91
What Hi-Fi?Specialist
“What Hi-Fi? Awards 2024 winner. Sony’s premium wireless earbuds deliver a stunning sonic performance”
Publisher score: 91/100 · 9mo ago
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Open comparison
EarbudsEarbudsBest value
Sony WF-1000XM5
$299.99 · Integrated Processor V2 & HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN2e, LDAC · 3 years old
87
Review
Radar
8.9
User score
Image credit: Official product image
Spec sheet
Key features
We only show details we can tie to a product-specific source.
Build and fit
- Weight
- Approx. 0.21 oz x2 including medium earbud tips; case approx. 1.38 oz
- Wearing style
- Closed true wireless in-ear
- Water resistance
- IPX4 equivalent
- Driver size
- 0.33 in
- Driver type
- Closed, dynamic
- Frequency response
- 20-20,000 Hz Bluetooth; 20-40,000 Hz LDAC
Wireless and connections
- Noise control
- Noise cancelling with ambient sound and Quick Attention
- Charging
- USB or wireless case charging; earbuds approx. 1.5 hrs; case approx. 2 hrs
- Battery
- Max. 8 hrs NC on / 12 hrs NC off music playback
- Connections
- Bluetooth, USB charging case, Wireless charging case
- Microphones
- Voice and noise-cancelling microphones
- BT codecs
- SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 5.3
Review evidence
Audio specialist reviews
83
“Sony hopes to keep their hand on the noise canceling crown with the WF-1000XM5. But is it all talk? Or can these earbuds walk the walk?”
Publisher score: 8.3/10 · 12mo ago
78
“The Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless are the next generation of the Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless. A few changes in design and performance have provided an elevat...”
Publisher score: 78/100 · 36mo ago
Review evidence
Tech publication reviews
93
EngadgetRead review ↗
“The WF-1000XM5 are Sony's best earbuds yet, an achievement the company consistently hits with each subsequent release.”
Publisher score: 93/100 · 36mo ago
90
CNETRead review ↗
“Sony's new flagship noise-canceling earbuds have arrived and they're quite impressive in many ways, though expensive at $300.”
Publisher score: 9/10
90
Wired
“The all-conquering buds are back—smaller, lighter, and better for the planet. But the WF-1000XM5 earbuds struggle with dynamics, calls, bass, and noise cancellation. Sony’s crown is slipping.”
Publisher score: 90/100 · 36mo ago
89
TechRadar
“Sonically so very Sony, but is it enough?”
Publisher score: 89/100 · 36mo ago
85
Tom's Guide
“The Sony WF-1000XM5 noise-canceling earbuds are the best yet”
Publisher score: 85/100 · 28mo ago
Best for
pocket carrycallsgym bagsAndroid hi-res listeners
Buying notes
Value todayStrong buy
High review score for the money. 87/100 at $300. Uses the lowest in-stock retailer price we can see.
Worth checking
ANC effectiveness in windy conditions during calls.
Score distribution
90–100
4
80–89
3
70–79
1
60–69
0
0–59
0
Quick stats
Highest93
Median90
Lowest78
Reviews8
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