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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
For superior sound quality, active noise cancelling, and better comfort during long listening sessions, the Sony WF1000XM4 would be a better choice. However, the Sony WF1000XM5, while slightly less expensive, offers better microphone quality which could be more suitable for calls and meetings, and superior battery life in the case, making it more convenient in terms of charging frequency. Both models feature a similar set of codecs, including LDAC for high-quality audio over Bluetooth, and both are optimized for Android and Apple devices. Consider the WF1000XM5 if you prioritize mic quality and longer battery life between case charges, or the WF1000XM4 for top-notch sound quality and comfort. 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 WF1000XM4
- Excellent for music
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- The Sony WF1000XM5 has no clear advantages over the Sony WF1000XM4.
Key differences
Music
9.0
8.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is excellent for music, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is very good.
Phone Calls
6.7
5.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair for phone calls, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
10.0
4.9
The Sony WF1000XM4 is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
TV and Video
6.0
5.4
The Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Cost
$220
$298
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Sony WF1000XM4 has a price of $220 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.6
5.1
The Sony WF1000XM4 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for gaming.
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Sony WF1000XM4 are both very good for noise reduction.
Battery
9.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Sony WF1000XM4 has 9 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Build Quality
8.9
8.5
The Sony WF1000XM4 and Sony WF1000XM5 both have very good build quality.
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How the Sony WF1000XM4 and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Sony WF1000XM4 | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$220 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2021 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.1/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.7/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.6/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.7/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 9 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 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 | 5.4/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Sony WF1000XM4
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Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | March 2023
"The headphones deliver a satisfying user experience, class-leading battery life, some of the best noise-cancelling we’ve heard in this category, and absolutely stunning sound quality."
Sony WF1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
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 WF1000XM4 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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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
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.
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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.
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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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