WF-1000XM5
#1
Sony

Sony WF-1000XM5

Rating

Model: WF1000XM5/B
$214(incl. tax)Amazon price as of 2025-09-02
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Product Overview

The Sony WF-1000XM5 delivers high-quality sound with effective noise cancellation. Designed for wide frequency reproduction, these earbuds enhance the listening experience with detailed vocals. They feature Sony's best-ever call quality, ensuring clear voice transmission even in noisy environments. With a comfortable design and long-lasting battery life, these earbuds are perfect for all-day use. They are also environmentally conscious, made from recycled plastic materials.

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Product Specifications

Driver Size
8.4mm
Frequency Range
20 Hz to 40 kHzHz
Impedance
16Ω
Bluetooth Version
5.3
Bluetooth Codec
AAC
Battery Life
8hours
Charging Time
90minutes
Water Resistance
Water Resistant
Microphone
Microphone Included
Weight
0.4 Ouncesg

Size & Weight

Weight
0.4 Ounces
Hight
3.86 inches
Width
2.11 inches
Depth
3.46 inches

Features

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Function

The active noise cancellation effectively reduces ambient noise, creating an immersive listening experience. Dual feedback microphones and noise isolation earbud tips work together to cancel out external sounds, making it ideal for noisy environments and enhancing focus.

Transparency Mode Function

Transparency mode is not explicitly mentioned in the provided product information. Therefore, it is assumed that this function is not available on the Sony WF-1000XM5. Users may not be able to hear external sounds without removing the earbuds.

Multipoint Pairing Function

Multipoint pairing allows the earbuds to connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, enabling seamless switching between devices. This feature is convenient for users who frequently switch between their phone and laptop, enhancing productivity and ease of use.

Customizable EQ Function

The Sony Connect app allows users to customize the EQ settings, tailoring the sound profile to their preferences. This feature enhances the listening experience for different music genres and personal hearing profiles, providing greater control over the audio output.

Find My Earbuds Function

The 'Find My Earbuds' function is not mentioned in the product information. Users may need to rely on third-party apps or manual searching to locate misplaced earbuds, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming if the earbuds are lost.

In-Ear Detection Function

In-ear detection, which automatically pauses or resumes audio playback when the earbuds are removed or inserted, is not mentioned in the product information. Users may need to manually control the playback, which can be less seamless and intuitive.

Wireless Charging Case Function

Wireless charging for the case is not mentioned in the product information. Users may need to rely on traditional cable charging, which can be less convenient for those who prefer wireless charging solutions and want to reduce cable clutter.

SHOPSTAFF Rating Score

#1
Ranked #1 out of 100 products in Category
4.6
Overall Rating

The Sony WF-1000XM5 offers excellent sound quality and noise cancellation, positioning it as a premium option. Battery life is solid, and the design is both stylish and comfortable. However, the high price point may deter some buyers.

Sound Quality (Frequency Response and Clarity)
4.8
The WF-1000XM5 delivers excellent sound quality with a wide frequency range, providing rich and detailed audio. The clarity is exceptional, allowing listeners to discern fine nuances in music and clear voice quality for calls, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Comfort and Fit (Ergonomic Design)
4.7
The earbuds are designed for comfort, fitting securely in the ear. The ergonomic design ensures they stay in place during various activities. The inclusion of multiple ear tip sizes allows users to customize the fit for optimal comfort and noise isolation.
Battery Life and Charging Case
4.6
With up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge and an additional 16 hours via the charging case, these earbuds offer long-lasting battery life. The quick charging feature provides up to 1 hour of playback with just 3 minutes of charging, adding to the convenience.
Bluetooth Version and Connectivity
4.9
Featuring Bluetooth 5.3, the WF-1000XM5 provides a stable and reliable connection. Multipoint connection allows pairing with two devices simultaneously, enabling seamless switching between devices for calls and music, enhancing user convenience.
Water Resistance (IPX Rating)
4.0
The water-resistant design with an IPX4 rating protects the earbuds from sweat and splashes, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. However, they are not fully waterproof, so submersion should be avoided to prevent damage.
Microphone Quality (for Calls)
4.7
The microphone quality is exceptional, ensuring clear voice transmission during calls. Noise reduction algorithms developed with AI machine learning suppress ambient noise, allowing the person on the other end to hear your voice clearly, even in noisy environments.
Manufacturer Reliability and Warranty
4.8
Sony is a well-established brand known for producing high-quality audio products. The WF-1000XM5 comes with a standard warranty, providing peace of mind and assurance of the product's reliability and durability, reflecting the brand's commitment.
Cost Performance
4.0
While priced at a premium, the WF-1000XM5 offers a compelling value proposition with its superior sound quality, noise cancellation, and features. The high level of performance justifies the cost for users seeking a top-tier listening experience.

