Sony WF-1000XM5

Small and comfortable Top-notch sound Excellent noise canceling Superb call quality Bluetooth multipoint with LDAC

Fit isn't super secure

“Smaller, sleeker, and with awesome sound, the XM5 are Sony's best buds.”

Rich bass response and crisp, detailed highs ; Adjustable in-app EQ ; Excellent noise cancellation ; Top-tier mic clarity ; Case supports wireless charging ; Hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant

Expensive ; Some bloat in companion app

Sony's true wireless WF-1000XM5 earphones offer superb sound quality, excellent noise cancellation, and a dizzying array of high-end features.

Smaller, more comfortable design ; Upgrades to ANC and sound quality ; Much clearer voice call performance

Glossy texture can make them harder to remove from case ; Sony’s bonus features aren’t as seamless as those of its competitors ; Potential battery longevity concerns

If all you’re after is a great pair of noise-canceling buds that sound rich, immersive, and full-bodied, the $300 1000XM5s won’t leave you wanting for more. But if you’re Sony, the real dilemma is that there might be nowhere left to go from here.

Easy to set up and start using ; Several tip sizes included ; Very effective noise cancellation ; Solid battery life even with noise canceling

Mic quality sounds a bit tinny ; Turning off noise cancellation magnifies other sounds ; Calls can disrupt audio connections ; In-ear design gets uncomfortable for extended periods

Upgraded driver and DAC yield improved sound and better dynamic range ; More comfortable, smaller, and lighter than the previous generation ; Among the industry leaders in active noise-cancelling ; Outstanding call quality in noisy environments with AI...

Transparency mode lacks the same magic as Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 ; No aptX codec support ; Potential issues with some wireless chargers

Sony’s new WF-1000XM5 doesn’t quite dethrone the Bose Quiet Comfort II earbuds in terms of active noise cancellation, and the second-gen Apple Airpods Pro have a better transparency mode, but Sony’s new buds come very close on both of those scores and...

Best-in-class active noise cancelling ; Premium audio quality ; IPX-4 water resistant ; Comfortable and pocketable ; The app is well-featured, with a custom equalizer and audio presets ; Four foam ear tips are included ; Long 8-hour continuous play...

The default sound profile is underwhelming ; Limited customization with touch buttons ; Accidental touches are typical when putting the buds in ; Foam ear tips don't go in as seamlessly as silicon

The Sony WF-1000XM5 takes the title for best active noise canceling on true wireless earbuds. They sound incredible and are sleek and lightweight to boot.

Beautiful design, compact and comfortable ; Excellent audio quality ; Hi-Res certified, LDAC codec supported ; Extremely comprehensive application ; Solid battery life

Active Noise Cancellation is not as good as Bose's or Apple's ; Bass lacks impact by default

Would I advise you to buy the Sony WF-1000XM5 for their current price of $250 thereabouts on Amazon? Yes! The Nothing Ear (review) are undeniably better value for money but if your budget allows, I'd say go for the Sony headphones. Sony's audio quality...

The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are arguably the company’s best offering yet. They deliver exceptional noise cancellation, premium sound quality, and improved comfort compared to their predecessors. However, the high price tag, slightly bulky charging...