Sony WF-1000XM5 Review: A Closer Look at Sony’s Latest Earbuds

Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earbuds hit the scene in July 2023, stepping up from the well-received WF-1000XM4. People have been curious about how these tiny gadgets stack up in everyday life, whether it’s blocking out a noisy commute or handling a sweaty gym session. This review digs into what they’re like to use, from how they fit in your ears to what you hear through them, all based on real testing. So let’s dive in!

What You Get with the Sony WF-1000XM5

Out of the box, these earbuds come with a few essentials. The packaging, made from recycled paper, keeps things simple: the earbuds themselves, a charging case, a USB-C cable, and four sizes of polyurethane foam ear tips (extra-small to large). There’s also some paperwork, like a reference guide and warranty info. It’s all pretty straightforward, nothing extra, just what you need to get started.

The earbuds are available in three colors: Smoky Pink,  Deep black, and Silvery platinum. Each bud weighs about 5.9 grams with the medium tips on, while the case clocks in at 39 grams. Together, they’re light enough to toss in a pocket without a second thought.

Design and Fit

How They Look and Feel

The WF-1000XM5 earbuds sport a mix of glossy and matte plastic finishes. The sides have a shiny look, while the touch areas stay matte, which makes them easier to grip. Compared to the WF-1000XM4, they’re about 25% smaller and 20% lighter, a change you notice when they’re in your ears for a while. Sony tweaked the shape too, angling the nozzles more and softening up the foam tips. People testing them found they sit snugly without needing to twist them in hard like the older model.

The charging case got a makeover as well, it’s 15% smaller than before, with a speckled matte finish that matches the eco-friendly vibe of the packaging. There’s a pairing button on the back and a small LED up front to show what’s happening with the charge or connection.

Staying Put and Handling Sweat

With an IPX4 rating, these earbuds can take a light splash or some sweat without trouble. They’re not dunk-proof, so no swimming, but they hold up fine for a rainy walk or a tough workout. Testers noted they stayed in place during runs and gym sessions, thanks to the flexible tips and ergonomic design. The case, though, isn’t rated for water resistance, so it’s best kept dry.

Getting Around the Controls

Touch Commands at Your Fingertips

Sony made the WF-1000XM5 easy to control without pulling out your phone. Here’s what you can do straight from the buds:

1. Left Earbud:

• One tap: Switches between noise canceling and ambient sound mode.

• Four taps: Turns the volume down.

• Hold: Activates Quick Attention mode to hear what’s around you without pausing.

2. Right Earbud:

• One tap: Play or pause your track.

• Two taps: Skips to the next song.

• Three taps: Goes back to the previous one.

• Four taps: Cranks the volume up.

• Hold: Fires up your voice assistant.

Pulling one bud out pauses the music automatically, and the other switches to passthrough mode so you’re not totally cut off. It’s a smooth setup that feels intuitive once you get the hang of it.

Tweaking Things with the App

The Sony Headphones Connect app (called Sound Connect in some places) is where you can mess with the settings. Available on Android and iOS, it lets you adjust the equalizer, tweak ambient sound levels, and reassign what the taps do. It’s also how you turn on features like 360 Reality Audio or DSEE Extreme, which tries to boost the quality of compressed audio files. Testers found it handy for tailoring the experience, especially if the default sound wasn’t quite right.

Sound and Noise Blocking

What You Hear

The WF-1000XM5 use an 8.4mm Dynamic Driver X, up from the 6mm driver in the XM4. This covers a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz over standard Bluetooth, stretching to 40,000 Hz with LDAC at 96 kHz sampling. Out of the box, the sound leans heavy on the low end, think punchy bass in tracks like Tory Lanz’s “The Color Violet.” Kick drums and synths come through strong, which some testers liked for workouts but found overwhelming in quieter settings.

For something like Kris Bowers’ “We Can Form An Attachment,” the bass from cellos and double basses stands out, sometimes overshadowing mids. Still, the treble holds its own, with violins cutting through clearly. Measurements show a boost between 30-300 Hz, but voices and higher instruments don’t get drowned out, thanks to the new driver. The soundstage feels wider than the XM4, making it easier to pick out different parts of a mix.

If that bass-heavy default isn’t your thing, the app’s six-band equalizer lets you dial it back. Adaptive Sound Control can even shift the profile based on where you are, like less bass at home and more at the gym.

Keeping the Noise Out

Sony packed two processors into these earbuds: the Integrated Processor V2 and the HD Noise Canceling Processor QN2e. With six mics (three per bud, including dual feedback ones), they tackle noise across the board. Testing showed they cut low-frequency sounds (below 1 kHz) by over 30 dB, while the foam tips handle higher stuff, up to 50 dB above 1 kHz. That’s subway rumbles and office chatter mostly gone.

On a windy day, the mics hold up well too, with a mesh cover cutting down distortion. Commuters found the screech of train tracks faded into the background, leaving them with their music or podcasts. If you need to hear what’s going on, a tap switches to Ambient Sound mode, and the app lets you set how much comes through.

Battery Life and Charging

How Long They Last

Sony says the WF-1000XM5 give you eight hours of playback with noise canceling on, or 12 hours with it off. The case adds another 16 hours, totaling 24 hours combined. Real tests pushed it further, 9 hours and 32 minutes on a single charge with noise canceling active, which beats the XM4 by over an hour. For calls, you’re looking at six hours with noise canceling on, seven without.

