Sony
Sony WF-1000XM5 Premium Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds
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View Sony WF-1000XM5 Premium Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds on AmazonYou pay the same either way.Specifications
| Processors | QN2e and HD Noise Cancelling Processor |
|---|---|
| Noise cancelling | Exceptional isolation |
| Charging case | Compact |
| Handles | Both calls and music well |
Pros & cons
Pros
- The QN2e and HD Noise Cancelling Processor team up for the deep isolation travellers rely on
- A compact case that pockets easily for travel
- Handles calls as capably as music, so they work all day
Cons
- Larger ear canals may not seal well on the supplied tips
- Less ideal if you are deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem
Skip it if
Skip it if larger ear canals do not seal well with the supplied tips, or if you are deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
How we assessed it
We synthesized this
Isolation is the WF-1000XM5's headline. Sony pairs two chips — the QN2e and the HD Noise Cancelling Processor — and that combination is what earns these earbuds their standing among frequent travellers for shutting out engine drone and cabin noise. The case is compact enough to disappear into a pocket, and the buds handle calls as capably as music, so they carry a full travel day. If quiet is what you're after, and you move around a lot, this is the pick.
Two honest caveats. Larger ear canals may not seal well on the supplied tips, and a poor seal undercuts both the noise cancelling and the sound. And if you're deeply embedded in Apple's ecosystem, a native option may fit your devices more smoothly. Our read is a synthesis of Sony's stated processors and the line's reputation rather than a hands-on ANC test — see how we test.