Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Jabra Elite 10: Which wireless earbuds win?

It’s been a busy time for the best wireless earbuds, with new models and upgrades from big names like Apple, Bose, Jabra, Sony, and Technics. While each new model somehow improves performance and features above our expectations, the Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Jabra Elite 10 wireless earbuds are two of the most intriguing releases in the last six months.

Both new flagship models, which arrived within a few months of them other in mid-2023, combine adaptive noise cancellation and high-quality audio performance into practical designs. I’ve been using Sony’s new flagship earbuds since I wrote my review, and I’ve discovered that they’re nothing short of fantastic, especially with LDAC streaming from compatible devices.

Although the Jabra Elite 10 wireless earbuds don’t support LDAC for high-quality streams over Bluetooth, they’re priced at $50 less and their overall performance make them a strong Sony alternative at the price.

Here’s how the two flagship wireless earbud models compare in terms of specs, design, performance, battery life and more.

SONY WF-1000XM5 VS JABRA ELITE 10:

• SPECS COMPARED :

• PRICE & AVAILABILITY :

While both devices are significantly more expensive than the finest inexpensive wireless earbuds, keep in mind that they are flagship models packed with features and high-level performance to demonstrate the manufacturer’s expertise. The WF-1000XM5 is priced at $299 / £259 / AU$499, a $20 increase over its predecessor and $50 more than the Jabra Elite 10.

Although just a few months old, we’ve already witnessed price cuts on both models, and I recommend bookmarking our best headphones bargains site to remain up to date on the newest wireless earbuds price changes.

Winner: Jabra Elite 10

• DESIGN :

Sony designed the WF-1000XM5 25% smaller than the previous-generation XM4 earbuds, thus some users may find the fit difficult. They maintain their conventional appearance, with a basic rounded shape and a projecting eartip. There are four foam tips provided, including a new XS size to guarantee that smaller ears have the optimum seal. The WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds are available in black and silver exclusively.

The Jabra Elite 10 features a beautiful teardrop form. This also affects comfort and fit, as the semi-open design keeps the buds from feeling plugged in. The new oval EarGel tips conform flawlessly to various ear shapes, while the curved cavity sits comfortably on the concha.

The Jabra’s five color options are intriguing (though why there are three shades of black is a mystery), and we enjoyed the smooth rubberized touch of the buds, which mimics suede. They feature an IP57 certification, making them more resistant to dust and water than the Sony WF-1000XM5.

Winner: Jabra Elite 10

• CONTROLS :

While the XM5 uses touch controls to navigate playback and trigger noise-cancelling settings, the Jabra Elite 10 has physical buttons on each earbud. Which approach you prefer is a question of personal preference, although both ways worked consistently in our tests. Tap instructions for the XM5 buds may be set to individual buds using the traditional single, double, and triple taps or long press approach.

The Jabra Elite 10 may be called with a “Hey Google,” command, or you can utilize the native assistant on your playback device. Sony’s earphones are compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, giving you more options for voice requests.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

• FEATURES :

Both versions include adaptive modes that allow them to dynamically alter the intensity of active noise cancellation based on the sound in the user’s environment. Sony’s ANC claims to filter out 95% of external noise, whilst Jabra’s Advanced ANC promises to be twice as effective as its Standard ANC. During testing, both did an excellent job of filtering out all except the most persistent higher frequency noises.

Sony’s Headphones Connect app includes 20 various Ambient Sound mode settings, whilst the Elite 10 offers 5 levels of HearThrough. Both are effective.

In terms of spatial audio capabilities, the Sony earbuds support Sony 360 Reality Audio, but Jabra has their own version of spatial audio known as Spatial Sound with head tracking.

Finally, both models have accurate ear-detection sensors that immediately cease playing when a bud is removed from your ear. Playback continues when the earphones are reinserted. Both devices offer single-bud mode playback. The Sony appears to detect and enable single mode automatically when only one bud is placed into the ear, whereas the Jabra may be engaged via the control app’s settings.

Winner: Tie

• SOUND QUALITY :

When it comes to sound quality, the Sony WF-1000XM5 are the best wireless earbuds for Bluetooth music. They are among the best wireless earbuds, and with Sony’s LDAC compatibility for compatible playback devices, they provide the most interesting listening experiences I’ve heard from an Android phone.

The Elite 10 sounds fantastic right out of the box. Expect a superb frequency response that is balanced, open, and detailed. The Jabra may be modified using a multi-band EQ, similar as the Sony Headphones Connect app.

When listening to tunes from my Tidal playlist, both sets of earbuds function very similarly, albeit I prefer the Sony’s for their richness and increased clarity, as well as their LDAC support for faster data streaming via Bluetooth. In addition, I noticed that the Sony’s soundstage was more expansive and open. I enjoyed the ‘wideness’ that this added to some recordings, making my listening experience more immersive even without 3D audio technology activated.

There’s nothing wrong with the way the Jabras sound, and my choice for the Sony earbuds is just personal.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

• ANC :

Sony’s WF-1000XM5 achieves exceptionally powerful noise-canceling technology, placing them among the top noise-canceling earbuds. They’re only surpassed by the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, and Sony claims they decrease ambient noise substantially better than their predecessor. That’s tough to quantify, but the combination of Sony’s more powerful V2 chipset and HD Noise Canceling engine appears to provide very excellent results.

Jabra’s Advanced ANC technology is featured on the Elite 10 and provides twice as much noise cancellation as the company’s basic version, reducing roughly 90% of external noise. During our testing, advanced ANC effectively muted bothersome neighboring noises and performed admirably outdoors.

While Sony’s Ambient Sound mode is effective, Jabra’s HearThrough transparency mode is better.

Winner: Tie

• BATTERY LIFE :

While the battery life of earbuds will vary based on how you use your earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM5 average 8 hours of listening with ANC on and 12 hours with ANC off. The charging case can hold up to 24 hours of total charge.

The Elite 10 wireless earbuds offer up to 6 hours playtime with ANC on, which is pretty standard. Turning it off extends battery life to 8 hours. Keep in mind that high volume and spatial audio reduces playtimes by about 2 hours. This is noticeably lower than the WF-1000XM5.

Both charging cases offer wireless charging and quick charging features.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

SONY WF-1000XM5 VS. JABRA ELITE 10: VERDICT

These are two of the greatest flagship wireless earbuds available today, but there can only be one winner.

While the Jabra Elite 10 is reasonably priced and comparable to the Sony WF-1000XM5 in terms of features, fit, sound quality, and ANC performance, it falls short of the wireless earbuds leader in terms of battery life and more extensive special features. It’s a close race, with both models offering a powerful and well-rounded choice, and any major distinctions in which model suits one listener better than another will come down to personal preferences and pricing.

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