Sony WF-1000XM5 noise canceling earbuds

Sony has had excellent headphones for years: the over-ear series WH-1000XM (almost) always come out as the best in our tests, as our WH-1000XM4 review shows. The wireless earbuds (in-ears) from the WF1000-XM series are fine. Now Sony announces the successor to the WF-1000XM4 earbuds with the WF-1000XM5.

Sony WF-1000XM5 noise canceling earbuds
The Sony WF-1000XM5 feature advanced technology for excellent sound quality and the best noise canceling performance on the market. Real-time audio processors and premium microphones power the custom-designed Dynamic Driver X driver unit for wide frequency response, deep bass, and clear vocals.
The WF-1000XM5 now has three microphones on each earbud, including two feedback microphones, which improve low-frequency noise cancellation. This is Sony’s biggest step ever in noise canceling, which means that ambient noise is captured and suppressed even more accurately.
The Integrated Processor V2 is newly developed by Sony and exploits the potential of the HD Noise Canceling Processor QN2e. This combination of the technologies controls the six microphones, spread over both ears, to deliver noise canceling quality that can be adjusted and personalized to deliver the best sound performance in your environment.
The Noise Isolation Earbud Tips feature a unique polyurethane foam material that reduces noise in the high frequency range and provides comfort.

Expertly designed
Thanks to a specially designed Dynamic Driver X for high frequency reproduction, the WF-1000XM5 lets you experience richer and more detailed sound. The diaphragm structure combines different materials, giving you clear highs and deep, rich bass sound with little distortion. Combining Sony’s newly developed HD Noise Canceling Processor QN2e and Integrated Processor V2, the WF-1000XM5 incorporates precise 24-bit audio processing and high-quality analog amplification.
Furthermore, the WF-1000XM5 supports High-Resolution Audio Wireless thanks to LDAC and DSEE ExtremeTM to make compressed digital music even better in real time. In addition, the earbuds are equipped with 360 Reality Audio.
The WF-1000XM5 earbuds are equipped with head tracking technology that provides a realistic listening experience by automatically adjusting sound fields to compensate for your head movements. Sounds are precisely aligned with your smartphone’s screen to fully engage you in your viewing experience, even as you move, while connected to compatible smartphones or services.

Best call quality ever from Sony
The WF-1000XM5 now features Sony’s best-ever call quality, making your voice come across clearly in any situation, whether you’re in the office, working at home, on the road or in the middle of a busy space. Thanks to a noise canceling AI algorithm based on Deep Neutral Network (DNN) processing and bone conduction sensors, your voice comes across clearly and naturally, even in noisy environments. And when you’re outside, the wind noise canceling structure minimizes wind noise so you’re always heard.

New design and comfortable
The WF-1000XM5 earphones are designed with comfort in mind. An improved, glossy texture lighter weight and choice of multiple in-ear sizes. The shape of the earbuds is modeled after the human ear, with an ergonomic design that ensures a firm and stable fit. In addition, these earbuds are about 25% smaller and about 20% lighter than their predecessor (WF-1000XM4), making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
The Noise Isolation earplugs are designed with a new shape and made of an exclusive material that not only improves the fit, but also increases comfort by reducing pressure in the ear. Plus, the earbuds come in four different sizes, including the ultra-small SS, so you can choose the right, comfortable fit for your ears.

Listening experience and battery life
The WF-1000XM5 features Auto Play for a control-free listening experience. You can adjust the timing of the music to suit your preferences, such as when you put in your earbuds or start walking for a break. Plus, audio notifications keep you up to date on important events, so your phone can stay in your pocket. Linking your device to Spotify, Youtube or Apple Music gives you access to your favorite music and relaxing soundscapes to enjoy.
If you’re looking for new entertainment options beyond music and movies, the WF-1000XM5 uses new sensors and spatial sound technology to deliver sound for Augmented Reality games like Niantic’s “Ingress”. With the help of head tracking, the sound is played from different directions, so that it correctly matches the action on the screen.
The WF-1000XM5 is also equipped with Sony’s popular features such as Adaptive Sound Control and Speak-to-Chat. In addition, the WF-1000XM5 is equipped with Multipoint Connect that allows you to pair two Bluetooth devices at the same time. If a call comes in on your phone, while the earbuds are also connected to your laptop, your earbuds automatically know which device is ringing and connect to the correct device. Staying connected has never been easier with Fast Pair and Swift Pair. In addition, you can operate the WF-1000XM5 with your voice using the voice assistant on your phone.
With up to 12 hours of battery life, you can enjoy hours of uninterrupted listening, and 8 hours with noise canceling on. A 3-minute quick charge provides up to 60 minutes of playback time. With the case included, you have a battery life of up to 36 hours and up to 24 hours with noise canceling on. Moreover, with the Qi technology you can easily charge wirelessly.
The earbuds are water resistant with an IPX4 rating, so splashes and sweat won’t stop you from enjoying your music, even if you’re walking in the rain.

Better for the environment
WF-1000XM5 uses recycled plastic and Sony’s own paper Original Blended Material for the packaging. Original Blended Material is an environmentally conscious paper material made from bamboo, sugarcane fibers and post-consumer recycled paper.

Miguel and For The Music
With the launch of the WF-1000XM5, Sony has created the tagline ‘For The Music’ for its audio products. With this tagline, Sony establishes itself as a major audio brand connecting creators and music lovers, with the goal of creating authentic music experiences and putting the creator’s vision above all else.
In line with the launch of the WF-1000XM5 earbuds, Sony is collaborating with singer, actor, songwriter and Sony Music Entertainment artist Miguel on stories about how the WF-1000XM5 earbuds are ‘For the Music’.

Price and availability
The WF-1000XM5 will be available from August 2023 and has a suggested retail price of €320.