Sony WF-1000XM5: The Ultimate Review
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After three months with Sony’s flagship earbuds, I’m ready to share every detail of what makes them special, and a few quirks you should know about!
First Impressions: Sleeker, Smaller, Smarter
The moment I unboxed the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds, I could tell Sony had made significant improvements over the previous XM4 model. At approximately 25% smaller and 20% lighter than their predecessors, these earbuds immediately feel more refined. The glossy finish gives them a premium feel that matches their flagship status, though I’ve noticed it does make them slightly more challenging to grip when retrieving them from the case.
The charging case has also undergone a diet, sitting more sleekly in my pocket than the previous generation. This is particularly noticeable when I’m wearing jeans or slimmer pants, where the XM4 case would sometimes create an awkward bulge. The case now features a subtle matte finish that resists fingerprints better than I expected.
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Fit and Comfort: Finding Your Perfect Seal
Getting the right fit with true wireless earbuds can make or break your experience, and Sony clearly invested significant time in this aspect. The WF-1000XM5 comes with their innovative Noise Isolation Earbud Tips made from a soft, elastic material that maximizes contact with your ear canal.
During my testing, I found that taking the time to try all three included tip sizes made a dramatic difference. I initially used the medium tips (installed by default) but discovered the small tips created a better seal for my ear shape. The fit test in the Sony Headphones Connect app (recently rebranded as Sound Connect) confirmed this with a simple pressure test that took less than 10 seconds.
Once properly fitted, I’ve worn these earbuds for up to 3 hours straight without discomfort—something I couldn’t do with the XM4s. The improved ergonomics make them practically disappear in my ears, and I’ve even forgotten I was wearing them while working at my desk.
Sound Quality: Studio-Grade Audio in Your Ears
Sony has raised the bar for audio quality with the new Dynamic Driver X in the WF-1000XM5. The sound signature is noticeably different from previous models, with greater clarity in the mid and high ranges without sacrificing the bass response Sony is known for.
The bass is tight and controlled rather than overwhelming. Listening to Childish Gambino’s “3005,” I could clearly distinguish the low-end details without them muddying the vocals. Switching to Florence + The Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over,” the separation between Florence Welch’s soaring vocals and the intricate instrumental backing was impressively clear.
What truly sets these earbuds apart is the soundstage they create. Despite their in-ear design, they produce a sense of space that feels wider and more immersive than I thought possible from earbuds this size. Classical pieces like Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 showcase this ability beautifully, with each instrumental section occupying its own distinct space.
The Sony WF-1000XM5 supports high-resolution audio through Sony’s proprietary LDAC codec (when paired with compatible devices) and the standard SBC and AAC codecs. With my Android phone, LDAC delivers noticeably better detail in complex tracks, though it does consume more battery.
Noise Cancellation: A New Benchmark
Having used these earbuds on flights, commuter trains, and in busy coffee shops, I can confidently say the noise cancellation is the best I’ve experienced in any true wireless earbuds.
The WF-1000XM5 incorporates two proprietary processors—the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN2e and Integrated Processor V2—along with dual feedback microphones on each earbud. This technology combination creates remarkably effective noise cancellation across the frequency spectrum.
On a recent cross-country flight, the earbuds virtually eliminated the engine drone, allowing me to listen to podcasts at comfortable volume levels instead of cranking them up to overcome the background noise. In office environments, keyboard clicks and air conditioning hums simply disappear when ANC is activated.
The passive noise isolation from the specially designed eartips enhances the electronic noise cancellation, creating a more complete barrier against external sounds. This synergy between physical design and electronic processing shows Sony’s holistic approach to noise reduction.
Smart Features: Beyond the Basics
The Sony Sound Connect App
The companion app (formerly Headphones Connect, now Sound Connect) is essential for unlocking the full potential of these earbuds. While the out-of-the-box experience is excellent, the app provides customization options that let you tailor the earbuds to your preferences.
Key features in the app include:
- Adaptive Sound Control: Automatically adjusts noise cancellation levels based on your activity and location. After a few weeks of use, it learned my regular locations and seamlessly switched between full noise cancellation at the gym and ambient sound awareness at street crossings.
- Equalizer: The 5-band EQ with presets and custom options allows you to fine-tune the sound signature. I created a custom EQ that slightly reduces the bass and enhances the upper mids for vocal clarity when listening to podcasts.
- 360 Reality Audio Setup: This analyzes your ear shape to optimize the 3D sound field. The setup process is quick, requiring you to take photos of your ears using your phone camera. The resulting spatial audio effect is subtle but noticeable, especially with content specifically mixed for this format.
- Speak-to-Chat: A feature that automatically pauses your music and enables ambient sound mode when you start speaking. It works reliably in my experience, though I usually keep it disabled as I find it triggers when I’m singing along to my music!
