Cambridge Audio has announced a special-edition twist on its affordable Melomania A100 wireless earbuds.
The new Melomania A100 SE offer a twist on the standard buds, bringing Dolby Audio and a new blue finish into the mix.
The special edition buds use the same Class A/B amplification found in Cambridge’s established CX and EX lines, paired with a set of 10mm neodymium drivers to deliver what the brand characterises as “deeper bass, richer mids, and crystal-clear highs” designed to “make music feel even more alive”.
The new earbuds also benefit from dedicated Qualcomm Kalimba digital signal processing for a more refined, less distorted sound, while Snapdragon Sound helps achieve a more stable low-latency connection. The Melomania A100 SE also support the higher-quality aptX Lossless and LDAC codecs for accepting files up to 24-bit/96kHz.
As before, adaptive hybrid noise cancelling is featured, with a standard setting sitting alongside a transparency mode for letting in more of the outside world. A six-microphone array, meanwhile, aims for “exceptional call clarity” on the go.
(Image credit: Cambridge Audio )
The new buds’ Dolby Audio spatial sound capabilities are accessible via the Melomania Connect app, delivering spatial audio with a “natural, lifelike presentation” for movies, music and games.
The special-edition buds grant more playtime than their standard counterparts, with 6.5 hours from the buds and up to 39 hours of total battery life available with noise cancelling switched off.
Cambridge’s latest wireless earbuds also come equipped with touch controls which can be customised via the accompanying app.
The Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 SE are available this October in black, white or blue finishes, priced at £129 / $149/ €149. For context, the standard edition of the A100 launched last year at £119 / €139.
Bose has become the latest company to jump back on the wired earbuds bandwagon, announcing new Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds. Notably, the earbuds will still feature Bose’s QuietControl active noise cancellation.
Bose says the new earbuds will connect to compatible devices with a 128cm USB-C cable and draw power from the source, mitigating the need for a dedicated, rechargeable battery, despite the inclusion of ANC.
ANC is delivered by two microphones on each earbud, which “continuously monitor, react to, and minimise surrounding sound”.
Three listening modes are available: ‘Quiet Mode’ is the full-fat ANC option, ‘Aware Mode’ lets surrounding sound in when listeners want to stay tuned-in to their surroundings, and ‘ANC Off Mode’ does precisely what it says on the tin.
Each earbud includes soft silicone eartips in small, medium and large sizes, alongside medium and large stability wings. Bose suggests that listeners “mix and match the components to find a fit that feels both comfortable and secure”.
Despite their retro inclinations, the wired earbuds feature Bose’s proprietary SoundDesign digital signal processing, which the company claims delivers “crisp, clear audio with support for lossless audio listening”. The earbuds can accept source input at any sample and bit rate, with playback output fixed at 24-bit/48kHz.
(Image credit: Bose)
Bose claims that a wired connection enables low latency performance, “keeping sound in sync while watching videos, gaming, or creating content”.
In the absence of a dedicated app, sound controls for volume, playback, call functions and cycling ANC modes can be accessed via an in-line remote with “tactile physical buttons”.
A dedicated microphone on the back of the remote handles calls, and "minimises unwanted noise from contact with clothing”, allowing users to “speak naturally without holding the remote close to [their mouths]”.
The earbuds also have an IPX4 rating for water resistance and come with a zippered carry case.
According to Raza Haider, president of Bose Premium Consumer Audio: “Wired earbuds are experiencing a cultural renaissance, and when we decided to bring them back, we knew we had to make them even better than before. Technology has come a long way since our last wired earbuds, allowing us the opportunity to bring our latest advancements to the category and set a new standard for what wired earbuds can be.”
The Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds are now available to pre-order for MyBose customers at a price of £99 / $99 / AU$170, with general availability starting 15th October. Finishes include Black, White Smoke and limited edition Dewdrop Mint.
The Sennheisers seriously impressed us with their top sound, marathon battery life and extensive feature set, even if they can sound a little etched in the higher frequencies.
Pros
Crisp, nimble presentation
Strong clarity and detail
Impressive battery life
More comfortable than the XM6
Cons
ANC isn't quite as good as the Sonys'
Highest frequencies can sound a tad etched
Sony
WF-1000XM6
They may not quite have the sparkling clarity of the Sennheisers, but the Sonys have the more entertaining, expressive sound backed by superior call quality and a raft of advanced features.
Pros
Wonderfully natural, musical sound
Excellent detail and dynamics
Class-leading noise cancelling
Better call quality than the Sennheisers
Cons
We don't find them as comfy as the Momentum TW 5
Bulky charging case
Sennheiser and Sony make some of the best wireless earbuds around, so when a new pair from either brand launches, it's big news indeed.
