Sony made the WF-1000XM5 28% smaller than the XM4 without reducing driver size — a meaningful achievement that makes them competitive with the AirPods Pro in an ear canal without the wing-tip stabilisers that many users find uncomfortable. The 8.4mm driver with Integrated Processor V2 performs ANC at the same 700-adjustments-per-second rate as the WH-1000XM6 over-ear headphones, adapting to ear fit and seal quality continuously.
LDAC support at 96 kHz/24-bit remains the headline spec for Android users connecting to a high-resolution source. The sound signature is tuned similarly to the XM6 — extended bass, controlled mids, smooth highs — but the smaller driver produces a slightly narrower soundstage that over-ear models handle better on complex orchestral recordings. For pop, electronic, and podcast listening, the WF-1000XM5 excels.
Eight hours per charge (24 with the case), wireless charging case with Qi, and IPX4 water resistance for workouts round out a complete package. Call quality is improved over the XM4 with a dedicated microphone beam-forming algorithm that isolates voice from background noise effectively on crowded streets.
| Driver | 8.4mm full-range, LCP diaphragm |
|---|---|
| Chip | Integrated Processor V2 (V2 + QN2e) |
| ANC | Adaptive Sound Control, dual noise-sensing mics per earbud |
| Codec | LDAC, AAC, SBC; multipoint (2 devices) |
| Battery | 8 hrs (ANC on) per bud; 24 hrs with case; Qi wireless charging case |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3; IPX4 (buds + case) |
| Weight | 0.19 oz (5.4 g) per earbud |
| Controls | Touch sensor per bud, customisable via Sony Headphones Connect app |
| In the box | WF-1000XM5, Charging case, USB-C cable, SS/S/M/L/LL ear tips |
Sophie Laurent –
Smaller and lighter than any comparable premium earbud. The fit without wing tips is secure during running — I was surprised. ANC is the best I’ve experienced from an earbud form factor. LDAC to my Android phone sounds noticeably better than AAC for hi-res streaming. The case is premium, slim, and wireless charging capable.