Examine Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling Earbuds Review: Worth the Hype or Overpriced?

Description

Design & Build Quality

The first thing I noticed about the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds was their sleek and compact design. I’ve used a fair share of wireless earbuds, and these immediately stood out with their minimalist matte black finish. The build feels lightweight yet durable, and the case conveniently fits in my jeans pocket without creating a bulge. However, the material used for the case does seem to attract smudges and scratches rather quickly, so I find myself wiping it down often. In terms of the earbuds themselves, they sport a rounded tip design that doesn’t protrude awkwardly from the ears, which I appreciate for both aesthetics and practicality.

Fit & Comfort

Wearing these earbuds for extended periods has been a mixed experience. They come with four sizes of ear tips, which is standard, but I struggled a bit to find the perfect fit. My ears seemed to fall between sizes, and without a snug fit, the noise cancellation and audio quality felt compromised. After experimenting, I ended up using third-party foam tips, which significantly improved the comfort and seal. If you have oddly shaped ear canals like mine, you might need to do some tweaking. On a positive note, they’re lightweight enough that I sometimes forget I’m wearing them—until one starts slipping out mid-run, that is.

Noise Cancellation & Ambient Mode

The noise-canceling capabilities of the Sony WF-1000XM5 are nothing short of impressive. I tested them on a noisy subway ride, during my neighbor’s lawn mowing session, and even while my kids were watching cartoons at full volume. The advanced noise cancellation technology effectively muted most external sounds, creating a peaceful cocoon for my music. The ambient mode, which lets external sounds filter through, is also well-executed. I particularly enjoyed using it during bike rides, as it allowed me to stay aware of my surroundings without needing to remove the earbuds. That said, some very high-pitched or sudden noises do seem to sneak through, but it’s not a deal-breaker.

Sound Quality & Performance

As someone who’s mildly obsessed with crisp audio, I found the sound quality on these earbuds to be phenomenal. The dynamic drivers deliver deep bass without overpowering the mids and highs. Listening to classical music felt immersive, while hip-hop and EDM tracks had a satisfying punch. I even tested them with podcasts, and the voices came through clear, with no noticeable distortion. Using the Sony Headphones Connect app, I played around with the equalizer settings to tailor the sound to my preferences. If you’re an audio geek, you’ll appreciate the LDAC codec support for high-resolution audio streaming. However, the sound quality might take a small hit if you’re not using compatible devices.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery life on these earbuds is solid but not mind-blowing. I got around 7.5 hours of playtime on a single charge with noise cancellation on, and the case provided an additional three charges, totaling roughly 24 hours. Quick charging is a lifesaver; a quick 10-minute charge gave me around an hour of playback, which saved me during a last-minute gym session. The wireless charging feature is super convenient, though I found myself wishing the included USB-C charging cable was a bit longer. It’s so short that I ended up using my own cable most of the time.

Durability & Water Resistance

The IPX4 rating means these earbuds can handle splashes of water and sweat, making them suitable for workouts and light rain. I wore them during several sweaty gym sessions and a drizzle-filled morning walk, and they held up just fine. That said, I’d hesitate to use them in heavy rain or during particularly intense cardio sessions. The durability of the earbuds seems decent overall, but the case could use a bit more ruggedness. After a month of daily use, the case already has a couple of minor scuffs.

Features

The touch controls on the earbuds are intuitive and fully customizable via the app. Tapping and swiping to adjust volume, skip tracks, or summon Google Assistant felt natural once I got used to the sensitivity. Speaking of assistants, the integration with Alexa and Google Assistant works seamlessly. I used voice commands to play music, check the weather, and even send texts—all without touching my phone. Another standout feature is the adaptive sound control, which adjusts noise cancellation based on your location and activity. It’s a nice touch, though it occasionally misjudged my surroundings.

Warranty

Sony offers a one-year limited warranty for the WF-1000XM5, which is fairly standard in the industry. I haven’t had to use it yet (fingers crossed), but knowing it’s there provides some peace of mind. The warranty covers manufacturing defects but doesn’t extend to accidents or wear and tear, so it’s worth investing in a protective case if you’re clumsy like me.

Key Benefits

• Exceptional noise cancellation that effectively blocks most external sounds.
• Rich, balanced sound quality with customizable EQ settings.
• Lightweight and stylish design that’s comfortable for prolonged use.
• Intuitive touch controls and seamless voice assistant integration.
• Reliable battery life with quick-charge and wireless charging options.

Areas for Improvement

• Fit can be tricky; the included ear tips may not suit everyone.
• Case material attracts smudges and shows wear quickly.
• Noise cancellation struggles slightly with very high-pitched sounds.
• The included charging cable is inconveniently short.
• Price point might be steep for casual listeners.

Alternative Offerings

When it comes to competitors, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are worth considering. Bose arguably edges out Sony in noise cancellation, especially for low-frequency sounds like airplane engines. However, they’re bulkier and lack some of Sony’s advanced features like adaptive sound control. Apple’s AirPods Pro have better integration with iOS devices, making them ideal for Apple users, but their sound quality isn’t as rich as Sony’s WF-1000XM5. For those on a tighter budget, the Jabra Elite 7 Pro offers decent noise cancellation and sound quality at a lower price, though it lacks the premium feel of Sony’s offering.

Price Performance

From a value perspective, these earbuds sit on the pricier end of the spectrum, but they justify it with their premium features and performance. If you’re someone who values top-tier noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, and a suite of smart features, the Sony WF-1000XM5 is worth considering. However, if you’re just looking for decent wireless earbuds for casual use, you could save some money by opting for more budget-friendly alternatives.

Additional information