The DEFINITIVE Sony WF-1000XM5 Review & Comparison by an AUDIO ENGINEER

As an Audio Engineer, this is the definitive, in-depth, and experiential review of the Sony WF-1000XM5 and a comparison with the Sony WF-1000XM4, Apple AirPods Pro 2, and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Bluetooth wireless ANC earbuds. I take over 16 years of audio engineer experience to make the kind of review I wanted to see! ▶ Support me not having a sponsor and Get 20% OFF Delete Me: myte.ch/deleteme (affiliate)
LINKS TO BUY
▶ Sony WF-1000XM5: geni.us/81zEso1
▶ Apple AirPods Pro 2: howl.me/ckgEjK7hnSW
▶ Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: howl.me/cjdCUUtvusx
▶ Sony WF-1000XM4: geni.us/IGl9VL
▶ Get 20% OFF Delete Me: myte.ch/deleteme
*All of these links are affiliate links
WATCH MORE
▶ AUDIO ENGINEER Tries the WORLDS BEST HEADPHONES for the First Time | Sennheiser HE-1: • AUDIO ENGINEER Tries t...
▶ THE DEFINITIVE Sony WH-1000XM5 Review & Comparison by an AUDIO ENGINEER: • THE DEFINITIVE Sony WH...
▶ Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Showcase: • Audio Engineer Tries t...
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Thanks to @SidneyDiongzon @braethorn and @XXIVCONCEPT for helping me with some shots and making an appearance!
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:29 The Best Way to Experience This Video
0:43 Some of What We'll Cover
1:01 SONG - Broad Frequency, Electronic
1:41 The Flow of this Video
1:59 Why This Video Focuses on the XM5 the Most
2:08 SONG - Female Vocal, Electronic
2:57 Build, Fit, Feel, and Size Comparisons
3:51 One of my least favorite parts about the XM5 Design
5:34 SONG - Acoustic, Male, Singer-Songwriter
6:21 Battery Life and Charging
7:40 SONG - Male Vocal, Funk
8:26 Interactions, Connectivity, and App
9:38 We literally didn't plan an awkward handshake, which makes this 10x more hilarious @braethorn
10:18 SONG - Female Vocal, Soul
11:22 Microphone & Call Performance Mega Test
14:33 SONG - Broad Frequency, Electronic
15:40 Gaming Tests
15:59 SONG - Male, Hip Hop
16:53 Transparency Mode Tests
19:07 SONG - Cinematic (www.hannahparrott.com)
20:30 ANC Mode Tests & Talking Tests
22:26 SONG - Male Vocal, Rock
23:02 My Thoughts on Sound Quality
24:40 Male Vocal, Surf/Beach Rock
25:43 My Custom EQ & How to Gain Access to it
26:47 SONG WITH MY CUSTOM EQ - Male Vocal, Blues, Soul
27:45 Which One Should You Get?
29:45 SONG - Male Vocal, 80s Style Retro Pop
30:34 My Personal Preference
31:25 OUTAKES
DISCLOSURES
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I utilize affiliate links and may receive a commission from them, and at times may receive items for review from various brands. Despite that, I promise to always provide an honest & unbiased review because you deserve the best.
All sponsorships will be clearly stated because transparency, integrity, and trust are essential to me. It is also a part of FTC law. We would never accept payment from a company to make harmful content about another company. You're just upset you didn't hear what you wanted to hear.
Any discussion, comments, opinions, etc., regarding anything financial or business-related should not be construed as financial advice.
Please find out more about our ethics policy and what investments: coming soon.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

LINKS TO BUY ▶ I don't have a sponsor, but this supports me. Get 20% OFF Delete Me: myte.ch/deleteme ▶ Sony WF-1000XM5: geni.us/81zEso1 ▶ Apple AirPods Pro 2: howl.me/ckgEjK7hnSW ▶ Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: howl.me/cjdCUUtvusx ▶ Sony WF-1000XM4: geni.us/IGl9VL *All of these links are affiliate links

[@thapelopheto2164]

I couldn't help it but get hooked up on those wireless overhead headphones sitting on your table, what are those?

