Sony WF-1000XM5 Review
Table of Contents
SONY WF-1000XM5: TWO-MINUTE REVIEW
Sony’s WF-1000XM5 are the most hotly anticipated earbuds of the year, and with good reason. The leaks about their smaller size have proven true, making these earbuds a clear win for Sony, right? They’re 25% smaller and 20% lighter than their predecessors, yet they boast the same impressive sonic talents. Five sweet stars, surely?
Not quite. You’ll notice that we’ve knocked a whole star off in our rating, which means we have some explaining to do.
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds remain a compelling option, standing out as some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds available. However, our duty is to review objectively and thoroughly. If certain priorities—like achieving near-silence in an office environment—are crucial to you, there may be alternatives that suit your needs better for the same price, as surprising as that may sound. Here’s why.
Firstly, while the size reduction enhances comfort and portability, it may come at the expense of some features. The smaller form factor, while generally a plus, can impact battery life and the placement of noise-cancelling microphones, potentially affecting performance in certain environments.
Secondly, the sound quality, although excellent, shows only marginal improvements over the WF-1000XM4. Audiophiles may notice that the difference doesn’t justify an upgrade if they already own the previous model.
Thirdly, while the noise cancellation is top-notch, it’s not always perfect. In extremely quiet office settings, you might notice occasional slight interference or a faint hiss, which can be distracting during periods of silence.
Lastly, the price point places the WF-1000XM5 in competition with other high-end earbuds. Some of these competitors offer features that Sony’s latest model lacks, such as better water resistance or advanced customization options for sound profiles.
In conclusion, the Sony WF-1000XM5 are indeed impressive earbuds that offer many benefits, including superior noise-cancelling and excellent sound quality. However, they aren’t without their shortcomings. Depending on your specific needs and priorities, there might be better alternatives available at the same price point. Our job is to highlight these nuances, ensuring you make the most informed decision possible.
SONY WF-1000XM5 REVIEW: PRICE & RELEASE DATE
Released on July 24, 2023, the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are priced at $299.99 / £259 / AU$499. This pricing aligns with Sony’s typical strategy for their flagship earbuds. For context, the Sony WF-1000XM4 was launched in 2021 at $279.99 / £250 / AU$449.95—so far, so standard.
At this price point, the Sony WF-1000XM5 faces stiff competition from some excellent alternatives. The Technics EAH-AZ80, for instance, stands out with its triple-device connectivity and outstanding call quality, some of the best we’ve ever experienced. Additionally, the five-star Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II remain a formidable competitor, widely recognized as the best earbuds for noise cancellation that we’ve had the pleasure of testing.
In this competitive landscape, the Sony WF-1000XM5 needs to offer something truly special to stand out. While they bring forward significant improvements in size and weight compared to their predecessors, the ultimate measure of their success will be how they perform against these top-tier rivals in real-world scenarios.
SONY WF-1000XM5 REVIEW: SPECS
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 8.4mm Dynamic driver X: new unique structure combining “super soft parts within a rigid frame” |
| Active noise cancellation | yes |
| Battery life | 8hr earbuds, 24hrs total in the case |
| Weight | 4.2g per earbud |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, Sony 360 Reality Audio, DSEE Extreme upscaling |
| Frequency range | Not stated |
| Waterproofing | Waterproofing |
| Other features | Sony Headphones Connect companion app, ambient sound, wind-reduction bone conduction mics |
SONY WF-1000XM5 REVIEW: FEATURES
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds offer an excellent immersive 360 Reality Audio experience. However, their Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is standard rather than exceptional. While call quality has seen significant improvement, it can still be surpassed by some competitors.
Sony’s earbuds shine when playing Tidal tracks, thanks to Sony’s 360 Reality Audio support. This feature, introduced in 2019, uses 24 object-based channels arranged in a 360-degree soundstage. Although setting this up involves taking photos of your ears and linking your Tidal account in the often-overlooked ‘Services’ section of the app, the effort is worth it. The processor delivers remarkable detail, directional filters, and sound placement.
To maximize the potential of the WF-1000XM5, it’s recommended to use the tutorial found in the app. Located under the three dots in the top right of the home screen next to your product’s image, this tutorial measures the “air-tightness” of your ear tips. It may even suggest downsizing one ear tip for improved noise cancellation and sound quality.
The earbuds offer convenient features such as pausing audio when removed, a feature absent in the cheaper WF-C700N. The “capture voice during a phone call” toggle is similar to Technics’ ‘Just My Voice’ technology and is particularly useful for avoiding shouting during calls in noisy environments. The Speak-to-Chat feature detects your voice and pauses playback when you start a conversation, adding another layer of convenience.
Sony’s Headphones Connect app remains a highlight, offering Adaptive Sound Control that optimizes settings based on your activity. If you prefer not to use ANC while sitting, you can easily adjust this in the app’s settings. Ambient sound settings can also be customized, with a slider ranging from 1 to 20. This feature is particularly effective; for example, selecting 12 while walking to the train or 20 while running.
Despite the added mic and new processor, the ANC on the WF-1000XM5 is more adequate than extraordinary. While it reduces most background noises, some, like the AC unit in an office, might still be noticeable. In comparison, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II offer superior noise cancellation.
Call quality has improved with the WF-1000XM5, and you can even answer calls by nodding your head or reject them by shaking it, adding a fun and practical touch. However, in challenging conditions like a blustery day, the Technics EAH-AZ80 still edges out with slightly better clarity.
In conclusion, the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds provide an impressive audio experience and improved call quality, but they face strong competition in both noise cancellation and call clarity from other high-end models.
