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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 WF1000XM5 earbuds could be more suitable for you due to their smaller size and sweatproof feature. However, if you prefer headphones that offer a more immersive listening experience with higher overall sound quality, better microphone quality for calls and meetings, and more extended battery life, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones might be the better option, despite the higher price. Both models offer active noise cancelling and are optimized for both Android and Apple devices. Keep in mind that the headphones are heavier and may not be as convenient for exercise or travel as the earbuds. 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 WF1000XM5
- The Sony WF1000XM5 has no clear advantages over the Sony WH-1000XM5.
Advantages of the Sony WH-1000XM5
- The Sony WH-1000XM5 has no clear advantages over the Sony WF1000XM5.
Key differences
Phone Calls
5.0
5.5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for phone calls, though the Sony WH-1000XM5 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.9
6.0
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Battery
9.0 Hours
40.3 Hours
The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$298
$398
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Sony WF1000XM5 has a price of $298 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
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Key similarities
Music
8.0
8.2
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both very good for music.
Gaming
5.1
5.6
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.4
5.8
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
8.7
9.1
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WH-1000XM5 to be excellent for noise reduction, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is very good.
Build Quality
8.5
8.8
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sony WF1000XM5 both have very good build quality.
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How the Sony WF1000XM5 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Sony WF1000XM5 | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$298 | $398 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2023 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 9 Hours | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 18 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.8/10 | 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 | 6.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6 Grams | 249.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
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."
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 WF1000XM5 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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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