
Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Xiaomi Mi Headphones Pro: 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.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Sony WF-1000XM5 | Xiaomi Mi Headphones Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $249 | $150 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 68 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2023 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 0.33" | 12mm LCP dynamic driver |
| Driver size | 8.4 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 3 |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW | 101 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | - |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 4.1 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC, aptX |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 12 h | 10 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 8 h | - |
| Battery incl. case | 24 h | - |
| Full charge time | 90 min | - |
| Quick charge | 5 min = 1 h | - |
| Wireless charging | Yes | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| ANC type | hybrid | - |
| Transparency mode | Yes | - |
| Companion app | Yes | - |
| Custom EQ | Yes | - |
| Wear detection | Yes | - |
| Controls | touch | buttons |
| Voice assistant | Yes | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 11.8 g | 14 g |
| Case weight | 39 g | - |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | - |
| USB-C | Yes | - |
| Model code | - | Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Pro |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 6 | 1 |
What reviewers said
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
Xiaomi Mi Headphones Pro
Xiaomi's first over-ear headphones offer a strong mix of build quality and versatility, thanks to a unique design that lets you swap ear pads between on-ear and over-ear styles. They deliver solid performance for the price, making them a smart pick for budget-conscious shoppers who don't need top-tier luxury finishes.
- Pro:Good value for the price
- Pro:Durable build quality
- Pro:Switchable ear pads for on-ear or over-ear fit
- Con:Not as refined as pricier rivals
- Con:Lacks premium materials or finish
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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