Sony WF-1000XM5
The best all-around wireless earbud. Best ANC, best sound, best call quality.
- Best active noise cancellation available in this form factor
- Audiophile-competitive sound quality
- 8 hours battery, 36 hours with case
- Industry-leading call quality and multipoint Bluetooth
Best For / Not For
Best for
- Commuters and travelers
- Anyone who wants best-in-class ANC and sound
- Buyers who use earbuds frequently for calls
Not for
- Gym use where sweat resistance is the top priority
- People with very small ears where fit can be tricky
- Android users who want seamless ecosystem perks
Key Details
Noise Cancellation
The XM5 uses Sony's QN2e chip to deliver the most effective ANC in any wireless earbud on the market. It handles airplane noise, subway noise, and open-plan office backgrounds with less bleed-through than competitors. Ambient mode is also natural-sounding for when you need to stay aware of your surroundings.
Sound Quality
The 8.4mm driver and DSEE Extreme upscaling make these sound better than the spec sheet suggests. Across genres the sound is balanced with slight warmth in the low mids. At this tier they are competitive with the AirPods Pro 2 and ahead of most other wireless earbuds on pure audio quality.
Fit and Comfort
The XM5 is smaller than its predecessor and more comfortable for most ear shapes. Sony includes three sizes of ear tips and a pressure-relieving design. Some users with narrow ear canals report a looser fit. If possible, try them before committing at this price.
Value
At current premium pricing, these are genuinely expensive. The case for paying the premium is that the ANC and audio quality are noticeably better than anything in the budget-to-midrange options, and the features are comprehensive enough that most users won't need to upgrade for years.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Best-in-class active noise cancellation
- Exceptional audio quality
- 8 hours battery (36 with case)
- Multipoint Bluetooth
- Speak-to-chat mode
- Industry-leading call quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Fit issues for some ear shapes
- IPX4 only, no swimming
- Large charging case
Bottom Line
The Sony WF-1000XM5 is the best wireless earbud for most people who can justify the price. The ANC is the best available, the sound quality is excellent, and the feature set covers everything. iPhone users should also consider the AirPods Pro 2 for ecosystem advantages.
Check current price on Amazon