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Oh, they're not wireless. They're the Sennheiser HD600S: myte.ch/hd600s

[@thapelopheto2164]

They look sick! Let me check on them

[@riadmolla9329]

Bro can you test (Qcy ht 05 melobuds) it’s budget friendly 25 doller

[@riktamsarkar7684]

​@@ThisIsTechTodaySir do you have the EQ setting for Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II?

[@sonywalkman334]

You have the most detailed in-depth reviews and comparison videos on KZbin. Amazing work! Your videos have been my go-to for forming headphone purchase decisions.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thank you so much! I truly do appreciate your kind words.

[@geeva99]

@@ThisIsTechTodaywhat is the song name around 8min

[@lohithchowdary8809]

​@@geeva99paint the Town red by the weekend 🌚

[@geeva99]

@@lohithchowdary8809 is not it only doja cat is painting the town red, this sounds like one of those cool band songs

[@CollinAbroadcast]

Listening on the XM5, this goes CRAZY! Bravo, you really killed this video

[@av365]

How is the mic quality outdoors when it's noisy?

[@user-vf6bq2mf2g]

xm4 mic sounded more better to me

[@number7red619]

@@av365Not very good, useable tho

[@F11550i]

@@user-vf6bq2mf2g interesting I heard the same between QC II and QC Ultra , the newer one has worse mic quality

[@remnant4363]

@@user-vf6bq2mf2g i need earbuds that i can wear at work and use them for listening to music but it seems like even the best earbuds are not good at all aspects.

[@qussay]

Wow.. what a review?! I didn't even know such a review was possible. I really appreciate all your dedication and effort put behind this work. Thank you!

[@tylerismyname]

This video turned out incredible!! All the work you put into it definitely shows, great job!! Super informative and entertaining at the same time

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks so much, Tyler! I appreciate your help.

[@karlo407]

I can imagine some wanting the opposite, but I want an ANC AI that learns my wife's voice and makes it Transparent.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

No comment 😅

[@vktravellog1242]

Excellent idea. Have ear buds that converts everything bad the wife says and it gets converted to good so all you hear if positive vibes 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@karlo407]

@@vktravellog1242 I’m told my selective hearing is just fine, thank you. 😁

[@IronMan-jx4mo]

The one shut my wife voice will be legendary 😂😂😂, i hope she will never watch this vid hehe

[@miketan4803]

Lol. She better not be on KZbin

[@eh8756]

Fantastic review! I have always wanted to be able to compare sound characteristics by myself. Thank you so much, keep it going !

[@Paulfighteronline]

These headphones/earbuds reviews are by far the most extensive and well done I've ever encountered on KZbin. Keep em coming!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks!

[@Methenavigator]

It’s the real time to find out which one sounds the best.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks for being here

[@danielngu3150]

This is by far the most thorough, detailed review of all these earbuds I have ever seen, great work.!! I am actually looking for a good set of earbuds for my long haul air travel. While the headphone is good for long hour use, it is very bulky. I also owned the first generation AirPods Pro, but they do not fit well on my ears. Which one would you recommend for comfort and ANC (airplane noise) ? Bose or Sony XM5? Thanks.

[@yomu235]

Thank you for this wonderful review. And love the sound review , it's really what I'm looking for a review

[@johnnynguyen7229]

