![Sony WF-1000XM5](https://cdn.magzter.com/1345126686/1694514168/articles/xrqdubOFX1694670277094/SONY-WF1000XM5.jpg)
We think it’s fair to say that the Sony WF-1000XM5 are, without exaggeration, one of the most eagerly anticipated pairs of wireless earbuds to launch in recent memory.
Why? Well, for starters they are replacing a two-time What Hi-Fi? Award-winner that has dominated the category since launch and set a pace that rivals from Apple and Bose have only recently matched.
Do the WF-1000XM5 push the envelope further? Sony definitely hasn’t been shy in making some big changes to its new top-of-the-line buds, but are they all positive?
The first change concerns pricing. Unfortunately, Sony hasn’t been able to do the same as Apple with its AirPods Pro 2 and keep its new flagship earbuds the same price as their predecessors. The WF-1000XM5 are £259, which is up from the £250 price tag of the previous model, the WF-1000XM4. This still sees them slot in between the AirPods Pro 2 at £249 and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II at £280, which keeps them competitive. In case you were wondering, we have spoken to Sony and it has confirmed that the WF-1000XM4 will be discontinued, so stock of the older model will start to become more limited over time.
Trimmed down design
The WF-1000XM5 charging case gives the first hint that Sony’s designers have been busy. It’s noticeably smaller than that of its predecessor, and sure enough, flip the top open and you will see the shrinkage has spread.
The earbuds really have been trimmed down. Sony claims the WF-1000XM5 are approximately 20 per cent lighter and 25 per cent smaller than the WF-1000XM4.
Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av What Hi-Fi UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av What Hi-Fi UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
![ANYONE CAN CARRYATUNE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1227/1766635/Pijh6r_Li1721222537494/ANYONE-CAN-CARRYATUNE.jpg)
ANYONE CAN CARRYATUNE
From the cheap and cheerful to premium devices for serious listening, there's a portable Bluetooth speaker for everyone
![SIZE ISN'T EVERYTHING](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1227/1766635/RWqgH0Y3w1721222941354/SIZE-ISNT-EVERYTHING.jpg)
SIZE ISN'T EVERYTHING
In a world awash with big screens, it’s as well to consider the benefits a smaller TV can bring
![QUALITY ON THE STREET](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1227/1766635/UVwBTkNhN1721222094364/QUALITY-ON-THE-STREET.jpg)
QUALITY ON THE STREET
Premium wireless headphones are all about delivering great sound on the go, but which of these four pairs is right for you?
![Wharfedale Aura 3](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1227/1766635/NIj_pCJRz1721221530323/WHARFEDALE-AURA-3.jpg)
Wharfedale Aura 3
Well-made towers with an easy-going nature
![Apple iPhone 15 Plus](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1227/1766635/qBzZi2d0A1721221384612/APPLE-IPHONE-15-PLUS.jpg)
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
A bigscreen andlots tolove
![Sennheiser HD 620S](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1227/1766635/5Z8i8ShQU1721221135328/SENNHEISER-HD-620S.jpg)
Sennheiser HD 620S
Open-back sound ina closed-back design? Is it possible?
![Majority Petersfield Go](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1227/1766635/vUG9VVxnX1721220974849/MAJORITY-PETERSFIELD-GO.jpg)
Majority Petersfield Go
Basic but perfectly enjoyable and affordable pocket radio
![Monitor Audio Studio 89](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1227/1766635/9frt8P7LS1721220456063/MONITOR-AUDIO-STUDIO-89.jpg)
Monitor Audio Studio 89
Sleek, small and hugely talented
![LG G4 vs Samsung S95D Which 2024 flagship OLED TV is better?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1227/1766635/dxU0PS0lo1721219908871/LG-G4-VS-SAMSUNG-S95D-WHICH-2024-FLAGSHIP-OLED-TV-IS-BETTER.jpg)
LG G4 vs Samsung S95D Which 2024 flagship OLED TV is better?
Looking for this year’s best flagship OLED TV? LG and Samsung prepare for a serious OLED showdown
![System of the month](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1227/1737145/9jYHSn9y21718806594587/SYSTEM-OF-THE-MONTH.jpg)
System of the month
A superb set-up that will bring you equal joy whether playing games or watching movies