About The Sony WF-1000XM5 In-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones
The WF-1000XM5 features cutting-edge technology to deliver premium sound quality and the best noise-cancelling performance on the market.
The new IEM design is notable for being smaller and lighter, and therefore more comfortable. Yet Sony claims they are also more capable. This new version has twice the processing power of the previous model and it offers head tracking.
The Best Noise Cancelling: The WF-1000XM5 reduces external noise over a wide bandwidth, from low to high frequencies. It contains two proprietary processors that cancel more external noise than ever, a new high-performance driver unit Dynamic Driver X, dual feedback microphones, and innovative Noise Isolation Earbud Tips for a more stable fit. Real-time noise-cancelling processing can be optimised to provide the best performance for your environment, so you will hear a big difference, especially in aeroplanes, trains, or buses.
Astonishing Sound Quality: The specially designed driver unit Dynamic Driver X provides wide frequency reproduction, enabling deeper bass, subtle vocals and enhanced fine detail, especially on high-pitched instruments. The consummate performance, across the full range of frequencies, delivers a smooth and natural sound regardless of what you're listening to.
Sony's Best Ever Call Quality: Thanks to an AI-based noise reduction algorithm based on Deep Neural Network (DNN) processing, and bone conduction sensors, your voice will come through clear and natural, even in a noisy environment. And if you're outdoors, the wind noise reduction structure will minimise any wind whooshes, so you always know you'll be heard.
Small & Beautifully Designed: With an improved glossy texture and a more luxurious feel, these earbuds fit comfortably in your ears while keeping out external sounds. By downsizing the headphone body and optimising the placement of the components, the earbud is now approximately 25% smaller and 20% lighter than the WF-1000XM4. Sony have also reduced the size of the charging case, so it will sit even more sleeky in your pocket.
Smooth Switching: For total convenience, the WF-1000XM5 can be paired with two Bluetooth® devices simultaneously so, when a call comes in, your headphones can automatically connect to the right one. With the multipoint connection you can quickly switch to a ringing device, then back by simply resuming playback on the other device.
Adjusts To The World Around You: Adaptive Sound Control senses where you are and what you're doing, then uses AI to change ambient sound settings for the ideal listening experience. Over time, it will learn your behaviour, recognise locations you visit often, and tailor the sound to suit your location.
Talk & Hear Only Ambient Sound: You can set Speak-to-Chat to pause the music as soon as you start speaking to someone, so you can hear just ambient sound and conduct a conversation – handy if you want to keep your headphones on or your hands are full. Once your chat is over, your music will start playing again automatically.
Water Resistant For Everyday Use: With an IPX4 water resistance rating, splashes and sweat won't stop these headphones – so you can keep moving to the music.
Aiming To Achieve A Smaller Footprint: Inspired by the beauty of the world, Sony is playing its part to help preserve the Earth. They are accelerating numerous initiatives to benefit the environment to achieve a zero environmental footprint across the entire Sony Group by the year 2050.
Our Take
How do you improve on arguably the best all-round true wireless earbuds on the market? Sony has gone back to the drawing board and designed a brand new pair that addresses possibly the only weakness of their predecessors, their size. The XM5's are noticeably smaller and lighter and everyone will be happy about that. Sony's WF-1000X range of wireless earbuds has been a dominant force in this category over the past few years, and the last pair to emerge from its stable were multiple What Hi-Fi? award winners.
Sony's engineers have gone to town on the WF-1000XM5 with an all-new design, a new charging case and a new audio processor. What could possibly go wrong? Luckily for Sony, very little. In fact, the WF-1000XM5 are some of the most feature-packed, user-friendly and sonically gifted pair of wireless earbuds we've encountered. Enjoy.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Wireless In-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones
- 100% Wire-Free Headphones with adaptive noise cancellation
- State-Of-The-Art noise-cancelling adjusts to your activity and the level of external sound
- Streamlined, lightweight design for extended wear
- Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless music listening and phone calls
- Multipoint connection for pairing up to two devices at once
- LE Audio for lossless streaming and ultra-low latency with compatible devices
- LDAC decoding provides high-quality music streaming from a Sony High-Res Walkman or other compatible devices
- 4mm dynamic drivers tuned for spacious, articulate sound with a wide frequency response
- IPX4 water-resistant design
Adaptive Sound Control
- Active noise-cancelling circuitry adjusts to your activity and the level of external sound
- Optimized to better cancel lower frequencies (engines, travel noises) and the upper midrange (human voices)
- Ambient sound lets you hear external sounds
- Dual-Chip system includes the QN2e HD Noise Cancelling Processor and V2 Integrated Processor
- Combination helps strengthen noise cancellation, audio quality, wireless connection, and battery life
- Free Sony Headphones Connect App for Apple and Android lets you adjust settings
- Customize the sound and manually choose the level of noise cancellation and ambient sound
- Dual, multi-directional noise sensors in each earbud catch more ambient sounds in your surroundings
Audio
- Sony's Dynamic Driver X system is custom-designed to perform with noise-cancelling circuitry
- Clean, low-distortion bass reproduction aids in real-time cancellation of lower frequencies
- Diaphragms made of high-grade materials with separated dome and edge
- Tuned for pristine, detailed vocals and highs with deep bass punch
- Immersive Sony 360 Reality Audio playback with select music services (app required)
- Optional dynamic head-tracking for Sony 360, spatial audio, and AR games
- Sound field stays fixed and centred as you move your head
- Requires one-time setup through the app
- Built-In DAC with 24-bit processing and premium custom amplifier
Controls
- Touch controls on each earbud let you answer calls, control music playback, and toggle noise cancellation
- Quick Attention lets you hear external sounds without removing your earbuds
- Quickly turn off noise-cancelling circuitry by touch
- Summon Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant by voice (on your smartphone)
- Ask questions, dictate texts, and control music by voice
- Available for Apple and Android
- Requires one-time setup with the Headphone Connect app
- Beam-Forming microphone system and advanced audio signal processing for clear phone calls
- Bone conduction sensors and AI-based noise reduction algorithms isolate speech from background noise
- Optical sensors automatically pause music when earbuds are removed
- Earbuds can be used one at a time or as a pair
Charging Case, Battery & Accessories
- Built-In rechargeable batteries offer 8 hours of listening with noise cancellation (13 hours without)
- Compact charging case banks up to 16 hours of power to wirelessly recharge headphones
- 3-minute quick charge provides enough power for 60 minutes of listening
- Wireless charging available with compatible Qi chargers (not included)
- Includes 4 sizes of ear tips for a secure, comfortable fit
- Ergonomically designed foam tips create a noise-isolating seal and stabilize earbuds
- Includes "XS" size for smaller ears
- USB-C cable included for charging case
General
- Parts of the earbuds and case made from factory-recovered plastic
- Sustainable packaging made from recycled "blended paper"
- Available Finishes: Black & Silver
- Weight
- Earbuds: 5.9 grams each
- Case: 39 grams
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 1 Year
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.