Sony today unveiled its latest pair of flagship noise-cancelling wireless earbuds, the WF-1000XM5s. Succeeding 2021's XM4s, Sony is promising improved noise cancelation and comfort with its new release.
To improve noise cancellation, Sony has kitted out the XM5s with and six microphones (three on each bud) and two processors. Sony calls the XM5s it's "biggest ever step forward" in the space, claiming a 20% improved on the XM4s. These improvements are said to be most noticeable with low frequencies and ambient noise.
Similarly, Sony says the XM5s also offer better call quality as the microphones can combat wind noise. There's also bone conducting sensors that can detect speech and isolate your voice.
On the comfort front, the XM5s are lighter and smaller than their predecessors. Each bud is about 25% smaller, and weighs 5.9g - down from 7.3g. The charging case is also 2g lighter, weighing it at 39g.
Sony has also redesigned the ear tips that come with the XM5s. They're a blend of rubber and polyurethane and are said to block high frequencies. This time around, Sony is also including extra small ear tips in the box, alongside small, medium, and large options.
The XM5s are still rated IPX4 for water-resistance.
Sony has also kitted out the XM5s with larger drivers, which allows for a wider frequency response and better bass. The buds also support High-Resolution Audio Wireless via the LDAC codec on supported devices and streaming services.
In terms of battery, the XM5s offer up to eight hours per charge with noise cancelling on, and up to 24 with the included battery case. A three minute recharge in the case will give the XM5s up to an additional hour of playback time.
The Sony WF-1000XM5s are available to pre-order from today ahead of an early August release date. They come in a choice of black or platinum and will set you back $499.95. That makes them $50 more expensive than the WF-1000XM4s launched at.
We've been testing the XM5s for a couple of days now and have been impressed by the sound quality on offer, and are fans of the lighter design. We'll have a full review shortly.
Alex Choros
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