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Customer reviews

Rating 4.3 out of 5 stars with 2345 reviews

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Rating by feature

  • Sound Quality

    Rating 4.7 out of 5 stars

  • Battery Life

    Rating 4.6 out of 5 stars

  • Connectivity

    Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars

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Cons mentioned filter

83%would recommend to a friend

Customers are saying

Customers are impressed with the WF-1000XM5 True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds, particularly the sound quality, battery life, and comfortable fit. Many appreciate the clear sound and booming bass, as well as the effectiveness of the active noise cancellation. However, some users have noted connectivity issues and overly sensitive touch controls, while others feel the product is a bit expensive.

This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.

The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
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Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 130 reviews
  • Pros mentioned:
    Sound quality

    Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    Failed after 2 months, distortion, very low volume

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    Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The noise canceling is good, but that’s basically the only positive. They were never loud enough, and after only two months of normal use they suddenly started distorting and the volume dropped to an unusable level overnight. I tried troubleshooting on my own and went through Sony’s diagnostic steps with zero improvement. Best Buy support was also disappointing and unhelpful. For the price, this kind of reliability and support is unacceptable.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from SonyListens
      Posted .

      Hi Radwan,

      We are sorry to hear about the distortion and volume issues with your WF-1000XM5. To attempt a fix, please initialize the earbuds: place both units in the case with the lid open, then hold the button on the back for about 15 seconds until the indicator flashes orange.

      If this does not resolve the issue, since your product is under warranty, please visit our Product Repair Portal to start a service claim: https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/support-contact?language=en_US.

      Thanks for choosing Sony.

      Best regards,
      Eliab Sony_US

  • Pros mentioned:
    Sound quality

    Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    XM5 Experience

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    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Truly horrific. The XM4s were an absolute nightmare—terrible fit, horrendous comfort, and unbearable for daily use. I exchanged them, and years later, decided to give the XM5s a chance, hoping they had improved. Spoiler alert: they haven't. If anything, they're just as atrocious, if not worse (and yes, it might just be me). Test them vigorously and if they even remotely resemble my experience, return them IMMEDIATELY. Otherwise, life will get in the way and you'll be stuck with these dreadful headphones. Side note: sound quality is good.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from SonyListens
      Posted .

      Hi AggrievedPatron, We're sorry to hear about your negative experience with the Sony XM4 and the WF1000XM5. We understand that finding the perfect fit can vary from person to person. We recommend trying different ear tip sizes and experimenting with the positioning to achieve a snug and comfortable fit.
      We are glad to hear that you found the sound quality to be good, and we hope that you find a pair of headphones that better meet your expectations in terms of fit and comfort.
      Should you any assistance, feel free to email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:

      Name:
      Username:
      Model Number:
      Issue:
      Telephone Number:

      I hope you consider our Sony products in the future. Thank you for sharing your feedback.

      Regards,
      Sam Sony_US

  • Pros mentioned:
    Sound quality

    Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    Does not stay in the ear

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    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Sound good but don’t stay in my ears. Easy to loose. Changing out those plastic fitting don’t help. If the fit like the Raycons… these would ok. I notice at times people have a hard time hearing me.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from SonyListens
      Posted .

      Hi Tietie, thank you for sharing your feedback on the WF-1000XM5. We're sorry to hear about your experience with the fit and the challenges with call quality.

      We understand how important a comfortable and secure fit is. The WF-1000XM5 comes with multiple earbud tip sizes to accommodate different ear shapes. If you haven’t already, we recommend trying each size included to find the most optimal fit. It’s important to ensure the earbud tips are firmly and completely attached, covering the sound output hole, which can improve both comfort and performance. If none of the provided tips work, Sony offers replacement hybrid silicone earbud tips. These new tips include an additional LL size not found in the original package and feature a different material and design for enhanced comfort and seal. This can provide an improved fit for users who find the original foam tips uncomfortable or unstable.

