“It’s a Sony” may be making a comeback as Sony’s flagship Wireless Headphones (WH) and Wireless Free (WF) series have become the gold standard for Bluetooth headphones with active noise cancellation. The WF earbuds, now at version XM5, offer a more compact design, new 8.4mm Dynamic Driver X drivers for better low-frequency sound reproduction, and claims of superior ANC compared to the older Sony WF-1000XM4, which received praise.
These flagship Sony earbuds come at a premium price of around $300/€300/£260, so the question arises: are they worth the price when their predecessors are available at a discount? After using the WF-1000XM5s for nearly two weeks, we aim to answer that question and more.
Design
Sony has significantly reduced the size and weight of the XM5s compared to their predecessors. Each earbud now weighs 5.9 grams, with the case adding 39 grams, making the total weight just over 50 grams. The design retains Sony’s signature style, with gold accents on the logos and microphone mesh cover. The earbuds have a glossy finish with matte texture on the touch control area. The case is reasonably compact and features a pairing button, USB-C port, and support for Qi wireless charging.
The XM5s come with IPX4 splash and sweat resistance, standard for earbuds in 2023. However, the case lacks any ingress protection.
Features
Sony has equipped the WF-1000XM5s Specs with an array of features. They feature the Integrated Processor V2 for audio processing and analogue audio amplification, as well as the QN2e HD Noise Cancelling processor for ANC and Bluetooth SoC. A new addition is the Quick Attention feature, which activates transparency mode when you long press the left earbud and switches back to ANC automatically.
The earbuds boast 8.4mm Dynamic Driver X units for improved lower-frequency reproduction, supporting a wider sound frequency range of 20 – 40,000 Hz. They use Bluetooth 5.3 with support for the LC3 codec, promising lower latency and less power consumption. LDAC codec support allows for higher bitrate audio streaming at up to 990 kbps at 96kHz sampling. They also feature 360 Reality Audio spatial audio, multipoint pairing for two devices simultaneously, and AI machine-learning noise reduction for calls.
Performance and Sound Quality
The WF-1000XM5s Specs offer a balanced audio profile with a mature sound stage and clear transitions between lower, midrange, and higher frequencies. Vocals and instruments are faithfully reproduced with nuanced details. The treble response is notably clearer than the XM4s. Sony’s Headphones Connect app allows users to customize the EQ to their liking.
These earbuds provide impressive loudness thanks to their 8.4mm drivers, especially in LDAC mode. Noise cancellation is the standout feature, effectively blocking out mid-frequency noises even without ANC. The microphones offer clear voice pickup during calls, even in noisy environments. There’s minimal latency while watching video content.
Battery Life
Sony claims 8 hours of battery life with ANC on, and the case provides two full recharges, totaling 24 hours of playback. In testing, 7.5 hours of playback were achieved with ANC using the SBC codec. LDAC playback reduced this to 6 hours. The case adds two full recharges, making the combined battery life 22.5 hours.
A full recharge cycle takes 90 minutes via USB-C, while wireless charging takes over 3 hours. A quick 3-minute charge via USB-C provides up to an hour of playback.
Verdict
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are the best-sounding wireless earbuds tested to date, with superb noise cancellation, a wide range of features, and a lighter, more pocket-friendly design. The ANC is among the best in-ear noise canceling. However, non-remappable touch controls and foam ear tips may not suit everyone’s preferences.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the WF-1000XM5s are highly recommended for those who prioritize sound quality and noise cancellation. They are an excellent choice for users across different smartphone ecosystems, provided the premium price is within budget.
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