Skip to content
HearWiki

Sennheiser CX SPORT 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.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Sennheiser CX SPORT
Sound7.0
Battery6.0
Value6.0
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery8.0
Calls8.0
Value7.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Sennheiser CX SPORT vs Sony WF-1000XM5
SpecSennheiser CX SPORTSony WF-1000XM5
TypeTrue WirelessTrue Wireless
Price (USD)$130$249
HearWiki score68 / 100 · Good88 / 100 · Outstanding
Released20182023
Audio
Driverdynamic0.33"
Driver size10 mm8.4 mm
Drivers per side12
Frequency response17Hz-21kHz20 Hz - 40,000 Hz
Impedance28 Ω32 Ω
Sensitivity112 dB/mW102 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth5.x5.3
Bluetooth version4.25.3
CodecsaptX, aptX Low Latency, AAC, SBCSBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3
Multipoint pairingYesYes
Wireless range10 m-
Battery
Battery life8.5 h12 h
Battery life (ANC on)-8 h
Battery incl. case-24 h
Full charge time90 min90 min
Quick charge-5 min = 1 h
Wireless chargingNoYes
Features
Active noise cancellingNo-
ANC type-hybrid
Transparency mode-Yes
Companion app-Yes
Custom EQ-Yes
Wear detection-Yes
Controls-touch
Voice assistant-Yes
Design
Weight15.07 g11.8 g
Case weight-39 g
Water resistancenullIPX4
USB-CYesYes
Calls
Microphones16

What reviewers said

Sennheiser CX SPORT

The Sennheiser CX Sport true wireless earbuds are built for active use, offering a lightweight, secure fit that stays put during workouts. They deliver a lively, bass-forward sound with support for aptX and AAC codecs, plus Bluetooth multipoint for convenience. While their performance is solid for exercise, the price is on the higher side, and real-world battery life may fall short of the advertised six hours.

  • Pro:Secure, stable fit during intense movement
  • Pro:Energetic, bass-heavy sound signature
  • Pro:IPX5 sweat and splash resistance
  • Con:Battery life often below the rated 6 hours
  • Con:Pricier than comparable sports earbuds
  • Con:No active noise cancellation

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.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.