Sony WF-1000XM5 In-Depth Review (vs XM4) | What Has Happened to Sony?!

[@Luka_Tim]

I'm really happy to have found this channel recently, you are pretty much the only one I trust when it comes to earbuds.

[@insidetechltd]

I’m happy you found it too! 🙌🏼

[@johnsantos7041]

I will stay with my XM4. Thanks for the honest feedback

[@insidetechltd]

Thank you for watching!

[@benoitb.3679]

This is, by some considerable margin, the best review I've seen on KZbin of anything ever. THANK YOU, seriously. My XM4's are starting to have pretty serious battery issues because I use them so much (so much in fact, it's actually quite embarrassing). I've only had them 13 months but I absolutely adore them and they almost changed my life being my first ever wireless headphones. That is extremely concerning about the change in audio quality when ANC is turned off; I pretty much never use ANC because I mostly use them at home and at work (and I don't have a life so I don't go many places), although I enjoy using ANC on trains, in restaurants, and on busy roads. Hopefully this can be fixed in an update but they better get to it. I wonder if three-point connections will be added at a later date too, or is that hardware dependant? The XM4's only got multipoint fairly recently (at least mine did) so perhaps they can. It's not that big a deal for me anyway since at home I only connect to my TV and phone. Very good to hear about the call quality though, thank you so much for providing an actual demo and comparing them with the XM4 model, the difference is astounding and I'm almost convinced to buy them on that basis alone. I have however heard good things about other headphones, in particular the Technics, so I'll definitely check your other reviews out. Sound is *so* important to me so I'm happy to do the research and spend the money to get it right. Thanks again for the truly excellent review. I'll be sure to come back to check out the tips of your sponsor once I get them.

[@insidetechltd]

Firstly that’s really great to hear - it’s very rewarding to get feedback like that and I really do appreciate it 💚 secondly, sorry for the slow reply. I’m away at the moment (and also twice lost what I was replying to you after typing almost the entire thing 😅) I very much think it’s a hardware thing with the technics’ multipoint. Especially in how it’s able to instant-switch devices simply by pressing play on the other (no need to pause on the first device, which is how Sony’s multipoint works). I’d also say that Technics AZ80 are really the best all rounder contender to go up against these right now. Might be worth checking out that video specifically!

[@jonhtte]

Hey, maybe you want to consider sending your XM4's to Sony for a repair; I just did so a month ago (the battery problem seems to be a very common problem to appear after about 12 months of use, heard that a couple times now). I got my money back because they said they can't repair it and now Im trying to figure out which in ears to buy next😅. Having both the XM5's and the new Technics in mind, but can't decide yet.. already heard there might be similar battery problems with both of them but i need to do some more digging there :/

[@YessiYuri]

My xm4's only lasted a year before they stopped charging and I had to get them replaced. Now they drain at 5% per 5 min. I'm about to send them in again to get them replaced again, unless they charge me a ridiculous amount. I have had nothing but problems with these earbuds. I really wanted to like them too. THEY SOUND GREAT! But their software and hardware just fails for the pricetag.

[@paddy1382]

Thanks for your review

[@DroidLocks6971]

That's awful

[@tonyruiz347]

Their customer service is trash too, mine just took a shit and I am debating whether to get the xm5 or just move on.

[@finlaygoddard34]

I've had the exact same problem. They sound so fucking good though im just going to buy the new xm5 and hope the problem is sorted

[@YessiYuri]

@@finlaygoddard34 It "is", the problem was because of 20-22 shipping stuff, they couldn't maintain the quality of battery they needed. So they cheaped out, but when the inventory came back they went back to it. Then they changed the firmware version, which used a different charging rate for their in house batteries, burning everyone who were given the bad batteries. By the time most people find out, it's too late and they are out of warranty. They were allowing people to get new ones, but i dont think they're still doing that.

[@sebsor3652]

Hi :) I just picked up the link buds S 2 days ago and I am pretty pleased so far, I was really close to buy these XM5 instead, but my use case is mostly audiobooks and calls so I went for the cheaper alternative. I think it is kinda crazy how much difference in price between these 2 there is. thx for the vid

[@insidetechltd]

No problem, thanks for watching!

