Is the Sony WF-1000XM5 worth the upgrade from the Sony WF-1000XM6?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Sony WF-1000XM5 actually scores 4.0 points below the Sony WF-1000XM6, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. None of the shared sub-scores move by more than half a point, so the two behave very similarly on the things reviewers measure. On paper: case weight 47.1 g to 39 g. Worth checking: microphones goes 8 to 6. It is at least $30 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.
- Sound9.09.0
- Noise cancelling9.09.0
- Battery8.08.0
- Calls8.08.0
- Value7.07.0
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | WF-1000XM6 | WF-1000XM5 | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microphones | 8 | 6 | |
| Case weight | 47.1 g | 39 g | |
| ANC type | adaptive | hybrid | |
| Quick charge | 3 min → 1 h | 5 min → 1 h |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "WF-1000XM6 to WF-1000XM5". 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.