Which has better noise cancelling, the Sony WF-1000XM6 or the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8?

The Sony. Its dual processors and eight adaptive microphones adjust the cancelling profile in real time, and it is the feature Sony builds the model around. The Pi8's adaptive cancelling is effective, but reviewers treat it as secondary to sound quality.

Which lasts longer on a charge?

The Sony. It gives up to 8 hours in the buds and 24 hours total with the case. The Pi8 gives about 6.5 hours in the buds, though its case adds more and supports wireless charging.

Is the Pi8 worth stepping up to for sound quality?

If detail and clarity are your priority, yes. The carbon cone drivers, aptX Lossless and 5-band EQ give the Pi8 an edge on fine detail. The Sony counters with LDAC and DSEE upscaling, so the gap is smaller than the marketing suggests.

Which is better for the gym or running?

The Sony is listed for sports use and is water-resistant. The Pi8 carries IP54, which handles sweat and dust but is not waterproof, so either works for workouts but neither should be submerged.

Can the Pi8 case do anything the Sony case cannot?

Yes. The Pi8 smart case retransmits audio from wired sources such as a plane seat or laptop, which is useful for travel. The Sony case only stores and charges the buds.

Which is better for calls?

Both have microphones and multipoint on the Pi8. Owners of the Pi8 specifically praise call quality in busy places. The Sony's eight microphones help with noise, but call clarity is the Pi8's stronger talking point.

Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Bowers & Wilkins Pi8

The Sony WF-1000XM6 is the safer all-rounder: stronger adaptive noise cancelling, LDAC hi-res audio, and up to 24 hours total playback, backed by a large base of owners who praise sound, comfort and battery. The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 leans audiophile: carbon cone drivers, aptX Lossless, a 5-band EQ and a smart case that retransmits audio from wired sources. Pick the Sony for travel, commuting and long listening sessions; pick the Pi8 if sound detail and the case's wired retransmission matter more than battery life.

Choose the Sony WF-1000XM6 if you want the most effective noise cancelling, longer battery life and a proven fit for commuting, flights and sports.
Choose the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 if you care most about fine detail in your music and want the smart case that plays audio from a plane seat or laptop.

Prices

Sony WF-1000XM6: $215.00 at eBay (checked today)
Bowers & Wilkins Pi8: $369.99 at eBay (checked today)
Difference: the Sony WF-1000XM6 is $154.99 cheaper than the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 today

	Sony WF-1000XM6	Bowers & Wilkins Pi8
Noise cancelling	Dual processors and eight adaptive microphones adjust in real time	Adaptive active noise cancelling that adjusts to surroundings
Hi-res wireless codec	LDAC, about three times the data of standard Bluetooth	aptX Lossless
Battery life	Up to 8 hours in the buds, 24 hours total with the case	About 6.5 hours in the buds, extra charge in the case
Charging	5-minute quick charge gives up to 1 hour of playback	15-minute charge gives up to 2 hours; wireless charging supported
Drivers and tuning	Co-tuned with mastering engineers, DSEE Extreme upscaling	12 mm carbon cone drivers, 5-band custom EQ, 20Hz-40kHz
Water resistance	Water-resistant, listed for sports use	IP54, splash and dust resistant but not waterproof
Charging case	Standard case; owners find the design plain	Smart case retransmits audio from wired sources like plane seats
Bluetooth and multipoint	Bluetooth with reliable connectivity reported by owners	Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint

Spec	Sony WF-1000XM6	Bowers & Wilkins Pi8
Noise Canceling	Yes	Yes
With Microphone	Yes	Yes
Color	Black	Anthraciteblk
With Charging Case	Yes	Yes
Style	In-ear	In-ear
Wireless Type	Bluetooth	Bluetooth
Water-Resistant	Yes	Yes
Quantity	6 Pack	8 Pack
Bluetooth® Version	BLUETOOTH Specification Version 5.3	5.4
Weight	Approx. 47 g	Each earbud is 7g, case is 46g
Driver Size	40 mm	12 mm
Wireless Technology	Bluetooth	Bluetooth

Spec	Sony WF-1000XM6	Bowers & Wilkins Pi8
Microphone Type	Built-In	Built-in, Noise-canceling
Impedance	16 ohm	8 ohms
Use	Sports	—
Width	2.7″ wide	—
Depth	3.3″ deep	—
Connectivity	Wireless	—
Colour Name	Black	—
Noise Cancelling (Active)	true	—
Connection Type	Wireless	—
Wireless Connectivity	Bluetooth

Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Bowers & Wilkins Pi8

Prices

Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Bowers & Wilkins Pi8

Prices

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store

Sony WF-1000XM6

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8

Specs compared

What reviewers say

Sony WF-1000XM6

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8

Questions and answers

Ask our shopping agent

Buying guides that pick them

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store

Sony WF-1000XM6

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8

Specs compared

What reviewers say

Sony WF-1000XM6

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8

Questions and answers

Ask our shopping agent

More comparisons

Buying guides that pick them