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Sony WF-1000XM5: True Wireless 360 Reality Audio earbuds redefine premium sound

Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds being taken out of a charging case

Has Sony raised the bar for true wireless earbuds with the launch of its WF-1000XM5 headphones? Improvements in design mean the WF-1000XM5 earbuds are 25 per cent smaller and 20 per cent lighter than their predecessor, ensuring comfort for extended periods of wear.

They also promise a leap forward in performance from their award-winning predecessors, courtesy of a new driver unit, dubbed Dynamic Driver X.

With a diaphragm structure combining various materials, the WF-1000XM5 boast clear highs and improved, distortion-free bass. Noise Isolation Earbud Tips further enhance audio quality, thanks to a unique polyurethane foam material said to reduce noise at higher frequencies.

With a diaphragm structure combining various materials, the WF-1000XM5 claim clear highs and improved, distortion-free bass…

We’re told there have also been strides when it comes to the noise-cancelling; the new Sony buds incorporate three microphones on each earbud, including dual feedback mics, with improved low-frequency cancellation performance. 

Sony’s Integrated Processor V2 has been designed to exploit the potential of the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN2e, which offers 24-bit audio processing. This amalgamation empowers the WF-1000XM5 to deliver noise-cancelling quality tailored to a specific environment.

There’s support for High-Resolution Audio Wireless thanks to LDAC, as well as Sony’s tried and tested DSEE Extreme upscaler. The earbuds feature native 360 Reality Audio compatibility.

Call quality is powered by an AI-based noise reduction algorithm and bone conduction sensors. This combo ensures your voice remains natural and clear even in noisy environments, with wind noise reduction technology taking care of outdoor shenanigans.

Furthermore, head tracking technology ensures an immersive entertainment experience, aligning sounds with your head movements when enjoying content on compatible smartphones or services.

The WF-1000XM5 also boasts various user-friendly functions, including Auto Play, custom audio notifications, voice assistant control, Adaptive Sound Control, and Speak-to-Chat. Additionally, these earbuds support Multipoint Connect, enabling seamless pairing with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.

Battery life is said to reach 8 hours of battery life (with 16hrs in the charging case), with rapid 3-minute charging for 60 minutes of playtime. There’s also support for Qi wireless charging.

Typical applications for the WF-1000XM5 might include hi-res music listening, improved usability in a bustling office or amidst the hustle and bustle of a public space, and immersive gaming, enhanced by spatial sound technology.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 are available now, priced at £259.

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About Steve May

Creator of Home Cinema Choice magazine, and editor of The Luxe Review, Steve muses and reviews for Trusted Reviews, T3, Home Cinema Choice, Games Radar, Ideal Home, Louder Sounds, Channel News and Boat International. He’s also the editor of professional home cinema website Inside CI. He's on Twitter and Instagram as @SteveMay_UK