“It’s a Sony” was once the distinctive tagline of the Sony Corporation, and it might be making a comeback. This resurgence is fueled by the remarkable success of Sony’s flagship Wireless Headphones (WH) and Wireless Free (WF) ranges, establishing them as the pinnacle of Bluetooth headphones featuring active noise cancellation. The WF earbuds, now at version XM5, boast a more compact design, upgraded 8.4mm Dynamic Driver X drivers delivering superior low-frequency reproduction, and a claim of enhanced ANC compared to the beloved two-year-old Sony WF-1000XM4.
Despite the premium price tag of around ₹24,000, the question arises: are the WF-1000XM5s worth the investment, especially considering discounted predecessors? After extensively using these flagship Sony earbuds for nearly two weeks, we aim to answer this and other questions in the following analysis.
Design:
Compared to their predecessors, the XM5s exhibit a significant transformation, being 25% smaller and 20% lighter. Weighing only 5.9 grams each, with the case adding 39 grams, the total weight is just over 50 grams – a substantial reduction from the bulkier XM3s of 2020. Sony’s recognizable design remains intact, featuring gold accents for logos and microphone covers. The case, with a pairing button, USB-C port, and Qi wireless charging support, is compact. Available in silver, which resists smudges well, and classic black, the XM5s continue Sony’s trend of sophistication.
The inclusion of last year’s polyurethane foam tips persists, providing superior sound isolation. However, they may expand in the ears, prompting some users to experiment with alternative tips for comfort.
The XM5s boast an IPX4 splash and sweatproof rating, standard for 2023 earbuds, although the case lacks ingress protection.
Features:
Sony spares no expense with the WF-1000XM5’s specifications. The new Integrated Processor V2, 24-bit audio processing, and the QN2e HD Noise Cancelling processor underline the commitment to premium audio quality. The Quick Attention feature, new to this model, activates transparency mode with a long press on the left earbud, automatically reverting to ANC afterwards.
The 8.4mm Dynamic Driver X units promise improved lower-frequency reproduction within a wider 20 – 40,000 Hz range, with support for Bluetooth 5.3 and the LC3 codec for lower latency. LDAC codec compatibility allows streaming at up to 990 kbps, coupled with 360 Reality Audio spatial audio, head tracking, and multipoint pairing to two devices simultaneously.
Three microphones per earbud, AI-driven noise reduction, bone conductor sensors, and various virtual assistant integrations contribute to enhanced call quality. Though not re-mappable, touch controls on the outer shells offer convenient interaction. Sony’s Headphones Connect app manages EQ and ANC modes, along with additional features like Head Gestures, AutoPlay, and SpotifyTap.
Performance and Sound Quality:
Multipoint pairing works flawlessly, offering a balanced audio profile with a mature, warm sound stage. Mids are faithfully reproduced, and the treble response surpasses the XM4s, providing clarity in the higher range. Customization options through the Headphones Connect app allow users to tailor the EQ to personal preferences.
The XM5s deliver impressive loudness due to their updated 8.4mm drivers. While LDAC mode enhances the listening experience, it comes at a cost to battery life. Noise cancellation stands out as the best in in-ear buds, effectively blocking mid-frequency noises, even in busy environments.
Ambient mode excels in maintaining natural surroundings, avoiding the vacuum effect associated with lower-tier noise-cancelling earbuds. Microphone performance is notably improved, with clear voice pickup in various environments.
Minor latency is observed in video content, typical for wireless earbuds, but overall connectivity remains solid across different devices.
Battery Life:
Sony claims 8 hours of battery life with ANC, with the case adding two full recharges, totalling 24 hours. In testing, up to 7.5 hours with ANC (SBS codec) was achieved, slightly below leading competitors. LDAC mode reduces continuous playback to 6 hours. A full recharge cycle takes 90 minutes via USB-C, with wireless charging requiring over 3 hours. A quick 3-minute charge via USB-C provides up to an hour of playback.
Verdict:
The Sony WF-1000XM5 stands out as the best-sounding wireless earbuds tested thus far. Exceptional noise cancellation, a comprehensive feature set, and a lighter, pocket-friendly design further contribute to their appeal. While touch controls are non-remappable, and some users may find foam tips less comfortable, these drawbacks are outweighed by the overall excellence of the XM5s. Regardless of the smartphone ecosystem, if cost is not a constraint, the WF-1000XM5s are a resounding yes.
