AUDIO · REVIEW
Sony WF-1000XM5 Review: The Best All-Round Earbuds
Sony's flagship buds get nearly everything right. After weeks of testing, here's why they top our rankings.
Sony's WF-1000XM5 is the earbud we recommend most often. It blends top-tier noise cancellation with the best overall sound in its class and a genuinely useful app.
They're not the cheapest, and the case is a touch large, but the package is hard to beat.
ScoutSort Score
Excellent — our top all-rounder
★★★★⯨Sound quality
Detailed, balanced and engaging, with strong bass that never drowns the mids. The app's EQ lets you tune them to taste, and they handle every genre we threw at them.
Noise cancellation
Among the best available — only Bose edges them on raw low-frequency quiet. On commutes and flights, the XM5 makes a clear difference.
Comfort, battery and calls
Smaller and lighter than the previous generation, they fit more ears comfortably. Battery runs 6–8 hours with ANC, and call quality is among the best in class.
Verdict
Unless you specifically want Bose's slightly stronger ANC or Apple's ecosystem features, the XM5 is the earbud to buy.
Frequently asked questions
Are the WF-1000XM5 worth it?+
For anyone who wants the best balance of sound, ANC and features, yes. Budget shoppers should look at the Nothing Ear or Soundcore Space A40.
Do they work with Android and iPhone?+
Yes, both — though some advanced codecs and app features are best on Android.
Audio Lead
David is a former live-sound engineer who measures and listens to every set of earbuds and headphones in a treated test room before recommending them.
Disclaimer: prices and availability change frequently and may differ from those shown. ScoutSort provides information for general guidance only; verify details with the retailer before purchasing.