Sony WF-1000XM5 review: Pure bliss to ears

Sony WF-1000XM5 price in India (as reviewed): Rs 24,990

Design and controls

The WF-1000XM5 feel different from the popular AirPods Pro 2 and Nothing Ear 2. They have a distinctive Sony touch to them, and although not as small and slim as the AirPods Pro 2, the design still holds up. The previous-generation model had copper accents that protrude outward for their mics, but the WF-1000XM5 has smaller copper grilles. The earbuds are 25 per cent smaller and 20 per cent lighter than the last model, making them extremely comfortable and suitable for long hours of use.

They also come with four sets of ear tips, including an SS size, allowing you to find the perfect fit. The companion app can test the fit for you by playing certain tones making the job of choosing the correct size tip a little easier. They are also IPX4 splash-resistant, so the wireless buds can be used for running or in the gym without getting drenched in sweat.

When it comes to controls, the top of the earbud is touch-sensitive and can be used for playback and noise-cancelling controls. They also support nodding and shaking gestures for answering or rejecting calls, and they automatically pause the music when you remove them. Although the control works well, I wish Sony would let you customise the function of each individual gesture. One of my favourite features of the Sony earbuds is the “speak-to-chat” feature, which activates when you start talking to someone. The music automatically pauses, allowing you to have a conversation without removing the buds.

When listening to Kylie Minogue’s “Padam Padam,” the XM5 played it louder and had a bigger soundstage overall. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

Sound quality

Sony is at the top of the game when it comes to audio output. I don’t have to tell you that. However, I also understand that audio is highly subjective in nature, and what works for me may not work for you. I can’t describe how it would be for you, but the XM5 sound really good; the bass is rich, mid-tones, and highs are crisp too. When listening to Kylie Minogue’s “Padam Padam,” the XM5 played it louder and had a bigger soundstage overall.

The XM5 run on Bluetooth 5.3 and supports two codecs — SBC and AAC. On the iPhone 15 Pro, they did a good job. However, they sound better on Android, taking full advantage of the LDAC format and the new LC3 format. I’m not saying the XM5s sound bad on the iPhone, but you will definitely get to hear your music a bit fuller and richer overall, especially with support for advanced spatial audio and head tracking on a device like the Google Pixel 8.

They are also IPX4 splash-resistant, so the wireless buds can be used for running or in the gym without getting drenched in sweat. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

Noise cancellation

I don’t see active noise cancellation as a hallmark of a great pair of truly wireless earbuds. In my case, at least where I travel a lot for work, ANC comes in handy for blocking out background noise during my daily commute or on a flight. Sony’s V2 chipset in the XM5 does an excellent job. Again, the performance varies depending on where you want good noise removal. For example, on a plane or at a press center, I’d like ANC to be the most effective, instead of during my morning walk. Make sure you choose the right size ear tip and do some adjustments in Sony’s Headphones connected app for effective noise cancellation. The transparency mode also works incredibly well, and so does the call quality on the XM5.

The case is pocketable and holds around 24 of use with ANC enabled. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

Battery life

I found the battery life on the XM5 is slightly better than the last generation model, although Sony says it’s still the same at 8 hours with ANC on. These are Sony’s claims, but real-world numbers could be different. The case is pocketable and holds around 24 of use with ANC enabled. It is Qi-compatible and can be charged wirelessly using compatible Qi-powered pads.

Should you buy the Sony WF-1000XM5?

Overall, the WF-1000 XM5 is a significant upgrade over the previous-generation model, featuring excellent sound quality, a smaller and more comfortable design, and improved ANC performance. Sony’s wireless earbuds and headphones have a distinct character and a loyal audience (count me in). I am happy that Sony has brought substantial changes to the new WF-1000 XM5, but it seems these premium TWS are geared more toward Android users. Anyway, Sony’s WF-1000 XM5 gives tough competition to Apple’s AirPods Pro 2.