ANC is widely viewed as strong for the category, but wind performance is a recurring weakness in several reviews and some listeners notice a faint hiss in very quiet rooms. Mode switching is straightforward, but several reviewers want finer ANC intensity controls and better ways to access wind-related settings without opening the app.
Active noise cancelling is widely rated among the best in true wireless, especially when paired with the foam seal; a few sources say it can be beaten by select rivals and varies with fit and environment. ANC/ambient controls are flexible, with adjustable ambient levels and adaptive modes; some users dislike automatic switching and prefer manual control.
Android support is strong, helped by features like Fast Pair and LDAC compatibility on supported phones.
Android support is strong with features like easier pairing and better codec/spatial feature access depending on device ecosystem.
The Status Hub app is generally seen as clean and useful for EQ and features, though some reviewers flag firmware/update hiccups or missing toggles for certain behaviors.
The Sony companion app is feature-rich (firmware, EQ, adaptive sound, 360 features) and often praised, but some find it busy/cluttered or occasionally buggy.
Some reviews explicitly note the lack of aptX-family support, which may matter to Android users who prefer Qualcomm codecs.
aptX is explicitly not supported in at least one review, which may matter to users who prefer Qualcomm codecs on certain Android devices.
Latency is described as typical for Bluetooth: fine for most video, but not ideal for competitive gaming and some reviewers wish for a dedicated low-latency mode.
Low-latency/LE Audio capabilities are mentioned as a benefit for reducing delay in supported scenarios, though real-world results depend on device and settings.
Bass is generally described as deep and controlled, but some listeners want more punch or find the low end a bit warm depending on tips/EQ.
Bass is a defining trait: many call it punchy, tight, and engaging, but several note the default tuning can be bass-forward (or fit-dependent) and may need EQ to avoid mid-bass dominance.
Battery life is mixed: some see close to the rated numbers in lighter use, while others measure around 5–6 hours with ANC and/or LDAC, which can feel short for the price.
Battery life is repeatedly strong: around a workday class performance on the buds, with many reports of meeting or exceeding claimed playback; some note the case may need topping up more often than expected. Batteries are not user-replaceable, which limits long-term repairability despite the premium price.
Bluetooth connections are usually stable and easy to pair, though a few reports mention occasional quirks during reconnection or device prioritization.
Bluetooth stability is generally solid, with easy pairing and reliable everyday use; however, a minority report occasional dropouts or one-earbud connection quirks.
Overall build quality is viewed as premium, though there are occasional reports of small durability quirks such as case contact issues.
Build quality feels premium overall, but foam tip durability and glossy-surface grip are the most common durability/handling complaints.
Physical buttons are appreciated for tactile control, yet multiple reviewers dislike that key button functions are fixed and not fully remappable.
Control usability is divisive: customization helps, but multi-tap volume control and occasional mis-taps can feel awkward compared with stem squeeze/swipe designs.
The charging case is often described as sturdy with strong magnets, but a few complaints include one-hand opening difficulty or isolated hardware/connector issues.
The case is compact and pocket-friendly with useful additions (like a pairing button), though the smooth finish can make buds harder to grab and case capacity tradeoffs are occasionally mentioned.
Charging is convenient with USB-C and wireless charging support noted across reviews, and case-to-bud top-ups are generally quick.
Charging is well-rounded with USB-C, wireless/Qi support in several reviews, and fast-charge capability that can deliver roughly an hour of listening from a short top-up.
Codec support is a highlight, with broad coverage including common codecs plus modern options mentioned across reviews.
Codec support is good overall (with high-res options in several reviews), but at least one major omission is noted compared with some competitors.
Comfort is one of the strongest themes, with many reviewers reporting hours-long wear without hot spots once the right tips are chosen.
Comfort improves notably over the prior model thanks to a smaller, lighter shell and revised tips; fit is still subjective, and some users feel pressure or slippage over long sessions.
Design stands out with a distinctive blocky stem look and premium finishes that many reviewers find sharp and upscale.
Design is praised for being smaller, more discreet, and premium-looking, but the glossy surfaces can be slippery and not everyone loves the foam-tip approach.
Tip selection is commonly limited to three sizes, which most can work with but feels sparse at this price tier for very small or very large ears.
Four tip sizes (including extra-small) are commonly applauded for widening fit coverage, though some reviewers still want more shapes/materials in the box.
EQ customization is a major strength, with an 8-band EQ and advanced tweaking options that let users significantly reshape the sound.
EQ customization is a major strength (including Clear Bass controls and guided EQ tools), though it is not as advanced as full parametric EQ systems.
The find-earbuds tools (audible beeps and last-known location style tracking) are generally useful and easy to trigger in the app.
Some reviews flag the lack of an integrated Find My-style tracking experience as a notable gap versus AirPods and certain competitors.
Default tuning is often described as balanced or close to a preference curve, and the multi-driver setup helps maintain clarity across lows, mids, and highs.
Tuning is broadly balanced once EQ is applied, but multiple reviewers mention a notable low-end / mid-bass emphasis in the default profile.
Instrument separation and imaging are consistently strong, helping complex mixes stay organized even with bass-forward tracks.
Instrument separation is repeatedly called out as strong, helping busy mixes stay organized and easy to pick apart.
