Sony WF-1000XM earbuds · Earbuds
Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Sony WF-1000XM4: Worth the Upgrade?
Skip This Upgrade
The Sony WF-1000XM5 does not justify the cost of upgrading from the Sony WF-1000XM4. The improvements are marginal, and the Sony WF-1000XM4 remains a strong performer.
1
Upgrade Score
$70
Price Difference
-0.2
Rating Change
4
New Features
5
Features Removed
How the Scores Compare
Sony WF-1000XM4→Sony WF-1000XM5
Sound-92
92
→
0
Quiet+90
0
→
90
Anc-90
90
→
0
Portability+88
0
→
88
Comfort-84
84
→
0
Fit+82
0
→
82
Value-14
88
→
74
Battery-2
86
→
84
Higher is better. Category-specific 0-100 scale. Lighter bar = Sony WF-1000XM4, highlighted bar = Sony WF-1000XM5.
What Changed
Added in the New Generation
- +Excellent active noise cancellation
- +LDAC high-resolution Bluetooth audio
- +Compact premium charging case
- +Detailed Sony Headphones app controls
Removed from Previous Generation
- −Integrated Processor V1
- −Industry-leading noise cancellation
- −LDAC and DSEE Extreme audio
- −Speak-to-Chat auto-pause
- −Wireless charging case
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Sony WF-1000XM5 | Sony WF-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Form Factor | In-ear true wireless | — |
| Noise Cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation | — |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours buds / 24 hours with case | 8 hours (ANC on), 24 hours with case |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Best For | Sound-first Android users and frequent travelers | Audiophiles and ANC-first Android users |
| Chip | — | Sony Integrated Processor V1 |
| ANC | — | Industry-leading noise cancellation |
| Codecs | — | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Charging | — | USB-C, Qi wireless |