If you're looking for flagship-level wireless earbuds with outstanding sound and excellent ANC, the Sony WF‑1000XM5 is a strong contender. But their sleek, slippery shell and fit quirks may not be ideal for everyone.
Sound Quality
These earbuds deliver a rich, immersive soundstage with punchy bass, detailed mids, and crisp highs. DSEE Extreme upscaling enhances compressed streams, while LDAC unlocks full potential on Android. AAC playback on iOS is solid but not as deep.
Noise Cancellation
Sony’s dual-processor system adapts ANC in real time and removes ambient noise effectively. If you achieve a perfect seal, you'll enjoy near-silence. But fit inconsistencies can hinder performance — foam tips may help, but aren’t foolproof.
Comfort & Fit
Compact and ergonomic, the XM5 design is an improvement over its predecessor. Yet, the glossy surface makes them slippery and tricky to handle. A tight seal is crucial for sound and ANC — some users workaround fit with aftermarket tips or hacks.
Call Quality
Bone-conduction and beamforming microphones deliver generally clear voice capture—even in noisy settings. That said, some users still report robotic or tinny tones depending on ambient noise and connection stability.
Battery & Charging
Battery runtime is solid: about 8 hours per charge with ANC and roughly 24 hours with the case. Quick charging gives 1 hour in just 3 minutes. Wireless charging is supported, but the case feels delicate and the coil placement is reportedly finicky.
Features & App Experience
The Sony Headphones Connect app offers granular controls (EQ, 360 Audio, gesture profiles), but it’s cluttered and overwhelming to many. Multi-device switching isn’t always seamless — pairing with PCs still occasionally misbehaves.
Connectivity & Reliability
Pairing is easy on mobile devices, but switching between Windows and other devices can be inconsistent. Some users must re-pair regularly — disappointing for premium hardware.
Durability
Rated IPX4, these earbuds withstand sweat and light splashes but are not built for rough use. Their slippery design also raises questions about grip and wear-test durability.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Exceptional sound clarity and stage
- Impressive ANC when properly sealed
- Long battery life with wireless charging
- Compact, refined design
⚠️ Cons
- Very slippery and awkward to handle
- Fit is touchy; seal issues common
- App interface cluttered
- Connectivity issues with PC/multi-device setups
Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | ~8 hours (ANC on), ~24 hours with case |
| Noise Cancellation | Dual-processor adaptive ANC |
| Charging | Quick charge + wireless support |
| Bluetooth | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (sweat/splash) |
Final Verdict
If you're audiophile-prioritized and okay tweaking fit, the WF‑1000XM5 offer stellar sound and strong ANC performance. However, if ease-of-use, grip comfort, or flawless multi-device reliability matter most — consider other options.