When the Sony WF-1000XM5 was introduced in the summer of 2023, it left a lasting impression, establishing standards for active noise cancellation and audio performance in the true wireless segment. Two years later, not much has shifted.
These next-generation earbuds have received comprehensive branding, showcasing exceptional audio technologies, prolonged playtimes, and remarkable build quality. They continue to stand out, as no recent release or re-release (including the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C) has surpassed them.
Here’s my refreshed viewpoint on the Sony WF-1000XM5 and the reasons they still rank among the finest earbuds on the market.
Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds specifications and setup
The Sony WF-1000XM5 was launched with a robust specification sheet that competes effectively against contemporary challengers.
The Sony WF-1000XM5s have consistently been some of our top earbuds since their launch. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Take a look for yourself.
– Speaker Driver Unit: 8.4 mm
– Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
– Adaptive active noise cancellation
– Powered by Sony’s Integrated Processor V2
– Several proprietary technologies (e.g., 360 Reality Audio, DSEE, LDAC)
– IPX4 sweat and water resistance
– 8 hours of battery with ANC on / 12 hours with ANC off
– Up to 36 hours of extra playtime with wireless charging case
– 3-minute quick charge provides 1 hour of listening time
– Earpiece sizes: XS, S, M, L
– Colors: Black, smoky pink, white
Sony headphones and earbuds quickly pair with Android and iOS/macOS devices; Android users enjoy convenient wireless functionality such as Google’s one-tap Fast Pair and Find My Device. By downloading the Sony Sound Connect app, users gain access to various features that enhance functionality.
The WF-1000XM5s come with multiple smart controls, including signature features like Quick Attention and Speak-to-Chat, which lower volume to 10 percent with a long-hold gesture and pause playback upon detecting your voice, respectively. Touch controls and wear detection function smoothly for all essential actions: call management, digital assistance, listening modes, playback, shortcut functions (e.g., Spotify Tap), and volume. Voice activation for Alexa and Google Assistant allows hands-free commands, and the earbuds are compatible with Siri on iOS/macOS. Everything operates seamlessly.
Other standout features encompass wireless charging and multipoint technology for simultaneous connection to two Bluetooth audio sources.
It’s tough to rival Sony’s audio performance. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Everything the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds excels at
These earbuds shine in numerous aspects, particularly sound quality. Sony’s soundstage is transparent, expansive, and well-proportioned, delivering a combination of profound lows, sharp mids, and striking highs that complement modern tracks beautifully. The bass is better controlled than that of the WF-1000XM4 yet retains an impactful and reverberant quality.
Exploring Sony’s audio features enhances the listening experience. The adjustable EQ allows manual frequency tweaks, and many presets cater to diverse audio categories. Find My EQ automatically modifies the soundstage to suit your auditory preferences. LDAC codec support streams music at elevated bitrates, revealing greater detail and subtleties in recordings. 360 Reality Audio accurately places sound based on head movements, enriching content immersion. Sony’s DSEE technology improves fidelity on lower-quality audio files, significantly enhancing sound for Sony headphones.
The author wearing the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
While many experts consider the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds the top choice for noise-cancellation, the WF-1000XM5s are a close contender, canceling almost 90 percent of unwanted sounds. Common irritations like chit-chatting pedestrians, household appliances, and washing machine noise go unnoticed. Although some high-frequency noises are detectable (e.g., crying babies, sirens), none hinder your focus. Sony’s 20-level transparency mode is a leader in its category, showing extraordinary ambient noise and vocal capture for optimal awareness. I’m consistently eavesdropping on loud conversations and remaining alert for nearby emergency vehicles.
Battery life is commendable. A full charge gives up to 12 hours of playtime, varying with usage, and a three-minute charge delivers one hour of listening. The charging case provides an additional 36 hours and supports reverse charging. The case is lighter, sleeker, and smaller than its predecessor. The buds’ redesigned aesthetics are also attractive, featuring elements like angled nozzles, a complete matte finish, and small wind-resistant mesh grilles that give them a premium appearance. IPX4 protection ensures the buds are safeguarded against sweat and water splashes.
Completing the advantages are outstanding call quality and flexible connectivity across all Bluetooth-enabled devices.
What the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds