Design and Comfort
One of the first things that will captivate you is the sleek and compact design. The XM5s are 25% smaller and 20% lighter than their predecessors, weighing in at a mere six grams each. This newfound comfort and fit make them ideal for all-day wear. Worried about fit? Fear not! Sony has taken care of that too. By refining the design, these earbuds accommodate various ear sizes, ensuring a snug and secure fit, even for those with smaller ears. The buds are available in black or silver, boasting a blend of glossy and matte finishes that exude sophistication while resisting fingerprints.
Speaking of fit, the XM5s come with four ear tip options, including an extra-small set. While most users will find a perfect fit, audiophiles seeking optimal sound quality and noise-cancelling performance may want to experiment with different tips. Sony’s innovative high-tech polyurethane foam material ensures a snug seal and secure fit, but some may prefer other materials like silicone for their specific ear shape.
App Support & Features
The Sony Headphones Connect app is a crucial aspect of unlocking the WF-1000XM5’s full potential. Apart from firmware updates, it allows users to create custom EQ profiles, adjust Ambient Sound levels, and customize touch sensor functions. Enabling features like Sony 360 Reality Audio, Speak-to-Chat, and DSEE Extreme enhance the overall audio experience. Adaptive Sound Control lets users set custom noise cancellation and EQ profiles based on their location or activity, adding a layer of personalization.
The “speak-to-chat” mode, which automatically pauses your music and activates ambient mode when you start talking, is just one of the many highlights. With ambient sound adjustment, you have control over how much of the outside world you want to let in.
Connectivity & Compatibility
The WF-1000XM5 supports Bluetooth 5.3 and includes codecs like SBC, AAC, and LDAC, but lacks aptX or aptX HD support. The dedicated pairing button and Bluetooth multipoint functionality make pairing and switching between devices effortless. Users with Android and iOS devices can equally benefit from the comprehensive app features.
How Good is the Noise Cancelling Technology?
The XM5s take sound quality and noise-cancelling to new heights, courtesy of their new speaker driver units and three microphones in each earbud, powered by Sony’s cutting-edge V2 integrated processor and QN2E noise-cancelling processor. These buds lock horns with Bose for the crown of best noise-cancelling, and Sony claims to have outdone itself in this regard. While the improvement over the XM4s may not be massive, it’s certainly noteworthy and leaves listeners impressed. Expect top-notch noise reduction across a broader range of frequencies, bringing you closer to audio nirvana.
Water Resistance Rating
With an IPX4 water resistance rating, the WF-1000XM5 can handle light splashes and sweat, making them suitable for workouts at the gym. However, users should avoid submerging the earbuds and case in water.
How Good Do They Sound?
In terms of sound quality, the XM5s exhibit a modest improvement over their already stellar XM4 predecessors. With a cleaner sound and better-defined bass, they deliver a harmonious audio experience. Their tonal balance, offering warmth without sacrificing clarity, sets them apart from competitors like the AirPods Pro 2.
Moreover, the XM5s offer a plethora of EQ settings, adaptive sound modes, and hands-free access to Alexa. For those seeking the perfect sound signature, the “Find Your Equalizer” beta setting enables you to customize the sound to your liking. And let’s not forget spatial audio with head tracking, exclusive to Android users, providing an immersive audio experience akin to Apple’s Spatial Audio.
Call Quality
Sony didn’t neglect voice calling quality either. The inclusion of bone conduction sensors allows the earbuds to isolate your voice from background noise, resulting in clear calls even in noisy environments. While there were some minor issues reported under harsh conditions, the overall call quality remains impressive.
Battery Performance
Battery life is on par with the XM4s, providing around 8 hours of playback with noise cancelling on at moderate volume levels, and up to 12 hours with it off. The charging case offers two extra charges, ensuring you’re always ready to immerse yourself in your favourite tunes.
Pros
- Excellent Active Noise Cancelling
- Comfortable design
- Impressive battery life
- Sony Headphones Connect app Support
- Bluetooth multipoint support
Cons
- Premium price tag
- Default sound profile is bass-heavy
- Lacks support for aptX or aptX HD codecs
Should you buy it?
To rap things up, the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds deliver on their promise of a superior audio experience. While not entirely flawless, their impressive features, exceptional noise cancelling, and refined sound quality place them among the best earbuds on the market. Android users, in particular, will find the XM5s to be the ultimate companion, but Apple users may still find some advantages in their AirPods Pro 2. Ultimately, Sony has managed to strike the perfect balance between portability, performance, and innovation, making the XM5s a top contender for audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike.
Now, it’s your turn! Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Have you tried the Sony WF-1000XM5s, and if so, what’s been your experience? Let’s keep the conversation going!
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