[@Bluelovebird69]

100% agree, the sound change when in different mode beetwen anc on & off is too far. It’s destroying my EQ

[@serrendiptiy]

Thank God for a good honest review at last! Well done - I wish I'd seen this before reviewing all the porky-pies being told on other sites.

[@insidetechltd]

Thank you! Always try to do that in my reviews

[@JPOG7TV]

The xm4 was my first pair of wireless earbuds and i was so disappointed with how the software destroyed my batteries. They couldn’t replace it because they were already out of spare parts. I’m not sure if I’ll get this new model, it’s on sale in my country by 25% but is that enough when I could do more research to find something better?

[@SibTiger33]

Great review. I took these back. Call quality was really bad for me even after the update. Regarding anc. It's been proven that once u switch the tips the anc performance drops massively. (there is a korean KZbin video which goes into detail on this) so u suspect that is why u rank then low for anc. For me anc was great but the fit so so bad. I just don't like the foam tips and switching meant lacklustre anc. Sound as u mentioned is fantastic but I completely agree that right now the linkbuds s is better value. Even technics have overtaken Sony in my opinion.

[@Acedooncoon]

I like these, as they fit in my ear but the call quality is hit or miss for me. Some say they can hear me fine. Others say they can't hear me at all. When I do some testing I get that same experience. Sometimes it's ok and other times I hear the background WAAAY more than I can hear myself. I'm still in the fence about keeping them.

[@workhorse7134]

Just get the Comply memory foam tips to maintain the ANC seal.

[@Acedooncoon]

First off...Nice video. Really informative. My question is . Where version of the eartips did you get? There are different hole sizes that are labled SF0, SF1, SF2 and SF3. My guess is either SF2 or 3

[@insidetechltd]

Thank you! SF2 fits them. What you see in the video during that section is the large size. Which are pretty big but fully seal my ears tightly. Maybe mediums would be good too

[@m4nc1n1]

Just got them today. Fit seems fine and I left the default on. I had the M4 and returned them because they sounded good but was just too big. These are better for sure. They sound great as well, but the piano black was a big mistake IMO. I will know by the end of the week if they are going back. I also have the Linkbuds S and they are great for the money. These will have to really blow me away for me to keep them @ $300. 4's didn't make the cut so well see about the 5's.

[@DevilMayCryFollower]

Did you end up keeping these or returning them? What ended up being the deal-breaker for you if there was one?

[@Eskha93]

I'm new and I really like your content, you do it really well I have seen several reviews but I don't know which one to choose WF-1000XM5 vs AZ80 vs AZ60M2 vs Airpods Pro Gen 2?

[@insidetechltd]

Thanks a lot! Well you might want to check out this video on the Technics earbuds, first of all 👉🏼 kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2mxeWx8YriFl6c Which factors do you prioritise in earbuds though? Calls? ANC? Sound? Anything else?

[@MojoP]

One of the most comprehensive and straight forward reviews of the XM5s currently out there - thank you ✊ Question - you mention going with the sonicfoam aftermarket foam tips with the XM5s - in looking at sonicfoam's compatibility list, they only mention the XM4 model. Are we to assume the sonicfoam tips for the XM4 are compatible with the XM5 ??

[@insidetechltd]

Thank you so much! Yes they also work with the XM5. The earbuds are just so new that they haven't updated their compatibility list yet

[@lubec14]

Not sure about that guys. XM5 Need to have mesh in tips.

[@lancewatanabe808]

I may be part of the minority in that my XM4s fit was great (although the L Sony eartips didn't fit me - I went with Spinfit CP360s in XL). The reduced weight is great but I have a real problem with getting a secure, comfortable, and sealed fit. Where the heavy XM4s sat well in my ear, the housing of the XM5s don't rest in my ear but rather are supported on the eartips... causing discomfort after awhile where there was none with the XM4. I also dislike the glossy finish. I wish the entire housing was matte. The glossy finish is a step backwards. I only use these when I am seated and not moving because the fit isn't incredibly secure. At this point, I'd rather that Sony just release a model with stems. If it could do everything that the airpods can do (with Sony's sound qualilty) and work well on PC, Android, and Apple (as they do now), I wouldn't need to jump through hoops to use the Airpods Pro 2 at all.

[@insidetechltd]

Agree entirely about the fit difference with the 4 vs 5 - that’s exactly what’s it’s like for me. A stem design would solve this issue for most people I think, they tend to be more universal. So Sony’s great tech in an earbud like that would be very interesting!

[@dodyparto8031]

I've got a pair of the XM4 for more than a year now, quite happy with what I need, great sound, multipoint works well, ANC (and ambient sound mode). I haven't had anyone complaining about the Mic sound when using my cell phone, so it must be ok but after listening to the XM5 Mic test comparison, you can audibly hear the difference. The bud size difference is not a concerned. I did however, bought a set of silicon ear tips. The foam tips were a bit uncomfortable. Overall great product. Would I upgrade? I don't think so, given the price tag. I do enjoy your video btw, many thanks.

[@Ndlelex]

The issue I have with silicone tips on XM4's is lack of grip, especially once the ear canal starts getting slimy due to sweat and wax.

[@Yuritare1415]

replying 1 year later, but I've heard about battery issues on xm4, how are they now?

[@dodyparto8031]

@@Yuritare1415 I've received two software updates from Sony: 1) improve battery usage (Dec 2022): a. reduces the burden on battery; b. reduces the loss of battery capacity due to long term use; 2) multipoint support (Feb 2023), since the upgrade, I can connect to 2 devices simultaneously. I can see an improvement on the battery usage overall. Purchased it in Nov 2022 from memory and I still use it and works fine. The software on my cell also been upgraded as well.

[@Yuritare1415]

@dodyparto8031 how much average time does it take to charge off

[@dodyparto8031]

@@Yuritare1415 usually takes up less than an hour to get fully charge from about 30% remaining. I do notice the improvement difference from the software / firmware upgrade to the earbuds in terms of usage and recharge time. As always, battery performance do degrade overtime, though. When I do recharge, it's never overnight, only when fully completed then off from the charger.

[@ggroch]

The original WF-1000xm5 tips have an integral earwax guard screen. The SonicFoam tips do not have that screen. I am concerned about using a $300 IEM with no wax guard at all.

[@insidetechltd]

That’s a fair comment - I think sonicfoam could also include that in future versions

[@gwbenites]

I'm kind of confused as to why you're saying the ANC isn't as good because of the smaller size. The body size shouldn't have an issue as long as you use the foam tip size part of the app to get your ear canal sealed correctly. It also appears that the method you use to insert them isn't what Sony suggests.

[@insidetechltd]

The smaller size changes the ergonomics and that in turn changes the seal in my ear (and consequently the passive isolation). The seal in my ear was perfectly fine - I even swapped to better fitting ear tips and it hasn't changed my overall ranking for ANC. As I said: it's good, there are just plenty of better options. Sony's wear model is, as you said, a 'suggestion'. It won't work for everyone. Everyone has different ear shapes and the best fit is whatever feels the most comfortable and secure for each individual person. So even if I wasn't wearing them the way you think I should, it was correct for me

[@M446]

you have to be careful when buying the wf 1000xm5 i purchased them couple days ago.. the voice asistant wasnt working im going to stick with the 1000xm4 as soon as you charge and put them into your ears the voice asistant comes on saying bluetooth connected battery fully charged .. sony need to sort this problem out with the wf 1000xm5..

[@nomindvakabon619]

12:11 I thought I was the only one and it’s the same thing with the wh-1000xm5 headphones as well.

[@insidetechltd]

Really surprising and annoying. The mark 4s are ok, but these have a big EQ shift. Hope they fix it asap

[@Pedro145a]

Really? I never had this issue I rarely use off but for me there isn't any difference

[@oppturbv]

@insidetechltd For me it's the same with the mark 4s, I've observed this since I bought them 2 years ago.

[@MichelleUretsky]

I need you to make your database available to people to use for comparison, where you can choose which feature you want to sort them by because I’m trying to find the perfect buds.

[@brandongranados5569]

I knew they cancelled less noise from the earlier model the 4 I instantly felt it while driving home from the store fresh out the box

[@football_prediction]

Solid review 💯

[@insidetechltd]

Thanks a lot!

