Sony WF-1000XM5 Review: The New ANC Earbuds to Beat
Sony made audiophiles wait, but the WF-1000XM5 true wireless earbuds prove excellent things come to those who wait. Priced at ₹24,990, these premium buds make significant improvements over popular predecessors like the 1000XM3 and XM4.
With a sleek new design, custom integrated audio chip, upgraded noise cancellation and spacious sound, the 1000XM5 cement themselves as Sony's most advanced TWS earbuds yet. Do the upgrades justify the steep price though? Our in-depth review breaks it down.
Design - Compact, Comfortable and Premium
Instead of iterative updates, Sony went back to the drawing board for a completely overhauled look. The WF-1000XM5 adopts an oval bud shape with angular ear tips. This gives them a sophisticated, almost futuristic style compared to the generic rounded 1000XM3.
A two-tone style combines glossy top portions with an intriguing woven matte texture on the touch-sensitive areas that enhances grip without attracting fingerprints. The charging case gets a matching makeover, with an oval cross-section that feels lower profile compared to previous generations when pocketed.
The molded tips and ergonomic shape offer incredible passive noise isolation and fit. Over hours of treadmill runs, they stayed locked in place. Sony also includes extra small eartips for added comfort.
Touch gestures are responsive, with customization options for single/double taps and long presses. Using gestures to control music, calls or transparency modes soon becomes second nature.
Premium Specs with Handy Features
As expected from Sony flagships, an extensive feature set caters to audiophiles and everyday listeners alike. Multipoint connectivity lets you pair with two devices like a phone and laptop for seamless switching.
The useful Speak-to-Chat feature also returns, automatically pausing when you speak to someone. New additions include swipe gestures on the left/right bud for call accepting and Ambient Sound mode for amplifying background sounds when needed.
There’s also Alexa or Google Assistant voice control, customizable EQ presets, adjustable transparency strength and more through Sony’s companion app.
A beta “Personal NC optimizer” uses photos of your ears to tune noise cancellation specifically for your physiology, though the standard ANC works excellently already. LDAC/LHDC Bluetooth codecs provide lossless wireless audio for compatible devices as well.
Noise Cancellation - Impressive for Calls and Media
While the XM4 already boasted industry-leading active noise cancellation, Sony claims the 1000XM5 blocks ~30% more ambient sound across the board. Side-by-side comparisons confirm the improvement is noticeable, especially for mid-range frequencies like chatter in a cafe.
The noise isolation feels natural too. Gradual ANC adjustments prevent eardrum pressure discomfort. Dual noise cancellation processors suppress complex periodic sounds like typing more accurately as well. For phone calls, beamforming microphones target the user's voice, preventing background chatter reaching the other person.
Wind noise reduction delivers crystal-clear call quality even in breezy conditions like an open terrace or commute. On the media playback front, blocking environmental disturbances lets you hear subtle musical details otherwise drowned out.
Sound Quality - Balanced with Punchy Bass
Thanks to a bump up to 5mm drivers (from 6mm previously), the 1000XM5 outputs a more spacious, room-filling sound with excellent stereo separation. The bass thump sounds tighter compared to the 1000XM4 - more textured than boomy on modern pop/EDM tracks. There's added impact without muddying lower mids.
Mids and highs also gain definition, with vocal centric tracks like acoustic having more breathing room around the singer before instruments fill in. The sound profile adapts well across orchestral numbers, Indian folk compositions, rock anthems or cinematic OSTs. A built-in EQ lets you tweak to taste.
These aren't neutral reference headphones, opting for dynamic sound that favors slightly elevated bass or treble over clinical accuracy. But tuning choices complement today's music library well. Frequency response reaches 40kHz for Hi-Res Lossless support too.
Battery Life and Connectivity - Reliable Endurance
Even with amplified drivers and noise cancellation active, the XM5 last around 5-6 hours for mixed use involving streaming, gaming or calls. The charging case carries two extra full charges for 15-18 hours total - enough to cover flights or long days out.
Quick charging sorts you out with 90 minutes playtime from a 3 minute top-up. Wireless charging support provides flexibility as well.
Bluetooth 5.2 provides reliable connectivity across iOS/Android flagships, Windows laptops and tablets alike with support for AAC/SBC codecs plus LDAC and LHDC high-res streaming.
Call quality impresses too thanks to precision beamforming that focuses on speech. Environmental noise gets suppressed for clearer calls walking city streets or amidst household chaos.
Verdict - Audiophile Gold with a Premium Price
The WF-1000XM5 brings meaningful improvements be it design aesthetics, noise cancellation competence, audio fidelity or wearing comfort over predecessors. Incremental upgrades this is not - the elevated price reflects ascendance to the head of Sony’s TWS portfolio.
If your budget allows, these represent one of the most well-rounded wireless earbuds experiences money can buy. The feature set leaves little lacking for on-the-move listening, epitomizing what premium truly means.
The only caveat lies in still uneven compatibility for 360 Audio or LDAC on non-Sony smartphones. But used with an Android flagship or iPhone, Sony sets the bar for TWS earbuds in 2023. Your ears and wallet will both approve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is the sound quality improvement of the XM5 over older Sony TWS earbuds?
A: Thanks to a new 5mm driver array (up from 6mm previously), the 1000XM5 delivers more spacious, detail-rich sound with punchier bass and better stereo separation. The upgrade is noticeable over already great-sounding models like the XM3 and XM4.
Q: Do the XM5 earbuds stay secure during runs and workouts?
A: Yes, the ergonomic oval shape and molded tips passively isolate noise while staying securely seated even during intense exercise like marathon runs. Additional stabilizing fins further aid grip if needed.
Q: How many additional charges does the charging case provide?
A: The XM5 charging case carries 2 extra full charges for around 15-18 hours cumulative playtime. That’s enough for lengthy travel days or over a week of moderate daily use per charge cycle.
Q: Can you use Sony’s 360 Audio feature with non-Sony smartphones?
A: Unfortunately 360 Audio head tracking requires integration with Sony’s hardware and mobile apps. It works fully only with Sony Xperia phones at the moment, delivering limited compatibility with other Android/iOS devices.
Q: Do the XM5 buds work for gaming or just music/calls?
A: Thanks to their comfortable fit, rich audio reproduction and bevy of features like high-quality mic support, the WF-1000XM5 works excellently for multiplayer voice chat and cinematic single player gaming alike. The low latency playback prevents lip sync issues.
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