We’re excited about the Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Earbuds, but rumor has it that it will cost more than its predecessors. The upcoming headphones are the successor to Sony’s best true wireless earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM4, which has been a hit and deservedly so.
But while we think their successors will be better, it looks like they’ll cost more — up to 15% more, in fact. The news comes via Notebookcheck.net, which appears to be the final European pricing for the buds. This comes in at €319.99, a significant increase over the recommended retail price of €279 for the released earbuds. If the same increase occurs elsewhere, that would be $319 in the US and £287 in the UK.
This isn’t unique to Sony, I know. But it would be nice if people’s wages could rise as fast as the cost of products. The good news is that Sony’s new earbuds are expected to be so good that you won’t regret buying them, whatever price you end up paying.
Opinion: Why we’re excited about the Sony WF-1000XM5 true wireless earphones
In short, they are hands down the best wireless earphones you can buy. It appears that the upcoming changes are actually beneficial changes. The earphones will have redesigned drivers as part of an overhaul to make the WF-1000XM5 earphones smaller, lighter and more comfortable. Compared to the WF-1000XM4s, which come in at 7.3g, it is said to weigh 5.9g.
It should look better too, which is just one of the three massive upgrades we love. Sony has installed two new chipsets to support High-Resolution Audio and Sony’s DSEE Extreme audio technology. And it’ll make you sound better, too, thanks to the improved microphones.
Reports also indicate that the Sony WF-1000XM5s will have more endurance. The battery case gets an additional battery to extend the life of your earbuds when you’re away from the mains power source, and is said to charge enough for an hour of music in just three minutes. Charging fully from the flat is also very fast, coming in just a couple of hours.
If the price of it all seems a little steep, hold on. I’m writing this in the UK where the WF-1000XM4 has dropped to just £179 at some retailers, which is nearly 30% off its recommended retail price. You won’t get deals like that on new earphones right away, but Sony is so big and selling products in such numbers that you won’t have to wait long for retailers to (hopefully) discount them.
And if you’re not too fussy about the new features, once the new model drops there’s likely to be a quick sale on the WF-1000XM4s as retailers change out their old stock — so you should be able to get a great deal on one. One of the best headphones.
