Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Earbuds Review: Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds
EditMichael Chen
Audio Technology Expert
The Sony WF-1000XM5 delivers industry-leading noise cancellation in a smaller, more comfortable design. Features exceptional sound quality, 8-hour battery life, and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity.
Our Verdict
The Sony WF-1000XM5 remains the gold standard for wireless earbuds. The combination of exceptional sound quality, industry-leading ANC, and comprehensive features makes them worth the premium price for audiophiles and commuters alike.
What We Like
- Industry-leading active noise cancellation
- Exceptional sound quality with LDAC support
- 25% smaller and 20% lighter than XM4
- 8+ hour battery life (24 with case)
- Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity
- Speak-to-Chat auto-pause feature
- Premium build quality
- Comprehensive Sony Headphones app
What Could Be Better
- Premium price point at $299
- No wireless charging on standard case
- IPX4 water resistance only
- Touch controls can be finicky
Specifications
| Driver | 8.4mm Dynamic Driver X |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 40kHz |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 (SBC, AAC, LDAC) |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (24 with case) |
| Noise Cancellation | Active (Integrated V2 processor) |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
| Weight | 5.9g per earbud |
| Charging | USB-C, 3 min = 1 hour playback |
| Multipoint | Yes, 2 devices |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
Frequently Asked Questions
How good is the noise cancellation?
The WF-1000XM5 has industry-leading ANC that effectively blocks out airplane noise, office chatter, and street sounds.
How is the sound quality?
Exceptional. With LDAC support, you get Hi-Res audio quality that rivals many wired earphones.
Are they comfortable for long use?
Yes, the 25% smaller design and multiple ear tip sizes make them comfortable for hours of use.
Can I use them for calls?
Yes, the bone conduction sensors and AI noise reduction provide excellent call quality.
Do they work with iPhone?
Yes, though Android users get additional features like LDAC codec support.
How long does the battery last?
8 hours on a single charge, 24 hours total with the charging case.
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