Yes, according to What Hi-Fi? |
Sennheiser may be a better fit for listeners whose devices and preferred codec ecosystem align with aptX, including aptX Adaptive/Lossless. Sony lists LDAC and LC3, alongside its own spatial-audio and upscaling features. Check the specifications for the devices you actually plan to connect. Sony’s specifications list.
How do the prices compare?
Prices vary by country, retailer and date. What Hi-Fi? lists launch prices of £250 / $300 / AU$480 for the Sennheiser and £250 / $330 / AU$500 for the Sony; these are launch-price context, not current universal prices. The comparison says Sony is more likely to be discounted because it launched earlier. Sennheiser UK displayed £249.99 when its page was checked on 7 October 2026. Check local listings before buying, since stock and offers change.
Which one should you buy?
Pick Sony WF-1000XM6 if
- You prefer a warmer, more expressive sound and the reviewers’ overall listening verdict.
- Call clarity and the review’s ANC preference are high priorities.
- Your devices support the codecs and features you want, including LDAC or LC3.
Pick Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 if
- Its fit feels more secure or comfortable to you.
- You want the stated IP54 dust protection or aptX-family codec support.
- User-replaceable earbud and case batteries are important to your ownership preferences.
Before deciding, compare current prices where you live and, if practical, test the fit with the included tip sizes. Sony is the stronger default on the review’s sound, calls and overall feature verdict; the Sennheiser is a credible alternative when its specific comfort, protection or battery-design advantages matter more to you.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