[@puttabut]

Hello I really like your review. Can you help me decide between the Technics AZ80 and the Sony WF-1000XM5, which should I go for? I've tried both. But I still can't decide. because I have tried only 10 minutes each but personally I really like the Sony bass. I like to add bass And Sony gives a very heavy bass. I'm not sure if the AZ80 can get as much bass as the Sony. Which one should I choose? i like your clip And would like to receive advice from you very much. Thank you very much.

[@puttabut]

I'm also interested in momentum 3 and twx9. I focus on listening to music, watching movies, listening to podcasts only.

[@insidetechltd]

They are very close in most areas actually. The key thing for me is the fit - the AZ80 fit my ears much better. The XM5 didn't fit well at all. Hopefully you know which fit your ears better after those 10 minutes - and I would pick based on that alone tbh. Otherwise you need to think about the particular factors you prioritise in the earbuds

[@puttabut]

Thank you very much. You have a very good recommendation.@@insidetechltd

[@ashokkumar-zw8vi]

Nah im happy with my xm4s. Those are a beast. I have the wh xm3. Didnt buy the wf xm3 because although it was the best NC earbuds at that time but it was big and the case is even bigger compared to its rival at that time the airpods is so,so much smaller. I just bought the cheaper realme buds. And then i got the the wh xm4 because i wanted the proximity sensors. It is not a big improvement from xm3 at all. Just minor improv. Then only this year Feb i got the xm4 earbuds. Very happy with my purchase. No battery issues at all and im in 2.1 software update. It performs crazy good. The NC is scary quite. Sounds like a chef's kiss. I got it for only 150 dollars. Significant price drop for a bleeding edge tech. Thats why i like to wait. Use premium product with cheaper price. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra,Sony WH 1000 XM4,Sony WF 1000 XM4,LDAC codec,just close your eyes and listen to high quality FLAC audio,just get lost in the greatness of the song. This is my setup. I will do this in my off days. Just gives me peace. Thats why i use my cheaper buds everyday and only use the Sonys in off days. It gives me satisfaction. Like i listen to like okay no so high quality sound everyday and then after 10days during my off days i listen to premium high quality sound. Try it. You will know what im talking about. If you use premium everyday and then after some time you will get used to it and be bored. Like no difference. Realme that i have is 75 dollars. The is a big,big difference,very significant difference to 300 dollar Sony.

[@coffe04]

My previous model sony wf-1000xm4 has battery issues so I have to send them.nack and now I'm in the middle of sony linkbuds s OR SONY WF-1000XM5 PLEASE HELP TO CHOOSE THE XM5 Worth 100f????

[@bobstodomingo]

Fantastic review ❤, thank you

[@insidetechltd]

Thank you 💚

[@DogHairDontCare]

Still on the market for buds. I am coming from the samsung buds+; just really need better noise cancelling for calls in a one-does-it-all package. Tried the buds 2 pro and the fit wasn't great. buds+ has the extra silicone around the buds to help with fit, and I don't think it'll be beat for me. The one thing about matte finishes that scares me is the fact that some of them are just a coating that peels off over time, so the gloss is actually appealing for me.

[@insidetechltd]

You’re really spoilt for choice now. There are loads of great options (especially ones that are cheaper than these Sony earbuds). But if it’s great for calls and a glossy finish you like…these might actually be perfect!

[@DAFAWK]

I got a good deal on XM4s for $65 Pre-Owned and now I know why. The left earbud drains too fast. So I am going to return them and get XM5s

[@insidetechltd]

Hopefully they will be much better 🤞🏼

[@DerrickStevenson]

Great review. Been a fan of this series of Sony headphones and earbuds. Just got a pair of the XM5...I agree that music & ANC quality is better on the XM4. But call quality has definitely improved on XM5. I have large ear canals so I used the Comply bulb shaped tips on my XM4. So I'm going to have to go after market with the XM5 also.

[@insidetechltd]

Thanks a lot!

[@mithrandir4146]

I disagree about anc on xm5. It is better on Xm5 if you acheave a perfect seal. I have both and it seemes that xm4 sits deeper in the ear, while xm5 has a shallower insertion, so getting a better seal is even more important. The eartips are not a solid foam like in xm4, so that also a factor. Regardless I was able to get a better seal on xm5.