SONY WF-1000XM5 REVIEW: SOUND QUALITY
If you’ve jumped straight to the sound section, you’re in for good news. Sony has clearly put a lot of effort into delivering crisp bass weight and impact with the WF-1000XM5 earbuds. If bass is your priority and you prefer earbuds over headphones, the WF-1000XM5 should be at the top of your list.
For Tidal subscribers, the WF-1000XM5 offers an extraordinary experience with 360 Reality Audio. Even when streaming lower-quality Spotify tracks or higher-quality Apple Music streams, these earbuds deliver an agile, robust, and enthusiastic performance.
Take Dave and Central Cee’s “Sprinter” as an example. The texture of the delicate Spanish guitar remains distinct and nuanced, complementing the three-dimensional rap vocals vying for attention. This creates a beautifully layered and expansive mix, with impressive bass that is both snappy and nimble.
Melissa Etheridge’s “Come To My Window” further showcases the WF-1000XM5’s sonic prowess. These earbuds reveal minor details in the recording, such as the proximity of Melissa to the mic or the slightly early entrance of the Wurlitzer. Such details are often missed by lesser earbuds but are brought to life here.
John Coltrane’s “Moment’s Notice” demonstrates the WF-1000XM5’s ability to beautifully place trumpets, drums, upright bass, and keys within a cohesive mix. Each musical element is given space to shine while maintaining a balanced and integrated soundstage.
However, in direct comparison, the Technics EAH-AZ80 earbuds are a close match. The treble in the Technics earbuds might be a bit more present and sparkling, but the low end in the Sony earbuds is dynamically nuanced. This comparison boils down to personal preference: if you favor an integrated, refined, hi-fi sound, the Technics EAH-AZ80 might be a better fit. But if you seek enthusiasm, powerful bass, and fun, the Sony WF-1000XM5 is the way to go.
In conclusion, the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds offer a zealous and exciting listening experience, especially for bass lovers and Tidal subscribers. While trebles can be outshined by competitors, the overall performance of the WF-1000XM5 makes them a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy a dynamic and engaging soundstage.
SONY WF-1000XM5 REVIEW: DESIGN
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds boast beautifully compact and ergonomic earpieces. However, adjusting on-ear volume control can be tricky, and our team experienced some connectivity drop-outs.
To start with the fit, these earbuds are designed to be comfortable for most users. While one male team member found them almost too small—sometimes the ear tips stayed in his ears when he removed the earbuds—most listeners will likely find them a good fit. Sony has made significant strides in the size of its earbuds, with the WF-C700N and Sony LinkBuds S also being favorites for those with smaller ears. The case is functional, closes with a reassuring snap, and the brushed plastic design resists smudgy fingerprints. While the Technics EAH-AZ80 case might look more premium with its cool metallic top plate, the Sony case securely holds the earbuds and fits easily into a pocket.
The top plate of each earpiece is easy to locate while wearing them, and the customizable touch capacitive functions work well. However, adjusting the volume requires four quick taps, which can be cumbersome and slightly detract from the music experience. You can turn off certain notifications and voice guidance in the app, but not these touch response tones.
The Sony Headphones Connect app offers plenty of options to tweak the EQ through the ‘Find Your Equalizer’ system. This feature allows you to select the best sound from a series of numbered profiles, creating an optimized profile that you can choose to apply or ignore. It’s a fun way to personalize your listening experience.
Our Pick |  |
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A major issue we encountered was occasional drop-outs when streaming music. In our busy office, the music paused and resumed several times, an issue not observed with our control sets of earbuds, such as the Technics and Bose models. Sony suggested that this might be due to connection setup. In the app’s Sound tab, you can select between ‘prioritize sound quality’ or ‘prioritize stable connection’. However, having to downgrade sound quality to achieve a stable connection seems counter-intuitive for earbuds with such sonic talent. Unfortunately, our connectivity issues persisted even when prioritizing stability. It’s worth noting that the bulk of our testing was conducted using an early beta version of the app, which might account for some of these issues.
In conclusion, the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds offer a compact and comfortable design with excellent sound quality. However, the on-ear volume control can be finicky, and connectivity drop-outs are a concern that Sony needs to address. Despite these issues, the overall performance and customizable features make them a strong contender in the market.
SONY WF-1000XM5 REVIEW: VALUE
Sony lovers and bass enthusiasts will find it hard to beat the WF-1000XM5. Tidal subscribers will also appreciate the value these earbuds bring. However, competition is catching up.
Sony remains a class leader, and its latest earbuds deserve a thorough review. If you’re already familiar with Sony earbuds and the Sony Headphones Connect app, you’ll feel right at home with the WF-1000XM5.
It’s crucial to recognize that competitors are making strides. For instance, the Technics EAH-AZ80 earbuds, priced similarly to the Sony WF-1000XM5, offer simultaneous connectivity to three devices instead of two and come with a user-friendly companion app.
In terms of active noise cancellation, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II have a slight edge over the WF-1000XM5. This difference could influence the perceived value of Sony’s latest model for potential buyers.
The sound quality of the WF-1000XM5 lives up to Sony’s rich heritage. However, we did encounter some connectivity drop-outs during our testing, which prevents them from being perfect. While it’s our job to highlight viable alternatives, we still believe that purchasing Sony’s latest earbuds is a wise investment.
In conclusion, the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds offer excellent sound quality and a familiar user experience for Sony fans. Despite some connectivity issues and strong competition, they remain a top choice for those seeking premium audio performance.