      Regarding call quality, there are a few things to check:
      - Make sure the earbuds are snug in your ears, as an improper fit can impact microphone and call quality.
      - Double-check that your WF-1000XM5 is selected as the active 'Hands-Free' device in your phone or computer's audio settings during calls.
      - If people still have difficulty hearing you, try speaking a bit louder (background noise can sometimes affect voice pickup).
      - If problems persist, try restarting both the headphones and the connected device, or perform a reset/initialization of the earbuds as outlined in the Sony support resources.

      If you've tried all available ear tips and are still experiencing discomfort or issues with retention, please reach out to us. You can contact us here: https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/support-contact?language=en_US&category=headphones. We’re here to help you find a solution.

      Thank you again for bringing this to our attention and for considering us. We are here to help ensure you get the best possible experience from your WF-1000XM5.

      Gus
      Sony Social Media Team Sony_US

  • Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    DO NOT RECOMMEND (READ THIS BEFORE BUYING )

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    Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This product is not worth its nearly $300 price tag. The battery life, though advertised as around 8 hours, drains unevenly. If both earbuds start at 100%, just 10 minutes of use can leave one at 85% and the other at 75%. While they offer fast charging, it doesn’t work for both earbuds at once. The fit is also uncomfortable—I couldn’t wear them for more than 10 minutes without pain, and I still have marks from using them. For just $150, I’d recommend the ONEPLUS Buds Pro 3 instead. They’re far more comfortable, deliver better sound quality, and are much more reliable.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from SonyListens
      Posted .

      Hi Natnael, Thank you for your feedback on the WF-1000XM5 earbuds. We apologize for the issues you have experienced with the battery life and fit. Regarding the battery life, it is indeed expected to last between 3.5 to 12 hours depending on the settings. If you are experiencing uneven battery drainage or other battery-related issues, it may indicate a problem with the unit. We recommend contacting Sony product support team for further assistance through this link: https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/service?language=en_US.

      For the fit issues, we understand that finding the perfect fit can vary from person to person. We recommend trying different ear tip sizes and experimenting with the positioning to achieve a snug and comfortable fit.

      Should you need further assistance, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:

      Name:
      Username:
      Model Number:
      Issue:
      Telephone Number:

      Regards,
      Sam Sony_US

  • Pros mentioned:
    Sound quality

    Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    The old switcheroo. Old model earbuds in new box

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    Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Got the previous year model in the wf1000xm5 box. Left the country to discover this. Basically payed for the newest and got the older one . Customer service might help me on a credit towards something when i get back state side. On the bright side the wrong earbuds they sold me are also good

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    just wasn’t for me

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    Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    While initially excited about these wireless headphones, my enthusiasm waned as I struggled to decipher their intricate functionalities. The learning curve proved steeper than expected, leaving me somewhat frustrated. Additionally, the packaging, considering the premium price tag, felt disappointingly flimsy. Despite my initial desire to love these headphones, the complex setup and underwhelming packaging left me yearning for a more straightforward and robust user experience. Unfortunately I gave up and didn’t return them and went back to another well-known brand. I probably would have grown to love them a lot if I took the time to figure out all the functions but I felt headphones shouldn’t be that complicated.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from SonyListens
      Posted .

      Hi Destinydecoding, thanks for choosing and purchasing our product. We're sorry to hear about your experience with the packaging and setup of your new Sony unit. We'd like to turn your opinion around regarding this awesome WF1000XM5.

      We recommend using the Headphone Connect app along with the earbuds for easier setup. You can find this link helpful:

       https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/2963/v1/en/contents/TP1000780640.html

      We have our Support team that is always happy and eager to assist. If you require any additional support with regard to this product, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details: Name: Username: Model Number: Issue: Telephone Number:

      ~Earl Sony_US

  • Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    Apple's is better I regret it nonsense

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    Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    It's not that much of an exaggeration. If you want to buy it, pay attention to these comments. It comes out of your ears quickly and is very bad in terms of grip.

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from SonyListens
      Posted .

      Thank you for sharing your feedback, Regreta.

      We are sorry to hear that the WF-1000XM5 earbuds do not provide a secure fit and that you find they come out of your ears. This is not the comfortable and reliable experience we aim to deliver.

