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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and noise isolation for air travel and portability, the Sony WF1000XM5 would be a better choice as they offer better overall sound quality and noise isolation, with the convenience of wireless charging and slightly better battery life. However, if you need earbuds for calls and meetings or a more immersive book or podcast listening experience and are looking to save some money, then the Sony WF1000XM3 might be more suitable for you, despite their older release date and marginally lower sound quality. Keep in mind that the WF1000XM5 introduces features like LDAC codec support for high-resolution audio streaming, which is absent in the WF1000XM3, and sweat resistance, making them a bit more versatile for different situations. 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 Sony WF1000XM3
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
7.5
8.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is good.
Phone Calls
8.2
5.0
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.7
4.9
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$180
$298
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Sony WF1000XM3 has a price of $180 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Sony WF1000XM3 has excellent build quality, while the Sony WF1000XM5 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.6
5.1
The Sony WF1000XM3 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.7
5.4
The Sony WF1000XM3 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Sony WF1000XM3 are both very good for noise reduction.
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How the Sony WF1000XM3 and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Sony WF1000XM3 | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$180 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2019 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.2/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.6/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 3.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 9 Grams | 6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Sony WF1000XM3
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Sound Guys
Lily Katz | November 2022
"Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list."
Sony WF1000XM5
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Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the Sony WF1000XM3 or the Sony WF1000XM5
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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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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