LDAC support is consistently highlighted as a premium feature, with the usual tradeoff of higher power draw in real-world use.
LDAC support is repeatedly highlighted as a plus for compatible Android devices and high-res streaming.
At higher volumes, distortion is generally kept in check, with some reviewers noting the sound stays composed near the top of the range.
At higher volumes, most reviews report the sound stays controlled and clear, with bass not turning muddy and treble avoiding harshness.
Noise reduction for calls and ANC-related wind filtering helps in many scenarios, but results vary, with multiple reviewers pointing to wind as the hardest condition.
Noise reduction for calls is strong in moderate noise and wind for many reviewers, yet can be inconsistent in extreme background noise depending on conditions and processing.
Call quality is generally clear in quiet settings, but some reviews note compression or muffling as background noise rises, and wind can be a challenge in certain tests.
Call quality is improved versus prior generations and often described as clear, but results are mixed in very noisy settings, where some testing reports choppy or degraded voice pickup.
Midrange comes through clearly with strong vocal presence and good musical detail, especially with the Signature or Knowles-style tunings.
Midrange is generally clear and natural, with vocals and instruments coming through cleanly even when the low end is emphasized.
Compatibility across phones and computers is broadly positive, with some caveats around platform-specific codec support (notably iPhone and LDAC).
They work well on both iOS and Android for core playback/ANC, but ecosystem perks are stronger on Android while Apple users may miss AirPods-style integration.
Multipoint works well for many users with quick switching, but at least one review reports finicky behavior that required manual device management.
Two-device multipoint is commonly praised for seamless switching and reliability, though it does not extend to three-device connectivity.
With ANC off, passive isolation is described as usable but not standout, and tip choice plays a big role in the seal.
Passive isolation is a standout thanks to the foam-style tips and strong seal; performance is highly dependent on getting the fit right and the tips can be delicate over time.
Preset EQs provide meaningful variety, but naming can be confusing and some presets (especially brighter ones) may not suit everyone.
Guided presets like Find Your Equalizer/Your Equalizer are considered helpful for quickly landing on a preferred tuning without deep audio knowledge.
Sensors (like in-ear detection and auto-pause) are generally reliable and add convenience in daily use.
Sidetone is a well-liked call feature that helps users regulate their speaking volume and feel more natural on calls.
Finishes resist fingerprints reasonably well in some reports, but the glossy shell can feel slick, affecting grip more than appearance.
Setup is usually quick and straightforward, with several reviews praising how easy pairing and basic configuration are.
Setup is usually straightforward (especially with a case pairing button and guided app flow), though sign-ins, UI complexity, or occasional software hiccups can add friction.
Across reviews, Pro X is praised for lively, detailed sound that competes with premium flagships, though a few reviewers call it more of an all-arounder than a market leader.
Across reviews, sound is consistently described as premium and highly detailed, with strong resolution and separation; a few testers find it merely good rather than best-in-class for the price.
Soundstage is typically moderate rather than huge, but positioning and spatial precision are frequently called out as a strength.
Soundstage is considered wide for earbuds with good openness and imaging, but it can still feel somewhat in-your-head or less three-dimensional than top competitors.
Spatial audio features (Sony 360 Reality Audio and head-tracking in some contexts) are viewed as impressive, yet can be limited by supported services, apps, or platform integration.
Fit stability is generally good for daily use and light workouts, but removing fit-wings and tip choice can affect how locked-in it feels for some users.
Stability ranges from rock-solid to finicky depending on ear shape and tip choice; a correct seal is the make-or-break factor for both comfort and ANC.
Multiple reviews highlight more sustainable packaging/material choices (recycled paper, reduced plastics), though it is not the primary purchase driver.
Touch controls offer a large target and good customization, but sensitivity can be hit-or-miss for some users and swipe gestures are sometimes expected but not always present.
Touch sensors are generally responsive, and several reviews appreciate expanded control options versus older models.
Transparency/ambient mode is often rated excellent with multiple strength levels, though higher settings can introduce hiss, occlusion, or extra white noise for some ears.
Transparency/ambient mode is effective and adjustable, but several reviewers still rank Apple’s pass-through as more natural.
Treble is mostly clean and detailed, but certain presets can sound bright or fatiguing and one review notes slightly restrained upper-treble bite out of the box.
Treble detail is widely praised as refined and crisp, though some listeners note occasional extra sizzle/sibilance or less sparkle than a few rivals.
USB-C is standard here and is repeatedly mentioned as the primary wired charging option.
USB-C charging is included and widely treated as a modern baseline convenience.
Voice assistant support is present via controls, but it is treated as a basic convenience feature rather than a standout differentiator.
Voice assistants (Alexa/Google/Siri, depending on platform) are supported, though hands-free reliability can vary by setup and use case.
Volume gets loud enough for most use, but a few reviews want more headroom outdoors or note it is not the loudest in its class.
Volume output is usually adequate, but at least one test notes the earbuds can feel quieter than competitors, making ANC (and a good seal) more important in loud places.
The IP55 rating is repeatedly cited as a meaningful durability perk for sweat, rain, and dust exposure.
The IPX4 rating is consistently framed as solid for sweat and light splashes, but not for submersion or heavy water exposure.
Weight is frequently cited as a comfort win: the buds are lighter and less bulky, reducing fatigue for many listeners.