Compare Sony WF-1000XM6 Earbuds vs Technics EAH-AZ100 Earbuds

Reviewers broadly rated the ANC as elite or near-elite, with several calling it the best they had used, though a few found Bose or Apple stronger in certain tests or seal conditions.

ANC is broadly strong and often near flagship level, though several reviewers say it still falls short of the very best Bose-style silence.

Android support is a clear strength because LDAC and Android-only spatial features can matter, though several reviewers noted iPhone users miss those benefits.

Android compatibility is praised for LDAC, fast pairing, and strong ANC value with Android phones.

The app is powerful and feature-rich, but opinions split between reviewers who liked the customization and those who found the layout unintuitive or tap-heavy.

The app is mostly praised for useful controls, customization, stability, and EQ access, despite some complaints about layout.

aptX support is a weakness because one reviewer specifically wished Qualcomm aptX codecs were included.

Only one reviewer directly judged video/gaming latency, reporting no noticeable lag in casual use.

Video sync is mostly strong, with two reviewers reporting zero or no visible lag, while one notes a slight delay with some codecs.

Auracast was treated as a positive future-facing feature, but reviewers mostly discussed it as readiness rather than a currently transformative benefit.

Auracast support is a concern in one scored review because the reviewer criticizes its absence.

Bass was consistently praised for depth, punch, and control, though a few reviewers found it forward or slightly too loud with ANC enabled.

Bass is widely praised for depth, control, punch, and low distortion, with only one review criticizing the default balance as too boomy.

Battery life was generally viewed as good and competitive, with some strong real-world results, but several reviewers noted it was unchanged rather than class-leading.

Battery life is consistently a strength, with reviewers praising long ANC runtime and major improvement over the AZ80.

Bluetooth performance was usually stable and strong, including long range in one review, but a few reviewers reported occasional dropouts unless stability mode was prioritized.

Bluetooth reliability is consistently praised, with reviewers reporting stable connections and no meaningful dropouts.

Build impressions were positive where discussed, especially the grippier matte finish and case construction.

Build quality is praised as premium, tactile, mature, and a substantial step forward.

Hi-res playback is praised in the one scored review, where LDAC/FLAC listening brought more detail, solidity, and space.

Control remapping is praised as unusually flexible and useful across the app and earbuds.

Case opinions were mixed: some praised pocketability, texture, wireless charging support, and build, while others disliked the taller or awkward shape and weak-feeling magnets.

Case quality is mixed: it is compact and pocketable, but multiple reviewers criticize weak magnets, rattle, scratches, or bland styling.

Charging was viewed positively for wireless charging and useful quick-charge performance, though one reviewer warned that some charging pucks may not fit well.

Charging is viewed positively where evaluated, especially wireless charging and case convenience.

Codec support was praised as strong, especially LDAC and LC3, but much of the codec discussion was factual unless tied to high-fidelity listening or Android benefits.

Codec support is praised for LDAC/LC3 breadth, but the absence of aptX is called a mild limitation.

Comfort was divisive: many reviewers wore the earbuds for hours comfortably, while others disliked the firm tips, larger housing, or fit pressure.

Comfort trends positive thanks to smaller, lighter ergonomics, but fit fatigue and bulk remain concerns for some ears.

Design opinions were mixed-to-positive: reviewers liked the grippy matte minimalist look, but some found the larger pill shape plain, bulky, or less universally comfortable.

Design and aesthetics are generally praised as premium, sleek, compact, or classy, though a few reviewers find the look plain.

Fit and seal were highly personal, ranging from excellent secure seals to complaints about stiff tips, loose fit, or difficulty achieving a tight seal.

Eartip fit is generally good with the right size, but some reviewers report looseness, bulk, or falling out.

Ear tip sizing drew mixed reactions: four sizes helped some reviewers, but others wanted larger options or disliked the unchanged foam construction.

Ear tip options are considered useful and generous, especially for finding the right fit across ear sizes.

EQ customization was a major strength, with reviewers praising the 10-band EQ, presets, and Sony’s guided EQ wizard for personalizing sound.

EQ customization is a clear strength, with many reviewers praising the eight-band control and meaningful tuning options.

Find My support is useful for peace of mind, though one reviewer is disappointed by the location behavior.

Frequency accuracy was mostly good but not flawless, with praise for balance and lab curve tracking alongside caveats about ANC-related bass emphasis and missing nuance.

Frequency response impressions are mixed: one review calls it strange, while others praise accuracy, balance, and low distortion.

Head gestures worked reliably for some reviewers and felt novel, but accidental triggers led at least one reviewer to disable them.

The hinge was mentioned positively as a move to metal that should improve durability, but there was little long-term evidence.

Included accessories were lightly but positively judged, with one reviewer saying Sony avoids extras but provides what is needed out of the box.

Included accessories draw criticism where reviewed because foam tips are missing despite multiple silicone tip sizes.

Instrument separation was a clear strength, with reviewers hearing dense mixes, individual elements, and well-placed instruments more clearly.

Instrument separation is a standout strength, with reviewers hearing layers, voices, and complex arrangements as distinct and clearly placed.

Independent left/right earbud use is praised as convenient and useful when scored.

LDAC was praised for Android high-resolution playback and better Bluetooth quality, though one reviewer noted it is not useful to iPhone owners.

LDAC is received positively for higher-quality playback and better sound from compatible Android or hi-res sources.

Lossless support evidence was limited; one reviewer said Sony’s processing narrows the gap but does not replace true lossless audio.

