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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize portability and use during exercise, the Sony WF1000XM3 earbuds are a better choice for you as they are more suitable for physical activity and are easier to carry around. However, if you're seeking superior overall sound quality and noise isolation, particularly for air travel, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones might be the more fitting option. They also offer a longer battery life for extended listening sessions. Bear in mind, the WH-1000XM5 headphones are generally more expensive and less convenient for exercise due to their over-ear design. Both models support wireless connectivity with active noise cancelling, but if you also need a wired option, only the WH-1000XM5 provides that flexibility. 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 WH-1000XM5
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
7.5
8.2
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is good.
Phone Calls
8.2
5.5
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.7
6.0
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
8.3
9.1
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is very good.
Battery
6.0 Hours
40.3 Hours
The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$180
$398
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Sony WF1000XM3 has a price of $180 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.6
5.6
The Sony WF1000XM3 and Sony WH-1000XM5 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.7
5.8
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sony WF1000XM3 are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
9.0
8.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WF1000XM3 to have excellent build quality, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 has very good build quality.
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How the Sony WF1000XM3 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Sony WF1000XM3 | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$180 | $398 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2019 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.2/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 3.5 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 9 Grams | 249.4 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 WH-1000XM5
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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 Sony WF1000XM3 or the Sony WH-1000XM5
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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Why trust us
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
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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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