The Sony WF-1000XM5 are Sony’s flagship true wireless earbuds, and they are about 25% smaller than the XM4s they replaced. Inside are new drivers, more microphones and two processors for noise cancelling. We used them for a month of commuting, two long-haul flights and daily workouts.
Quick Answer
The Sony WF-1000XM5 are the best-sounding noise-cancelling earbuds you can buy, with ANC that is close to the best. They are ideal for Android users and music lovers. iPhone owners who want seamless switching should look at AirPods Pro, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds cancel slightly more noise.
Sony WF-1000XM5 — Key Specs |
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|---|---|
| Drivers | 8.4 mm Dynamic Driver X |
| Noise cancelling | Dual processors (QN2e + V2), 3 mics per earbud |
| Battery | Up to 8 hrs ANC on, 24 hrs with case |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC (LC3 ready) |
| Water resistance | IPX4 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint |
| Charging | USB-C and Qi wireless |
Design & Fit
The XM5s are small, light and sit flush in the ear, which makes them comfortable for hours and easy to wear while lying on a pillow. Sony includes four sizes of foam tips, which seal better than silicone and help the noise cancelling. The glossy finish looks premium but can be slippery when you take them out of the case.
Run the Ear Tip Fit Test in the Sony Headphones app — it checks the seal on each ear and tells you if you need a different size.
Sound Quality
This is where the XM5s stand out. Bass is deep and controlled, vocals are clear and forward, and treble has plenty of sparkle without being harsh. With an Android phone that supports LDAC, you get noticeably more detail from lossless streaming services. The app’s 10-band EQ lets you tune everything.
Compared with AirPods Pro, the Sonys sound fuller and more detailed. Compared with the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds, they are more balanced and accurate.
Noise Cancelling
On a long-haul flight, the XM5s removed most of the engine rumble, and on the train they silenced conversations and announcements to a quiet hum. Bose still has a slight edge with very low rumbles, but the difference is small. Ambient Sound mode is natural, and Speak-to-Chat pauses music automatically when you start talking.
Calls & Battery
Three microphones per earbud and bone conduction sensors make call quality very good. People could hear us clearly on a windy street. Battery life matches Sony’s claims: about 8 hours with ANC on, and the case adds two extra charges. Three minutes of charging gives an hour of playback, and the case supports wireless charging.
Get the Best From Your XM5s
Who Should Buy It
- Buy them if sound quality is your priority and you want strong noise cancelling.
- Buy them if you use an Android phone that supports LDAC.
- Skip them if you use an iPhone and want seamless Apple device switching — get AirPods Pro.
- Skip them if you want the absolute strongest ANC — the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds edge ahead.
Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Pro vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Best Sound
 Sony WF-1000XM5
$299
|
Best for iPhone
Apple AirPods Pro
$249
|
Best ANC
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
$299
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery (ANC on) | Up to 8 hrs | Up to 6 hrs | Up to 6 hrs |
| Hi-res codec | LDAC | No | aptX Adaptive |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IP54 | IPX4 |
| Best for | Music & Android | Apple users | Maximum quiet |
Our Verdict: The Earbuds for Music Lovers
The Sony WF-1000XM5 combine the best sound in true wireless earbuds with noise cancelling that is almost the best. They are smaller and more comfortable than before — our top pick for music lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Sony WF-1000XM5 good for iPhone?
Yes, they work very well with iPhone over AAC. You lose LDAC and Apple’s automatic device switching, but sound and ANC are still excellent.
Can I work out with the Sony WF-1000XM5?
Yes. They are IPX4 rated, so they handle sweat and light rain. They stayed secure during our runs with the right foam tips.
Do the Sony WF-1000XM5 support multipoint?
Yes. They can connect to two devices at once, such as a phone and a laptop.
How long do the Sony WF-1000XM5 last?
About 8 hours with noise cancelling on, and 24 hours in total with the charging case.
Hear Music the Way It Was Made
The Sony WF-1000XM5 are often discounted by $50 or more — check today’s price and colours.