Sony WF-1000XM5

$89.40

$89.40 ~~$298.00~~

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Sony WF-1000XM5

$89.40

$89.40 ~~$298.00~~

Product description

Product reviews

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by Crutchfield's Jeff Miller

Sony adds key ingredients to their winning formula

The WF-1000XM5s offer top-notch noise cancellation and adaptable awareness in a streamlined design.

Sony has outdone themselves, literally. The WF-1000XM5 noise-canceling earbuds replace the previous-gen 'XM4 as my pick for "best all around" true wireless headphones of 2023. They made these earbuds smaller and 20% lighter than their popular predecessor and then loaded them with meaningful updates. That includes new noise-canceling circuitry and algorithms, a state-of-the-art wireless chipset, and (somehow) larger drivers.

Taken together, the upgrades improve the sound, comfort, controls, and phone call clarity. They also serve up noise cancellation that's even more adaptive. Here's a breakdown of the changes from the WF-1000XM4 earbuds:

Lighter, more ergonomic design: It's not just that Sony made the 'XM5 earbuds smaller — they've also tweaked the design so that it more closely follows the shape of your ear. This makes them look and feel less bulky and also better avoids pressure points. They have a slicker, more polished feel to them, that can make them a little harder to pull from the case. But they feel more pleasant when worn.
Better noise cancellation across all frequencies of noise: Improvement in this area is no small feat. The 'XM4s are among the few earbuds that cancel noise as well as the best over-ear models. (I can count the rest on one hand.) Sony has developed two new ground-breaking wireless processing chips — the QN2e and V2 chips. Sony focused on quieting the range of noises that matter most for work and travel — lower frequency sounds of motors and machines and the mid-to-high area where voices live.
Bluetooth 5.3 for music, podcasts, and calls: This is the latest iteration of the popular wireless technology and offers a strong, reliable connection. There's support for the new lossless LE Audio codec (along with Sony's LDAC codec) so you can stream high-resolution audio files with compatible devices. It also works together Sony's proprietary chips and mics to improve phone call quality, using AI-based processing to eliminate background noise and home in on your voice.
You get 8 hours of listening with noise cancellation on a full charge, and the charging case will recharge the earbuds twice.

Pair two devices simultaneously: You get multipoint connection out of the box. That means you can pair the 'XM5s to your phone and a second device, like your laptop. It makes it super-easy to toggle back and forth between, say, a podcast and a call, or to jump on a meeting for work.
Strong battery life with faster quick charge: You still get the same eight hours of listening with a full charge, and the case banks 16 hours of power to recharge the earbuds. But now just three minutes inside the case gives you up to an hour of use.
Built-in head-tracking for spatial audio and AR games: Among the interesting features you can choose to activate with the optional Headphones Connect app for Apple® and Android™. Head-tracking adds further immersion for 3D audio formats, like Sony's own 360 Reality Audio. Sony says game developers are implementing the head-tracking feature into future augmented reality games.
Spacious, more linear sound: The 'XM4s were my top true wireless pick, but the competition for that crown is stronger than ever. To tighten their grip, Sony's engineers developed new cutting-edge tech for the 'XM5s — but also went back to the company's roots and bet big on well-balanced sound. Leaning on their connections with Sony Music Studios, they've tuned these earbuds for accuracy and detail across all frequencies. They've paid close attention to vocal clarity and powerful, realistic bass punch. The bass still hit hard out of the box, but I found that the low end was a little more tight and refined than the 'XM4s.

Large, sophisticated drivers built to succeed with noise cancellation

The new Dynamic Driver X system was specifically developed to work in concert with the noise-canceling circuitry. It uses large diaphragms to deliver Sony's signature outside-the-head sound presentation. The driver domes and outer edges are kept separate and made of high-grade materials so that they move in a quick, uniform fashion. And even with the sound stage extended, I never felt like the impact or overall sense of place was weakened.

Internal Sony user testing showed great improvement in noise cancellation — a game changer for those who like to travel light.

And the drivers even help improve the level of noise cancellation, particularly for the lower frequencies. They can reproduce bass that's true-to-life and low in distortion, out of phase with external sounds. That means these earbuds are better able to knock out nuisances like a plane's pulsing engine or the whir and throb of the train. I tested them while mowing the lawn and could keep the volume at 25% and easily follow podcast conversations.

Special foam tips for a noise-isolating seal

Sony included four sizes of foam ear tips, specially designed to expand and create a noise-isolating seal. I've always been a big fan of foam tips because of how well they avoid pressure points. These are thinner and even more malleable than the previous generation foam tips.

Aside from their comfort, these ear tips help passively block out noise and dial in the sound. That tight seal reinforces the bass impact and positions the drivers so that they're correctly aligned with your ears. I did find they could slip around a bit when I was mowing, so it might be worth trying the next size up for exercise or other physical activity.

A convenient way to hear others

With the earbuds secured in place, there are two ways to hear outside sounds. A single tap of the left earbud toggles between noise cancellation and "Ambient Sound" mode. Tiny built-in mics will pick up external sounds and voices while your music continues to play. Hold the left earbud to activate Sony's "Quick Attention" feature that will temporarily turn off all audio and noise cancellation circuitry.

