We’ve tested over 300 pairs of wireless earbuds in our lab throughout the years. Below, you can dig into how each pick is backed up by objective data we have gathered using standardized tests in controlled conditions to measure the frequency response and how well it matches our preference curve, noise attenuation, and battery life. We also provide sound quality scores produced by a virtual panel of listeners, as modeled by the MDAQS algorithm, as well as microphone demonstrations in a variety of simulated conditions. We do all this to provide data you can use to make an informed choice about the best wireless earbuds for your needs. Whether that is the best earbuds for working out, the best earbuds for listening to music, or the best earbuds for blocking out noise, this list has you covered.

The Quick Answer

For a quick guide to the best wireless earbuds that suit your needs and budget, check out our top picks below. Each has a link to our full review.

The best overall:

The best for iPhone:

The best for noise canceling on a budget:

The best for features:

The best value pick:

The best sound quality pick:

The best workout pick:

Best wireless earbuds overall: Sony WF-1000XM5

The Sony WF-1000XM5 stands out as a top-tier choice in the competitive world of noise canceling earbuds. They are 25% smaller and 20% lighter than the previous WF-1000XM4, featuring a redesigned shape with more angled nozzles and flexible ear tips, of which you get four sets. All of which makes them a whole heck of a lot more comfortable and secure.

As for active noise cancellation (ANC), the WF-1000XM5 is one of the best in its class. Equipped with new processors and improved microphone systems, our testing shows that these earbuds effectively attenuate low-frequency noise by over 30 dB, resulting in an 87% reduction in perceived noise.

While the default sound profile leans towards a bass-heavy signature, the overall audio quality is excellent. The earbuds offer a wider soundstage and good clarity. Sony’s LDAC codec support also ensures high-quality audio streaming for compatible devices. Other features include customizable touch controls and multipoint connectivity. The Sony Headphones Connect app allows for extensive customization, including EQ adjustments and adaptive sound control.

Read our full Sony WF-1000XM5 review

Best earbuds for iPhone owners: Apple AirPods Pro 2

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are the premier choice for iPhone users. They seamlessly integrate with the Apple ecosystem and offer a slew of exclusive features, such as easy pairing, automatic switching between devices, and Adaptive Transparency mode. Thanks to the new H2 chip, the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) performance is the best for AirPods so far. The AirPods Pro 2 effectively attenuate low-frequency noise by 20-30dB, translating to an 83% reduction in perceived noise, according to our testing.

Sound quality is excellent, with a slight emphasis on bass that most users will appreciate. The wider soundstage and good clarity across frequencies make for an enjoyable listening experience. The inclusion of personalized Spatial Audio and support for the AAC codec ensures high-fidelity audio for iOS devices. We do wish there was a customizable EQ in the Apple settings app, however.

Battery life has been improved, though it still lags behind the competitors. With ANC enabled, it offers over 6 hours of playback according to our tests, and the case provides an additional 24 hours. The case now features a speaker for easier location tracking and supports MagSafe, Qi wireless, and Apple Watch charging.

If the $249 price tag is too steep for you, there are a handful of solid iPhone earbuds or AirPods Pro alternatives out there for iPhone and Android users alike. You can even snag the first-gen AirPods Pro for .

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

The best earbuds for noise canceling on a budget: Sony WF-C710N

The Sony WF-C710N offer a compelling blend of features for their mid-range price. In our testing, they delivered reliable active noise canceling that punches well above their weight, with strong passive isolation and ANC combining to reduce noise by an average of 85%. Their sound quality is also impressive for the price — we measured an excellent overall MDAQS score of 4.8. Out of the box, they have a slightly dark tuning, but Sony’s Headphones Connect app lets you fix that with EQ presets or a custom five-band equalizer. Battery life clocks in at over 9 hours per charge based on our tests, and the pill-shaped case is ultra-pocketable. Just don’t expect premium Bluetooth codec support — these only offer SBC and AAC.

While I found the WF-C710N comfortable for long listening sessions, their fit isn’t the most secure. With only three ear tip sizes and no fins or wings, they’re not ideal for workouts, despite the IPX4 water resistance. On the plus side, you still get touch controls, adaptive sound modes, and spatial audio support via Sony 360 Reality Audio (though content is limited). Microphone quality is good enough for calls in most environments, and the lack of wireless charging is forgivable at this price. If you’re after great ANC and solid sound without spending flagship money, the Sony WF-C710N are easy to recommend — especially if you stick to more casual, everyday listening.

Read our full Sony WF-C710N review

Best features on wireless earbuds: JBL Tour Pro 3

The JBL Tour Pro 3 represent a significant leap forward in wireless earbud technology. The standout feature is the Smart Charging Case, which boasts a touchscreen display for easy access to functions like ANC control, EQ settings, and even acts as an audio transmitter for wired sources.

The sound of the JBL Tour Pro 3 is definitely geared toward a more consumer-friendly audience. The earbuds support multiple codecs, including LDAC and LC3, ensuring high-quality audio streaming. While the default sound signature has a slight bass emphasis, the 10-band EQ in the app allows for precise customization.

Due to the large size of the earbuds, comfort may vary, but multiple ear tip options are provided. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) performs very well, quieting about 83-84% of outside noise.

Overall, the JBL Tour Pro 3 offers a feature-rich package that’s hard to beat, making it an excellent choice for tech enthusiasts who want the most advanced and future-proof earbuds available, though it will cost you a pretty penny.

Read our full JBL Tour Pro 3 review

Best wireless earbuds under $100: CMF Buds 2 Plus

The CMF Buds 2 Plus are a solid value in terms of audio performance, battery life, and personalization features, especially considering their sub-$100 price. With high-resolution LDAC codec support, a refined sound signature, and Smart Adaptive ANC, these earbuds deliver premium experiences at a budget price. The Personal Sound feature, powered by Audiodo, customizes the EQ to your hearing profile, while a refined build and reliable touch controls round out the hardware experience. While the ANC doesn’t quite hit the advertised 50dB reduction, it still performs admirably across a range of environments. The sound quality is also up to par, as the earbuds earn a commendable 4.8 overall score in our MDAQS testing.

