Sony launches WF-1000XM5 earplugs with better noise cancellation for 320 euros
Sony introduces its WF-1000XM5 earbuds. These wireless earphones have a new design and improved noise cancellation. The WF-1000XM5 earplugs will be released in August and will cost 320 euros.
The WF-1000XM5 earphones have an updated design, Sony reported on Monday evening. The earplugs are approximately 25 percent smaller and 20 percent lighter than their predecessor. The XM5 earplugs also have a glossy design, while the current WF-1000XM4 earplugs have a matte finish. Sony supplies the XM5 earplugs with tips in four different sizes, compared to three with their predecessor.
The XM5 earphones weigh 5.9 grams and have larger Dynamic Driver X drivers with a diameter of 8.4 mm. The drivers in the XM4 earplugs had a diameter of 6mm. The earplugs also each have an extra microphone compared to the XM4 earplugs. Sony provides the earphones with a new Integrated Processor V2, which succeeds the V1 from the XM4. This works together with an HD Noise Canceling Processor QN2e. According to Sony, these extra microphones and new chips are used to improve noise cancellation.
The new earbuds also support Bluetooth multipoint. The previous WF-1000XM4 did not have that feature at release, although it was added later through a firmware update. The earbuds also support the LDAC codec for audio, also in combination with Bluetooth multipoint, and DSEE Extreme. The WF-1000XM5 also has bone conduction sensors and Precise Voice Pickup technology, which should better capture the wearer’s voice during conversations, even in noisy environments.
The earplugs also have a battery life of eight hours on a single charge. With the charging case, the total battery life is 24 hours. That is unchanged compared to the XM4. The charging case can be charged wirelessly via the Qi standard and the earbuds have an IPX4 certification for water resistance.
Sony will release the WF-1000XM5 in August. It is not known exactly when the earplugs will be released. The earphones have a recommended retail price of 320 euros. That is 40 euros more than the current WF-1000XM4 earplugs, which Sony released last year for 280 euros.