Sony WF-1000XM5: The Next Generation of Truly Wireless Earphones

The fifth generation of the Sony WF-1000XM series, the WF-1000XM5, is generating a lot of excitement among tech enthusiasts and consumers looking for truly wireless earphones. This article will explore the key features and improvements of the WF-1000XM5, comparing it to its predecessors and other competitors in the market.

Unboxing and Design

The WF-1000XM5 comes in a box made of recycled material and includes various accessories such as different-sized ear tips, a literature wallet, a promotional 360 Reality Audio card, and a USB-C to USB-A charging cable for the case. The case itself is 15% smaller than its previous version, making it more compact and portable. The buds are also smaller and lighter, with a glossy finish, matte black touch area, and copper vents.

App and Features

The WF-1000XM5 can be customized and controlled using the Sony app. The app offers features such as Adaptive Sound Control, which learns your actions and optimizes ambient sound, and 360 Reality Audio setup for an immersive audio experience. The app also claims to analyze the shape of your left and right ears to optimize the sound field. Additionally, the headphones offer head tracking support on compatible apps like Netflix and YouTube.

Comfort and Fit

The WF-1000XM5 earbuds are lightweight and comfortable to wear due to their small size and foam ear tips. The earplugs are lighter than some home earplugs, ensuring long-term comfort. The earphones have an IPX4 rating for waterproofness, making them suitable for wearing in the rain and during workouts, but not for swimming.

Sound Quality and Active Noise Cancellation

The WF-1000XM5 boasts improved sound quality compared to its predecessors. It offers a neutral frequency response, reproducing the artist’s intent accurately. However, users accustomed to a more v-shaped sound curve with emphasized lows and highs may find these earphones less exciting. The active noise cancellation performance is outstanding, with a significant reduction in external noise up to 500 Hz. Beyond that, the ANC is less effective.

Controls and Interactions

The earphones offer various control options, including taps and swipes. Users can customize these controls through the app. By default, one earbud is assigned to Ambient Sound Control/Quick Access, while the other is assigned to playback control. These controls can be switched or duplicated based on personal preference. Adjusting the volume requires tapping the earbud multiple times, which may take some time to get used to.

Battery Life and Price

The WF-1000XM5 provides 8 hours of continuous playback on the earbuds themselves and a total battery life of 24 hours when combined with the charging case. The case is 6 grams lighter than its predecessor, making it one of the smallest in the market. The WF-1000XM5 is priced at $300, placing it in the higher end of the wireless earphones market.

Conclusion

The Sony WF-1000XM5 is a solid contender in the wireless earphones market. With improved sound quality, excellent active noise cancellation, and customizable controls, these earphones offer a compelling option for users. While they come at a premium price, their performance and features justify the investment. If you’re in the market for wireless earphones within the $250 to $350 budget, the WF-1000XM5 is definitely worth considering.