- DSEE Extreme Upscaling: Uses AI to restore high-frequency details lost in compressed audio files. The difference is subtle but most noticeable with lower-quality streaming sources.
- Multipoint Connection: Allows simultaneous connection to two Bluetooth devices, making it easy to switch between my laptop and phone without manual reconnection.
Touch Controls and Customization
The touch-sensitive surface on each earbud is responsive without being prone to accidental triggers. By default, the left earbud controls noise cancellation and ambient sound modes, while the right handles playback, calls, and volume adjustment.
I particularly appreciate that you can now customize these controls in the app, assigning different functions to each earbud. I’ve set my right earbud to control volume (double tap to increase, triple tap to decrease) and left earbud for toggling between noise cancellation modes.
The most surprising feature has been the head gesture controls. Nodding your head twice answers an incoming call, while shaking your head left to right twice rejects it. It felt slightly awkward using these gestures in public at first, but they’ve proven surprisingly useful when my hands are full with groceries or gym equipment.
Call Quality: Finally Competitive
Previous Sony earbuds struggled with call quality, but the WF-1000XM5 has made significant improvements. The earbuds feature what Sony calls “Precise Voice Pickup Technology,” which combines bone conduction sensors with advanced audio signal processing.
In practice, callers reported hearing me clearly even in challenging environments like windy outdoor areas or busy coffee shops. The earbuds use AI-driven noise reduction algorithms developed with over 500 million voice samples to isolate your voice from background noise.
I’ve conducted numerous work calls with these earbuds, and colleagues haven’t noticed I’m using earbuds rather than a dedicated headset. The mesh covering over the microphones also effectively reduces wind noise when I’m walking or cycling.
Battery Life: All-Day Reliability
Sony claims up to 8 hours of playback with noise cancellation enabled and up to 12 hours with it turned off. The charging case provides an additional 16 hours, bringing the total to 24 hours before you need to find a power outlet.
In my real-world testing, these claims have proven accurate. With noise cancellation enabled and volume at about 60%, I consistently get between 7.5 and 8 hours of continuous playback. When I do need to charge, the quick charge feature provides an hour of playback from just 3 minutes in the case—perfect for those moments when you’re about to head out and discover your earbuds are depleted.
The case supports both USB-C and Qi wireless charging, giving you flexibility in how you power up. I’ve placed it on the same wireless charging pad I use for my phone without any alignment issues.
Daily Living: The Little Things That Matter
After three months of daily use, the WF-1000XM5 has become an essential part of my routine. The IPX4 water resistance rating has proven sufficient for light rain and intense workout sessions, though I wouldn’t risk submerging them.
The Bluetooth connection has been rock-solid with minimal dropouts, even in crowded areas with lots of wireless interference. The multipoint connection works seamlessly most of the time, though I occasionally need to manually reconnect when switching between devices.
One of my favorite features is the auto-pause function that stops playback when you remove an earbud. This simple convenience saves battery and ensures you don’t miss anything when briefly interacting with someone. The earbuds also automatically switch to ambient sound mode when you remove one, allowing you to hear your surroundings better.
The Bluetooth 5.3 implementation provides excellent range—I can leave my phone in one room and move to an adjacent room without losing connection. Pairing is quick and painless using either Google Fast Pair for Android or Swift Pair for Windows devices.
The Few Downsides
No product is perfect, and the WF-1000XM5 does have a few limitations worth noting:
- Price Point: At $299/£259, these are among the most expensive true wireless earbuds on the market. While the premium features justify the cost for audio enthusiasts, more casual listeners might find better value in mid-range alternatives.
- Case Magnet: The magnetic mechanism that holds the earbuds in the case is strong but sometimes makes it tricky to remove them quickly, especially with the glossy finish.
- App Dependency: While the earbuds function well out of the box, you’ll miss out on many features and customization options without the Sound Connect app.
- No Aptx Support: Sony prioritizes its own LDAC codec over Qualcomm’s aptX, which might disappoint some Android users whose devices support aptX but not LDAC.
Verdict: Worth Every Penny
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds represent the pinnacle of true wireless technology in 2025. From the refined design and exceptional sound quality to the class-leading noise cancellation and thoughtful smart features, they excel in every category that matters.
For audiophiles, the sound quality alone justifies the investment. For frequent travelers or office workers, the noise cancellation capabilities make these earbuds an essential productivity tool. And for tech enthusiasts, the robust feature set and customization options provide endless ways to optimize your listening experience.
After three months of daily use across various environments and use cases, I can confidently say these are the best true wireless earbuds I’ve ever used. Sony has taken an already excellent product line and refined it to near perfection.
If you’re willing to invest in premium audio equipment that will enhance your daily life, the Sony WF-1000XM5 deserves to be at the top of your list. These earbuds don’t just play music—they transform how you experience sound in your everyday life.
Our Score
Have you tried the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds? What features matter most to you when choosing wireless earbuds? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