Brand & Manufacturer Details

Sony
Sony is a creative entertainment company with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, and more.

Key Highlights

  • Superior noise cancellation
  • High-quality sound reproduction
  • Comfortable and stylish design
  • Long battery life with quick charging

Considerations

  • Avoid exposure to excessive moisture
  • Clean regularly to maintain performance
  • Handle with care to prevent damage

Recommended For

  • Audiophiles
  • Frequent travelers
  • Professionals needing noise cancellation
  • Tech enthusiasts

Not Recommended For

  • Budget-conscious consumers
  • Users prioritizing ruggedness over sound quality
  • none in particular

Suitable For

  • Commuting
  • Working in noisy environments
  • Listening to music at home
  • Traveling

Not Suitable For

  • Swimming
  • High-intensity water sports
  • Construction sites
  • none in particular

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q.I'm hesitant because I've had bad experiences with earbuds not connecting properly. How reliable are the Sony WF-1000XM5 in terms of connectivity?
A.According to staff confirmation, the Sony WF-1000XM5 have demonstrated stellar reliability. One staff member mentioned they haven't experienced any connectivity issues, unlike their previous earbuds that often had problems with only one earbud connecting.
Q.I'm an Apple user. Will I miss out on features if I don't get AirPods?
A.Based on staff confirmation, the Sony WF-1000XM5 integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem. Transitions between devices are smooth, and you can send/receive calls easily. The staff member also noted a useful feature: nodding your head to answer calls.
Q.I need earbuds for sleeping. How is the battery life and noise cancellation for overnight use?
A.Staff confirmation indicates the battery life is excellent for sleeping. One staff member reported over 8 hours of use with noise cancellation on. The noise cancellation is effective at attenuating sounds like snoring, though it might not completely block them out.
Q.I'm concerned about wind noise when cycling. How effective are these at reducing wind noise?
A.According to staff confirmation, these earbuds are remarkably effective at reducing wind noise during cycling, even more so than other earbuds the staff member has tested. They described the wind noise reduction as 'downright spooky.'
Q.I have large ear canals and often struggle to get a good seal with earbud tips. Are there options for larger sizes or alternative solutions?
A.Staff confirmation notes that while the product comes with 4 sets of tips, one staff member with large ear canals had difficulty achieving a complete seal. They suggest trying different tips and potentially using a 'Sugro hack' (using Sugro glue to customize the fit) as a possible solution. They were also investigating custom molded tips.
Q.I'm not very tech-savvy. Is the Sony Connect app easy to use, or is it overly complicated?
A.According to staff confirmation, the Sony Connect app could be simplified for those who don't want to delve too deeply into technical aspects. However, it offers useful features like an equalizer and clear bass functions. Some features, like automatically changing settings based on location, might not be useful for everyone.
Q.How does the noise cancellation compare to over-ear headphones?
A.Based on staff confirmation, while the noise cancellation is very good, it's not quite as effective as Sony's over-ear WH-1000XM5 headphones. However, it's still considered effective for blocking out ambient noise, and the airtight seal is critical for optimal noise cancellation.
Q.I’m hesitating due to concerns about battery longevity based on past experiences with Sony products. Has there been any improvement?
A.According to staff confirmation, battery life is very similar to older models, but one staff member expressed hope that the battery composition has been improved in this model to avoid premature degradation.

SHOPSTAFF Rating Ranking

#1

Sony

WF-1000XM5

$214(incl. tax)Amazon price as of 2025-09-02

The best truly wireless Bluetooth noise canceling earbuds with Alexa Built-in, offering great sound and comfort.

Driver Size8.4 mmFrequency Range20 Hz to 40 k Hz
Impedance16 ΩBluetooth Version5.3
Bluetooth CodecAAC Battery Life8 hours
Charging Time90 minutesWater ResistanceWater Resistant
MicrophoneMicrophone Included Weight0.4 Ounces g
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) FunctionTransparency Mode FunctionMultipoint Pairing FunctionCustomizable EQ FunctionFind My Earbuds FunctionIn-Ear Detection FunctionWireless Charging Case Function
4.6Overall Rating
4.8Sound Quality (Frequency Response and Clarity)
4.7Comfort and Fit (Ergonomic Design)
4.6Battery Life and Charging Case
4.9Bluetooth Version and Connectivity
4.0Water Resistance (IPX Rating)
4.7Microphone Quality (for Calls)
4.8Manufacturer Reliability and Warranty
4.0Cost Performance
#2

SAMSUNG

Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

$123(incl. tax)Amazon price as of 2025-09-02

AI-powered true wireless earbuds with noise cancelling, sound optimization, and real-time interpreter.

