Sony WF-1000XM5 Review: Sony’s Flagship Buds Get Smaller, Smarter, and Still Sound Great
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Sony’s WF-1000XM5 true wireless earbuds are the successor to the excellent WF-1000XM4, and once again, they’re designed to be a category leader. With upgraded drivers, improved noise cancellation, and smaller, more comfortable housing, the XM5s aim to challenge Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II for the top spot in the premium noise-canceling earbuds race. After weeks of listening and testing, here’s how they stack up.
Table of Contents
We Like
Engaging, customizable sound with strong bass and smooth highs
Best-in-class noise cancellation for low-frequency rumble
Smaller, lighter, more comfortable design than XM4
Up to 8–9 hours battery life with ANC on
Multipoint Bluetooth, wireless charging, quick-charge feature
We Don't Like
Transparency mode less natural than AirPods Pro 2
Call quality good but not class-leading
iPhone users limited to AAC codec
Summary
Sony’s WF-1000XM5 deliver excellent sound, top-tier noise cancellation, and a smaller, more comfortable design. They don’t completely surpass Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 or Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II in every category, but they strike the best overall balance for most people — especially Android users who can take advantage of LDAC.
Specification
SUPPORTED AUDIO FORMAT(S): SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3
FREQUENCY RANGE: 2.4 GHz band (2.4000–2.4835 GHz)
BLUETOOTH® VERSION: Bluetooth Specification Version 5.3
SUPPORTED CONTENT PROTECTION: SCMS-T
EFFECTIVE RANGE: 32.80 ft
PROFILE: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, CSIP, MCP, VCP, CCP
Design and Comfort
Sony has slimmed down the WF-1000XM5 by about 25% compared to the XM4, and the difference is noticeable. The earbuds are sleeker, lighter, and easier to wear for long stretches. The glossy finish adds a touch of polish, while the new Noise Isolation Earbud Tips feel softer and seal better, blocking out external sound before the ANC even kicks in.
In daily use, the fit is more secure than the XM4, making them a better option for commutes and light workouts. They’re rated IPX4 for water resistance, so sweat and splashes aren’t an issue, though they’re not designed for heavy gym sessions.
Sound Quality
Sony has always prioritized audio performance, and the XM5s continue that tradition. They feature a new Dynamic Driver X unit for wider frequency response and support high-resolution wireless audio via LDAC (on Android devices). iPhone users are limited to AAC, but even then, the sound is excellent.
Bass Performance
On Billie Eilish’s “bad guy”, the low-end digs deep and remains tight, never smothering the vocal track. The bass drop in Travis Scott’s “SICKO MODE” hits with power, though it can blur slightly when the beat gets especially dense.
Midrange Clarity
Vocals are generally strong. Adele’s “Hello” sounds intimate and upfront, with piano accompaniment that feels natural and layered. On Sam Smith’s “Unholy”, however, the busy electronic backdrop occasionally overshadows the vocals, showing that midrange presence could be a touch stronger in certain mixes.
Treble and Detail
The highs are smooth without being fatiguing. Eagles’ “Hotel California” (Live, 1994) highlights natural guitar tones, while Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why” shows how well the XM5s handle delicate cymbal strikes and piano notes without harshness.
Dynamics and Soundstage
Hans Zimmer’s “Time” builds from a whisper to a sweeping orchestral climax, and the XM5s track that transition with ease. The sense of scale isn’t quite over-ear level, but it’s wide enough to avoid sounding congested. On Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky”, layering is handled well, though instrument placement could be sharper for critical listeners.
Everyday Listening
Modern pop is a strong suit. Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero” plays back with full, polished vocals and balanced synths, while Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” highlights the XM5’s ability to keep rhythm snappy without letting bass overpower vocals.
Overall, Sony’s tuning is warm, with rich bass, smooth treble, and enough midrange detail to satisfy most listeners. Compared to rivals, they deliver more low-end punch than Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 but don’t quite match Apple’s vocal clarity. Against Bose’s QC Earbuds II, they’re more customizable and fun to listen to, though Bose still wins for passive isolation.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency
Sony has long been at the top of the ANC game, and the XM5s take another step forward. With dual feedback microphones and a new processor, they block out more external noise than the XM4s. On trains, planes, and in busy cafes, the reduction of engine rumble and chatter is excellent — very close to Bose QC Earbuds II, and in some cases better for low-frequency noise.
Transparency mode is improved over the XM4 but still feels slightly artificial compared to Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, which remain the benchmark for natural-sounding pass-through.
Call Quality
Sony claims the WF-1000XM5 deliver its best call quality yet, and that’s largely true. In quiet environments, voices sound clear and natural. Outdoors, the bone-conduction sensor and AI noise-reduction help filter wind and traffic noise, though callers may still hear a bit of distortion in extreme conditions. Overall, they’re good enough for video calls and commuting, but AirPods Pro 2 still hold a slight edge in clarity.
Battery Life
Battery performance is strong. With ANC on, you can expect up to 8 hours of playback, with the case extending total life to around 24 hours. In testing, I managed close to Sony’s rated 9.5 hours at moderate volume without ANC. A quick-charge feature delivers about 1 hour of playback from just a 3-minute top-up, and the case supports wireless Qi charging.
Conclusion
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are smaller, more comfortable, and better sounding than their predecessors, making them one of the best noise-canceling earbuds you can buy. They don’t completely dethrone Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 for iPhone users or Bose’s QC Earbuds II for pure ANC performance, but they strike an excellent balance across sound quality, features, and battery life.
For Android users — especially those with LDAC-compatible devices — they’re an easy recommendation. For iPhone users, they’re still a great choice if you value customization and bass impact over seamless Apple ecosystem integration.
Rating: 9.0/10
✔ Excellent sound and ANC
✔ Smaller, more comfortable design
✔ Strong battery life and feature set
✘ Transparency still trails AirPods Pro 2
✘ Call quality not class-leading
