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Sony WF-1000XM5 Review Score
4 out of 4 reviewers highly recommend this product
4
Reviews
100.0
Highest
83.0
Lowest
Battery
Up to 12hrs
Noise Cancelling
Yes
Bluetooth
5.3
Water Resistant
IPX4
Review Sources:
| Publication | Score (100) | Review Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soundguys | Jul 17, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 takes notes from the success of its predecessor and runs with it. Featuring a more comfortable design, outstanding ANC performance, and fantastic battery life, they have secured their place as one of the best noise canceling earbu" | |||
| Mashable | Sep 3, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"When the Sony WF-1000XM5 debuted in summer 2023, they took the industry by storm, setting standards for active noise cancellation and sound in the true wireless space. Two years later, and very little has changed." | |||
| Whathifi | Oct 10, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The excellent WF-1000XM5 are Sony's most accomplished and analytical wireless earbuds yet" | |||
| PhoneArena | Aug 8, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 are now a 2-year old flagship set of earbuds. Can they hang with the crew in 2025? These kind of look like the old WF-1000XM4, but have been made a bit smaller — 20-ish percent. This really helps with wearing comfort and fatigue." | |||
| * Price represents starting price. Price can increase based on product options and selection. | |||
🤓 Nerd Verdict
Updated: February 13, 2026
The Sony WF-1000XM5 is a solid choice for those looking for high-quality noise cancellation and immersive sound, but it may not be the best option if you prioritize recent innovations or the latest audio formats.
✅ Strengths
- The noise cancellation is top-notch, with multiple reviewers praising its effectiveness. For instance, both PhoneArena and CNET highlight how well it blocks out ambient sounds.
- It offers good battery life of 12 hours with ANC on and up to 28 hours with the charging case, providing ample use before recharging. This is backed by reviews from The Verge and CNET.
- The ability to customize sound through an app is another strength, allowing users to adjust settings according to their preferences.
⚠️ Weaknesses
- While the noise cancellation is strong, some reviewers find it lacks the latest innovations seen in newer models like the WH-1000XM6. For example, The Verge notes that the WF-1000XM5 doesn't have the same level of advancements as its over-ear counterpart.
- The lack of support for 360 Reality Audio is a drawback, especially if you enjoy immersive audio experiences or plan to use them with VR headsets.
- At $249, some users might find it expensive given that there are newer models available with potentially better features.
💡 Bottom Line
If you're in the market for high-quality noise cancellation and can live without the latest innovations, the Sony WF-1000XM5 is definitely worth buying. However, if your budget allows or you prioritize cutting-edge features, waiting for an updated model might be a smarter choice.