Driver Size - mmFrequency Range20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
Impedance25.75 ΩBluetooth Version5.4
Bluetooth CodecSSC HiFi and UHQ Battery Life8 hours
Charging Time90 minutesWater ResistanceIPX7
MicrophoneYes, Noise Cancelling Weight - g
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) FunctionTransparency Mode FunctionMultipoint Pairing FunctionCustomizable EQ FunctionFind My Earbuds FunctionIn-Ear Detection FunctionWireless Charging Case Function
4.5Overall Rating
4.5Sound Quality (Frequency Response and Clarity)
4.7Comfort and Fit (Ergonomic Design)
4.6Battery Life and Charging Case
4.8Bluetooth Version and Connectivity
4.5Water Resistance (IPX Rating)
4.6Microphone Quality (for Calls)
4.5Manufacturer Reliability and Warranty
4.0Cost Performance
#3

Bose

QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Earbuds 882826-0020

$228(incl. tax)Amazon price as of 2025-09-02

Wireless earbuds with spatial audio, world-class active noise cancellation, deep bass, and up to 6 hours of playtime.

Driver Size- mmFrequency Response20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
Impedance- ΩBluetooth Version5.3
Bluetooth Codec- Battery Life6 Hours hours
Charging Time120 minutesWater ResistanceWater Resistant
MicrophoneYes, Noise Cancelling Weight20 g
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) FunctionTransparency Mode FunctionMultipoint Pairing FunctionCustomizable EQ FunctionFind My Earbuds FunctionIn-Ear Detection FunctionWireless Charging Case Function
4.5Overall Rating
4.5Sound Quality (Frequency Response and Clarity)
4.8Comfort and Fit (Ergonomic Design)
4.3Battery Life and Charging Case
4.9Bluetooth Version and Connectivity
4.0Water Resistance (IPX Rating)
4.6Microphone Quality (for Calls)
4.7Manufacturer Reliability and Warranty
4.0Cost Performance
#4

Samsung

Galaxy Buds 3 Pro SM-R630NZAEXAR

$179(incl. tax)Amazon price as of 2025-09-02

AI-powered true wireless earbuds with noise cancelling, sound optimization, and redesigned comfort fit.

Driver Size - mmFrequency Response20 Hz - 96 K Hz
Impedance16 ΩBluetooth Version5.4
Bluetooth Codec - Battery Life6 hours
Charging Time135 minutesWater ResistanceWater Resistant
MicrophoneYes, Active Noise Cancellation Weight0.19 ounces g
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) FunctionTransparency Mode FunctionMultipoint Pairing FunctionCustomizable EQ FunctionFind My Earbuds FunctionIn-Ear Detection FunctionWireless Charging Case Function
4.4Overall Rating
4.5Sound Quality (Frequency Response and Clarity)
4.7Comfort and Fit (Ergonomic Design)
4.3Battery Life and Charging Case
4.8Bluetooth Version and Connectivity
4.0Water Resistance (IPX Rating)
4.5Microphone Quality (for Calls)
4.5Manufacturer Reliability and Warranty
4.0Cost Performance
#5

JGUG

T12 Wireless Earbuds

$169(incl. tax)Amazon price as of 2025-09-02

Hi-Fi Deep Bass Stereo Wireless Earbuds with LED Charging Case, 40 Hours Playtime, IP7 Waterproof, Lightweight.

Driver Size13.2 mmFrequency Response20 to 20,000 Hz
Impedance0.4 ΩBluetooth Version5.3
Bluetooth Codec- Battery Life8 hours
Charging Time90 minutesWater ResistanceWaterproof
MicrophoneYes Weight4.0 g
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) FunctionTransparency Mode FunctionMultipoint Pairing FunctionCustomizable EQ FunctionFind My Earbuds FunctionIn-Ear Detection FunctionWireless Charging Case Function
4.2Overall Rating
4.0Sound Quality (Frequency Response and Clarity)
4.5Comfort and Fit (Ergonomic Design)
4.5Battery Life and Charging Case
4.8Bluetooth Version and Connectivity
4.5Water Resistance (IPX Rating)
4.0Microphone Quality (for Calls)
3.5Manufacturer Reliability and Warranty
4.0Cost Performance