However, the CMF Buds 2 Plus stumbles by removing the Smart Dial, a standout feature from the Buds Pro 2 that offered intuitive tactile control. The new lanyard-style dial feels like a downgrade in both form and function, making the Plus version feel less premium despite technical improvements. For existing CMF Buds Pro 2 owners, the upgrade may not be compelling enough unless personalized sound is a must-have. Yet for new buyers, these earbuds set a new benchmark in their price tier, making them an easy recommendation.

Read our full CMF Buds 2 Plus review

The best wireless earbuds: Notable mentions

There’s a never-ending sea of wireless earbuds out there.

•  Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC (): These are definitely a contender for some of the best affordable noise canceling earbuds based on performance and value. With an IPX4 rating, long battery life, and good ANC, these are worth a go. You might not want to go for a run with them, but otherwise, they’re decent.
• Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro (): When it comes to extensive features and performance at a price that doesn’t break the bank, it’s hard to beat the Liberty 4 Pro.
• Apple AirPods 4 (): The AirPods 4 are a noticeable upgrade over their predecessors. If possible, try them on before buying, as your experience will be heavily dependent on whether or not the new shape of the AirPods fits your ears.
• Apple Airpods 4 with ANC (): The Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is a great effort to bring ANC to unsealed AirPods — though it’s still not everyone’s cup of tea. AirPods fans will love the new earbuds, though newcomers might not understand the hype.
• Beats Studio Buds Plus (): The Beats Studio Buds Plus are a competent, if slightly understated true wireless option for those who don’t want the AirPods Pro. Additionally, this Apple-owned product offers an alternative to the lollipop design of the AirPods earphones.
• Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 (): The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 are luxury earbuds that cost a pretty penny. If you want great sound quality and noise canceling wrapped in a luxury finish, these earbuds might be for you.
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (): These earbuds deliver excellent sound quality and noise canceling at an affordable price. The only thing holding us back from a stronger recommendation is the connectivity issues we experienced while testing them.
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (): A step up from the regular Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have a few extra features such as immersive audio and improved connectivity tech.
• Creative Aurvana Ace 2 (): If you are in the market for the best-sounding wireless earbuds, consider the Creative Aurvana Ace 2. The xMEMS driver system sounds excellent, and you can customize the sound using the Creative app. Combined with aptX Lossless support, these earbuds will pique the interest of many audiophiles.
• CMF Buds Pro 2 (): The CMF Buds Pro 2 punch well above their price point, offering solid sound quality and impressive ANC, with the innovative Smart Dial being the unexpected star of the show.
• EarFun Air Pro 4 (): If you are looking for the best wireless earbuds under $100, the EarFun Air Pro 4 are certainly a contender.
• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2(): These are an excellent Pixel phone companion, offering a slew of useful improvements and features that the original Pixel Buds Pro do not. Though the new tuning might not satisfy bassheads, the EQ presets are good enough to handle just about any preference. Many people will love these earbuds.
• JLab Epic Lab Edition (): The JLab Epic Lab Edition are the testbed for the latest generation of Knowles balanced armature drivers, and they make a compelling case. Great sound quality paired with most of the top-flight features we expect from high-end earbuds make this one of the best buys in the category.
• JBL Live Beam 3 (): If you want features like a touchscreen case without having to pay an arm and a leg, the JBL Live Beam 3 are a good option.
• Moondrop Space Travel (): If you’re looking for bang for your buck, it’s hard to do better than these earbuds. Though they don’t have much in the way of software features, the Moondrop Space Travel offers excellent audio quality and ANC for under $30.
• Master & Dynamic MW09 (): Exceptional battery life and premium materials mean the Master & Dynamic MW09 is built to last a long time. You have to pay a pretty penny for these earbuds, but you’ll turn a few heads with the eye-catching design.
• Nothing Ear (a) (): If you have $100 to spend on earbuds, the Nothing Ear (a) are a good option. These jack-of-all-trades earbuds don’t excel in any particular way but also don’t have any major drawbacks.
• Nothing Ear (): The more expensive sibling to the Nothing Ear (a), the Nothing Ear are worth it for those who prioritize sound quality.
• Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ80 (): Though they’re quite large earbuds, the Technics EAH-AZ80 are very solid performers, with a rock-solid array of features to boot. Though the sound might not be for everyone, we believe most should really like these earbuds, even if they aren’t the consensus best-ever.
• SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ (): The SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ have xMEMS drivers that deliver exceptional sound quality, at a price that doesn’t break the bank.
• Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 (): The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 have advanced features such as Bluetooth 5.4 with atpX Lossless.

How we test wireless earbuds

All objective testing is carried out using our B&K5128 acoustic test head.

Using a dummy head, product designers can test out how audio products will perform for most people — and so do we. We run a number of tests, including frequency response, isolation, and battery life. You can read more about it here and learn more about the specifics.

• For each product, we played several sine sweeps through the earphones. Once we arrived at a representative result, we logged the frequency response, demonstrating the hallmarks of a good acoustic seal.
• To test isolation, we play a sample of shaped noise at 90dB(SPL) (measured at the eardrum), once with the headphones off and another with the headphones on. We then subtract one measurement from the other.
• To test the battery, we use shaped noise and a real-time analyzer to find the setting needed to output consistent audio peaking at 75dB(SPL) from the products. We play our music test track on an infinite loop. This means every result can be directly compared.

These three basic tests cover the biggest areas of concern with wireless earbuds. Remember that your battery life will vary if you tend to crank the volume. Additionally, you could squeak out better isolation performance if you use third-party tips on your earbuds.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

These earbuds are fine for casual listening.

We’ve had our finger on the pulse of wireless earbuds since they hit the market. We pride ourselves on our ability to show our work and justify why we selected our picks. SoundGuys takes integrity very seriously.

Everything we recommend results from our objective measurements and great subjective experiences. Ultimately, we want you to enjoy your purchase or, at the very least, leave our site with a little more knowledge about the inner workings of audio.

Frequently asked questions

MDAQS test results

An Overall score of 4.7 means most people will like the way the Liberty 5 sound.

The first test we use to evaluate the sound quality performance of earbuds is the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) algorithm. This test rates sound quality on a scale from 1-5, based on the listening preferences from a study of hundreds of people. If a product receives a score of 5, that means that most people will enjoy the way it sounds. With a 4.7, the Soundcore Liberty 5 earbuds pass this test with flying colors. So, what about the Sony WF-1000XM5?

