Sony WF-1000XM5 Review:Price, Performance, and Noise-Canceling True Wireless Earbuds

Source：SONY Official Website　Specifications of the SONY WF-1000XM5 shown in the image above. See the text above for detailed explanations in English.

Sony WF-1000XM5 Specifications $ 329.99

Headphone Section (Others)
Power	Li-ion
Charging Method	USB charging (using case)
Continuous audio playback	up to 8 hours(NC on)/up to 12 hours(NC off)
Continuous call time	up to 6 hours(NC on)/up to 7 hours(NC off)

Bluetooth
Communication Method	Bluetooth Standard Specification Ver. 5.3
Output	Bluetooth Standard Specification Power Class 1
Maximum Communication Distance	10 m
Operating Frequency Band	2.4 GHz (2.4000 GHz – 2.4835 GHz)
Supported Bluetooth Profiles	A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP/ TMAP, CSIP, MCP, VCP, CCP
Supported Codecs	SBC, AAC,LDAC,LC3
Supported Content Protection	SCMS-T
Transmission Band (A2DP)	20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (44.1 kHz sampling) 20Hz-40,000Hz(LDAC 96kHz sampling 990kbps)

My Experience Using It

Noise Cancellation Review

The WF-1000XM5 delivers class-leading noise-canceling performance in Sony’s lineup of true wireless earphones. By combining the Integrated Processor V2 with the high-quality noise-canceling processor QN2e, it provides real-time, adaptive noise cancellation tailored to your surroundings. Whether you’re on a train, a plane, or navigating busy city streets, it offers a level of quiet and focus that surpasses previous models.

Source：SONY Official Website　Specifications of the SONY WF-1000XM5 shown in the image above. See the text above for detailed explanations in English.

Compared to the WF-1000XM4, the WF-1000XM5 achieves an impressive 20% improvement in noise reduction. Its Multi-Noise Sensor Technology, with dual feedback microphones and three feed-forward microphones in each ear, suppresses noise across a wide range of frequencies. The reduction of ambient noise, especially on trains and airplanes, is remarkable, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in music or videos.

Source：SONY Official Website　Specifications of the SONY WF-1000XM5 shown in the image above. See the text above for detailed explanations in English.

In addition, the WF-1000XM5 incorporates a wind noise reduction structure and high-isolation ear tips, ensuring comfort even during outdoor use. The microphones, crafted with finely perforated metal, balance quiet performance with a premium feel. Its new Dynamic Driver X, which accurately generates inverse sound waves, enhances not only noise cancellation but also the reproduction of both deep bass and clear treble during music playback.

As a result, the WF-1000XM5 excels not only in noise-canceling performance but also in delivering exceptional sound quality in quiet environments. It effectively blocks out ambient noise while reproducing every detail of the music, exemplifying the high level of refinement expected from a premium, high-end model.

Sound Quality Review

The WF-1000XM5 is equipped with Sony’s proprietary 8.4mm Dynamic Driver X, delivering well-balanced, high-quality sound from deep bass to sparkling highs. Its diaphragm structure uses different materials for the dome and edge, achieving both rich, immersive low frequencies and clear, extended high frequencies thanks to the lightweight, rigid dome. By maintaining high-quality signal processing from input to playback, it ensures a clear, low-distortion listening experience.

Source：SONY Official Website　Specifications of the SONY WF-1000XM5 shown in the image above. See the text above for detailed explanations in English.

Although completely wireless, the WF-1000XM5 supports the LDAC codec, enabling transmission of high-resolution audio with up to three times the data of standard Bluetooth audio. This allows high-resolution content to be faithfully reproduced, and even compressed audio is upscaled in real time to near high-resolution quality using Sony’s AI-powered DSEE Extreme technology, significantly enhancing sound detail and spatial presence.

Source：SONY Official Website　Specifications of the SONY WF-1000XM5 shown in the image above. See the text above for detailed explanations in English.

Furthermore, as a 360 Reality Audio-certified model, the WF-1000XM5 supports personal optimization. Using the dedicated app to tailor the sound to your ear shape and headphone characteristics, it faithfully reproduces sound localization, spatial spread, and depth. Combined with head-tracking functionality, the audio shifts according to the orientation of your head, creating an immersive listening experience akin to being at a live concert.

Source：SONY Official Website　Specifications of the SONY WF-1000XM5 shown in the image above. See the text above for detailed explanations in English.

The WF-1000XM5 also features an improved ambient sound mode, allowing you to enjoy music while naturally hearing surrounding sounds. It includes a Quick Attention mode that temporarily lowers the volume to make it easier to catch nearby sounds. The ambient sound level is adjustable across 20 steps, and with Voice Focus enabled, only human voices and announcements are emphasized, providing a comfortable listening experience.

