Sony WF-1000XM5 Review: Great Sound, Some Flaws
A striking pattern across hundreds of reviews is how many people claim the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Earbuds deliver “the best sounding earbuds I’ve ever used” while others call their bass “mundane” compared to rivals. Averaging 4.3/5 from thousands of ratings, they score a solid 8.7/10 in user satisfaction, bolstered by comfort and battery life but dinged for call quality and durability of ear tips.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — ideal for commuters, audiophiles who love bass tuning, and long-haul travelers, but less suited for those prioritizing call clarity or foam tip longevity.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rich, clear sound with customizable EQ | Foam tips wear out faster than silicone |
| Top-tier noise cancellation for most environments | Call quality poor in heavy noise |
| Compact, comfortable fit suitable for long wear | Ambient mode less natural than competitors |
| Impressive battery life (users report 14 hrs with ANC off) | High price compared to similar-performing rivals |
| Multipoint connection works smoothly | Occasional connectivity drops reported |
| IPX4 water resistance for sweat/rain | Earbuds can slip out in humid conditions |
Claims vs Reality
Sony advertises “industry-leading noise cancellation” using dual processors and innovative tips. While multiple Best Buy reviewers confirmed “blocks out almost everything,” professional testers on Quora noted the ANC was “less effective in offices and airports compared to Bose QuietComfort Ultra,” though passive isolation from foam tips compensated for higher frequencies.
Marketing highlights “astonishing sound quality.” Many users agreed: Tech Advisor’s quote, “best sounding earbuds I’ve ever used,” is echoed by buyers praising the bass clarity after EQ tweaks. Yet Sony’s neutral factory tuning drew lukewarm reactions—Quora testing found bass at just 5.8/10 compared to mids and treble scores over 6.8, making EDM and hip-hop less full-bodied unless adjusted.
A bold claim is “best ever call quality,” but here reality diverges sharply. Quora’s lab results ranked subway call quality 2/10, with voices “cutting in and out.” Even in quieter settings, reviewers reported volume fluctuations. This inconsistency stood out against Bose, which multiple Best Buy reviewers said “handled phone calls better.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
For travelers, the WF-1000XM5’s battery proved transformative. Quora testers measured 14 hours playback with ANC off—two more than Sony’s claim—and noted the case’s two extra charges give 42 hours total. Redditors praised this longevity, and one Best Buy customer said, “I can hit the 8-hour mark and still have 4–5% left.”
Comfort earned nearly unanimous approval. The smaller, lighter design compared to the XM4 model sat securely during runs and gym sessions, even after hours of use. A Twitter quote highlighted, “These for me are the lightest, most comfortable and give me the best sound.” The foam tips’ earplug-like seal delivered both security and isolation.
Sound customization in Sony’s app surfaced repeatedly as a standout. Reddit users loved “phenomenal EQ options” that could transform the default profile, with bass heads pushing “Clear Bass to +10” for satisfying low-end punch without muddy mids. For diverse genres—from acoustic to EDM—users described crisp highs, warm mids, and wide soundstage for earbud class.
Common Complaints
Ear tip durability was one of the most consistent grievances, especially among heavy users. A Best Buy customer reported destroying three pairs “in a few months,” with foam tips being vulnerable to nails, alcohol cleaning, or moisture. Several noted the need for replacements on Amazon.
Ambient mode drew criticism for lacking natural transparency. One reviewer said, “I’d rather take the earbuds off to converse,” while others found it amplified voices unnaturally compared to Apple or Bose implementations.
Call quality failures in noisy contexts frustrated many who relied on earbuds for work. Reports of muffled or fluctuating voices appeared across Quora, Best Buy, and Trustpilot, undermining Sony’s marketing in this area.
Divisive Features
Noise cancellation split opinion when compared head-to-head with competitors. Many hailed ANC as “crazy good—blocks out almost everything,” but Bose QuietComfort Ultra owners often judged the Sony’s performance “not even remotely close” in aircraft cabins.
Sound signature preference was another divide. Fans of bass-heavy, EQ-tuned listening loved them, while those seeking richer default warmth found the XM5 lacking without app adjustments. As one audiophile put it, “Good treble, but very mundane overall sound—Bose sounds richer.”
Trust & Reliability
Across Trustpilot and Reddit threads, durability concerns emerged—not with electronics, but consumables. Foam tips degraded quickly and could slip in humid conditions, something noted by Miguel on Best Buy: “They can slip out slightly… due to natural moisture and oils in the ear.”
Interestingly, there’s little evidence of widespread electronic failures within the first year; most reliability issues were about the fit or accessories rather than battery or drivers. On resale sites like eBay, even “used 100% working” sets retained strong functionality, suggesting core performance holds—but comfort depends on replacing tips as needed.
Alternatives
Comparisons with Bose QuietComfort Ultra appeared often. For flyers needing maximum ANC, Bose was widely deemed superior, especially in consistent low-frequency noise blocking. However, Bose’s mic quality fell short, with some callers reporting echo—even as Sony’s voice isolation excelled in moderate conditions.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 was mentioned for richer soundstage. One reviewer said Sony’s was “good for closed-back earbuds” but narrower. Noise cancellation on Sennheiser matched Sony’s in many reports, but fit and seal varied by ear shape.
Price & Value
With a list price around $328 new, many questioned the premium. Best Buy reviewers justified cost with sound and comfort benefits, especially when sale pricing appeared. eBay listings show refurbished units at ~$149.99 (50% off) and used around $138, indicating strong resale activity. Buyers recommend watching pricing cycles—Amazon bundles and seasonal discounts can drop below $300, making them more competitive.
FAQ
Q: How long does the battery really last?
A: Quora testers clocked 14 hours without ANC, exceeding Sony’s 12-hour claim, and about 8 hours with ANC on. The case adds two full charges, totaling up to 42 hours of listening.
Q: Are the foam tips replaceable?
A: Yes, they are detachable and replaceable, but users warn they wear faster than silicone and are prone to damage from improper cleaning.
Q: How is call quality in noisy places?
A: Multiple reviewers found it poor in environments like subway stations, where voices cut out or fluctuated, despite Sony’s bone-conduction and AI tech.
Q: Does ambient mode sound natural?
A: Feedback is mixed. Some find it adequate, while others say it’s artificial compared to Apple’s or Bose’s transparency, making conversation less comfortable.
Q: Can they handle workouts?
A: With IPX4 water resistance and secure foam tips, they stay put during runs and gym use, though humid conditions may cause slight slippage.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a commuter, traveler, or audiophile who values customizable sound, long battery life, and secure comfort. Avoid if you rely heavily on calls in loud spaces or want minimal accessory replacement. Pro tip from community: keep spare foam tips on hand and tweak EQ early—default bass tuning leaves room for improvement.