The Sony WF-1000XM5 posts impressive results with its sound quality, appealing to most consumers.

With an Overall score of 4.9, the Sony WF-1000XM5 unsurprisingly perform well in this test. That said, comparing a 4.9 to a 4.7 is not a big difference, and means your preferred sound will mostly come down to personal preferences in this head-to-head.

Frequency response

We measure the frequency response of products to see how much emphasis they place on bass, mids, or treble. Compared to our SoundGuys Curve, we can see that the Liberty 5 have more emphasis on bass below 150Hz, and on treble from 4-8kHz. They have a noticeable dip around 200Hz, which leaves the fundamental notes in some vocals and piano parts sounding quieter than they should. In comparison, the Sony WF-1000XM5 place more emphasis on mids, though they still amplify bass more than our curve.

Customizing the sound

While it’s important for earbuds to sound good out of the box, it’s also very helpful if they include a companion app with a custom equalizer to tweak the sound. Thankfully, the Liberty 5 have a ton of sound customization features in the Soundcore app.

The HearID Sound Test measures and compensates for any hearing loss you might have. On top of that, you can take the Preference Test, which builds an EQ profile suitable to your preferred amount of bass, mids, and treble. If you still aren’t happy with how the earbuds sound, you can try out one of the dozens of EQ presets, or build your own using the eight-band custom equalizer. You can also enable the Dolby Sound feature to add spatial audio effects to any sound source.

These features go toe-to-toe with the Sony WF-1000XM5. In the Sony Sound Connect app, you’ll find a custom equalizer, as well as Sony 360 Reality Audio, though the latter is limited to supported streaming services.

Streaming quality

A key component of attaining good sound quality with wireless earbuds is to ensure the earbuds support high-res streaming. The Liberty 5 connect over the latest Bluetooth 5.4, with support for SBC, AAC, and LDAC. This is the same array of codec support that the Sony WF-1000XM5 has, though the Sony earbuds use the slightly older Bluetooth 5.3 technology. In my time testing both, neither had any connection issues.

Verdict

So do the Soundcore Liberty 5 have better sound quality than the Sony WF-1000XM5? Maybe not, but it’s closer than you might expect. Ultimately, your decision here comes down to your personal sound preferences. According to our testing, the XM5 have a slight edge out of the box, but the Liberty 5 have enough features and customization to make up for that. If you really want exceptional sound quality without breaking the bank, we recommend you check out the Creative Aurvana Ace Mimi or the Nothing Ear.

What’s it like to use the Sony WF-C710N compared to the Sony WF-1000XM5?

The Sony WF-C710N look very similar to the Sony WF-1000XM5.

The Sony WF-C710N earbuds sport a bold translucent blue plastic design that some will love and others will find toy-like. If you don’t like the translucent color option, you can also get them in plain black or white. They have a lightweight, stemless build and a pill-shaped charging case that’s easy to pocket. That said, their limited fit options—just three silicone ear tip sizes—made it hard for me to get a secure fit during workouts.

In contrast, the WF-1000XM5 feel more refined. Sony’s flagship model includes both silicone and flexible polyurethane foam ear tips for improved fit and isolation. I find the foam tips more secure than the silicone ear tips of the C710N. The case is also smaller and more premium feeling, with wireless charging and a better grip thanks to its matte texture. Both the WF-1000XM5 and WF-C710N have an IPX4 water resistance rating.

Do the Sony WF-C710N or Sony WF-1000XM5 have more features?

The Sony Sound Connect app experience for the WF-C710N is nearly identical to the WF-1000XM5. No matter which earbuds you have, you can adjust ambient sound controls, including the Adaptive Sound Control feature, to have ANC automatically turn on or off depending on your actions and locations. With both earbuds, you can also adjust the sound using the custom equalizer or select from a number of EQ presets. If you like spatial audio, you can scan your ears to use 360 Reality Audio with either earbuds, assuming you have a music source that supports it.

How do the Sony WF-C710N and Sony WF-1000XM5 connect?

The WF-C710N case is slightly smaller than the WG-1000XM5.

Both earbuds use Bluetooth 5.3, but codec support is where things diverge. The WF-C710N only supports SBC and AAC, which works fine for iPhone users but limits sound quality potential on Android.

On the other hand, the WF-1000XM5 supports LDAC and LE Audio (including LC3), giving Android users access to higher-quality streaming and lower latency. Both earbuds support Bluetooth multipoint, so I could easily switch between my laptop and phone—a huge plus for workdays and travel.

Is battery life better on the Sony WF-C710N or Sony WF-1000XM5?

Both cases charge over USB-C.

Battery life is surprisingly close between the two. The WF-C710N lasted 9 hours and 25 minutes in our testing, beating Sony’s claimed 8.5 hours. The WF-1000XM5 came in slightly ahead with 9 hours and 32 minutes.

Where the WF-1000XM5 pulls ahead is in convenience. They support both USB-C and wireless Qi charging, while the WF-C710N sticks to USB-C only.

Do the Sony WF-C710N or Sony WF-1000XM5 block noise better?

The WF-C710N impressed me with its passive isolation and ANC performance for the price. They block up to 30dB of low-frequency noise, with an average reduction in external noise of 85%. However, the fit plays a big role, and without foam tips, results can vary from person to person.

The WF-1000XM5, meanwhile, sits at the top of the ANC game. The foam ear tips provide impressive passive isolation accompanied by good ANC for an average reduction in external noise of 87%. Whether I am commuting or just trying to focus at home, these earbuds consistently shut out the world more effectively than any other wireless earbud option.

Do the Sony WF-C710N sound better than the Sony WF-1000XM5?

Most people will enjoy the sound quality of both the Sony WF-C710N and the Sony WF-1000XM5. You can customize the sound of either to your liking using the app equalizer, and both support Sony 360 Reality Audio.

Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)

An Overall score of 4.8 is very high.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 posts impressive results with its sound quality, appealing to most consumers.

The WF-C710N scored a stellar 4.8 overall, with a near-perfect 4.9 Timbre rating and respectable Immersiveness at 4.3. Their Distortion score of 3.8 is good for wireless earbuds. The WF-1000XM5 scored slightly higher across the board in MDAQS testing, with a 4.9 Overall rating. With such high ratings, chances are that most listeners will enjoy the sound quality of either.