I recently upgraded from WF-1000XM4 to AirPods Pro 2nd-Gen! So far, I don't dislike the AirPods, especially since I use an iPhone as my main driver (ironically as an Android developer). Otherwise, I would've upgraded to the WF-1000XM5 to take advantage of the LDAC & custom EQ-ing that the AirPods lack. Anyway thanks for this insanely in-depth review! I'm so glad you mentioned how Sony can sound "muffled." I thought it was just me thinking I didn't have the ears for the amazing WF-1000XM4 and their default sound, thus me drastically lowering those mid bands in the EQ. (I'm not part of that group who believes in flat EQ audio purity or whatever, sorry!) So I was super surprised by how "airy" the AirPods sound, and especially impressed with the Spatial Audio feature; it sounds more like I'm at a live event rather than having speakers blasting directly between my head. This video confirms that either XM5 or AirPods would be a good choice though; for me, I'm reluctantly forgoing Sony's custom EQ-ing for Apple's "airy" AirPods and great ecosystem support. (Plus it helps that the AirPods are cheaper and Apple Music on the MacBook actually offers custom EQ-ing!) Thanks for your effort and time into this video! I certainly trust you as an audio engineer who knows what they're talking about! 🐢🐢🐢

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thank you so much, Johnny! I appreciate the thoughtful comment and super thanks! 🐢

[@corujariousa]

I really appreciate these tests from you. Very factual and unbiased. You just show the results under the criteria you are testing and the view/consumer can decide which to buy. The subjective tests from other channel mean nothing to me.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks! I’m glad you noticed that desire and appreciate it!

[@marcrae55555]

I really appreciate the effort of all your videos! Just another excellent review. Keep it up 😁

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Whoooa! Thank you so much!!

[@benjamingboy2529]

Just stumbled upon your channel.This review was top notch quality. If you keep this up you will be huge in the future. You got yourself a new subscriber!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks so much, Benjamin!

[@bananaguy5228]

I just can’t ever seem to get over how good these videos are! I come back to them all the time and recommend them to friends. The production quality and the accuracy on how each of the ear/head phones sound from the video to real life is great. I picked up whxm4s and AirPods Pro after watching these videos and I can say for sure that the videos really do help to figure out what is the right product for you. 👏👏👏

[@ThisIsTechToday]

I so appreciate the kind words and for you sharing. It truly helps a lot!

[@karlo407]

What device did you use to listen to the video?

[@gaubonga11]

so much effort and hard work for this video, thumbs up for you ! ❤

[@JonahBrettsWilliams]

I’ve been imagining a headphone/earbud review like this forever and I’m glad I finally came across this. Incredibly in-depth and significantly helps me with what I want to buy. More of this has my support!!

[@urbenkam]

Really good review. I had the sennhiser momentum wireless 3. I understand it’s hard to compare everything. I was looking at hifiman savanar . For me sound quality takes the priority. Hifiman will be short in comparison in other features but really want to know how it compares to sound quality to sony.

[@RWJ62]

Awesome video and comparison review! Great job! Liked and subscribed! Thanks for the detail and pro style video!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks!

[@seekyeefirstforsound]

As I keep hearing audio engineer, I began searching and couldn’t really find much videos on your experience until link-in. Been watching your videos, great work love the energy and hype and your personal opinions on sound. =] would love to know more of your live-mixing or post production experiences if possible. Do direct me if I’ve missed it. Looking forward. =]

[@brandon_yl_is_busted_af9316]

Highest quality and most professional earbud review I've ever seen. Can definitely tell the effort you put in, the extra B-roll and random video clips are much appreciated! Also the sponsor read during the mic text is fecking brilliant LOL that was great!

[@sondesix_]

I love you for doing this man. Thanks a lot! An awesome, super detailed review, as always.

[@DEBRANDArthur-sg2km]

Amazing review - Definitive, indeed! And definitely the best live review on the web, by all means ! Hats Off Guy !!!

[@joetoe9207]

This is incredible. You show your professional set. Thank you!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thank you!

[@twowheelsandcroissant]

Hands down best headphone/earphones reviewer on YT, always looking forward for new reviews like this

[@Im_happy_01]

Comprehensive review.. covered all questions i have.. Thank you!

[@brijesh41990]

The first video that i watched was of you comparing app1 vs app2 and it made me subscribe you …u r 1 in billion ❤👍🏽🙏🏽 ..keep it up 👍🏽

[@jimmychan9138]

Thanks for the great videos. They are the most helpful ones around. Re Sony ones I hear so little differences between the XM4 and Xm5.