      The earbuds come with several sizes of noise isolation earbud tips, and sometimes switching to a different size can significantly improve the fit and grip. We highly recommend trying each size to find the one that creates the best seal for your ears. You can also find more tips on getting the best fit in the user manual.

      Thank you again for your valuable feedback and for being a Sony customer.

      Best regards, Gus, Sony Social Media Team Sony_US

  • Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    Not worth the price

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    Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Phone call sound aweful, sound quility not that bad but there are better ones like the bose quietconfort and defenitly better noise supression , dunno whos got the great idea to switch the gums for memory foam eartips they wont seal as good as the other ones. Got iphone and the app suck aswell to many layers its not that easy to use as other companies simple and fast. Bass is not that punchy as other earbuds for the price definitely you can get something better way better

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    Is not worth the price

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    Posted . Owned for 9 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    If you're looking for noise counseling ear buds this are not the ones.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from SonyListens
      Posted .

      Hi REDcruz, We are sorry to hear that you are experiencing issues with your WF-1000XM5 earbuds. We'd love to troubleshoot the issue and make this a better experience for you. In the meantime, make sure the noise canceling function is turned on. Also, if the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, tap operations or Speak-to-Chat speech detection may not work correctly, or you may not obtain the correct sound qualities, noise canceling effects, or call performance. In these cases, Hold and rotate the headset unit with your thumb, index, and middle finger to adjust the headset to fit your ear.
      After putting the headset unit into your ear, hold the side of the headset unit with your fingers and slowly push the earbud tip into your ear canal. If you touch the touch sensor, the headset may operate.
      If you feel it is difficult to put the earbud tips into your ears, squeeze the earbud tips lightly before wearing the headset.

      For more troubleshooting steps, please check our help guide link: https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/2963/v1/en/contents/TP1000780044.html

      May we contact you to help? If so, please email the below information to socialsupport@am.sony.com
      Apologies if you disclosed some of this information in your review and to customer service, we just want to ensure that we have your accurate details at the time of communication.

      Full Name:
      Username:
      Telephone Number:
      Model Number:
      Issue:

      Regards,
      Carl Sony_US

  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life, Comfort
    Cons mentioned:
    Connectivity, Touch controls

    Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    It's evolving, just backwards

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    Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Recently lost my WF-1000XM4s so I decided to treat myself to an "upgrade". These are such a huge downgrade over the WF-1000XM4s. Pros: - Lighter than the WF-1000XM4 - More comfortable - Slightly better battery Cons: - Randomly disconnects from devices - Touch controls are horrendous compared to the xm4 (why do you have to tap 4 times on one side just to raise or lower volume??) - Randomly turns of ANC (have to connect to a device with the app and re-enable) - Does not automatically connect to the two devices that you want it to, have to manually change the playback device (xm4s would automatically prioritize the device you connected with last) - Right earbud randomly doesn't turn on (have to put it back in the case and take it out repeatedly, never an issue with the XM4) Conclusion: Save your money and buy the Sennheisers or Bose Quietcomforts instead, or just spring for the older XM4s which are far better. This is a sorry excuse of a device for this price point.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from SonyListens
      Posted .

      Hi ArnavK,
      Thank you for your time writing this review. While we are glad you like the comfortable fit, lightweight, and battery life of your WF1000XM5, we're sorry to hear some issues that you are experiencing with the unit. We'd like to help and do the best possible for you.

      Please try some steps on these links below to troubleshoot and resolve the issues:

      Troubleshoot sound skips or Bluetooth connection issues:
      https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/2963/v1/en/contents/TP1000779959.html

      Using touch sensor controls:
      https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/2963/v1/en/contents/TP1000779848.html?search=touch%20control

      Ambient Sound Mode or Noise Canceling function changes unexpectedly:
      https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00229328?utm_source=glean

      Using Multipoint connection:
      https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/2963/v1/en/contents/TP1001106282.html?utm_source=glean

      There is no sound, or sound is only heard from one side of the headphones:
      https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00298365?utm_source=glean
      May we contact you to help? If so, please email the below information to socialsupport@am.sony.com:
      Name:
      Best Buy Username:
      Telephone Number:
      Model Number:
      Issue:

      We are sorry for the inconvenience and hope to speak to you to resolve this matter. - Kris Sony_US

  • Pros mentioned:
    Sound quality
    Cons mentioned:
    Touch controls

    Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    No custom touch controlls

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    Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Wow. They really need to add custom options for the touch sensor buttons like they do with the wf-xm4000. I want full volume controls on my left ear that I can scale up and down with only 1 or 2 taps. Pressing both side of my ear 4 times to try and get the volume just right is a ridiculous oversight. Its so bad I though it just needed and update but there is still no way for volume customization like the previous model. I don’t know if Sony will update this feature back into the earphones but until they do I would just stick with her older model until it’s addressed. Basically you need to pull your phone out of your pocket every time you want to adjust your volume reasonably. As of now the app allows you to change the touch sensor functions but the presets for each earbud are locked. For example I can choose Ambient Sound Control/Quick access, or Playback Control. If you choose Ambient Sound Control the features are locked to taps. 1 tap is ambient sound toggle. Double and triple tap literally say "Not Assigned" and get this... as if you were a drummer; 4 taps will lower the volume ONE LEVEL DOWN. Like how did this happen? If you choose Playback Controls as one of the presets then 4 taps will increase the volume by one notch just like the Ambient presets lower it by the same amount. This is a very bizarre oversight. Yes the quality of the Sony WF-1000XMFs are nice but the functionalities are just as important as the sound quality or the noise canceling features and unfortunately they removed a key feature that was present in the older previous model. And since use these every day at my job I constantly need to adjust the volume in order to communicate with people and now I begrudgingly have to grab my phone in order to do that now. The custom touch volume controls for the WF-10000XM4 were perfect. Increasing the volume rapidly with a single tap and double tap and holding it to lower the volume is my go to function from my XM4's. And XM5's are completely inferior to the previous model.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Sound quality

    Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    Disappointed

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    Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    NOTE -This review is based on the on the upgraded firmware version 2.01. I had no idea there was a major firmware version upgrade until I saw it downloading in the app. I used the buds for only a little while with the shipping firmware (ver. 1.01) but it the new version seemed to adversely affect the ANC (but cannot say for certain). I was looking forward to the release of the XM5s since Sony has a track record of improving their headphones and earbuds with each generation. The XM5s are an unfortunate departure from this trend. Though not entirely without merit, the negatives far outweigh the positives. ============================== First the cons: * Like the XM4, Sony does not pack ear tips that properly seal for me (and I can't be the only one). It's nice they include extra small tips, but what about the other end - extra large tips. Try as I might, I could not get a proper seal, so sound and ANC with the included tips was a flat no-go. Hey Sony, for the same price as the XM5s, a competitor includes SEVEN(!!!) ear tip sizes. * Speaking of the ear tips, why have Sony stopped including silicone? The foam tips are nice enough, but they have a very limited life-time; silicone tips can last for years. * If you purchase or already have a preferred set of tips (that fit), be aware that the dirt/wax filter is now part of the included ear tips, not the buds themselves. So, you risk getting dirt/wax directly into the earbuds - especially since you WILL be dropping them (see design comments below) * Design - the XM5s are just begging to be dropped. Sony have decided to make the sides of the buds glossy which makes taking them out of the case difficult and removing them from your ears an adventure. Good luck if your finger tips are the least bit sweaty. I can guarantee these will find the sidewalk many times. * The revamped app STILL does not allow customization of taps. FOUR TAPS to change the volume??? C'mon Sony! * Beware wireless charging. The case gets VERY warm (as do the buds if they're in the case while wirelessly charging). Remember, that was one of the reported symptoms of the XM4 battery issues (at least according to the Sony support rep I dealt with when my original XM4 batteries decided to go belly-up). BTW - Sony replaced my XM4s even after the warranty ended, so kudos to Sony for that. * ANC - in a word, mediocre. As I compared the XM5s with my current XM4s, the older XM4's ANC performed noticeably better. I used the same ear tips for both and had a proper seal. ===================================== Now for the pros: * Audio is excellent and seems to have improved some over the the already excellent XM4s. Sound is well balanced (clean highs and solid lows) and the EQ included with the app is excellent. * The case is slimmer than the one for the XM4s ====================================== All in all, I could not have been more disappointed. These are going back to Best Buy and I will continue using my XM4s. If you currently own a set of the WF-1000XM4 earbuds, I'd recommend NOT upgrading. If you own the older XM3 earbuds, I'd say it's a toss up, due mostly to the size difference of the buds and the MUCH smaller case.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life, Sound quality

    Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    Just get an xm4 until the xm6 comes out

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    Posted . Owned for 3 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I miss the XM4. The changes in design has made it so that the earbuds never fits quite right in my ear, and I've used multiple tip types. Also, if you only use one ear bud, it doesn't default to noise canceling. You can turn on NC manually or use adaptive control, but even then adaptive controls keeps turning off in the app. Meaning it defaults back to ambient noise. If you drop the case the buds just go flying out, I've almost lost them multiple times. It happened occasionally with the xm4s, but the xm5 magnet is weaker I think. Battery life, connectivity, and sound are great, but the problems I outlined make it a fail in my book.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from SonyListens
      Posted .

      Hi Acw00, Thank you for your feedback on the WF-1000XM5. We appreciate your detailed review and are sorry to hear about the issues you've encountered.
      Regarding the fit of the earbuds, we understand that comfort and secure fit are crucial. If you've already tried different sizes and types of ear tips and you continue to experience discomfort, please reach out to our support team for further assistance.

      For the noise-canceling feature, we acknowledge that it should ideally activate automatically when using a single earbud. We will pass on your feedback to our development team.

      The concern about the earbuds falling out of the case is noted. We will look into the magnet strength and case design to ensure the earbuds remain secure during everyday use.

      We're glad to hear that you are satisfied with the battery life, connectivity, and sound quality of these earbuds.

      Thank you for choosing Sony. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our support team through this link: https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/service?language=en_US.

      Or email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:

      Name:
      Username:
      Model Number:
      Issue:
      Telephone Number:

      Sincerely,
      Sam Sony_US

  • Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    Terrible quality for price

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I bought these before getting the bose QC ultra. But i have read reviews about these and apparently the generation before these was amazing, i tried these and they were just not it, very disappointed. I wouldnt even recommend to a friend, theyre expensive but yet they feel very fragile and cheap, the buttons on the earbuds themselves are very sensitive youll find yourself accidentally activitating buttons while adjusting them. The app for them is very basic and not much to do, not even customizable. And the buttons for the buds themselves are not changeable. Sound quality is average. What i would recommend are the bose quietcomfort ultra.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from SonyListens
      Posted .

      Hi Michael,

      Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding the WF-1000XM5 earbuds. We genuinely appreciate hearing your honest opinion, as it helps us understand our customers' experiences.

      We are sorry to hear that the WF-1000XM5 did not work out for you. We take your points about the fragile feel, sensitive touch controls, and app functionality seriously.

      We would like to share information on features that address some of your concerns, as they may offer ways to improve your experience:

      - Touch Sensor Sensitivity and Customization: We understand your frustration with accidentally activating the controls. The good news is that the functions of the touch sensors can be customized using the Sony | Headphones Connect app! You can change what each sensor does, or even disable some functions if desired, which can help manage accidental touches.

      For a complete list of customizable options and what you can do with the Sony | Headphones Connect app, please visit this helpful guide: https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/2963/v1/en/contents/TP1000781980.html

      - Sound Quality: While sound preference is subjective, the WF-1000XM5 offers a high degree of sound customization through the equalizer settings in the app.

      You may find these useful recommendations on improving sound quality helpful: https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/2963/v1/en/contents/TP1000779956.html?search=sound%20

      Regarding your concerns about the fragile and cheap feel, we continuously strive to balance compact design, performance, and durability in our products.

      If you are interested in exploring the customization options further or need more personalized guidance on the app settings or sound adjustment, please contact our technical support team:

      Contact Sony Support: https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/support-contact?language=en_US&category=headphones

      Thank you for considering Sony products!

