The Sony WF-1000XM4 are a tough act to follow, but when the new WF-1000XM5 arrived in July 2023, they exceeded even our high expectations. They outperform their predecessors in pretty much every way, picking up a What Hi-Fi? Award in the process while also forging their own unique sonic character. A year on, and they're still the very best wireless earbuds we recommend.
However, the XM5 aren't the cheapest pair of buds on the market, launching at a price of £259 / $299 / AU$419. But you shouldn't have to pay that – discounts are frequent and significant so you be able to pick them up for much lower than the original asking price. You can see the best deals around using the price tool widget below.
What makes the WF-1000XM5 such a compelling buy? In short, they improve on the XM4 in pretty much every way, which is quite a feat considering the quality of the outgoing model.
First off, the design. Sony has slimmed down the XM5, making them smaller and lighter than their predecessors, more comfortable to wear and less of a strain on your ears. They fit better, too, thanks to the addition of an extra-small size of eartip and a rather nice composite tip material.
Because they're slimmer, the XM5 pick up less wind noise, which means less interference with calls and music. There are noise-cancelling mics to help with this as well, with an extra mic in each earbud (making three in each). Combined with the new HD Noise Cancelling processor QN2e, it grants a 20 per cent improvement in noise cancelling compared to the XM4.
The newer buds have all the same features as the XM4 – including support for Sony's higher-quality LDAC audio codec and 360 Reality Audio virtual surround sound – but add some new abilities to the mix. Head-tracking for spatial audio tracks, for example, anchors the sound to the device it's coming from (great for augmented reality mobile games), while calls can now be answered with a nod of the head. You can also stream LDAC files while maintaining a Bluetooth Multipoint connection, so you can switch seamlessly between devices without having to re-pair your headphones.
Improved controls are also the order of the day. The XM5 let you operate playback, sound modes and volume all at the same time through the earbuds. With their predecessors, you were restricted to only being able to operate two out of the three at any one time.
And the sound? Glad you asked. Sony hasn't just tinkered with the sound profile but overhauled it entirely – gone is the XM4's rather playful approach in favour of a more analytical, more hi-fi audio performance. It might lose a little energy in the low end, but the extra level of detail it manages to unearth is phenomenal.
Naturally, they're more expensive than their predecessors, launching at £259 / $299 / AU$419. But the price has fallen previously, and if any deals are available now, you'll see them here first.
Wondering what else Sony can do? See what we're hoping for from the Sony WF-1000XM6.
MORE:
Read our original Sony WF-1000XM5 review
Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2: which five-star earbuds are better?
5 sound settings you shouldn't ignore on the Sony WF-1000XM5
Here are the best wireless earbuds: budget and premium