[@joelm4847]

@@mithrandir4146which should i buy

[@otoshi1010]

Will wait for black friday and decide between these or AZ80. Such a hard choice to make. Also have you changed eartips on the AZ80s? A lot of people said it loses bass when they changed eartips.

[@insidetechltd]

I use the larger tips for the AZ80 (the included tips) and the seal is great (and therefore the bass is great too)

[@ehabal-hanash2533]

I am interested in sonic foam tips but which type should I choose first size large concerning Sony wf 1000 XM5

[@insidetechltd]

SF2 is the size that fits the WF-1000X series, including the newer M5. They say to be wary that the large ear tips don't fit well in the case, only the small and medium do. I actually use the large size myself though and can just about close the case with the on. Sometimes need to wriggle them in a bit, but it is manageable without you needing to remove them. Just speaking from my own experience though!

[@ehabal-hanash2533]

@@insidetechltd it’s good to know that SF2 can work, hope newer versions will fit better

[@hellothisis4u]

thank you for the review I lost my m4 and now im wondering if i should just buy the m5 now instead

[@PK-pc5lq]

Hey! Is there any possibility to see your spreadsheet with ranks?

[@insidetechltd]

That’s definitely the plan long term. At the moment I’m still constantly updating the ranking system I use (changing how much weight I give to each category etc). I’ve also got more earbuds to add to it. So I think at the moment it’s not ready to show, but I will as soon as I can!

[@MelviledeMelo]

Tried the XM5s, QC E2s, PerL Pros. QC E2s have a very base biased sound. After trying the XM5s, kinda miss the new Sony sound signature. Denon claim a personalised sound, but after trying then over a period of 2 days, found out they can't handle the bass that their app offers. Considering getting the XM5s, but might try the AZ80s before making a final call...

[@popcorn_machine]

This was 7 months ago has sony fixed the eq issue when turning off anc????

[@benjaminpeterson9080]

Did you get these from sony as a review unit? They sent out review units before it launched and they were prototypes with worse anc than the released model.

[@insidetechltd]

No, I bought these myself

[@HasNoHalo]

I just bought the m5s to replace my m4s which have dying batteries. The ANC has taken a steep dive. People keep reposting the graph about the improved ANC, but I (literally just now) did a side by side in a busy airport and the m4s BLEW THEM AWAY. With the M4s, I dont hear any of the conversations around me, and the music from the bar across the way isnt even a factor. I throw in the m5s, and its terrible. I can hear every conversation around me, including the footsteps of the people walking by. This is with Noise Cancellation not the Adaptive junk that barely works on either headset. It's actually sad to hear.

[@insidetechltd]

Graphs are ultimately pointless to the individual. They don't factor in how well the earbuds fit you, for starters, which massively affects ANC performance. I also found there was a substantial drop (as have many others). Real world experience is what counts...and these were a bit disappointing with ANC 😕

[@reva64d]

Sadly the fact that they removed the adjustable anc slider makes this a complete no for me.

[@insidetechltd]

Does seem really unusual. The kind of “make things simple” approach that would be fine for a casual user but…casual users aren’t buying these 🤷‍♂️

[@Rockett.]

Is that a NP2 you're using in the video?

[@insidetechltd]

Yes

[@johngans2123]

Im loving the ear wax cover on the xm5. Hated when my xm4s would lose sound because the grey sponge on the inside was full of my wax.

[@insidetechltd]

A few people have been saying they really like this now so maybe I should’ve made a bigger point about it 😬 it is a nice feature

[@GAMERCASB]

I got wf xm4 n wf xm5 wf xm5. Noise cancellation is x10 much better I can’t hear nothing around me I once told my mom to yell at me n I couldn’t hear her for anything 😮 I use these for sleeping wf xm5 I had too upgrad because for whatever reason my xm4 case stoped charging the ear buds charge itself but not the case

[@srinivass1295]

25th place for Sony ANC and where do you get that list.? Can you pls provide me the link related to it.