[@krishnaswaroop9293]

Always looking forward to videos of this quality.

[@LPM147]

4:14 the manual for the XM5 says to actually rotate each pod counter/clockwise in the case to remove them using your thumb and index finger and then pull up.

[@enocaldhairsantiagozuniga2043]

This is the most detailed and amazing video on all over YT about the comparison of those earbuds, thank to u I just bought my Sony XM5, you're the best keep going bro!!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks so much for the kind words! Please share it with others. 😊

[@BrianGlaze]

Great work as usual Brandon! Can always count on you to go in depth.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks so much, Brian!

[@BrianGlaze]

@@ThisIsTechToday 💯

[@sinlokemp]

Wow! love the dedication and sincerity of this content. New sub here. Keep up the great work.

[@Dr.Med.Rasen.]

During the mic test you gave us a awesome comparison between the phone cameras

[@sivagurunathan4117]

You are one of the smartest KZbinrs out there! I love your creativity. Most of us would skip the sponsor segment even if it's only for 5 seconds (even though it's not one here), but you made us watch and listen to the entire thing with rapt attention. You are an extremely underrated KZbinr, and I'm waiting for you to reach 15 million subscribers. I hope you remember me at that time :p

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Haha! Thank you so much. I appreciate that.

[@moo4595]

Why new smartphones dont have good DAC's? It doesnt matter that you have good headphones if smartphones are poor.

[@watermelon1221]

great vid. would prefer a much longer and in depth ANC comparison, as that's what makes or breaks a decision

[@chiltonj]

I have a pair of Jabra 65s which I love the fit. You insert them and twist and bit and they are locked in. I don't think it had ANC but it performed very well for noise cancelling. I also have the Jabra 85 and the ANC is pretty good and better sound quality was better than the 65. However, the 85s don't fit as well so now I have the XM5s with the hope that I get good audio quality, fit and ANC. They sound great, the fit is good but I haven't been able to find an eartip size that works because ANC sucks right now on them compared to the Jabra 85. I would go as far as saying that the Jabra 65 provides the most noise cancelling (or ANC like qualities) because of the solid fit. Granted, I've only had the Sony's for a few days and still trying to find the right fit to maximize ANC on them. The other thing I like about those Jabra models is the physical tap "buttons" on the earbuds. I'm trying to get used to the Sony tapping method.

[@Raptors0524]

I have learned a lot in this videos. This is the detail I look for when considering a product. Thank you!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

You are so welcome!

[@ahSteve-qm5vy]

The only draw back for me with the WF-1000xm5 is the touch control for volume. Tapping it 4x for volume makes it very uncomfortable and nerve wrecking and not as intuitive. They should make it like the Senheisser with touch and hold for volume control.

[@Loki-sk7bi]

Touch and hold totally makes sense. I had a sennheiser and it was great.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Swipe is absolutely my preference.

[@Properganda5.0]

Volume control isn’t only the draw back. It looks like Sony cannot handle microphone issues since first version of ANC. The demo one is only an excuse.

[@Theflood125]

I was SO annoyed when I realised I wasn’t able to change that setting. Also I don’t use Spotify so that double tap is completely wasted on me. I hope they fix this in an update.

[@vipulgupta]

@@ThisIsTechToday Agree, touch and hold or swipe, both of them are far superior to tapping 4 times like an idiot. Even tapping 3 times is too much and I often miss tap it and the result is something which I don't want to do and further increases the effort. Tapping more than 2 times especially becomes a problem if you are moving. People like you can give this type of feedback to Sony and we can just hope they listen to you in their future updates. Btw I have watched a lot of reviews over so many years and nothing comes even close to the quality of your review. You addressed the most important points the way they need to be.

[@manaswinturkane]

this is most detailed review,keep the good work coming.Loved the video

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thank you so much!

[@therealjohnshelburne]

Well DONE on the sponsor drop during the mic test! Very creative!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks! I think it’s a win win win!