Overall, the WF-1000XM5 combines exceptional sound quality and a rich sense of presence. When paired with noise cancellation, it delivers the high-end experience of completely blocking out external noise while vividly reproducing every detail of the music.

Size & Fit Review

The WF-1000XM5 is approximately 25% smaller than its predecessor, the WF-1000XM4, with the weight of each earbud reduced from 7.3 g to 5.9 g. This downsizing reduces interference with the ear, providing comfortable wear that minimizes fatigue even during extended use. Additionally, the inner side of the earbud adopts an ‘Ergonomic Surface Design,’ featuring a curved shape that follows the contours of the ear for a better fit. The reduced height also limits how much the earbuds protrude from the ear, ensuring excellent wearing stability.

Source：SONY Official Website　Specifications of the SONY WF-1000XM5 shown in the image above. See the text above for detailed explanations in English.

The ear tips have also been improved, with the polyurethane foam material revised to reduce pressure. They are available in four sizes—SS, S, M, and L—accommodating a wider range of ear shapes. The dedicated app, Sound Connect, provides a fitting test to help determine the optimal ear tips, and properly wearing them allows you to maximize the noise-canceling performance.

Source：SONY Official Website　Specifications of the SONY WF-1000XM5 shown in the image above. See the text above for detailed explanations in English.

The design also pursues a sense of luxury. The microphone area features a wind-noise-reducing structure with fine metal perforations, the sides are finished with a glossy coating, and the top of the touch control area has a matte finish, balancing both usability and aesthetics. The new color, Smoky Pink, offers an elegant tone that blends well with the skin, enhancing your style simply by wearing it.

Source：SONY Official Website　Specifications of the SONY WF-1000XM5 shown in the image above. See the text above for detailed explanations in English.

The case has been reduced in size by approximately 15% and slimmed by about 3 mm, resulting in a compact design that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. This improves portability and makes daily use more convenient. Additionally, parts of the earbuds and case utilize recycled plastics, and the packaging is plastic-free, reflecting an environmentally conscious design.

The WF-1000XM5 is a high-end earphone that combines a comfortable in-ear fit, lightweight design, stable wearing experience, refined aesthetics, and sustainable features, making it easy and stress-free to use in everyday life.

Call Quality Review

The WF-1000XM5 delivers the best call quality in Sony’s history of true wireless earbuds. Leveraging AI technology, its high-precision voice pickup system optimally manages multiple microphones. Trained on over 500 million AI samples, it accurately separates the wearer’s voice from surrounding environmental noise, ensuring clear calls even in noisy environments. Furthermore, bone conduction sensors capture not only sound from the mouth but also vibrations transmitted through the skull, making the voice delivered to the other party more natural and intelligible.

Source：SONY Official Website　Specifications of the SONY WF-1000XM5 shown in the image above. See the text above for detailed explanations in English.

The microphone unit features a sleek design with finely perforated metal, reducing wind noise. It provides up to 7 hours of continuous talk time with noise cancelling off, and up to 6 hours with it on, ensuring reliable performance for long calls during online meetings or while on the go.

Source：SONY Official Website　Specifications of the SONY WF-1000XM5 shown in the image above. See the text above for detailed explanations in English.

Additionally, it supports multipoint connectivity, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices. By connecting to both your personal smartphone and your work smartphone or computer, you can seamlessly switch between music playback and online meetings without changing earbuds. It works across different operating systems, so combinations like iPhone and Android, or iPhone and Windows, can be used comfortably.

The WF-1000XM5 is a high-performance earbud that delivers clear voice communication in any environment, making it ideal for both business and everyday use.

Pros

メリット

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  Integrated Processor V2 and high-quality noise-cancelling Processor QN2e reduce noise in real-time according to the surrounding environment, allowing you to enjoy music in a quiet space.
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  Uniquely developed 8.4mm Dynamic Driver X combined with DSEE Extreme AI processing and LDAC support reproduces high-resolution sound even from compressed sources, enabling an immersive 360 Reality Audio music experience.
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  Compact, lightweight design and ergonomic shape along with a variety of ear tip sizes ensure a secure fit, making it comfortable to wear for long periods.
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  Ambient sound mode, multipoint connectivity, and a compact case design provide convenient features for daily use and portability.
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  High-precision voice pickup and bone conduction sensors deliver clear call quality even in noisy environments, ensuring comfortable communication during online meetings or while out.

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Cons

デメリット

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  High-performance noise cancellation and high-quality playback increase battery consumption, so charging is required for extended use.
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  Miniaturization has resulted in a smaller touch control area, which may lead to operational errors.
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  Audio optimization and fit tests via AI and apps depend on compatible devices and settings, so full performance may not be achieved in all environments.
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  Bone conduction sensors and microphone performance may vary depending on the individual and environment, affecting call quality.
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  In noisy or outdoor environments, the effectiveness of ambient sound capture and noise cancellation may be limited.

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