The Trend Verdict
🔥 #89 in Wireless Earbuds · New

Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Earbuds (Black, Refurbished)

Sony
3.6
Best ANC earbuds — refurbished deal
$148.99 → As of Jul 13, 2026
AI-estimated. See how we score. How we score

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission

01 / Spec

Top features

BrandSony
ModelWF-1000XM5
ConditionCertified Refurbished

The Sony WF-1000XM5 is Sony's flagship true-wireless earbud, renowned for industry-leading active noise cancelling that rivals even premium competitors. This renewed unit retains the full feature set of the original.

Sound & Features:

  • 8mm driver with LDAC codec support for hi-res audio
  • ANC: Best-in-class, with Integrated Processor V2 for dynamic noise isolation
  • Battery: 8 hours per bud (ANC on), 12 hours (ANC off); 24 hours total with case
  • Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity
  • IPX4 water resistance (sweat & splash proof)
  • Three microphones per bud for call clarity and ambient sound control
  • Adjustable foam ear tips; smaller, lighter redesigned case

Fit & Comfort:
Foam ear tips with angled design deliver a secure, all-day fit. Multiple tip sizes accommodate most ear shapes.

Call Quality:
Three-mic array isolates your voice effectively, though wind noise can degrade clarity in harsh conditions.

For Whom:
Ideal for commuters, travelers, and audiophiles willing to pay flagship prices for best-in-class ANC and sound quality. This is a Certified Refurbished unit—manufacturer-inspected with original accessories and a 90-day limited warranty, at a 37% discount ($148.99 vs. $235.97 new).

Trade-off: Premium pricing reflects genuine audio leadership, not budget value; however, the refurbished discount significantly improves the value proposition.

02 / Signals

Why it's hot

Premium ANC and sound at a 37% refurbished discount.

  • Value for money 45
  • Review rating & velocity 85
  • Community sentiment 96
  • Brand reputation 100
  • Search heat 73
  • Est. return & defect rate 90
03 / Verdict

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Industry-leading active noise cancelling
  • Hi-res audio with LDAC codec support
  • Excellent call clarity with three-mic array
  • Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity
  • IPX4 water resistance
  • All-day battery (8 hours ANC on)
  • Compact, lightweight redesigned case
  • 37% discount on refurbished unit

Cons

  • Expensive flagship pricing ($148.99 refurbished; $235.97 new)
  • Foam tips require regular cleaning
  • Limited ANC customization in some scenarios
  • Occasional Bluetooth connectivity reports in some markets
  • Not ideal for budget shoppers
05 / Compare

Compare the best alternative

One useful head-to-head in Wireless Earbuds, with the rows most likely to separate the contenders.

Open full comparison →
This pick Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Earbuds (Black, Refurbished)
Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Earbuds (Black, Refurbished)
#31 in Wireless Earbuds
Trend leader Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds (No ANC)
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds (No ANC)
#1 in Wireless Earbuds
Sound quality
Excellent; LDAC hi-res, balanced tuning, EQ app control Clean, balanced, limited EQ
Call clarity
Good in quiet; average to fair in high wind Good in quiet, average in noise
Water resistance
IPX4; sweat & splash proof, gym-safe IPX4 (sweat resistant)
06 / Rivals

Compare with

08 / Browse

More in Wireless Earbuds

View all 39 →