[@alirezayi9523]

You’re the best person I ever seen on youtube who reviews sound systems. Thanks a lot man!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Glad I could help!

[@louisuliman5098]

Hi, thanks for the detailed review, it’s amazing how much effort you spent to make it. Would be great to review Technics az80 among these ones😅

[@roycehosiokpeng37]

Thank you for the professional comparison! If I’m using both iPhone (for entertainment - video and song) and Android (for MS Teams meeting) phone, which would you recommend?

[@anramsay]

Great content as always. I got the XM4s for about $125 refurbished last year and have been really happy. I mainly use them for at home listening and video editing. For daily outdoor use I use Pixel Buds Pro. Considering grabbing XM5s probably when they are cheaper but its not a priority for me right now.

[@user-xb6dl9um6h]

Did you do the firmware update on those Sony's? People been saying the firmware update has screwed everything up with that particular model XM4s

[@anramsay]

I actually lost the right earbud so I ended up getting the XM5s open boxed on eBay.

[@nurnachman]

just the comparison i was looking for. i listened with the airpods pro 2 and i can't think how it skews everything (like xeroxing from a xeroxed paper - especially when i don't know which codecs youtube is using/switching between) but in most xm5 vs apple comparisons that you've shared - i feel airpods pro 2 are more confined in the pan/stereo sound image while the xm5 sounds much wider. also some examples were comparing different parts of the tune/track/song so it skews the details of the comparison even more imho. overall the work is fantastic and i can't wait to see what else you compare!!! sub'ed immediately. thank you so much !!!

[@lubje]

Awesome video, thank for putting all the effort in it! I'm looking for a complementary pair of earbuds to my WX-1000XM4 for in the hot summer months and secretly still hoping they will announce a new neckband version (WI-1000XM3), but I'm losing hope. Maybe it's time to go for the WF-1000XM5...

[@ThisIsTechToday]

The WFs are definitely pretty light and unobtrusive!

[@kayseeday]

Great review! With return to office it would be nice to see what you recommend for earbuds or headsets with noise isolating mics. Many times I have to take meetings at my desk for a lack of a meeting room and it would be nice for people on the call to only hear my voice and not the people around me.

[@bensgadgetreviews]

This video is so good and informative! Thank you

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks do much, Ben!!

[@ricecube5079]

Amazing review ! Exactly what I need thank you

[@ThisIsTechToday]

So glad I could help! Please share it with others. It helps a ton!

[@cooluser23]

Can't wait wait to see this video. Hopefully you did a microphone test as well.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

I did a TON of microphone tests lol

[@cooluser23]

​​@@ThisIsTechTodayawesome. I'll watch your video during my next gym session. Already queued up. I have the XM3, and XM4 and the mics are useless.

[@mohamedabdelwahab3386]

I'm a bit late but GREAT work & effort buddy thank you for that. And that is how the Great reviews been made

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks so much!

[@narcospecial]

insane complete review... the best.. i'll go to XM5 and thanks for your review

[@marc-antoinedaoust2713]

Personally i think the Airpods have incredible song because of Spatial Audio. The music almost feels more open and more 3D and it's almost as if you we're there when the song was created. I have the original Airpod Pro's and sometimes i switch off spatial audio and i'm stunned by the difference in sound quality.

[@nakulagham2058]

I just loved the content of this video, amazing review!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alexis2268]

Great video ! For my part I really prefer the xm5, I think the song is really more precise than others

[@Kazeant]

First of all well done for your awesome and detail review but i have the bang and olufsen ex and i was wondering does it worth to upgrade to sony wf 1000xm5 or not? 🙏

[@z4twicks406]

What an insane comparison dude holy moly 🔥🔥🔥

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Haha. Thank you.

[@HayBayle]

Great review, just what I was looking/ listening for! Just did a battery swap on my XM4's and just waiting for either bud to die at this point so I can upgrade.