[@insidetechltd]

The list is my own based on my testing. It's not a public list but i'm happy to tell you where any of the earbuds rank if you're interested

[@srinivass1295]

@@insidetechltd pls post the link or screenshot. Interested to see the ratings in it

[@gio1135]

it is essential for me to have swipe volume controls. give prompts need to not be a thing

[@midicronica1]

Tried them, was expecting to blow the AirPods Pro 2 out of the water but there was zero “wow” factor for me. Anc is great but for the price and sound quality, it took me less than a day to figure out I wanted to return them.

[@insidetechltd]

Paying these prices…a “wow” factor is a fair thing to ask for 👍🏼

[@Daniel-fc8vr]

Looking for wireless earbuds I want to buy good wireless earbuds no more than 30 dollars. I heard that the QCY T13 are very good option. What do you think? And if you know better options it will be great

[@insidetechltd]

To be honest I don't normally recommend earbuds at that sort of price. Normally the quality isn't very good because that's a relatively very low budget. QCY are a fairly well known brand though so they might be worth trying!

[@jmcprotech9670]

Hi inside tech will you be Reviewing the Marshall Motif II ANC I look forward to that Video if U R going to do it

[@insidetechltd]

Testing: likely yes. Video: likely no. If enough people want it I will though!

[@levil4012]

These need more SUB BASS . Returned mine and got the Sennheiser momentum 3's and never looked back.. The crazy thing is Airpods pro Gen 2's had more sub bass than these... NEVER thought I'd say that

[@gamebeginner15]

Is it that bad I'm using mdr750ap weird one but the bass is not there , have to tweek eq but not good

[@levil4012]

@@gamebeginner15 Sennheiser is the way to go, now I hear that since the Sony's got an update they sound better but don't have em to try that out but I'm good with the Senny's

[@zdroyuu]

I agree with tour opinion about anc ist not good at all for that price

[@riod2020]

I have the xm4 & have constant issues with the the earphones stopping as the Bluetooth signal drops out, anyone else have this problem, I’ve had them for about 4 months & will probably return them for the xm5, but don’t know if they are any better???

[@estrmy7646]

What would you recommend beats fit pro or Liberty 4 NC?

[@insidetechltd]

Hopefully answered already but for the sake of others: beats for workouts. Soundcore for everything else. Definitely Liberty 4 NC overall and especially value for money

[@ttube111]

Just got these for £194 via Sony website with student discount. I have the Sennheiser MTW4 and will pick one out of the two. The MTW4 sound amazing but I had to use a 3rd party EQ app as the volume was low.

[@insidetechltd]

Let us know which one you choose!

[@ttube111]

@@insidetechltd XM5. Louder sound. Clearer and crispier sound. Clear distinction between instruments. EQ helped to improve sound. Battery is 8 hours with ANC ON. The MTW4s are 7.5 with ANC OFF! MTW4 are brilliant but are pipped by the XM5s.

[@felixfox8810]

As I wrote under another video already, my new XM5 earbuds arrived yesterday and I'm kinda shocked and disappointed, to learn how ineffective their ANC still seems to be. Problem is that I am new to the entire topic and have no references to compare the XM5s to, just comments and review videos, which usually talk it up as something highly effective and nearing ideal status soon. I expected so much more than this very mild effect (maybe an added 10% of noise reduction / low pass filtering) on top of the normal passive effect from clogging up my ear with some memory foam - something you really have to focus on to hear the difference, which makes me wonder if it's even worth the additional energy consumption. Seeing them ranked 25th here, gives me at least some hope to not abandon all hope in this technology yet.

[@insidetechltd]

You are completely valid in your disappointment. I also think that ANC isn't worth the battery consumption with these earbuds. But I promise you there are lots of earbuds that will give you a considerable noise cancellation that you can immediately hear the difference with!

[@felixfox8810]

@@insidetechltd Thanks for the reply! What would you recommend me to try? My most important criteria is actually overall noise reduction in an open office / lab environment. What are the chances that Sony improves the XM5 ANC via firmware updates? It still boggles my mind, how many reviewers (small and large) are praising their ANC. Makes me wonder if experiences are actually that different due to some hidden settings / glitches. At the very least, they should provide a way to control the ANC intensity manually.

