After reviewing the entry-level TWS realme Buds Air 5 Pro before, I am reviewing. and Sony WF-1000XM5. Finally my ears were "washed" with melodious audio, solid quality and active noise cancellation that really works.
The question is whether the two-year wait for the WF-1000XM5 is really worth it because it is a TWS in the XM series that has a good audio reputation. To find out more, please read this review until the end.
SPECIFICATIONS
Sony WF-1000XM5
TWS type, in-ear type
8.4mm Audio Driver
Dynamic Driver X
HD Noise Canceling Processor QN2e
Integrated Processor V2
3x microphones on each earphone
Features Working Adaptive Sound Control
Speak-to-Chat
Multipoint Connect
Battery Endurance reaches 24 hours
Bluetooth 5.3 tethering
Google Fast Pair
SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3 codecs
USB-C charging
Wireless charging
Sony Headphones app support (iOS, Android)
Touch Control
Dock button on charging pod
IPX4 waterproof capability
Selling Price RM1399
The Sony WF-1000XM5 on paper as can be seen from the specs above is a great TWS. Sony listened to their user comments and made drastic changes. Finally in terms of looks and specs, it can really compete with other premium TWS on the market.
As always, Sony emphasizes their audio capabilities as well as the prowess of ANC. By using new larger audio drivers, more mature software and algorithms and present in a compact and comfortable design – Sony proves they are the audio manufacturer you should choose.
DESIGN AND USE
I have tried using the WF-1000XM3 and XM4 but disliked both due to their large size and less comfortable use. This new design is similar to the Sony WF-C700N that I tested a few months ago but with more premium quality.
This little bud of earphones looks different from most other premium TWS that try to be AirPods Pro. The ear buds use memory foam type silicone which is a bit strange in size because I usually use size M, but this time I have to use size S. The surface of the earphones is also smoother and looks shiny. Before using it it looks nice and neat, but it traps dirt and oil quite easily.
The charging pod is also compact in size. It comes with a matte finish that provides grip. On the outside there is only an LED light on the front, a docking button and a USB-C port on the back. The cover is also nice to open and close. You can feel the XM5's premium build that is comparable to its selling price.
In the ear, the WF-1000XM5 is not very comfortable for long-term use because the memory foam type ear buds are rough. After 30 minutes my ear started to hurt and itch. This affects my usage experience as it is not immersive. In this case, the use of softer and smoother silicone ear buds should be used. It's a shame Sony doesn't directly offer ear buds of this material for the XM5.
AUDIO QUALITY
Ever since the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 was launched until today, it has been my favorite TWS and even the audiophile . We both agree that what OnePlus has done with their flagship TWS is an excellent and bold attempt. Not only is the audio quality good, but the active noise cancellation is also good. So I tried to compare with the WF-1000XM5, clearly what I was waiting for was not solid enough.
Review INFO – OnePlus Buds Pro 2 is getting better
Sony still maintains their bass-focused sound profile. This time it uses a more vertical and deep audio staging but not wide enough, causing a sense of rhyme for music with a lot of instruments. The WF-1000XM5 still has a comfortable and pleasant audio that is suitable for everyone to continue wearing it after purchase.
Although this TWS bass is loud, it is not lively enough. On the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 listening to the same music would make me want to stomp my feet. While Sony made me say “Oh, wow, hmmm.. ok. You can serve". The bass thump of this TWS is the kind that is not satisfying but still fun.
The vocals produced are very clear and melodious. It's more or less the same as on the OnePlus where the male singer's voice is sweeter and deeper than the female's soft and melancholy. The most obvious weakness is in the high pitch. The WF-1000XM5 lacks fine detail and towards soft tones that guitar-like instruments sound unimpressive.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
The most important feature which is active noise cancellation (ANC) is not what I expected. I gave these TWS to a Sony audio product enthusiast at the office and asked to compare with the OnePlus Buds Pro 2, he raved that the ANC on the OnePlus was better. I tried to get on a plane with the WF-1000XM5 the sound of the engine was muffled but the sound of people chatting including the voice of the flight attendant and the sound of a baby crying was still audible. On the OnePlus Buds Pro 2, once ANC is turned on it seems to transport the user to another dimension but Sony is stuck between two worlds. This should not be the case as Sony has the reputation of being the best ANC system on the market.
Sony still includes another unique feature that I like but find annoying when it's active, which is Speak-To-Chat. This feature is smart, because when I'm listening to music and another writer is scolding me – the music will stop, the sound-through mode is active and my voice and my friend's voice can still be heard clearly for chatting. It becomes a problem when I want to try to sing while listening to music because this feature will remind me that I want to chat with people. Fortunately, Speak-To-Chat can be turned off via the Sony Headphones app for smartphones.
Features like answering phone calls with just a nod of the head are something I really appreciate. The spatial audio capabilities of TWS are also interesting but still cannot match what Apple is doing with Dolby Atmos.
APPLICATION AND CONTROL
This TWS is controlled by touch only. Indeed some features are activated by listening to voice or head movement but to pause music, skip, activate ANC and so on touch either once, twice or touch and hold is required. In the application each control can be modified by the user himself.
Speaking of apps, Sony Headphones is the least user-friendly app to control an audio product I've ever used. Since the WF-1000Xm3 until today the interface design is still stringy, disorganized and confusing. The application relies heavily on text rather than icons and graphics, then many bars with different tabs and not forgetting also the Google Fast Pair tethering feature which often fails compared to other TWS which is disappointing.
Your level of patience with this app depends on whether you like Sony or not. My editor-in-chief claims to have no issues with this app as he has only used Sony audio accessories for over 30 years. All the shortcomings I mentioned earlier are not big issues for him.
BATTERY
Sony claims the battery can last up to 24 hours with the charging pod and up to 12 hours for continuous use. In my tests, it was proven that the WF-1000XM5's battery really lasts longer than usual. It also supports 3-minute fast charging and the charge lasts for 3 hours, which isn't as good as the competition but I'm thankful it's included.
My problem with this TWS battery is, the battery is not consistent on each earphone. For example after charging to full, after wearing the right earphone will have 90% battery while the left one will have 85%. I've rarely seen this issue on TWS in the same class, so not sure if it's a software issue or Sony transparently displaying the actual battery status.
IN THE BOX
Here's what's included in the box.
1x Pair of Sony WF-1000XM5
1x SS, S, M and L memory foam ear buds
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
1x Manual.
CONCLUSION
I do not deny that the Sony WF-1000XM5 is a good TWS. Good audio quality, still good ANC, interesting features that seem magical with a very small and comfortable design. It's just that the price of RM1399 is a bit expensive for the little change in audio quality compared to competitors. Two years of waiting and just going through drastic changes is a bit disappointing.
The launch price for now makes the WF-1000XM5 not worth owning. If you want better audio quality with better ANC, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 is a good alternative that costs RM869 officially or around under RM700 from third-party sellers.
I think it's better to just wait until the end of the year because Sony will give an extreme discount in conjunction with Christmas. At that time the XM5 can be bought at a cheaper price and makes it more worthwhile. You decide, do you want good audio now without unique features or good later with unique features built in?
Pro
Smaller size and design than before.
Audio quality with consistent Sony sound profile.
A good try is offering memory foam type ear buds.
Unique features like Speak-To-Chat and sound-through mode work well.
Cons
The application is not user friendly.
ANC is not good enough compared to competitors.
Sony didn't try to include the audio capabilities of their IER series on TWS.
Only IPX4, competitors already IP54.
Prices are less competitive.