Objective Measurements

Looking at the frequency response charts, the WF-C710N slightly over-emphasize sub-bass and under-emphasize treble around 10kHz, which dulls some brilliance in cymbals and high-hats. The WF-1000XM5 have a similar emphasis on bass, but do a better job retaining upper treble detail. For the most part, both are aligned with the SoundGuys Preference Curve.

Do the Sony WF-C710N or Sony WF-1000XM5 have a better microphone?

The Sony WF-C710N and Sony WF-1000XM5 have very comparable microphone quality. Listen to our standardized microphone demonstrations below and let us know which you think sounds better.

Sony WF-C710N microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Sony WF-C710N microphone demo (Street conditions):

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Street conditions):

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Sony WF-C710N vs Sony WF-1000XM5: Price and availability

The C710N offer similar performance for a lot less than money than the XM5.

The Sony WF-C710 have a starting retail price of only $119.99, less than half the Sony WF-1000XM5 starting retail price of $299.99. Both are currently available, but the C710N is a few years newer than the XM5. In fact, we might see a Sony WF-1000XM6 soon.

Should you get the Sony WF-C710N or Sony WF-1000XM5?

The Sony WF-1000XM5 have been a staple on our list of best wireless earbuds for a long time, but they cost a lot of money. For most people, that extra expense isn’t justified when excellent budget earbuds like the WF-C710N exist. The Sony WF-C710N provide 90% of the same features and performance of the WF-1000XM5, for less than half the price. That sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me.

What should you buy instead of the Sony WF-C710N or Sony WF-1000XM5?

These are great all-around wireless earbuds.

You don’t have to buy from Sony to get great wireless earbuds. There are lots of great options on the market that sound great and don’t cost an arm and a leg. If you prioritize comfort and features, check out the Nothing Ear (). On the other hand, if you want the best sound quality, check out the Creative Aurvana Ace Mimi ().

Sony tops our lists of the best headphones and the best wireless earbuds. Needless to say, they make some amazing audio products, but they are also priced accordingly. This is why it’s always nice to catch some deals on them. Today is your day lucky day! Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event is running full steam, and all of our favorite Sony headphones and earbuds are on sale!

The Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds are only $228, a $72 discount. You can also find the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones for the same $228, but this is a more significant discount considering the $348 retail price. If you want the latest and greatest, though, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are $298, down from $400.

Get the Sony WF-1000XM5 for $228

Get the Sony WH-1000XM4 for $228

Get the Sony WH-1000XM5 for $298

All of these offers are available directly from Amazon, and they are part of the Prime Big Deal Days sale, which takes place on October 8-9. One very important factor to keep in mind is that Big Deal Days discounts are exclusive to Amazon Prime members. You can check out pricing details and sign up for Prime here, and keep in mind new members get a 30-day free trial. You might be able to get access to these offers for free!

Which should you get?

Of course, these headphones and earbuds from Sony are for different types of users, even though they are all high-end models. Let’s go over the differences and help you pick the ones that best fit your needs.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 are great for mobility, commuting, and working out

We can’t be carrying around large, over-the-ear headphones everywhere, right? You might want to, but true wireless earbuds are much better for on-the-go activities, such as commuting, traveling, working out, etc.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 are our favorite wireless earbuds. We praised them for their excellent build quality, elegant look, and comfortable fit. Of course, audio quality is also excellent, and the ANC performance is impressive by wireless earbuds standards. Another area where wireless earbuds usually suffer is battery life, but these are actually impressively good. Out standardized battery tests yielded over nine and a half hours on a single charge.

Overall, these earbuds are outstanding, and we recommend them at their full price. However, the value is much sweeter right now, as you can score them for just $228.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 are the best bang for your buck

If you were to ask most of the team here at Sound Guys, most of us would agree that the Sony WH-1000XM4 are the best for most users. These previous-generation headphones may be from 2020, but they compete against the best in 2024. The main lure is that they are nearly as good as the newer Sony WH-1000XM5 but cost significantly less, especially right now.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 offer the very best experience

Those who want the latest and greatest can’t go wrong with the Sony WH-1000XM5. These headphones are highly respected in the industry, and they are actually our favorite over-the-ear cans. The sound quality is stunning, and the ANC is also impressive. We love its premium design and comfortable fit; even the microphone exceeded our expectations. It’s full of features, too, including Bluetooth Multipoint, Find My Device support, and more.

Oh, and battery life is awe-inspiring. We were able to get almost 31 hours on a single charge, with ANC enabled. Turning off noise canceling will extend the time to 53 hours! One of our main complaints about these headphones is the high $400 price point, but at $298, they are looking much more enticing!

Again, keep in mind these deals end tomorrow, October 9, so you have until then to get some of our favorite audio products at great prices. Make up your mind soon!

Editor’s note: this article was published on September 27, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) compared to the Sony WF-1000XM5?

The Bose QC earbuds are a bit chunkier, but the fins help secure a good fit.

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) feature a compact design that rests within the ears, though they are still larger than most wireless earbuds. They come with various ear tips and fin sizes that genuinely help ensure a secure fit and are IPX4 water-resistant. The charging case is notably large, which may be a drawback for some users, but it does support wireless charging.

In contrast, the Sony WF-1000XM5 boasts a smaller and lighter design. Sony has improved the internal structure of the ear tips and angled the nozzles for better comfort over its predecessor, too. The WF-1000XM5 also features IPX4 water resistance and comes with a more pocketable charging case that also supports wireless charging.

Should you use the apps of either Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) or Sony WF-1000XM5?

The Bose QC Earbuds app offers a five-band equalizer, custom EQ profiles, and the ability to adjust ANC levels. It also includes unique features like Battery Prediction and Voice ID for improved voice control.

Sony’s Headphones Connect app provides similar functionality with a six-band equalizer, custom EQ profiles, and ANC adjustments. It also offers additional features like Sony 360 Reality Audio, Speak-to-Chat, and DSEE Extreme for upscaling audio. Both apps are essential for unlocking the full potential of their respective earbuds.

How do the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) and Sony WF-1000XM5 connect?