Charging takes about 1.5 hours for the buds via USB-C, and the case needs two hours. It supports Qi wireless charging too, which is convenient if you’ve got a pad handy. A quick three-minute charge gets you around 51 minutes of playtime, not quite the 60 Sony claims, but enough for a short burst.

Charging Breakdown

• Earbuds Alone: 8 hours (NC on), 12 hours (NC off).

• With Case: Up to 24 hours total.

• Quick Charge: 3 minutes = ~51 minutes playback.

• Full Charge Time: 1.5 hours (buds), 2 hours (case).

Connectivity Details

Bluetooth and Pairing

These earbuds run on Bluetooth 5.3, with a 10-meter range in open spaces. They support SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 codecs, but skip aptX or aptX HD. Multipoint lets you connect two devices at once, like a phone and a laptop, and testers found switching between them quick and stable, no dropouts.

Pairing’s simple: open the case, hold the back button until the LED blinks blue, then pick the WF-1000XM5 from your device’s Bluetooth list. It’s a step up from the XM4’s more awkward hold-the-sensors method.

Microphone Performance

With six mics, plus AI noise reduction and bone conduction sensors, the WF-1000XM5 aim to keep your voice clear. In quiet spots, it’s solid, people on the other end hear you naturally. In busier places like a street or office, the mics cut background noise decently, though wind can still creep in a bit despite the mesh covers. Compared to Sony’s over-ear WH-1000XM5, the mic quality doesn’t match up, but it’s fine for casual calls or meetings.

How They Compare

Against the WF-1000XM4

The XM5 shrinks things down and tweaks the fit, making them more comfortable for long wears. Noise canceling steps up with better tech and tips, and battery life stretches a bit longer. Sound gets a bass boost and a wider stage, though the XM4’s sound might feel more balanced to some. If the XM4 didn’t stay in your ears, the XM5’s redesign could be a game-changer.

Versus Other Earbuds

1. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen): The AirPods fit snugly and pair seamlessly with Apple gear, but the XM5 blocks more noise, especially mids and highs. Sound-wise, AirPods stick closer to a neutral curve, while the XM5’s bass stands out. Android users get more from Sony’s app.

2. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4: Sennheiser edges out on sound clarity, less bass-heavy, and adds LE Audio support. Noise canceling goes to Sony, though.

3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Bose beats the XM5 at noise blocking, with a shape some find more secure. Sony’s sound is more even, while Bose pumps up bass and treble.

4. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: Cheaper at, with solid noise canceling and IPX7 water resistance. Samsung’s codec shines for Galaxy users, but Sony’s app and LDAC give it an edge.

5. Google Pixel Buds Pro: these offer multipoint and Google Assistant perks. Bass is heavy like the XM5, but noise canceling lags behind.

Sleep-Savvy Alternative Out There

Ozlo Sleepbuds®

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Ozlo is a science-driven, one-stop-shop for the best sleep of your life. Unlike other headphones and earbuds, our tiny Sleepbuds® are engineered to be super comfy, even for side sleepers, while blocking out sleep-disrupting sounds.
Sleepbuds® play audio for up to ten hours, letting you enjoy our noise-masking tracks or stream anything you like, including audiobooks, podcasts, white noise, and YouTube.

The Ozlo Difference

At Ozlo, we're dedicated to helping you achieve the best sleep possible through innovative audio solutions. Our company, founded by three former Bose engineers, focuses on creating products that not only help you fall asleep, but stay asleep throughout the night.

Ozlo Sleepbuds® simply don’t feel like other earbuds. Sleepbuds stay in place even when you toss and turn. The tiny earbuds, with their comfortable silicone tips and anchor-in-place wings, are designed for all-night comfort, no matter your sleeping position. Sleep on your back, side, or whatever works for you, and Ozlo Sleepbuds® will remain in place throughout the night.

Key Highlights

• Founded by three former Bose engineers with extensive experience in audio tech
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• Ultra-soft silicone tips designed to support every sleeping position, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
• Up to 10 hours of continuous use with extra charges from the Smart Case.
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• Personal alarm gently wakes you without disturbing your partner

Learn More

Day-to-Day Use

Who They’re For

These earbuds suit folks who want noise out and music in, whether on a train, at the gym, or in a noisy café. The IPX4 rating handles sweat, and the app works across Android and iOS. They’re not cheap, but the features match the price tag if that’s your budget.

What’s It Like to Live With Them?

Testers found them comfy for hours, with no slipping during movement. The case fits in a pocket easily, and controls feel natural after a day or two. Noise canceling makes a difference in loud spots, and the quick charge saves you when you’re low on juice. The bass might need tweaking if you’re not into that vibe, but the app sorts it out.

Conclusion

So, what’s the deal with the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds after all this? They’re a solid step up from the WF-1000XM4, bringing a comfier fit, sharper noise blocking, and a sound that’s big on bass but flexible if you tweak it. People who tested them found they fit right into daily life, whether it’s dodging train noise or powering through a workout. The battery keeps up, the controls are a breeze once you’re used to them, they pack a lot for the price if that’s in your range. They’re not perfect for everyone, the bass might be too much for some, and they’re not the cheapest option out there, but they hold their own in a crowded field.

For anyone wondering if these are worth a look, it comes down to what you need. They shine for folks who want to tune out the world and enjoy their tunes, with enough extras like the app and multipoint connectivity to keep things handy. Sony’s put together a package that feels thoughtful, from the smaller case to the way they stay put in your ears. It’s less about flashy gimmicks and more about getting the basics right, with a few smart twists thrown in.

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