Premium Sony WF-1000XM5 headphones have never been cheaper! They have top-notch ANC and excellent sound

Sony WF-1000XM5 have been among the absolute top TWS headphones since their introduction in 2023. The combination of premium sound, one of the most effective ANCs on the market, and a sophisticated app has made them a reference point against which competitors are measured. The Smoky Pink version is now available on Heureka from 3,713 CZK – which is significantly less than the black or silver variants. If you don’t mind the color, it’s an opportunity to get premium headphones at a mid-range price.

Quick summary:
✅ Makes sense if you are looking for precise ANC and sound in the TWS category and don’t mind or even like the pink color.
⚠️ Consider if the ergonomics suit you – some users report issues with ear tip size and fit in the ears.
💡 For 3,713 CZK, you get headphones that cost over 5,000 CZK at full price and regularly beat competitors from Bose, Apple, and Samsung in reviews.

Why these headphones are still relevant

Sony WF-1000XM5 are the fifth generation of a series that defined the category of premium TWS headphones with active noise cancellation. Even two years after their release, they remain the reference standard against which new competitor models are evaluated. Sony incorporated its experience from the WH-1000XM5 over-ear headphones, resulting in a product that consistently wins comparisons against Apple AirPods Pro, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Samsung Galaxy Buds in reviews.

At a regular price of 5,000–6,000 CZK, this is a premium product. However, the Smoky Pink version for 3,713 CZK shifts the price/performance ratio into an entirely different category – you get identical hardware, just in a less common color.

Key parameters: sound, ANC, processors

At the heart of the headphones is a combination of the QN2e HD Noise Cancelling Processor and the integrated V2 processor for sound processing. The result is 24-bit processing with minimal distortion. The specially designed Dynamic Driver X driver (8 mm) uses a diaphragm made of different materials for the dome and edge – this ensures clear vocals, detailed highs, and rich bass without coloration.

The headphones support the LDAC codec, which transmits approximately 3× more data than standard Bluetooth – practically delivering Hi-Res audio wirelessly. DSEE Extreme technology uses artificial intelligence to enhance compressed files from streaming services in real-time.

ANC operates in a dual hybrid mode with dedicated microphones for ambient noise sensing. Sony claims it’s the most effective noise cancellation in the TWS category – and reviews confirm it. The Adaptive Sound Control feature automatically adjusts the ANC level according to the environment.

Practical aspects: battery life, calls, connectivity

Battery life is up to 8 hours with active ANC, with an additional 16 hours provided by the charging case – totaling 24 hours. Fast charging provides 60 minutes of listening after 3 minutes on the charger. The case supports wireless Qi charging, including reverse charging from compatible smartphones.

For calls, there are integrated omnidirectional microphones with AI-powered noise reduction and a bone conduction sensor. Precise Voice Pickup technology isolates your voice from ambient noise – users on Heureka reviews praise that the other party hears clearly even in noisy environments.

Connectivity includes Bluetooth 5.3 with Multipoint support for simultaneous connection to two devices. Water resistance meets the IPX4 standard (sweat, rain). Control is via touch surfaces with full customization options in the Sony Sound Connect app.

What users say

On Heureka, the headphones have a rating of 90% from 60 reviews, with 45 customers recommending the product. The textual reviews paint a consistent picture: users primarily praise the sound quality (repeatedly described as “top-notch” or “best in category”), the effectiveness of ANC, and comfort during all-day wear.

A typical positive comment: “Fabulous sound, perfect microphone for calls, unrivaled ANC.” Several reviewers explicitly mention that after trying other brands (Samsung, Bose, Apple), they stuck with Sony.

Critical voices focus on the foam ear tips, which don’t fit some users or are harder to clean. Other complaints point to the glossy surface, which slips in the fingers, and the sensitive touch controls, which sometimes react unintentionally when putting them on. Several users mention that the Ambient mode sounds unnatural compared to the competition.

When it doesn’t make sense

If you need headphones primarily for sports and running, there are better options with a more secure fit – Sony WF-1000XM5 have repeated mentions in reviews of falling out during intense movement. For purely sports use, models with wings or ear hooks are more suitable.

If you are exclusively in the Apple ecosystem and appreciate seamless integration (automatic switching between devices, Find My, Spatial Audio with head tracking), AirPods Pro 2 offer better synergy with iPhone and Mac – even if Sony still leads in sound and ANC.

And if the pink color really doesn’t suit you and you don’t want to look at it every day, the black version for approximately 4,800 CZK is still excellent value – just not as extreme as the Smoky Pink for 3,713 CZK.

Verdict: who it’s worth it for

Sony WF-1000XM5 are headphones for those who want excellent sound and ANC in the TWS category and are willing to pay a premium price for it. However, the Smoky Pink version for 3,713 CZK changes the equation – you get identical hardware with a discount of over 1,000 CZK compared to the black variant.

A 90% rating on Heureka and consistent victories in editorial tests show that even two years after its release, it remains a reference product in its category. If the ergonomics suit you (we recommend trying them out or factoring in the possibility of return) and the pink color doesn’t deter you, it’s one of the best values on the market for premium TWS headphones.

Does an unusual color bother you when it comes to headphones, or are sound and features the main deciding factors for you?