Each earbud has a snappy touch-sensitive panel. You swipe and tap your finger on the earbuds to control music, calls, and noise cancellation.

Sony's free mobile app lets you fine-tune the sound and noise cancellation

Download Sony's Headphones Connect mobile app for even more control over what noises you let in or keep out. You can customize the level of noise cancellation or ambient sound based on your task, movement, or even location.

The app gives you a few other controls, too. For instance, you can customize the sound characteristics and tell the app to prioritize either connection stability or sound quality. (The former is helpful when competing with other wireless signals in a high-traffic area like an office or mall.) You can also reconfigure the touch controls or set up Alexa or Google Assistant to activate via voice command through your paired phone.

Earth-conscious packaging

Like most Sony headphones these days, the 'XM5 earbuds arrive inside a low-key, yet substantial carton made of a recyclable blended material. Sony has told me that this sustainable packaging is made "from bamboo, sugarcane fibers, and post-consumer recycled paper, all of which are available around the world's largest manufacturing hubs in Asia." It's refreshing to see big companies like Sony becoming mindful of their packing materials — and trusting their products to do the talking.

Product highlights:

Featured in our articles: Best workout headphones for 2025 and Best true wireless earbuds for 2025
100% wire-free headphones with adaptive noise cancellation
- state-of-the-art noise-canceling adjusts to your activity and the level of external sound
streamlined, lightweight design for extended wear
Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless music listening and phone calls
- multipoint connection for pairing up to two devices at once
- LE Audio for lossless streaming and ultra-low latency with compatible devices
- LDAC decoding provides high-quality music streaming from a Sony High-res Walkman or other compatible devices
8.4mm dynamic drivers tuned for spacious, articulate sound with a wide frequency response
IPX4 water-resistant design

Adaptive Sound Control:

active noise-canceling circuitry adjusts to your activity and the level of external sound
- optimized to better cancel lower frequencies (engines, travel noises) and the upper midrange (human voices)
- ambient sound lets you hear external sounds
dual-chip system includes the QN2e HD Noise Cancelling Processor and V2 Integrated Processor
- combination helps strengthen noise cancellation, audio quality, wireless connection, and battery life
free Sony Headphones Connect app for Apple and Android lets you adjust settings
- customize the sound and manually choose the level of noise cancellation and ambient sound
dual, multi-directional noise sensors in each earbud catch more ambient sounds in your surroundings

Audio features:

Sony's Dynamic Driver X system is custom-designed to perform with noise-canceling circuitry
- clean, low-distortion bass reproduction aids in real-time cancellation of lower frequencies
diaphragms made of high-grade materials with separated dome and edge
tuned for pristine, detailed vocals and highs with deep bass punch
immersive Sony 360 Reality Audio playback with select music services (app required)
optional dynamic head-tracking for Sony 360, spatial audio, and AR games
- sound field stays fixed and centered as you move your head
- requires one-time setup through the app
built-in DAC with 24-bit processing and premium custom amplifier

Easy controls:

touch controls on each earbud let you answer calls, control music playback, and toggle noise cancellation
Quick Attention lets you hear external sounds without removing your earbuds
- quickly turn off noise-canceling circuitry by touch
summon Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant by voice (on your smartphone)
- ask questions, dictate texts, and control music by voice
- available for Apple and Android
- requires one-time setup with the Headphone Connect app
beam-forming microphone system and advanced audio signal processing for clear phone calls
- bone conduction sensors and AI-based noise reduction algorithms isolate speech from background noise
optical sensors automatically pause music when earbuds are removed
- earbuds can be used one at a time or as a pair

Charging case, battery information, and accessories:

built-in rechargeable batteries offer 8 hours of listening with noise cancellation (13 hours without)
compact charging case banks up to 16 hours of power to wirelessly recharge headphones
- 3-minute quick charge provides enough power for 60 minutes of listening
- wireless charging available with compatible Qi chargers (not included)
includes 4 sizes of ear tips for a secure, comfortable fit
- ergonomically designed foam tips create a noise-isolating seal and stabilize earbuds
- includes "XS" size for smaller ears
USB-C cable included for charging case

General info:

parts of the earbuds and case made from factory-recovered plastic
sustainable packaging made from recycled "blended paper"
weight: 0.41 ounces (both earbuds) 1.38 ounces (empty case)
warranty: 1 year
MFR # WF1000XM5/S
Item # 158WF1KX5S

What's in the box:

Sony WF-1000XM5 owner's manual

Left and right true wireless ear buds (Silver)
Charging case (Silver)
8.5" USB charging cable (USB-A on one end and USB-C on other end)
4 Pairs of foam ear tips (1 pair installed)
Reference Guide
Warranty (US + Canada)
360 Reality Audio promo card

Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM5

About the Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony adds key ingredients to their winning formula

Large, sophisticated drivers built to succeed with noise cancellation

Special foam tips for a noise-isolating seal

A convenient way to hear others

Sony's free mobile app lets you fine-tune the sound and noise cancellation

Earth-conscious packaging

Product highlights:

Adaptive Sound Control:

Audio features:

Easy controls:

Charging case, battery information, and accessories:

General info:

What's in the box:

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