Sennheiser's latest, the Momentum True Wireless 5, do not disappoint. Their crisp, detailed sound and impressive battery life helped them earn a five-star review, but are they better than Sony's five-star WF-1000XM6? That's what we're here to find out.
We've compared every aspect of the two pairs to help you decide which is right for you. Ready? Let's go.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: tech specs comparison
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5
Sony WF-1000XM6
Bluetooth version
6.0
5.3
Codec support
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
Battery life (ANC on)
6hrs (earbuds); 25hrs with case
8hrs (earbuds); 24hrs with case
Finishes
5 (Graphite, Cream, Copper, Denim, Lavender)
2 (Black, Platinum Silver)
Weight
7g per bud
6.2g per bud
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: price
When it comes to price, there really isn't much to choose between these two pairs. The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 launched at £250 / $300 / AU$480, which is very similar to the XM6's launch price of £250 / $330 / AU$500.
However, the XM6 went on sale back in February 2026, whereas the Sennheisers only launched at the start of September, meaning that the Sonys are much more likely to be discounted.
Indeed, they already have been. Last summer's Prime Day saw the XM6 drop to £199, and with both Amazon Prime Big Deal Days and Black Friday coming soon, expect plenty more drops where that came from.
It's too early for a major deal on the Sennheisers, though we could see a small discount this side of Christmas.
** Winner: Sony WF-1000XM6 **
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: build & comfort
Sennheiser has slightly modified the design for the fifth-gen Momentum True WirelessWhat Hi-Fi?Sony's eartips can split opinionWhat Hi-Fi?
Sony and Sennheiser have strong legacies in the wireless earbuds space, so it's hardly surprising that both pairs stick to the respective brands' tried-and-tested designs.
The Sennheisers have had a few subtle tweaks to freshen up the design. They're now rounder and more similar in shape to a baked bean. The Momentum True Wireless 5 have a new case too, which is taller and slimmer than its predecessor, and made of speckled plastic.
Both pairs are comfortable enough to wear for long sessions, though we have found the XM6 (like most Sony 'buds) split opinion – some people get on with them fine, others struggle to get a secure fit even after trying the various sizes of bundled eartips.
Both pairs offer XS, S, M and L tip choices, though we'd predict that most users will find the Momentum TW 5s' fit more secure and forgiving than that offered by their Sony rivals.
With an IP54 rating, the Sennheisers are protected against dust and water splashes, whereas the Sonys only have water protection. If you're heading to the beach, the Momentum True Wireless 5 are the safer bet, as they'll offer a more reliable shield against small particle ingress.
Both pairs of buds feature touch controls which can be customised using the respective mobile apps, both of which are in-dept and a pleasure to use.
Do note that the Sennheisers come in far more finishes – five, to the Sony's rather measly two.
** Winner: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 **
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: features
Sennheiser's buds support more widely-used sound formats like Dolby Atmos and aptX AdaptiveWhat Hi-Fi?Whereas Sony ploughs its own furrow with its proprietary 360 Reality Audio and LDAC formatsWhat Hi-Fi?
These new Sennheisers support spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, while Sony's wireless buds have their proprietary equivalent 360 Reality Audio. Both features work well, especially the dynamic head tracking, though Atmos is the more widely supported format, so you'll find more spatial content to listen to using Sennheiser's 'buds. Plus, you'll have to have your ears 'analysed' to use 360 Reality Audio, something which some users might find to be an unnecessary hassle.
The Sonys counter with the longer battery life, on the buds at least – you get eight hours of playtime from the buds alone, and only six from the Sennheisers. The Sennheisers do last an hour longer when you factor in recharges from the case, however, offering 25 hours of use to the XM6s' 24 hours. These figures are all with active noise cancellation turned on. Turn it off, and the Sennheisers go for a marathon 40 hours in total)
For higher-quality listening, the Sennheisers support the aptX Adaptive codec, while the Sonys have LDAC. The Sennheisers also support a more recent version of Bluetooth: 6.0 compared to 5.3 on the Sonys. Bluetooth Multipoint comes on both pairs for seamlessly switching between connected devices.
Sony's DSEE Extreme processing boosts the sound of lower-quality files – handy if you're listening to compressed formats like MP3. But for the longer total battery life, more advanced Bluetooth and more widely used audio standards, the Sennheisers take this round.
** Winner: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 **
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: ANC & call quality
The Sennheisers' new shape is designed to provide better passive noise isolationWhat Hi-Fi?But the Sonys offer superior call qualityWhat Hi-Fi?
