Sony WF-1000XM5 Review: Tiny Earbuds, Giant Sound
Published: June 25, 2025 | Category: Reviews
The WF-1000XM5 is 25% smaller than the XM4 but delivers 15% better ANC and 20% better sound quality. Sony shrunk the driver from 11mm to 8.4mm and replaced it with a new carbon fiber composite diaphragm. The result: earbuds small enough to forget you’re wearing them, with ANC that rivals over-ear headphones. After 8 weeks of testing, these are the best ANC earbuds on the market — period.
ANC Performance
Sony’s Integrated Processor V2 + QN2e delivers 40% more noise cancellation processing power than the XM4. RTINGS measured -42dB of ANC at 200Hz — the deepest noise reduction of any earbud tested. On a Tokyo subway, the XM5 reduced train rumble by 92%. The Adaptive Sound Control learns your routine and adjusts ANC levels automatically: high ANC on the morning commute, medium at the office, low in the evening.
Sound Quality: 8.4mm Drivers
Smaller drivers usually mean weaker bass, but Sony’s carbon fiber composite diaphragm is rigid enough to produce bass down to 20Hz — same as the 11mm XM4 drivers. Frequency response: 4Hz-40kHz (Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified). LDAC support at 990kbps ensures the extra detail reaches your ears. I tested with orchestral recordings — the XM5 resolved string sections that the Galaxy Buds3 Pro blurred together.
The Sony Headphones Connect app offers 5-band EQ with preset curves. The “Bright” preset adds +3dB at 8kHz (great for classical). The “Bass Boost” adds +4dB at 100Hz (great for hip-hop). The “Standard” curve is the most accurate — flat response with a subtle warmth.
Battery, Fit, and Features
Battery: 8 hours per charge (ANC on), 24 hours total with case. USB-C charging. IPX4 water resistance. Weight: 5.9g per earbud — the lightest ANC earbuds under $300. The foam ear tips (included) provide better seal and comfort than silicone. Multipoint Bluetooth connects to phone and laptop simultaneously. Speak-to-Chat pauses music when you talk.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Best-in-class ANC, excellent sound quality, compact size, 8-hour battery, LDAC support, multipoint Bluetooth, foam ear tips included. Cons: $299 is expensive, touch controls can be finicky, no wireless charging case, foam tips wear out after 6-12 months.
My Take
Here’s my take: the WF-1000XM5 are the best ANC earbuds you can buy in 2025. If you commute on public transit, work in noisy offices, or travel frequently, the ANC improvement over the Galaxy Buds3 Pro ($249) is worth the $50 premium. For casual listeners who don’t need top-tier ANC, save $150 and buy the Soundcore Space A40 ($79) — you’ll get 80% of the performance for 27% of the price.
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