[@lorenzocannillo5527]

Wooow What a review🔥🔥🔥 Well done man

[@TechKnowBiz]

Incredible video. Any chance you can share the link to the awesome mics you are using to capture the audio from these earbuds? Thanks very much

[@jefferygay9371]

I’ve got the latest Bose and AirPod. What I need (more than sound quality) is something that doesn’t fall out of my ear!

[@Cableroni]

Very great review! Gives me a good Sound-quality overview. But it’s sad that there is no comparison to the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 :( But still awesome review, keep it up!

[@hermanvisser4034]

I am listening to your video on relatively high end equipment (for simplicity just say $25k system). For me, I hear the dark sound of the XM4 which I own, but the XM5 sound quality stands head shoulders above the rest, and I prefer the default EQ.

[@andrewrichardson7361]

Hey thanks for the video. Just wondering what your take would be on using the XM5s (or AirPods Pro 2s) as a drummer playing along to music from my phone or Mac? Keen to know if I will still be able to hear the music over the volume of loud drums. Thanks

[@colev396]

Hi! XM4 user and fellow audio engineer here. The blanket sound you described with the XM4 is definitely an issue. This issue seems to increase drastically with the volume level, almost like the headphones starved for power. At full volume especially with harder bass heavy tracks or metal the top end would muffle severely, and the low end would quiet and become sloppy in response. If I turn the volume down, I notice significant improvement in clarity and bass response with each step down from max until it levels out about 3 notches downs from full (on IOS). Overall, what would make it worth it for me to upgrade to the XM5's would be if the EQ stayed clear, consistent, and thick throughout, even at max volume. Bonus points if it gained me a little more volume at max over the XM4's. Can you speak to this issue for me? Great video by the way m8

[@NinaLarss]

I just got the XM5 and I can now compare with the XM4 that I also own. I feel that they're a lil too clear for me, almost harsh, brighter in a "digital" way I don't know if that makes sense. And I miss the smooth and deep low end of the xm4. The kicks are very "bumpy", super super dynamic. If I want to feel the full freq range (especially in the low end part) of a song I have to crank up the volume more than before and it makes the feeling of the kicks hard on the ear and tiering eventually. My XM4 have a problem and I loose the battery quickly on right earbud... Making them unsuable for more than 5 minutes. If I knew I would have bought a second pair of XM4 instead of the XM5. But I'm only talking about my personal tastes. We all have a different perception of sound and everyone ear is different.

[@colev396]

@@NinaLarss Interesting. Genre can play a large part in this as well. Have you played with the EQ on the Sony app to remove some of the highs? Also, I will tell you that Sony is replacing the XM4's that have this battery defect if you call, they did with mine and sent me a new pair very recently. If you are still not happy with you XM5's I would be happy to work out a trade deal with you for my new XM4's. I'm wanting more high frequency at volume with hardcore music :D

[@delianaalan6917]

Omg this review is just another level, the best one

[@poodlemeister22314]

This is awesome stuff and greatly appreciated to see super duper indepth analysis, but I'd love to see more...mainstream (if that's applicable) versions added in. I feel like having a pixel buds pro or a samsung galaxy buds pro2 or whatever as comparison would be quite helpful. It's great to have all the super premium stuff because it's more of a 1:1 comparison, but most people (perhaps in the android space) don't have the highest end ear buds But for real, great stuff, super informative and I might be getting the xm5 now that I've fully embraced the xperia I V

[@A-Duck]

I have pretty small ear canals, so the information about how well each one fits is the most crucial to me, more than sound quality even. I was leaning toward the XM5's, but learning how they mostly rely on the ear tip to hold it in makes me think it's not good for my particular case. Now I'm leaning toward the Airpods, I think.

[@darkandsynth80s]

Great comparision in detail 👏 You said ANC is not that different between bose and XM5. How is possible? I have both XM4 and QC2, and the main reason I will switch to XM5 will be ANC. Thanks in advance

[@alessiodalerci568]

Sorry for the off topic. Would it be better to take the new Sony Earbuds or the One Plus Buds 2? only care about the sound and battery life. currently have the liberty 3 pro soundcore

[@Dev-Austin]

The review we've all been waiting for!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thank you for waiting and watching! Please share it with others!

