Sony Takes the ANC Pole Position with WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Earbuds

Off-season, Sony Electronics jumped to the lead, and announced the WF-1000XM5 earbuds – the latest truly wireless model in its best-selling 1000X series. According to Sony's own internal research, using JEITA-compliant measurement guidelines, the new design offers the "Best Noise Canceling" by reducing external noise over a wide bandwidth, so users can focus on the music. While at it, Sony updated all other specs in this new flagship product, now ready for Bluetooth LE Audio.

Atlantic Technology's first foray into the competitive true wireless stereo market is an interesting case study. The Massachusetts-based audio company known for its stereo and home theater speakers, and custom audio installation systems, has brought to market the TWS-1 Total Wireless Earbuds, an interesting premium product with ANC, advanced performance and convenience features, including an app to optimize the sound profile to the user’s hearing.

The original Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 & Pi5 noise cancelling earbuds, launched in April 2021, marked the British audio brand’s first entry into the true wireless category. Trying to redefine audio quality in the form-factor, apparently the company decided the brand's goals could be improved and introduced two new upgraded models, the Pi7 S2 and Pi5 S2. Replacing the first-generation models, the two new designs reaffirm their ambition to be "the best-sounding True Wireless earbuds".

After being available exclusively to the brand members club, KEF opened up sales of its new active noise cancelling over-ear headphones with a stunning design by Ross Lovegrove. The new KEF Mu7 Smart Active Noise Cancellation Wireless Headphones are one of the best examples of a product that leverages Qualcomm's platforms, featuring aptX HD, combined with 40mm full range dynamic drivers in precision-engineered aluminum earcups and frame with replaceable leatherette memory foam ear cushions.

Bowers & Wilkins, the renowned British hifi audio brand, launched the new Px7 S2 active noise cancelling wireless headphones, an updated design that reflects advancements achieved over the past two years in the category. Leveraging the most advanced Qualcomm Bluetooth 5.0 platform with aptX Adaptive, the Px7 S2 adds all new drivers fine-tuned for high-resolution audio, in a refined design that is lower in weight and even more comfortable.

Sony unveiled the new WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds. Having lead the active noise cancelling category on headphones since the original WH-1000X headphones and until recently with the WH-1000XM4, Sony is now focused on leading in noise canceling and audio quality in TWS earbuds, starting with a newly designed V1 Integrated Processor, support for high-resolution audio and 360 Reality Audio, better call quality, and smart listening features, matched with an impressive 8 hour battery life with ANC.