Sony WF-1000XM5 with noise cancellation, up to 24 hours battery life launched: price, specs

Highlights
  • Sony promises “best ever noise cancelling” in an earbuds form factor with its new WF-1000XM5.
  • The earphones feature two processors by Sony: V2 and Q2Ne, for enhanced features and processing.
  • The new Sony WF-1000XM5 is priced at $299 in the US and is currently on pre-orders.

After teasing the product last week, Sony has finally introduced its new WF-1000XM5 earphones in global markets. The unveiling comes more than 2 years after the launch of its predecessor, the Sony WF-1000XM4. The Japanese brand is claiming that these new earbuds provide “astonishing sound and Sony’s best ever call quality” in a smaller and lighter form factor.

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Sony WF-1000XM5 price, availability

The Sony WF-1000XM5 is available for pre-order in select markets such as the US. It is priced at US $299 and is available in two colour options: Black and Silver. India availability or launch details are not yet known. The WF-1000XM4 also faced a delayed launch in the market. The brand is currently selling the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphone version of the series since last year.

Sony WF-1000XM5 features

  • New Dynamic Driver X unit with dome-edge separation structure, able to produce low-frequency waves.
  • The “best” noise cancelling in earbuds is enabled by this new driver, dual feedback 6 microphones, noise insolation tips and two processors. 
  • These two processors are the Q2Ne and V2 which also provide 24-bit audio processing and analogue amplification.
  • Hi-Res Audio with LDAC support, DSEE Extreme tech for upscaling and head-tracking support.
  • Sony is promising its “best ever call quality” thanks to WF-1000XM5’s noise reduction algorithm and bone conduction sensors.
  • 25% smaller and 20% lighter than the Sony WF-1000XM4.
  • New Auto Play app to deliver music and audio notifications when you need them (currently in Beta).
  • Spatial Sound, Adaptive Sound Control, IPX4 rating, Speak-to-Chat, Multipoint Connect, Google Assistant and Alexa integration.
  • 8 hours of battery life on a single charge for earbuds, a total of 24 hours with the case. 3 minutes of charging provides 60 minutes of playback. Wireless charging is supported.

The new TWS from Sony will directly compete with competitors from the likes of Apple and Google. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) and Google Pixel Buds Pro launched last year in India. Both come with specific features locked to the brand’s own ecosystem while the Sony WF-1000XM5 are cross-compatible. Other options from premium audio brands include the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 and Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3.