Is the Sony WF-1000XM4 worth the upgrade from the Sony WF-1000XM5?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Sony WF-1000XM4 actually scores 4.0 points below the Sony WF-1000XM5, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. The gains are concentrated in value (7.0 to 7.5). You do give up ground on calls (8.0 to 7.0) and sound (9.0 to 8.5). Worth checking: codecs goes SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 to SBC, AAC, LDAC and bluetooth goes 5.3 to 5.2. It is at least $50 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound9.08.5
- Noise cancelling9.09.0
- Battery8.07.5
- Calls8.07.0
- Value7.07.5
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | WF-1000XM5 | WF-1000XM4 | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC, LDAC | |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 | |
| Driver size | 8.4 mm | 6 mm | |
| ANC type | hybrid | adaptive |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "WF-1000XM5 to WF-1000XM4". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across true wireless and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.