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) use Bluetooth 5.3 and support SBC and AAC codecs. They offer Bluetooth Multipoint for connecting to two devices simultaneously, but some users may experience connectivity issues.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 also utilizes Bluetooth 5.3 and supports SBC, AAC, and Sony’s high-quality LDAC codec. They feature LE audio for low-latency streaming and Bluetooth Multipoint. The Sony earbuds include a dedicated pairing button on the case for easier setup.

Is battery life better on the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) or Sony WF-1000XM5?

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) are rated for 8.5 hours of playback on a single charge, with the case providing an additional 2.5 charges for a total of 31.5 hours. They do not feature fast charging.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 offers similar battery performance, with 8 hours of continuous playback and up to 24 hours total with the charging case. Sony’s earbuds do include a fast charging feature, providing about 51 minutes of playback from a 3-minute charge.

Do the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) or Sony WF-1000XM5 block noise better?

Both earbuds excel in noise cancelation, but there are some differences. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) can reduce the loudness of most noises by over 80%, placing them among the best in the market. The large earbud size, combined with the variety of ear tips and fins, passively isolates a noticeable amount of high-frequency noise. They perform well across various frequencies.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 also offers excellent ANC performance, attenuating over 30dB of low-frequency noise (below 1kHz). Sony has improved wind noise reduction in this model, making it particularly effective in outdoor environments. They attenuate about 83% of perceived loudness.

Do the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) sound better than the Sony WF-1000XM5?

Both earbuds offer good sound quality but with different characteristics. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) have a U-shaped frequency response with amplified bass and treble. The Sony WF-1000XM5 has a more neutral-leaning, well-balanced sound signature with good clarity and detail. Both can be adjusted using their respective app’s EQ.

Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) score highly across all MDAQS metrics, with a perfect 5 in Timbre, 4.1 in Distortion, 4.8 in Immersiveness, and an overall score of 4.9. The Sony WF-1000XM5 also performs exceptionally well, with scores of 4.9 in Timbre, 3.4 in Distortion, 4.7 in Immersiveness, and an overall score of 4.9. Both earbuds are likely to please most listeners with their sound quality.

Objective Measurements

Compared to our headphone preference curve, the default sound of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds has noticeably more sub-bass and treble. The Sony WF-1000XM5 barely deviates from our preference curve, mainly at the low end, and exhibits a noticeable emphasis between 30-300Hz, resulting in prominent bass and mid-bass frequencies.

Both earbuds offer different listening modes, with the Bose model showing some variation in frequency response when the ANC is turned on or off.

Do the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) or Sony WF-1000XM5 have a better microphone?

Both earbuds perform well for calls but with some differences. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) handle background noise effectively in most situations, though some noise may be audible in office environments.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 microphones are of good quality and perform well in various conditions. They handle wind noise particularly well. Listen to the samples below to judge for yourself.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) microphone demo (Street conditions):

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (COMPARISON conditions):

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) vs Sony WF-1000XM5: Price and availability

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) are priced at $179, making them a more affordable option. The Sony WF-1000XM5 comes at a more premium price of $299.99. Both are widely available from major retailers and the manufacturers’ websites.

Should you get the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) or Sony WF-1000XM5?

Bose and Sony go head-to-head once again.

The choice between these earbuds depends on individual preferences and priorities. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) offer excellent ANC and sound quality at a more accessible price point, making them a great value proposition. However, some users may experience connectivity issues, as we did with the first couple of test units we tried.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 provides top-tier ANC, impressive sound quality with LDAC support, and a more compact design. They also come with additional features and better app support but at a higher price. If budget isn’t a constraint and you prioritize comfort and advanced features, the Sony model might be the better choice.

Frequently asked questions

Editor’s note: this article was updated on November 21, 2023, to add information about the Jabra Elite 10 sound, and to update formatting.

What’s it like to use the Jabra Elite 10 compared to the Sony WF-1000XM5?

Notice the unusual shape of the ear tips.

Jabra sticks to its recipe with the Elite 10 appearing quite a bit like the rest of the Jabra line. Uniquely, the Elite 10 come with four sets of ear tips, and these are more ergonomic in shape than the average ear tips. The buds have an IP57 rating, while the case gets an IP54 rating, which means these are safe for most exercises you can throw at them. You get all the niceties like Spotify Tap, Dolby Atmos support, Dolby Spatial Audio, Fast Pair, in-ear detection, multipoint, and sidetone during calls.

Sony doesn’t skimp on the WF-1000XM5 either. The WF-1000XM5 come with four sets of ear tips, and they’re made of polyurethane foam, which help out with isolation and getting a good fit. These buds have a lesser IPX4 rating, so you can workout with them, but it’s not as durable as the IP57 on the Elite 10.

These boast a reduced footprint case from the previous generation Sony flagships, with a greater battery life.

The buds include Sony 360 Reality Audio compatibility, and its implementation is more limited than the Dolby Spatial Audio. You get DSEE Extreme (Sony’s proprietary DSP) for upscaling lossy audio. The glossy finish on the buds seem less luxurious than previous generation’s WF-1000XM4. These buds also have in-ear detection, multipoint, and Fast Pair.

How do you control the Jabra Elite 10 and Sony WF-1000XM5?

Sony WF-1000XM5 touchpads control playback, volume, ANC/Ambient sound, and more.

The Jabra Elite 10 controls use shallow buttons, which aren’t as premium feeling, however, they offer tactile feedback. Out of the box the controls are shown as below. Unless you use the Jabra Sound+ app, they are somewhat basic. You can reassign them in the app easily.

Here are the Sony WF-1000XM5 controls:

You get in-ear detection, and from go the WF-1000XM5 has a pretty nice suite of default controls. Of course, you can alter and reallocate these extensively in the Sony Headphones Connect app.

Should you use the apps of either Jabra Elite 10 or Sony WF-1000XM5?

Sony Headphones Connect for the WF-1000XM5 have a six-band EQ.

Both Jabra and Sony offer similar features in their apps, Jabra Sound+ and Sony Headphones Connect, and both use your data. You gain access to updates, equalizers, listening modes, and control allocation. Both have their own versions of spatial audio (where compatible). Overall, Sound+ is a less clunky interface than Headphones Connect, but most people don’t use either daily once you’ve set up your earbuds.

