With the WF-1000XM5, Sony has introduced new Bluetooth earplugs aka True Wireless In-Ears with ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) technology. The new model is said to set new standards in ANC performance, sound and voice quality by filtering out background noise during a call.
For the sound, Sony relies on self-developed drivers with a size of 8.4 mm, which the manufacturer calls Dynamic Driver X. Unlike the previous model, the new model can detect head movements and use them to consume 360 reality audio files.
The manufacturer also uses its own chip solutions for the ANC functions, in this case it is the NC processor QN2e and the V2. Together with three microphones in each earplug, the noise cancellation is said to be particularly powerful.
More attachments than the previous model
As with the previous model WF-1000XM4 (g+), there is a round case and Sony uses foam attachments that are supposed to ensure good passive sound insulation. This time there are four instead of three sizes, SX is new. By far the best ANC performance in ANC earplugs is currently provided by the Quiet Comfort Earbuds II from Bose, which even achieve the performance of large ANC headphones when swallowing sound.
Unlike the previous model, this time there is no need to switch on the wind reduction manually when the plugs are used outdoors. Instead, no whistling noises should automatically be heard when it is windy outside. This should also apply to phone calls.
Sony promises phone calls without background noise
During phone calls, the WF-1000XM5 should reduce background noise so much that the other party can only hear it very quietly or not at all. For this, the manufacturer relies on AI technology and the use of bone conduction sensors. With the large WH-1000XM5 ANC headphones from Sony, we can even make calls directly in front of a noisy construction site and the other party doesn’t hear anything.
The Sony plugs support Bluetooth 5.3 and the codecs SBC, AAC and LDAC. In addition, Bluetooth multipoint is integrated in order to use two Bluetooth connections in parallel. The Sony earplugs offer ear detection, so the music will pause when they are removed from the ear. The music continues when both are back in their ears.
The plugs are IPX4 certified and are therefore not bothered by splashing water. The WF-1000XM5 are controlled via sensor surfaces and this time a volume control that can be used at any time should be available. As with the previous model, there is speak-to-chat for on-demand activation of transparency mode.
WF-1000XM5 with eight hours of battery life
There will be an app for Android and iOS for the WF-1000XM5 to configure the plugs or to import updates if necessary. Sony specifies a long battery life of eight hours for the WF-1000XM5. It comes with a charging case that can be charged wired via USB-C or wirelessly via Qi. With the charging case, which has become smaller in comparison, a total battery life of 24 hours should be achieved. In quick charge mode, three minutes should be enough to be able to listen to music for an hour.
Sony wants the Bluetooth earbuds WF-1000XM5 in August 2023 at a price of 320 euros. They will be available in black and silver. The previous model
WF-1000XM4 came on the market a little over two years ago at a price of 280 euros – the list price has now been reduced to 200 euros. The WF-1000XM4 are currently not available from Sony itself They are already available in stores for 175 euros.