True Wireless
JLab Epic Lab Edition
68Good
$200
Full review dataJLab Epic Lab Edition vs Sony WF-1000XM5: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sony WF-1000XM5 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sony WF-1000XM5 - Outstanding overall at around $249.
True Wireless
Sony WF-1000XM5
88Outstanding
$249
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
JLab Epic Lab Edition
Sound6.5
Noise cancelling5.5
Battery8.5
Calls6.0
Value7.0
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | JLab Epic Lab Edition | Sony WF-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $200 | $249 |
| HearWiki score | 68 / 100 · Good | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2023 | 2023 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | hybrid | 0.33" |
| Driver size | 10 mm | 8.4 mm |
| Driver size | 40mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20-20,000 Hz | 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 97 dB/mW | 102 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity | -38 dB ±1 dB | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless range | 9.1 m | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 13 h | 12 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 9 h | 8 h |
| Battery incl. case | 56 h | 24 h |
| Full charge time | 120 min | 90 min |
| Quick charge | 10 min = 2 h | 5 min = 1 h |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | 3-mic ENC | - |
| ANC type | hybrid | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Companion app | Yes | Yes |
| Custom EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Wear detection | Yes | Yes |
| Controls | touch | touch |
| Voice assistant | yes | Yes |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 5.35 g | 11.8 g |
| Case weight | 65.4 g | 39 g |
| Water resistance | IP55 | IPX4 |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 6 | 6 |
| Call noise reduction | 2-mic ENC | - |
| Microphone | 5 x condenser | - |
What reviewers said
JLab Epic Lab Edition
The JLab Epic Lab Edition TWS earbuds pack a hefty feature set for around $200, including hybrid ANC, LDAC support, multipoint connectivity, and a long-lasting battery with wireless charging. While they excel in endurance and practical features like touch controls and IP55 durability, their sound quality can be distorted and noise cancellation is not the strongest, making them a mixed bag for audio purists.
- Pro:Excellent battery life with 13 hours per charge and 56 with the case
- Pro:Supports LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs plus Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint
- Pro:IP55 water and sweat resistance for workouts
- Con:Sound can be distorted at times
- Con:ANC is not very effective compared to rivals
- Con:Call quality is a weaker point
Sony WF-1000XM5
These are high-end true wireless earbuds that focus on adaptive noise cancellation and detailed audio, supporting LDAC for high-resolution streaming. They offer a solid battery life of up to 12 hours without ANC, plus a comfortable fit and IPX4 sweat resistance for daily use. The touch controls and companion app add convenience, though the price reflects their premium status.
- Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
- Pro:Long battery life (12 hours without ANC)
- Pro:Supports LDAC and AAC codecs
- Con:Premium price point
- Con:No higher water resistance rating than IPX4
- Con:Touch controls may take time to master
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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