How do the Jabra Elite 10 and Sony WF-1000XM5 connect?

Even though some of the cheaper Jabra earbuds have aptX support, the Elite 10 do not.

The Jabra Elite 10 buds come with Bluetooth 5.3, supporting AAC and SBC codecs. Sony also uses Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC and SBC codecs, but adds LDAC as well for Android users. Eventually, both the Elite 10 and WF-1000XM5 ought to support LE Audio, and possibly LC3 and LC3 Plus. For now, Sony takes the win for the additional LDAC codec, but if you have an iPhone it really doesn’t matter.

Is battery life better on the Jabra Elite 10 or Sony WF-1000XM5?

On the back of the Sony WF-1000XM5 case features a pairing button and a USB-C port.

When comparing the Jabra Elite 10 with the Sony WF-1000XM5 in our standardized battery test, the WF-1000XM5 comes out on top to a single charge. While the Elite 10 lasts a respectable 6 hours and 28 minutes, the Sony WF-1000XM5 reaches 9 hours and 32 minutes under the same conditions. The test is performed with ANC enabled.

Otherwise, both cases charge via a USB-C cable or a wireless Qi charging pad. Jabra claims the Elite 10 quick charges in 5 minutes with an hour of playback. Sony states the WF-1000XM5 can yield an hour with a 3-minute charge.

Do the Jabra Elite 10 or Sony WF-1000XM5 block noise better?

The Jabra Elite 10 provide good isolation, assuming you achieve a good in-ear fit with the unusually shaped ear tips. In use, the Elite 10’s active noise cancelation (ANC) is good, reaching 35dB of attenuation with environmental noises at 75Hz, but it’s not terribly consistent.

On the whole, the Sony WF-1000XM5 have excellent isolation, and if they fit you, they will isolate better than the Elite 10, including some low-pitched noise. The ANC is pretty consistent, including the noise filtering through low frequencies, compared to the Elite 10.

Do the Jabra Elite 10 sound better than the Sony WF-1000XM5?

Out of the box the Jabra Elite 10 emphasizing bass frequencies up to 8dB more than our headphone preference curve, and you may want to use that EQ in the Sound+ app. There’s a notable volume bump between 150Hz and 500Hz. Between 800Hz and 4kHz, the Elite 10 mirrors our preference quite well. It does exaggerate treble above 4kHz. Fortunately, you can adjust this EQ in the app.

The frequency response of the Sony WF-1000XM5 gets closer to our preferred tuning, and ought to work well with most kinds of media. You might hear too much bass and mids, which can make using the included equalizer attractive. On the whole, the Sony buds sound better by default.

Do the Jabra Elite 10 or Sony WF-1000XM5 have a better microphone?

Jabra is known for making telecommunication products, such as headsets you’ll find in offices.

In ideal circumstances, the Jabra Elite 10 and Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone arrays sound great. Both capture your voice well in office settings but don’t completely filter out the environmental noise. Perhaps the most distinct difference between the Elite 10 and WF-1000XM5 mic systems shows when you listen to the demos in windy conditions. There, the Elite 10 remains intelligible, whereas the WF-1000XM5 struggles.

Have a listen, and let us know what you think!

Jabra Elite 10 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Jabra Elite 10 microphone demo (Office conditions):

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Office conditions):

Jabra Elite 10 microphone demo (Windy conditions):

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Windy conditions):

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Jabra Elite 10 vs Sony WF-1000XM5: Price and availability

These buds are about $50 cheaper than the Sony buds.

Jabra and Sony have fairly comprehensive dealer networks, so you ought to find either easily. At release the Jabra Elite 10 went for $249, and the Sony WF-1000XM5 listed at $299. In all likelihood, you’ll find the Elite 10 for less than that price, as Jabra tends to offer significant discounts throughout the year and around holidays.

Should you get the Jabra Elite 10 or Sony WF-1000XM5?

Most folks will prefer the WF-1000XM5.

While both the Jabra Elite 10 and Sony WF-1000XM5 perform their duties well, the WF-1000XM5 are slightly better for most users. Some choices come down to personal preferences, like touch controls or buttons, for instance. However, objectively, the WF-1000XM5 provide better overall noise canceling and isolation with a significantly longer battery life.

If you’re more interested in workout earbuds, you’ll want the better IP rating of the Elite 10. You can still exercise with the WF-1000XM5, but the Elite 10 buds are geared for that. If you also find yourself chatting on the phone a lot outdoors, the Elite 10 mics tend to work better in windy conditions as well.

Frequently asked questions

Over the past few years, the audio industry has taken a liking to limiting earbud features to certain handsets and ecosystems. While this has been frustrating to witness as a reporter and consumer, some brands stand out for giving their customers choice and control over their products. Sony is one of those brands, and the Sony WF-1000XM5 covers everything you could imagine.

Let’s dive into the WF-1000XM5’s customizable features, why they matter, and explore other companies that are doing right by their customers.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 let you customize almost everything

The Sony Connect app includes a six-band equalizer for fine-tuning your sound.

Adaptive Sound Control is one of the most remarkable things about the WF-1000XM5 and an excellent showcase for configurable features. Toggling this on through the Headphones Connect app (available on Android and iOS) cues the buds to detect your actions and environment. The WF-1000XM5 automatically adjusts Ambient Sound Mode and active noise canceling (ANC) to suit your situation — the buds can even combine the two modes. The software recognizes four actions: staying, walking, running, and riding in a vehicle. You can dive deeper and assign specific Adaptive Sound Control settings for various locations.

Before reviewing the Sony WF-1000XM5, I didn’t realize automatic ANC and transparency were things I wanted. However, Sony’s user control menu came in clutch. Admittedly, I was initially frustrated with the default Adaptive Sound Control setting. Out of the box, the earbuds enable Ambient Sound Mode when “staying.” This may be good for some people, but I don’t want to hear the distracting loud “whooshing” of my A/C unit while standing at my desk.

While many brands offer Adaptive Sound Control, Sony's software makes the transition between listening modes smooth and responsive.

