Why I would easily trade my AirPods for Sony's XM6 earbuds - if it weren't for one unavoidable issue

"After wearing the XM6 earbuds for three weeks while working, exercising, and running errands, I can confidently say the XM6 appeal to Sony's legion of power users. With powerful noise cancellation, high-performing microphones, Bluetooth LE Audio compatibility, and a list of customization options in Sony's companion app, there's no doubt the XM6 earbuds are Sony's best yet -- at least on paper."

"Sony redesigned the WF-1000XM6's buds, offering a slimmer build than their predecessor. According to Sony, this design change is intended to better suit the natural curves of the inner ear, reducing discomfort and enabling a better fit and seal. That sounds great, but I couldn't get these earbuds to fit comfortably in my ears. Although the XM6 earbuds are slimmer than the XM5 buds, they are longer and protrude farther from my ears."

"Although the XM6 earbuds are slimmer than the XM5 buds, they are longer and protrude farther from my ears. As a result, they feel bulkier and heavier, and the small ear tip bore too much weight on the inside of my ear canal to comfortably support the bud's body. Simply put, my ears aren't suited for these earbuds. I have a shallow concha and smaller tragus, two ear structures that, when prominent, can support earbuds of this shape"

Three weeks of real-world use showed the WF-1000XM6 provide upgraded noise-reduction hardware, additional microphones for improved call quality, Google Gemini integration, Bluetooth LE Audio compatibility, and extensive customization through Sony's companion app. The earbuds are slimmer in cross-section but longer, intended to better match inner-ear curves for a secure seal. Many users will appreciate powerful noise cancellation and high-performing microphones. However, the elongated design can protrude more, feel bulkier and heavier, and place more pressure on the ear canal for people with shallow conchas or smaller tragus. The MSRP is $329, prompting consideration before upgrading from WF-1000XM5 or rivals.

Read at ZDNET