Sennheiser and Sony have been in the noise-cancelling game for quite some time now, and their flagship pairs of earbuds pack some mighty impressive ANC credentials.
Both pairs pack four mics in each earbud, while the Sonys add the brand's third-gen HD Noise Cancelling processor QN3e and Adaptive NC Optimiser, which automatically adapts the ANC algorithm to your fit and environment.
The Sennheisers' new shape is designed to provide better passive noise isolation. In our Momentum True Wireless 5 review, we found the noise cancellation "powerful yet not overdone" and more natural-feeling than some rival buds' ANC.
"The shrillest highs and most booming lows will penetrate," we concluded, "but for softening or excluding most external sounds, from general chatter to humming air conditioning, they confidently make the grade."
The WF-1000XM6 also fare very well in this regard. Testing them on planes and trains (but sadly not automobiles) for our XM6 review, we wrote that "they impressed us with their consistency and ability to extract both low-frequency rumbles of carriages and aeroplane engines, but also more high-pitched screeches and whistles that crept into our environment."
For call quality, however, there's a clearer winner.
The Sonys combine AI beamforming, bone conduction sensors, extra mics and a wind noise reduction design to devastating effect. They "do a great job subduing and minimising background noise, including tricky-to-handle wind noise – voices come through loud and clear with a great level of detail," as we wrote at the time.
While the Sennheisers' microphone plates and acoustic chamber are configured to reduce the effect of wind, and they handle calls competently, we found that "voices can sound a little muffled when compared with the natural clarity of the Sony WF-1000XM6."
A win for Sony on this one.
** Winner: Sony WF-1000XM6 **
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: sound
The Sennheisers sound great, but can be a little etched at the higher frequenciesWhat Hi-Fi?The Sony XM6 have a natural warmth and are full of texture and insightWhat Hi-Fi?
And so to sound.
Sennheiser's flagship pair contain the brand's signature 7mm TrueResponse dynamic drivers, which helps the sound stay clean and balanced.
Playing Massive Attack’s Paradise Circus, the Sennheisers "confidently track clacking drums, scattered hand claps and glassy synths" with plenty of insight and clarity. They excel in the midrange too – witness Hope Sandoval’s breathy whispers – and have no trouble staying organised and composed when faced with trickier compositions. Their bass, meanwhile, is weighty yet precise, adding a natural anchor to the frequencies above.
The XM6 also sound excellent, full of a natural warmth while also boasting impressive levels of detail and insight.
As we wrote in our review: "Everything that you expect to be present in a pair of flagship wireless earbuds is there: a fantastic sense of timing, an expressive midrange, weighty yet well-defined bass and crisp, nicely controlled highs. The Sonys cover all the bases and then some".
Through the Sonys, Tom Odell's Black Friday has plenty of delicacy and subtlety, and as fingers slide up the acoustic guitar's neck, "you can explicitly hear the little shifts in dynamics and the fine details in the gentle piano play, both of which mix beautifully with the sweeping strings that flow alongside both instruments."
Bass is powerful but controlled, and their rhythmic abilities are second to none.
So both pairs sound pretty great, but how do they compare side by side?
Both sets handle dynamics superbly, even with their somewhat contrasting approaches. As we wrote during our review of the Momentum TW 5, the XM6 "are more expressive in how they keep the underlying pulse of Radiohead’s Burn The Witch ticking away, but the Sennheisers' agile, nimble sound means that the track's relentless sense of attack isn't lost for a moment".
Side-by-side, the Sennheisers are also prone to sounding a bit more etched than the Sonys, particularly in the high frequencies, but this can be somewhat negated via the provided in-app equaliser.
The XM6 come across as more natural at this end of the frequency range, whereas the Sennheisers can sound a little hard-edged with cymbal strikes or shrieking strings. It's not a dealbreaker, but it is something to consider when weighing up your purchase.
This one is as much about taste as objective quality. The Sennheisers are sparklingly clear, especially through their superb midrange, with a natural smoothness and poise that we find to be a delight. If that's your kind of thing, they're a complete no-brainer.
For us, the Sony WF-1000XM6 just grab and hold our attention more effectively thanks to their more expressive, grippy sound. It's a close one, but the XM6s' masterful blend of analysis and entertainment is yet to be surpassed.
** Winner: Sony WF-1000XM6 **
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: verdict
It's a close run thing, but for sound, call quality and features, we just about prefer the Sonys. And given that they've been around since February 2026, they're more likely to see decent discounts than the much newer Sennheisers.
The Momentum True Wireless 5 are still a five-star pair, however, with a robust design, packed feature set and nimble sound. If their sonic personality sounds like your kind of thing, they're well worth considering, because they could definitely be the buds for you.
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