      Best regards,
      Dominick Sony_US

  • Cons mentioned:
    Connectivity

    Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    Connection problems! Need case to pair! ANC bad!

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    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Today the left earbud stated the battery was low and turned off. I put them in the case to reset for about 1 minutes, took them back out, and they are at 99%. These are complete garbage! These glitch every day. 50% chance one won’t connect to Apple Watch. I’ll have to reinsert into the case, which I don’t carry into the gym with me. If I tap to turn off noise cancelling to talk to someone, one earbud will turn it off and the other won’t. The only fix is to put the earbuds in the case or forget pairing and re-pair them altogether. I don’t bring the case with me into the gym or on a jog, that would be ridiculous. This trend of requiring the charging case to pair is absolutely absurd . If you’re in the gym or out for a jog and the charging case is in your car or at home, you can’t re-pair your earbuds when they glitch. Rebooting your phone or watch doesn’t fix the problem. Repairing is often the only way to fix. Why can’t we long click both earbuds to setup pairing mode? Common Sense! Why does this need to be more difficult than it should be? Imagine needing to put your phone in a special case to pair it to Bluetooth devices. That sounds really foolish right? So why do we require that for earbuds? The ANC is less than average with these. I suspect the foam tips are part of the problem. I’ve had about 6 pairs of earbuds in the past 3 years. These have the worst ANC of them all.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    Very Bad Design

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    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Horrible! It is very difficult to get them out of the case. There is no grip to them. When on a call the person on the other end could hear weird distortion. The sound quality is poor and piercing despite working with EQ. They picks up sounds that it shouldn't, like a cash register beeping, that sound is made more prominent over the cashiers voice. I have had the Sony Link Buds for a long time - these have beautiful sound quality and you can get them out of the case.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from SonyListens
      Posted .

      Hi TiffanyB,

      We are truly sorry to experience that your WF-1000XM5 earbuds have not met the high standard of performance you’ve come to expect from your previous Sony LinkBuds.

      We appreciate your honest comments regarding the case design and the grip of the earbuds. Feedback like yours is invaluable to our design team as we look to improve the ergonomics of future products.

      To address the audio and call quality issues you described, we recommend the following troubleshooting steps:

      1- The "piercing" sound or poor audio quality is often related to the fit or the earbud tips.

      Use the "Determining the optimal earbud tips" function in the Sony | Sound Connect app. A proper airtight seal is essential for balanced sound and effective Noise Canceling.

      Additionally, ensure your earbuds are updated to the latest version via the app, as firmware updates frequently include "Call Quality" improvements and tuning refinements.

      2- If environmental noises like cash registers are being amplified over voices, your Ambient Sound Mode settings may need adjustment:

      - Open the Sound Connect app and check your Ambient Sound Control settings. You can toggle "Focus on Voice" to help the microphones prioritize speech over high-pitched background noises.

      - Adaptive Sound Control: If this feature is on, the earbuds may be switching modes automatically based on your location. Try disabling it to see if the sound remains more consistent.

      3- Distortion during calls can sometimes be caused by wireless interference or a poor Bluetooth "handshake."

      In the app, try setting the Service Link or Bluetooth Connection Quality to "Priority on Stable Connection."

      If you continue to find the audio quality unsatisfactory after these adjustments, please reach out to our support team so we can look into this further for you:

      https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/support-contact?language=en_US&category=headphones

      Thank you for considering Sony!

      Regards,
      Dominick Sony_US

  • Pros mentioned:
    Sound quality

    Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    Long term use ruins transparency/ANC

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    Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    After two exchanges (three pairs of XM5 total) I'm hoping to go back and exchange them to get a different brand of earbuds entirely. I don't know what about my daily use case is that does this, but I have repeatedly gotten a loud white noise after a couple months of use that destroys the quality of transparency and ANC. This is NOT the white noise that might typically come from ANC. This is almost like heavy rain, or a loud rumbling coming from one of the buds that completely ruins the listening experience. It appears all the sudden in one fell swoop and then will not go away. While I do truly enjoy the sound quality and user experience, and all the bells and whistles, I cannot accept these long term issues.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from SonyListens
      Posted .