Maximum-volume clarity was praised by reviewers who reported full-blast listening without harshness and no distortion on bass-heavy tracks.

Maximum-volume clarity is praised for staying clean and distortion-free even at high levels.

Microphone noise reduction was repeatedly praised for suppressing background noise, fans, traffic, and wind, though not every call test was perfect.

Microphone noise reduction is polarized: several reviewers praise wind and background suppression, while one reports failed clarity and cutouts.

Call microphone quality was widely considered much improved and often excellent, though one TechRadar reviewer heard muffled call audio.

Call quality is mixed, ranging from serviceable or excellent in some reviews to choppy, robotic, or poor in others.

Midrange and vocals were a major strength, with repeated praise for clear, detailed, natural, and present voices and instruments.

Midrange and vocals are generally described as clear, detailed, warm, and more forward than the previous model.

Multi-platform compatibility was praised where discussed, especially Sony supporting both iOS and Android rather than locking features to one ecosystem.

Multi-platform compatibility is praised because the app and customization work across iOS and Android.

Multipoint was consistently useful and reliable in most testing, with reviewers highlighting seamless switching and simultaneous two-device use.

Multipoint is a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly praising reliable switching and three-device connectivity.

Passive isolation depended heavily on fit and tips; some reviewers praised the foam seal and noise blocking, while others struggled to achieve a tight seal.

Passive isolation is viewed positively when the tips seal well, with reviewers noting isolation even before ANC is active.

Portability was praised when mentioned, especially the earbuds and case being pocketable travel companions despite some case-shape complaints.

Portability is strong because the case is repeatedly described as pocketable, small, and easy to carry.

Preset EQ quality was generally positive where discussed, with useful presets and quick profile changes, though deeper custom EQ drew more praise.

Preset EQ quality is mostly positive, especially Direct, Dynamic, and Treble+ modes, though SuperBass+ is too heavy for one reviewer.

Sensor-driven features were mixed: adaptive sound and ear detection could be useful, but some reviewers found scene features unfinished or unreliable.

Sidetone was weak in the one clear judgment, with TechRadar unable to detect much difference from Sony’s Capture Voice toggle.

Smudge resistance and grip were positives, with several reviewers praising the matte texture for resisting fingerprints and being easier to handle.

Software/setup simplicity was a recurring weakness for some reviewers, especially around scenic listening, deep menus, and too many taps.

Setup and software simplicity are mostly positive, but the lack of a physical pairing button adds friction for one reviewer.

Sound leakage is a weakness in the one scored review, which says loud music can be heard in a quiet room.

Sound quality was the strongest consensus point: reviewers repeatedly called the XM6 excellent, natural, detailed, balanced, or among Sony’s best earbuds.

Reviewers overwhelmingly praise the AZ100's sound as clear, detailed, musical, and high-end, though one review found the stock tuning odd.

Depth was praised in reviews that described a dimensional, layered, or 3D stereo image.

Soundstage depth is usually strong, with reviewers praising depth, immersion, and layering, though one long-term reviewer wanted more depth.

Soundstage width was praised as wide, spacious, and unusually expansive for true wireless earbuds.

Soundstage width receives strong praise, with reviewers describing the presentation as spacious, broad, expansive, and room-like.

Spatial audio was mixed or weakly supported: some features were Android-only or not functional during early testing, and one reviewer noted waning 360 Reality Audio support.

Spatial audio is mixed: reviewers appreciate Dolby/head-tracking support, but several find it merely decent, distracting, or less clear than stereo.

Stability was generally strong in ears during activity, but reviewers who wanted ear wings or had seal issues were less confident.

Stability is mixed: several reviewers found the fit secure, while others would not trust it for vigorous movement.

Sustainability evidence was limited to packaging, which one reviewer explicitly liked.

Touch controls were mostly responsive and customizable, though some reviewers disliked accidental triggers or multi-tap volume controls.

Touch controls are generally responsive and customizable, though sensitivity and personal preference create some mixed reactions.

Transparency and ambient modes were usually praised as natural, clear, or useful, though Apple was still favored by some and auto ambient could be hit-or-miss.

Transparency mode is mixed: some find it natural or useful, while others hear hiss, over-processing, or weaker situational awareness.

Treble was detailed and airy but occasionally divisive, with several reviewers noting brightness, sharpness, metallic character, or possible fatigue.

Treble is usually considered clear, airy, detailed, and non-harsh, though one review says the default tuning lacks high-end content.

Value was mixed: many thought the premium performance justified the price, but reviewers repeatedly noted the XM6 is expensive and not always an essential upgrade.

Value is mixed-to-positive: reviewers like the premium feature set and sound, but several note the high price and strong competition.

Voice assistant integration was weak in the one detailed account, with notifications working inconsistently and limited app support.

Voice assistant integration is limited in coverage but works reliably where tested or described.

Volume output evidence was limited, but one reviewer missed convenient remote volume control compared with AirPods.

Volume output is praised as top-tier and very loud in the reviews that discuss it.

Water resistance was acceptable for sweat, gym use, and light rain, but several reviewers wanted stronger protection or would not trust them for running in harsh conditions.

Water and sweat resistance is adequate for workouts or rain, but one reviewer cautions against heavier rain exposure.

Weight comfort was praised where discussed, with reviewers describing the earbuds as lightweight, well-shaped, or better distributed despite the larger body.

Weight comfort is praised because the earbuds feel better distributed, light, and easier to forget during use.