Sony WF1000XM5 WF-1000XM5-SILVER Wireless Noise Canceling High-Res

The Sony WF-1000XM5 are the best-sounding true wireless earbuds we've tested, with excellent call quality and strong ANC. Comfort is hit or miss, and they're expensive, but the audio performance is unmatched. If sound is your top priority, these are the earbuds to buy.

Sound quality on the XM5 is the absolute best right now, sitting in the 100th percentile in our database. The Dynamic Driver X really does make a difference, especially in how it handles low-end texture without muddying up the mids. Bass hits with authority but stays tight, and the treble has a nice sparkle without getting harsh. Call quality is another standout, with six microphones and bone conduction tech that helps your voice cut through background noise. It's one of the best on the market for calls, landing in the 97th percentile. ANC is strong too, in the 88th percentile, which means it handles airplane rumble and office chatter with ease, though Bose still has a slight edge in pure silence. Battery life is impressive at 94th percentile, and the quick charge feature (3 minutes for an hour of playback) has saved us more than once. Connectivity is solid, and multipoint switching between devices works smoothly most of the time.

The Technics EAH-AZ100 is probably the closest direct competitor, offering a similar feature set with a slightly different sound signature that some people prefer. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds still hold the crown for pure ANC strength, so if maximum silence is your goal, they're worth a look. Samsung's Galaxy Buds3 Pro are a solid pick for Android users who want tight ecosystem integration and a more comfortable fit, though their sound doesn't quite reach the Sony's level. And of course, the Apple AirPods Pro are the no-brainer choice for iPhone owners, with seamless switching and good ANC, but the XM5 beats them on sound quality and call performance. The Soundcore P31i is the budget alternative here, and while it's impressive for the price, it's not in the same league sonically.

At $303, the XM5 sits at the top of the true wireless market, and you're paying for that best-in-class sound and mic performance. The value proposition gets a little shaky when you look at the budget score, which is a mediocre 59.7 out of 100. There are cheaper options like the Soundcore P31i that give you decent ANC and sound for way less money, but they won't touch the Sony's audio fidelity. If sound quality and call performance are your top priorities, the price is easier to justify. But if you're just looking for good noise canceling and don't care about LDAC or hi-res, you can save a chunk of change elsewhere.

Sony's WF-1000XM5 earbuds are basically the gold standard for true wireless audio right now, and the silver finish on this model looks pretty slick. If you've been hunting for the best noise canceling earbuds that don't compromise on sound, these are almost certainly on your radar. They pack Sony's latest Integrated Processor V2 and the QN2e noise canceling chip, plus a new 8.4mm Dynamic Driver X that's designed to push cleaner bass and more detailed highs. You're getting Hi-Res Audio support over LDAC, multipoint Bluetooth, and a total of 24 hours of battery life with the case. At around $303, they're priced like a flagship, and honestly, they deliver flagship performance in most areas that matter.

If you have small ears or find most in-ear buds uncomfortable, the XM5 probably aren't for you. The fit is one of the weakest points here, and no amount of sound quality makes up for earbuds that hurt after 30 minutes. Also, if you're just looking for solid ANC and don't care about hi-res audio or taking calls, save your money and grab something like the Soundcore P31i or even the previous-gen XM4 on sale. Gym rats should look elsewhere too, since the IPX4 rating is fine for light rain but not built for heavy sweat.

If you want the best-sounding true wireless earbuds on the market and you take a lot of calls, the Sony WF-1000XM5 is the pair to beat. The sound is top of the charts, call quality is a standout, and the ANC is more than good enough for most people. The real question is whether they'll fit your ears comfortably, because that's the one area where Sony consistently falls behind. Try them on if you can, or buy from a place with a good return policy. For pure audio performance, these are the ones to get.