Fortunately, Sony lets users tweak the Adaptive Sound Mode per action. Since discovering this, I disabled Ambient Sound Mode for the “staying” action. It’s been great to zone into work and know the earbuds will automatically cancel out the din of my neighbor’s home improvement project. Likewise, when I walk around the neighborhood, the earbuds filter noise without the need to fiddle with the onboard controls or app settings. This major convenience keeps me aware of my surroundings when outside and focused when at work. Since receiving them, I’ve hardly removed the WF-1000XM5 from my ears, and I credit that to Sony’s granular user options.

Adaptive Sound Control is just one of the customizable Sony WF-1000XM5 features. The company also includes a custom equalizer to adjust the level of six frequency ranges in +/-10 increments. I used this to cut the bass a few notches under the horizontal Clear Bass slider, but thousands of EQ permutations are at your fingertips. While it’s great for us audio nerds to have a wealth of choices, Sony also provides a handful of EQ presets for the less inclined. You can choose from eight EQ presets with descriptive names like “Speech” and “Bass Boost.” You can even use these presets as a starting point and tweak them to your liking.

The earbuds are small, pocketable, and customizable.

Alternatively, you can use the Find Your Equalizer feature. This interactive test requires you to play music and pick the best audio EQ. It’s in beta mode, but it’s a fun test to mess around with.

Sony is one of the first companies to offer spatial audio personalization, which works on any device. This contrasts the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro or AirPods Pro 2 experience, which requires a compatible handset. Spatial audio support doesn’t rank in my top 10 features when picking out earbuds, but Sony does it well. Plus, personalization means that compatible content from specific streaming services will sound much better after applying your unique head-related transfer function (HRTF).

The Sony WF-1000XM5 are the ideal earbuds for listeners who want a say in everything.

Bluetooth connection prioritization is another handy feature. This is the least provocative on the list, but its utility is much needed in our modern world. When you’re in an area filled with other wireless products, like on a train, it’s easy for Bluetooth earbuds to drop their connection with your phone. Sony circumvents this disruption by allowing you to prioritize connection stability over audio quality with its variable bitrate LDAC Bluetooth codec.

Aside from that, Sony offers Speak-to-Chat, multipoint connectivity, and some control customization. You can even enable head gesture recognition so the buds will answer or reject calls if you nod or shake your head. These features aren’t quite as impressive, but they help the WF-1000XM5 stand out from other flagship earbuds. Ultimately, the new Sony buds offer the greatest feature selection of any flagship earbuds.

Why user control matters

The Sony WF-1000XM5 are one of few premium earbuds that work equally well across all smartphones.

User control matters because, frankly, these earbuds are expensive. It should work exactly as you expect and want when you’re paying hundreds of dollars for something. I commend Sony’s software because it allows for a dynamic listening experience and supports evolving preferences. My listening habits and preferences — both in how I use ANC/transparency and my sound settings — have changed over time, and it’s nice to have room to grow with Sony’s buds.

While I could continue to wax poetic about the expansive feature set, interoperability is one of Sony’s most important features. In a time where many companies — looking at you, Apple and Samsung — deny access to certain features if you don’t have a matching smartphone, Sony goes a different route. This open system has let Sony carve out a strong niche in the premium headphone market.

Sony's confident in its product and doesn't need to lock a user into its ecosystem to ensure success.

You’re not tethered to a particular operating system with the WF-1000XM5. If you use them with an iPhone today, you can just as easily use them with a Samsung Galaxy phone tomorrow. A Samsung fan today isn’t guaranteed to be a Samsung fan tomorrow, and Sony makes room for that evolution.

What other earbuds offer customization?

Jabra, Nothing, and OnePlus all offer apps that work on iOS and Android.

Like Sony, Jabra champions a versatile user experience with its MySound+ app that works on Android and iOS. Jabra’s earbud lineup is a bit confusing, but the Elite 4 () are some of my favorite budget buds. These come with a custom EQ, multipoint connectivity, and aptX. For our Jabra Elite 4 review, I enjoyed using these earbuds when exercising because they stay in place and have a durable dust and water-resistant build.

The Nothing Ear 2 () also offer an OS-agnostic experience that we laud for being so robust and easy to navigate. You can customize many of the controls along with the equalizer settings. There is a personalized ANC option, but the effect isn’t all that different from the standard ANC performance.

Then there are the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 (). A while back, I harangued OnePlus for limiting its OnePlus Buds features to OnePlus smartphones, but the company has since changed its ways. The Hey Melody app works on iOS and Android, offering a virtually identical user experience. Like Sony, OnePlus offers a custom EQ and a handful of presets. You can also take a test; the app will optimize the sound according to your hearing abilities. These earbuds are a bit pricier than the other two options but include many of the same features as the WF-1000XM5.

Editor’s note: this article was published on August 3rd, 2023, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Sony WF-1000XM5 compared to the Sony WF-1000XM3?

The Sony WF-1000XM3 are nicely made but certainly large by today’s standards.

Getting started with Sony earbuds is pretty simple, and both connect quickly and stay connected well. We like the tactile interactions with the earbuds. The WF-1000XM5 shed some weight, now 5.9g per bud, versus the chunkier 8.5g per bud of the WF-1000XM3. Fit and design differ, with the WF-1000XM3 having a somewhat dated style that juts out from the ears, unlike the smaller WF-1000XM5 buds that sit more snugly in your ears. Even with the smallest ear tips, some report that their ears are too small without jamming the WF-1000XM3 in. Sony adds a smaller size to the ear tip selection with the WF-1000XM5.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 case weighs about half that of the case for WF-1000XM3 — 38g versus 79g. When stowed in a pocket, you’ll notice the difference. The WF-1000XM5 case appears more pedestrian with a plain matte look, lacking some of the pizzazz of the metal accented lid on the WF-1000XM3.

An indicator LED shows the battery status on the WF-1000XM5.

While both sets come with a selection of polyurethane foam ear tips to create an effective seal, the WF-1000XM5 has a more comfortable redesigned shape. However, the WF-1000XM3 still feel reasonably comfortable for most. Neither comes with added stabilizers or wings, but both are pretty ergonomic.

Anybody looking to take their buds on a run or even go out on a humid day might benefit from the IPX4 rating on the Sony WF-1000XM5. In contrast, the WF-1000XM3 have no IP rating, which is pretty rare these days and demonstrates the shifting of standards in wireless earbuds.

How do you control the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Sony WF-1000XM3?