[@insidetechltd]

I think a lot of it is to do with Sony's reputation. They used to be the market leaders and the ANC was comparatively extremely good. As they brought out new models the ANC didn't get worse, so I think some people assumed it was still 'good'. The fact is though that the rest of the market caught up and then overtook Sony. Not everyone rigorously tests all earbuds side by side in multiple scenarios either. If I only tested Sony earbuds i'd also say the ANC was good - as it happens i've compared them directly against many others and think there are plenty ahead of them. Anyway, for noise reduction Bose is the King (by a long way). Other good options include Soundcore's Liberty 4 NC, AirPods Pro 2, Pixel Buds Pro. You might need some other criteria to narrow it down more though!

[@felixfox8810]

@@insidetechltd Thanks again for taking the time to reply! I'll try the Bose QC45 and the QC II earbuds next for sure. Allegedly a new model called QC Ultra is coming later this year too. I'll definitely want something that lets me take full control over the Active Noise Canceling. The more I read other peoples' complaints about the XM5s ANC, the more it starts to look like they are technically relatively capable but because they are only working in full-auto adaptive mode, that weakens them too much. People have been requesting manual control for the over-ear variant for a year now already. Seems like a very short-sighted decision from Sony.

[@miguelvieites4406]

Where can i find that anc ranking you mentioned sony xm5's to be in 25th place?

[@insidetechltd]

That's just from a spreadsheet I use internally for testing and comparisons - it's constantly being updated and the algorithm improved to rank earbuds, it's not a public list

[@chr7878]

So who has the best sound quality for making calls for the other person?

[@insidetechltd]

@@chr7878 I still think it's 1MORE's Evo

[@BudgieFan101]

I sold my XM5 and got the Pi8. The XM5 are too small, slippery, fit poorly and the sound sounds overprocessed and unnatural, not to mention the battery life is dubious. Thanks.

[@insidetechltd]

Nice upgrade!

[@BudgieFan101]

​​@@insidetechltd I now own the Pi8's and can confirm the soundstage is immense, the instrument separation is spectacular, the punch is phenomenal, the imaging is perfect. they really do make the XM5's rather anemic by comparison. The Pi8's have to be heard to be believed. The quality is all there - something I wasn't convinced was all there in the Sony's. They just seemed so cheap and plasticky.

[@blawbla]

Do those eartips come with a guard for wax etc?

[@insidetechltd]

The XM5 ear tips do, the others don't

[@cooluser23]

Did you ever test the Technics AZ80?

[@insidetechltd]

I certainly did! 👉🏼 The Best Earbuds EVER! | Technics AZ80 vs AZ60M2 Review (vs AZ60) kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2mxeWx8YriFl6c

[@marcaberdeen3757]

​@insidetechltd Thanks for another great review. Would you say the Technics are still overall king?

[@cooluser23]

@@insidetechltd How do they compare to the Sony's?

[@insidetechltd]

Would still say Technics is the overall king myself. Sound quality is pretty close actually (pros and cons to both), but the better control customisation, fit and the superior ANC is really what seals it. Obviously the smaller Sony earbuds are going to fit some ears better, just not mine. The Sony call quality is also great. But Technics with the slight overall edge for me

[@DroidLocks6971]

Ive Yet To Find An In Ear Bud That Fits Perfect Like The Galaxy Buds2 Pro

[@allthingstechandgadgets657]

I have been asking that recently as well of Sony. They used to be really great and really great products. I have felt, though. Over the last few years, they have not been as good and especially with their updates for the headphones. For example, I have the Sony Linkbuds. Great set of earbuds, however, with the recent update, you lose battery life. With only around 5 and a half hours, which I am not even getting that why would I want to update and lose already what short battery life I have already got to get even worse battery life? It does not even make sense? I mean, come on Sony. Whoever is in charge of the updates needs to be spoken too!!!! If they advertise these for 5.5 hours and then only get less due to their updates, that is false advertising. Makes me want to leave Sony for good.

[@football_prediction]

We need comparison between airpods pro 2 vs Sony xm5

[@64cousins]

As a victim of the dead battery issue on the left earbud with the XM4s, im done with sony.