[@RunescapeMeister-san]

It's a funny thing to bring up but I wore my xm4's with over-ear protection while shooting so I could turn anc and transparency on/off to communicate while intermittently listening to music. It's nice to see that the anc and transparency of the xm5's seem to both be better than the xm4's, whilst reducing the most important attribute to me: size/fitment. Airpods could never work for me with their stem, bosebois also have a similar sticky-outy-bit. As for sound, my ears have always perceived normal level highs in a harman curve as rather harsh, so the mellow-ness of the sony offerings always felt better to me... even in spite of the loss in the mids. Your video made it very clear that it's well worth me buying the xm5's over another pair of cheaper xm4's. I really appreciate the comparison to two other big name flagships, I don't own an apple phone otherwise the airpods might be a distinct winner with an eq to cut down the highs slightly (just for me), but I'd have to figure out another ear-pro setup.

[@anguslaws4665]

subbed, will come to you for all tech from now on

[@eaytkon]

I love your reviews and I've been waiting for the Bose QC earbuds 2 from the day you teased it and even after the comparisons with airpods pro 2.... but sadly you never reviewed them

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Yeah, sorry. Moving across half the country will do that to ya.

[@eaytkon]

@@ThisIsTechToday thank you so much, highly appreciated.

[@snakefan2009]

Great thorough review! Informed my buying decision

[@ThisIsTechToday]

So glad I could help! Thanks so much for your support 🙏

[@billwu8581]

Hopefully could you include the bluetooth lag in future videos? I hate to switch between my headphone and earbuds when I am gaming. However, I have to with the XM4 because the lag is so noticeable. I am wondering if XM5 have improved in that area?

[@DamianNocun]

Great video and as always, presented in a great, not boring way ! Really like your channel ! Additionally LDAC will improve listening experience for sure, which could not be utilized while listening via iPhone, so Android will be benefit :D. Actually your material convinced me to but XM5's :D

[@salvadormartinezhndz4784]

Hi i love your Channel, and thaks you for doing so good videos, but i have a question as a Audio Engineer what music streaming platform has better audio quality?

[@arthurjanson6043]

Tidal has the best quality but make sure your headphones or earbuds are hi res products. For example, AirPods Pro 2 are not a hi res product so they can’t translate CD quality or HD quality. I think that point is not mention on the review.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Tidal Masters is great. There's one I just heard about called Qobuz as well.

[@Gustavo_St]

Please review the WM5 call quality using the latest 3.2.1 firmware. I noticed a very clear improvement. In my tests, it is now one of the best for calls in noisy places.

[@evd549]

One thing I actually do differently during the sound test for tracks is I basically will just close my eyes and only open them when I like the way something sounds. Oddly enough I been getting more Apple Airpods Pro 2 and the Bose. And I came from the XM4s LOL

[@jnturner506]

Great review! Listening on my ref 'cans (Senn HD 380 Pro) i'd rank audio: 1. XM5, 2. Airpods, 3. XM4, 4. Bose. However, mic and transparency are super important for the work I do, and frankly listening here, XM5s sound to have gone backwards to XM4 for me. Given my phone is 14 pro Max, it's Airpods winner for me!

[@Fabiomiguelseverino]

Hi, great review!!! One question please. In terms of bass, which is the best? Sony wf xm5 or Bose QC 2 I'm looking for quality but also bass! Thank You!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Bass as in having the most or the best tuning for punchy and clear bass? It can be pretty nuanced.

[@hek8392]

Incredibly helpful, getting the XM5 after having the XM4 and feel much better about it after watching this

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Wow! Thank you so much. So glad I could help!

[@stevebrown661]

But Apple only has AAC codec and android uses much better codecs (Aptx..., LDAC etc) was this considered? i.e. what codec was employed for the Sony and Bose earbuds - the better ones or the Apple one?

