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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ earbuds are a good pick if you prefer a more compact, in-ear design and appreciate their lower price point compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5. They come with active noise cancellation and a solid build quality. However, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer superior noise cancellation, more comfort for extended wear with their over-ear design, and better battery life - ideal if you're seeking the best noise isolation and listen for long periods. The Sony also features unique audio enhancements like 360 Reality Audio, but you'll need compatible apps and will spend a bit more. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WH-1000XM5
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
6.8
8.2
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is only fair.
Gaming
8.4
5.6
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is very good for gaming, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Phone Calls
7.2
5.5
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good for phone calls, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8
6.0
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is only fair.
TV and Video
7.8
5.8
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good for TV and video, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
7.0
9.1
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good.
Battery
6.5 Hours
40.3 Hours
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$176
$398
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has a price of $176 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.9
8.8
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ and Sony WH-1000XM5 both have very good build quality.
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How the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$176 | $398 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bang and Olufsen | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2021 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.2/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.4/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6.5 Hours | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 20 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 7/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8 Grams | 249.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Mag
Tim Gideon | March 2022
"Bang & Olufsen’s audio products prioritize style and function just as much as sound quality. The company’s latest Beoplay EQ noise-cancelling true wireless earphones combine strong, accurate-leaning audio with solid noise cancellation in an exceedingly classy design."
Sony WH-1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir | February 2023
"The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best Sony Bluetooth headphones so far and one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth headphones around. Look no further if you need class-leading ANC with a mostly inoffensive sound signature. Just be ready to pony up the price premium."
Get a great deal on the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ or the Sony WH-1000XM5
About Bang and Olufsen
Bang and Olufsen is an almost century-old electronic goods manufacturer based in Denmark with a very special focus on design. Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen created the first AC radio in 1925 and went on to develop televisions, telephones and, of course, headphones and loudspeakers. Today, they are partnered with several companies, like Audi, BMW and Aston Martin, to provide very high-quality audio solutions.
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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