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Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds review

Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM5. Top-rated ANC earbuds - high marks from nearly every major publication.

96
Excellent
Experts 81 Reddit 100 Amazon 86

32 critics · 75 Reddit · 11,847 Amazon

$198
as of 03/12/2026 (Details)
★ 4.3 (11,847 reviews)
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Reddit users overwhelmingly recommend the Sony WF-1000XM5, especially for anc performance. Top-rated ANC earbuds - high marks from nearly every major publication. Main complaint: no ip rating for water resistance on case.

Based on 32 critic reviews and 75 Reddit discussions

Score Breakdown

Experts
81
32 reviews + lab
Reddit
100
75 mentions
popular
Amazon
4.3★
11,847 reviews

Reddit Sentiment

Based on 75 authentic mentions across Reddit

Positive 34 (45%)
Neutral 33 (44%)
Negative 8 (11%)

What People Love & Don't

What People Love

  • ✓ Industry-leading ANC performance
  • ✓ Exceptional sound quality with LDAC support
  • ✓ Compact, lightweight design (lighter than XM4)
  • ✓ Speak-to-chat and adaptive sound control
  • ✓ Multipoint Bluetooth connection

What People Don't

  • ✗ No IP rating for water resistance on case
  • ✗ Ear tips can be finicky for some ear shapes
  • ✗ Touch controls occasionally misfire
  • ✗ Premium price point

What Reddit Says

"I've tried 3-4 different brands. Really liked the B&Ws but settled back on the XM5s. Great ANC and EQ can be set wonderfully. I also got them for $198 on sale."

"Sony WF-1000XM5 have been my most well-rounded pair. The sound is rich and detailed, ANC is top-tier, and they're super comfortable. Sony really nailed the fit this time and added reliable multipoint."

"XM5 hurt my ears and thump while running. ANC is overrated and number of glitches while using LDAC is enormous. Indeed, they sound great, best among other earbuds, but usability is very very bad."

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Sony WF-1000XM5 worth it in 2026?
At $198, yes. They scored 96/100 in our TITAN Score with top marks from lab testing, critics, and Reddit users. ANC is still the best in class, sound quality is excellent with LDAC. The only real complaints are fit issues with the ear tips.
How good is the noise cancelling on Sony WF-1000XM5?
It's the best you can get in wireless earbuds right now. Reddit users consistently call it 'unreal' and critics gave it high marks across 32 reviews. Blocks out office noise, coffee shop chatter, even airplane engines.
What's the battery life on Sony WF-1000XM5?
You get about 8 hours with ANC on, 12 hours with it off. The case adds another 16 hours. Enough for a full work day without reaching for the charger.

TITAN Score: 96/100

Sony WF-1000XM5 - $198

as of 03/12/2026 (Details)

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