Sony WF-1000XM5: An audio home run, but in a smaller package

Alex Hughes tries out Sony’s tiniest earbuds to date to see if it’s possible to pack a bigger musical punch into a smaller package

The earbud market is crowded...really crowded. There are more options than ever, and while some brands are happy to charge into the hundreds or, in some cases, thousands, you can just as easily score earphones for a few quid. Sure, the performance isn't great at that price, but at what point does your money stop securing better quality?

You can ask this question about Sony's new WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds, which will set you back £259. As the latest in the brand's legendary in-ear series, there's a lot of hype to live up to. Can they improve on what was already an almost flawless pair of earbuds? Or is this simply a pricey cosmetic upgrade more than anything else? I spent time with the WF-1000XM5 to find out.

DESIGN

Sound quality is obviously the priority, but the charging case is also a crucial part of any earbud package. Sony has spent a lot of time focusing on the charging case for the WF-1000XM5 and has trimmed down its size drastically. This version takes up very little space and fits comfortably in the palm of your hand.

Made with a premium plastic, the case feels well-built all over. The smaller size does make it a challenge to open onehanded, however. It's possible, but requires some finger gymnastics to release the clasp and close it again.