      Hey JedediahB, thanks for your review!

      That sounds odd, if the issue keeps happening even after replacing the headphones many times, that may mean we have a special issue going on here.

      We have some steps you might check on the links below:
      https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00273844
      https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00298368

      If after checking those steps the issue persist, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:

      Name:
      Best buy username:
      Model Number:
      Issue:
      Telephone Number:

      So we can provide you personalized assistance.

      Our apologies for the issue, we'll do our best to assist you with it.

      Thanks for choosing Sony.
      Gus Sony_US

  • Pros mentioned:
    Sound quality
    Cons mentioned:
    Connectivity

    Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    Connectivity Issues

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    Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    These are the single worst headphones I have ever owned. Not because of the sound but the continued connectivity issues. They won't connect to my Samsung frame tv. They frequently discconect from my laptop, requiring me mid conference call to put them in the case to reset them. Sound is awesome but cannot stand this connectivity issue.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from SonyListens
      Posted .

      Hi EricR,

      While we are glad to hear about your satisfaction with the amazing sound quality of our WF-1000XM5, we are really sorry if you're having connectivity issues. This is certainly not the experience we were hoping you would have. We'd love to help you isolate this problem. To start, if you haven't already, we suggest updating your WF-1000XM5 firmware to the latest version. This update enhances the headphones' functionality and features while addressing any performance issues you might be experiencing. For instructions, please visit the link below:
      https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wf-1000xm5/downloads

      The WF-1000XM5 is compatible with devices that support Bluetooth A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) profile for wireless audio/music playback. If your connectivity issue persists, please refer to the following articles:
      https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/2963/v1/en/contents/TP1000779964.html
      https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00298369
      https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00097458

      I hope this helps.

      Should you need more technical assistance/information with our product, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details so we can better assist you.

      Name:
      BestBuy Username:
      Model Number:
      Issue:
      Telephone Number:

      We value you, and thank you for choosing Sony.

      Sincerely,

      Romeo
      Sony Social Support Sony_US

  • Pros mentioned:
    Fit, Sound quality

    Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    Started great, didn’t last at all.

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    Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Earbuds fit good, the noise cancelling was good, then after about 2 weeks, the midrange was gone, audio was tilted to one side, and it seemed like it was a crapshoot whether or not the left bud was going to have any sound at all. Also started getting random static in the left ear. I don’t listen loud at all, but I’m pretty sure one of the drivers is blown

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from SonyListens
      Posted .

      Hi JeffreyZ,

      Thank you for the review and we're sorry to hear what happened with your headphones. Update the software of your headphones using the Sony headphones connect app. A firmware update improves the functionality and features of your device. It can provide fixes to any performance issues that may occur.

      https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wf-1000xm5/software/00269130

      For us to better assist you, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:

      Name:
      Best Buy Username:
      Model Number:
      Issue:
      Telephone Number:

      -David Sony_US

  • Cons mentioned:
    Connectivity

    Rated 1 out of 5 stars

    Please don't buy these

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    Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Absolutely disgusted by this purchase. Got water damage, less than 3 months old. Sony doesn't offer warranties, nor has the ability to repair it. Best Buy won't help. This is totally broken, and costs over $300 with tax. Sony's recommendation is to "check the yellow pages and find a repair center". Please, do not purchase these earbuds. They aren't good quality and break very easily with no hope of fix. Connectivity isn't that great either. Sound is ok, not as good as Airpods. Such a waste of money.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from SonyListens
      Posted .

      Hi ANewBrickForMyDisplayCase, we are truly sorry to hear about your experience with the WF-1000XM5. We completely understand how frustrating and disappointing it must feel to invest in a product, and have it fail in such a short time, especially without the support you were hoping for. That's not the kind of experience we want you to have.
      We understand your frustration and want to help in any way we can. We appreciate sharing your honest feedback as it helps us improve.
      Please email the information below to socialsupport@am.sony.com so we can better assist you.
      Full Name:
      Best Buy Username:
      Telephone Number:
      Model Number:
      Issue/Concern:
      We are here to support you! Regards, -Dominick Sony_US