Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Technics EAH-AZ100

Quick answer

Too close to call. The critic scores are 2 points apart, well inside the usual difference between two critics. Pick on features, not score.

Critics score the Sony WF-1000XM6 85 (general agreement) and the Technics EAH-AZ100 87 (split verdict) out of 100, from 19 and 7 professional reviews. 6 outlets reviewed both: 2 scored the Sony WF-1000XM6 higher, 2 scored the Technics EAH-AZ100 higher and 2 gave both the same score.

Sony WF-1000XM6Image: Sony

Sony WF-1000XM6

Critic score how good?
85
Highly rated · average of 19 professional reviews
Critic agreement how sure?
General agreement
Scores 77–95 · 16 of 19 recommend it

16 of 19 reviewers who tested Sony's WF-1000XM6 recommend it, the strongest agreement among earbuds. Critics single out the noise cancelling and detailed sound, plus an app full of useful settings. The price is high, and the included ear tips don't suit every ear.

All 19 reviews of the Sony WF-1000XM6 →

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Technics EAH-AZ100Image: Technics

Technics EAH-AZ100

Critic score how good?
87
Highly rated · average of 7 professional reviews
Critic agreement how sure?
Split verdict
Scores 69–100 · 6 of 7 recommend it

7 professional reviewers tested the Technics EAH-AZ100, and 6 recommend it. Most praised: sound quality and noise cancelling. Most common complaint: call quality.

All 7 reviews of the Technics EAH-AZ100 →

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Where every review landed

Each mark is one professional review, converted to 0–100
Technics EAH-AZ100 · 87WF-1000XM6 · 855060708090100
Technics EAH-AZ100, above the line Sony WF-1000XM6, below the line Estimated from the verdict (hollow)

Which one is for you?

Pick the Sony WF-1000XM6 if

  • “Best sound” is what you’re after
  • noise cancelling matters most: 16 of 19 critics praise it, against 3 of 7 for the Technics EAH-AZ100

The catch: Expensive, and the tips don't fit everyone.

Pick the Technics EAH-AZ100 if

  • “Best sounding premium earbuds” is what you’re after
  • battery life matters most: 3 of 7 critics praise it, against 3 of 19 for the Sony WF-1000XM6
  • price worries you: 11 of 19 critics fault the Sony WF-1000XM6 on it, against 1 of 7 for this one

The catch: Noise cancelling trails Bose, and call quality is poor in places.

In our words, from what the critics praise and complain about. It never changes a score.

What critics praise and fault

How many of each product's reviews mention the topic
TopicSony WF-1000XM6Technics EAH-AZ100
Sound quality17 of 19 praise7 of 7 praise
Noise cancelling16 of 19 praise3 of 7 praise
Fit and comfort10 of 19 fault2 of 7 fault
Battery life3 of 19 praise 1 of 19 fault3 of 7 praise 1 of 7 fault
Price11 of 19 fault1 of 7 fault
Call quality4 of 19 fault3 of 7 fault
Controls and app6 of 19 fault2 of 7 fault

Critics who reviewed both

The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards
OutletWF-1000XM6Technics EAH-AZ100Who scored higher
Trusted Reviews89est.100Technics EAH-AZ100 +11
TechRadar83est.90Technics EAH-AZ100 +7
Expert Reviews9595Same
Tom's Guide8080Same
WIRED9080WF-1000XM6 +10
TechGearLab8069WF-1000XM6 +11

Scores converted to 0–100. Tiles with a dashed border are estimated from the verdict. Tap a score to read that review.

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Common questions

Which is better, the Sony WF-1000XM6 or the Technics EAH-AZ100?

It's too close to call on critic score: Sony WF-1000XM6 85 (general agreement), Technics EAH-AZ100 87 (split verdict). 6 outlets reviewed both: 2 scored the Sony WF-1000XM6 higher, 2 scored the Technics EAH-AZ100 higher and 2 gave both the same score.

Do critics agree about the Sony WF-1000XM6 and the Technics EAH-AZ100?

The Sony WF-1000XM6: general agreement, scores from 77 to 95. The Technics EAH-AZ100: split verdict, scores from 69 to 100.