The Sony WF-1000XM5 touch sensors can control playback, volume, ANC/Ambient sound, and more.

Sony adds way more functionality to the WF-1000XM5 touch controls. You can access listening modes, volume, track skipping, voice assistant, Speak-To-Chat, and more.

You can also assign a voice assistant in the Sony Headphones Connect app to control the WF-1000XM3. Otherwise, the WF-1000XM5 support a greater number of commands.

Should you use the apps for the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Sony WF-1000XM3?

The Sony Headphones Connect app includes a six-band equalizer for fine-tuning your sound.

Both the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Sony WF-1000XM3 use the same app: Sony Headphones Connect. The user interface works and looks broadly the same, just with different functionality. For example, both pairs have an equalizer, listening mode selection, control reassignment, smart assistant selection, and codec selection. The main difference is in the scope of the features.

For example, both feature DSEE digital signal processing (DSP) designed to “fill in” your lossy files using an algorithm, but the WF-1000XM5 has the updated DSEE Extreme version. The WF-1000XM3 uses the older DSEE HX.

To that end, the WF-1000XM5 will receive firmware updates further in the future than the WF-1000XM3 by being newer. On the flip side, any kinks in the WF-1000XM3 system that will get sorted out have already been addressed.

How do the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Sony WF-1000XM3 connect?

Use the case button on the WF-1000XM5 to pair.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 use Bluetooth 5.3 and connect via AAC, SBC, and LDAC codecs, as well as supporting LE Audio where compatible. In contrast, the Sony WF-1000XM3 only connects via AAC and SBC with Bluetooth 5.0. If you use an Apple iPhone, this won’t make much of a difference, as the earbuds will default to AAC. For Android users, the WF-1000XM5 can transmit higher quality, reduced latency audio with LDAC or LE Audio (where compatible) while lowering the noise floor. In this respect, the WF-1000XM5 wins out.

Is battery life better on the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Sony WF-1000XM3?

Despite the smaller case, the WF-1000XM5 has a greater battery life. Although, there’s something to be said for the classiness of the WF-1000XM3 case design.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 battery life is 9 hours, 32 minutes on a single charge (with ANC on), according to our standardized testing; this is a vast improvement over the WF-1000XM3 battery life of 4 hours, 46 minutes under the same conditions.

Both charge using a USB-C cable. Only the Sony WF-1000XM5 can charge wirelessly. The WF-1000XM3 quick charges 10 minutes for 90 minutes of playback. According to our tests, only three minutes of charging the WF-1000XM5 yields 51 minutes of playback, compared to Sony’s 60 minutes claim. The WF-1000XM3 quick charges 10 minutes to give 90 minutes of playback.

Do the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Sony WF-1000XM3 block noise better?

If you wonder what a few years of progress look like, the WF-1000XM5 cancels noise much better than the WF-1000XM3.

Regarding isolation and noise canceling, the Sony WF-1000XM5 outshines the WF-1000XM3, particularly in attenuating low-pitched noises. Sony updated the WF-1000XM5 system to include a better wind reduction function as well as upping the active noise canceling from virtually none at 100Hz (on the WF-1000XM3) to just shy of 30dB of attenuation on the WF-1000XM5.

Sony didn’t rest on its laurels with the isolation performance of the WF-1000XM3 either, which is pretty decent, but the WF-1000XM5 feature improved ear tips. At 6kHz, the WF-1000XM3 block a very good 40dB, whereas the WF-1000XM5 block about 47 dB. If you want earbuds with good noise cancelation, the Sony WF-1000XM5 are miles away better than the WF-1000XM3.

Do the Sony WF-1000XM5 sound better than the Sony WH-1000XM3?

Audio tunings are slight variations on a theme.

The Sony WF-1000XM3 and WF-1000XM5 sound very alike by default. Both slightly over amplify bass and low mid frequencies, but follow our headphone preference curve relatively well besides that. The WF-1000XM3 plays back treble slightly louder than the WF-1000XM5, and neither sounds perfect out of the box.

Fans of bassy tunings will likely enjoy both sets. Of course, there’s always the option to explore the equalizer available in the app to turn down the bass.

Do the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Sony WF-1000XM3 have better microphones?

The WF-1000XM5 sports three mics per bud versus the dual mic array on the WF-1000XM3.

If there’s any aspect you might consider average about the WF-1000XM5, it might be the microphone. In ideal circumstances, the mics can sound somewhat muffled. The sample for the WF-1000XM5 in office settings shows the noise filtering does a decent job of reducing keyboard strokes and the like, leaving the speaker’s voice sounding clear.

Meanwhile, the WF-1000XM3 hasn’t won the hearts of owners over the past few years since the earbuds came out. They typically rate as “good” and “okay.” In addition, the Sony WF-1000XM3 microphone demonstration predates the introduction of SoundGuys standardized microphone tests.

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Ideal):

Sony WF-1000XM5 microphone demo (Office):

Sony WF-1000XM3 microphone demo (Non-standardized):

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Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Sony WF-1000XM3: Price and availability

Newly released, the Sony WF-1000XM5 sells for $299. The original price of the Sony WF-1000XM3 was $229, but you can most certainly find it for less these days.

Should you get the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Sony WF-1000XM3?

You’ll notice the smaller dimensions and effectively 50% lighter weight of the WF-1000XM5.

If you are looking for a companion for your adventures, the Sony WF-1000XM5 are a better pick owing to the IPX4 rating, for starters. Nobody wants to baby their wireless earbuds, and the WF-1000XM3 lacking an IP rating doesn’t align with most people’s reality. Besides that, the ANC performance of the WF-1000XM5 far outranks the WF-1000XM3, as demonstrated in our tests.

On the other hand, if you found a good deal on the Sony WF-1000XM3 and noise canceling sits low on your priority list, the WF-1000XM3 sounds pretty close to the WF-1000XM5. Unless you’re using Android and would benefit from the LDAC codec, the older WF-1000XM3 might do just fine.

However, the smaller form factor and vastly improved battery life promote the Sony WF-1000XM5 as the superior choice in a contest between the WF-1000XM3. It all comes down to if you can sell yourself shelling out for the latest Sony flagship. Of course, you can always consider the middle child, Sony WF-1000XM4.

Frequently asked questions