[@jayzeept6059]

ok so day 1 of wearing the new XM5’s & im honestly disappointed…firstly the noise cancelling is not as good as the XM4’s & my guess is it’s due to the fit not being as snug so I guess the passive NC is way worse… Also wtf happened to the voice over?!! I found that super useful, the voice prompt would tell me how much battery I had left , which device I’m connected to & also which sound mode I selected..All now Gone which for me is super annoying & a huge fail from Sony. Look it’s day 1 so maybe I need to tinker with them but being totally honest right now, I wish I’d kept my XM4’s…Sorry Sony but I’m not happy.

[@insidetechltd]

I think that’s completely valid criticism 👍🏼

[@samz593]

To me, fit is king (comfort & secure), so linkbuds s is the one. And i feel that the app is too comprehensive.

[@AlvenmodFoto]

I bought the WF-1000XM4 and a pair of WH-1000XM4 at around the same time about 18 months ago. Now my batteries are completely unusable on my WF in-ear, and yesterday my around-ear WH started to give off a loud screeching sound like a feedback sound from the left speaker as soon as ANC is turned on, making the ANC unusable. The XM3 also suffered from battery issues. Sony quality is completely rubbish and I will not spend another cent on this company. Utter crap. Leaning towards the Technics to replace these, but haven't decided yet, Airpods Pro 2nd, Beoplay EX are still in the running....

[@frustratedcreep8241]

got xm4 for 100 dollars, and thankfully it does fit my ear

[@insidetechltd]

Very nice!

[@cubinn149]

I owned all of thhem xm3 i thought was better sound than xm4 earbuds xm5 is definitely better sound than xm4 earbuds xm5 may be as good anc but foam tips dont fit well then need a inbetween med and large tips for better seal

[@gf2915]

Don't like them at all....I had the xm 3 for 4 years, still going strong but the battery doesn't last quite as long....treated myself to the xm 5 amd they sound worse - the anc is noticeably worse, the buds are slippery and fall out of hands every time I try and take them out of the case, they don't stay in my ears well......I'd rather get a new pair of xm 3 again

[@insidetechltd]

I've certainly noticed the ANC issue. So many people assume it would be better just because they are the "newer" earbuds. But Sony has dropped down for ANC performance

[@allstar930]

I was extremely satisfied with my WF-1000XM4 earbuds due to their impressive bass and effective ANC. However, I made the unfortunate mistake of putting them through the washing machine. I decided to purchase a pair of WF-1000XM5s as a replacement. Sadly, these new earbuds fell short in terms of both bass performance and ANC capability. Disappointed, I promptly returned them and now eagerly await the arrival of a brand-new pair of WF-1000XM4s from StockX. Sony is on drugs.

[@nichrck]

Lol. It happened the same for me with the wf-1000xm4 and the wash machine. I have just ordered the wf5, looking forward to test them tomorrow.

[@insidetechltd]

I've still never had it happen to me...but i'd be devastated if it did!

[@metal-gods]

If they are still just using a piece of felt in the speaker port I'm out

[@accountdeleted0x0]

8:35 where can i see the full list?

[@insidetechltd]

It's not a public list, I use it internally to help rank and compare earbuds. The results get posted in the earbuds awards videos!

[@DroidLocks6971]

The mx4 were way too big

[@marcotestarmata]

Sony are great till the batteries die. Many XM4 died and XM5 and Linkbus S are starting to die. I really loved my XM4 but i won't get another Sony earphone in the near future.

[@DroidLocks6971]

MeanWhile Everything Else Is Made From petrol

[@DroidLocks6971]

More Peoe Arent Talking About The Negatives In A Negative Way Because The Average Reviewer Is No More Than A Paid Hype Man .

[@kiomkiom812]

Bits diference.

[@sony1968]

Sony King!

[@SpencerChong]

First

[@shanew7361]

These are overpriced trash.

[@Pappisnapshot]

Won’t buy them they look cheap

[@arcaddiction]

Probably you got a defective pair.. of ears 😂

[@insidetechltd]

👏🏼

[@avetik32]

i feel like foam eartips really hurt ANC. can anyone confirm?

[@insidetechltd]

It really varies from person to person. It’s all about whether or not it gets you a tight seal in the ear

[@avetik32]

@@insidetechltd guess so, i bought some foam eartips for my airpods pro and realised it was a mistake, went back to the silicone ones. Even though i used foam eartips with all my earphones before apple decided 3,5 mm jack isn’t necessary :)