[@MRBarton369]

This is a great, deep review of the buds. Seems like the answer to my question would be the Sonys, but I’ll ask anyway. I don’t like the fit of APP2 and also don’t like stems, which buds would you recommend for an IPhone user? Tried Beats.. that’s a big negative. Thank you in advance, great channel.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

The XM5 is pretty solid! I like the Bose as well, but no wireless charging and their connectivity is kind of bad.

[@chukwudiugwulali9438]

Excellent High Quality Video!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thank you!

[@eskop8778]

Between the XM5 and the BOSE, which one you would recomment to a drummer?? which one would have the better ANC in this situation (Acoustic drumset and/or band rehearsal) Great video btw, thank you!

[@HonestFANBOY]

As always awesome video!! The Adriatic in McKinney is beautiful and only 30 minutes away from me. I do a lot of photoshoot here

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Yeah, it's beautiful!

[@HonestFANBOY]

@@ThisIsTechToday how was the Texas heat for you?!

[@fuzzy__dunlop]

This is a great video. Well done.

[@cwaicwai821]

Thank you for this mmersive review. Will you be making one with the Galaxy buds pro 2? I'm torn between the xm5 or the buds pro 2.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

XM5 if you want a complete package. Galaxy buds 2 have good sound and that’s about it.

[@penepatitenor]

Holy heck. Now THATS a review. Bravo!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thank you!

[@norailves778]

Thank you so much! My Galaxy Buds decided to break completely so I'm on a hunt for new non-samsung earphones and I think I'll get these. Yes they are on a pricier side, but I use earphones till they die, so for me it's like a 2-3 year investment that I'm willing to make.

[@karlo407]

This is a great review. Thank you. I’m listening from a pair of AirPod Pro 2’s. I played two songs in the review, then from Spotify. Both songs, I didn’t like how the Pro 2’s sounded in the review. But played from Spotify, I like them very much. Does this mean, to determine which I prefer, the XM5’s or the Pro 2’s, I really have to get both and listen to them personally?

[@aaakmm1785]

Yes, sound demos are often misleading.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

As mentioned, it’s a comparative example not a 1:1. If you heard the AirPods Pro samples on your own AirPods Pro then you have their sound profile doubled.

[@karlo407]

@@ThisIsTechToday Thanks. That noisy-room call quality of the XM5's, that seems to be a pretty conclusive result, independent of listening device. Very disappointing. Looking forward to your revisiting this now that they are released to retail.

[@tranedylan]

Hi mate, please do the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and Sony XM5. I want to buy those two, but need more reference with the ANC, and transparency for both model

[@skullcrusher_1]

I have been trying to EQ my xm4 to sound less dark so the xm5s may very well be a future purchase for me. Definitely going to see what deals pop up on Amazon though because that price is out there 😂

[@Paprika526]

Great review. Sounds like the sub-bass of the WF-100XM5 are lacking in comparison to the Bose Quitecomfort. Is that you're experience too?

[@pierre3205]

Awesome detailed video! I use the AirPods Pro but they kinda slip out of my ear pretty quick. How is the Sonys fit compared to Bose? I will be wearing the headphone for hours so I don’t want anything fatiguing. Are the Bose a lot more comfortable?

[@ThisIsTechToday]

The Bose combine the eartip and wingtip so that’s a dual setup. The sonys rely strongly, and mostly on the eartips themselves. That’s a hard one because I don’t know your ears, but I find the xm5 to be comfortable enough, but not as secure as the Bose, but the Bose app drives me mad.

[@pierre3205]

@@ThisIsTechToday thanks for the response! I’ll give the Bose a try since ear tips usually don’t work with me. Hopefully they won’t be too much of a hassle! :)

[@DreamsOfLegend]

INCREDIBLE in depth and rich breakdown man! EXCELLENT work. While i can see how good the XM5s are...i came away from this thinking, "Damn my XM4s STILL awesome and right up there with the best... No need to spend $300!"

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thank you so much!