Compare Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds vs Technics EAH-AZ100 Earbuds

ANC was the clearest consensus win, repeatedly described as excellent, class-leading, or among the best, though a couple of reviewers said Bose or newer rivals can beat it.

ANC is broadly strong and often near flagship level, though several reviewers say it still falls short of the very best Bose-style silence.

Android compatibility was a strength thanks to easy pairing, LDAC, app support, and better value for Android users than AirPods-style ecosystems.

Android compatibility is praised for LDAC, fast pairing, and strong ANC value with Android phones.

The app was a major strength for firmware, ANC, EQ, ambient settings, and feature access, but some reviewers found it busy or not something they needed often.

The app is mostly praised for useful controls, customization, stability, and EQ access, despite some complaints about layout.

aptX was a clear negative because one reviewer explicitly criticized the lack of aptX and aptX HD support.

aptX support is a weakness because one reviewer specifically wished Qualcomm aptX codecs were included.

Video sync is mostly strong, with two reviewers reporting zero or no visible lag, while one notes a slight delay with some codecs.

Auracast support is a concern in one scored review because the reviewer criticizes its absence.

Bass was often described as controlled, punchy, and fun, but several reviewers heard too much low-end emphasis or wanted more warmth and power.

Bass is widely praised for depth, control, punch, and low distortion, with only one review criticizing the default balance as too boomy.

Battery life was consistently praised as very good to excellent, frequently beating or meeting expectations, with only case capacity or competitor comparisons as caveats.

Battery life is consistently a strength, with reviewers praising long ANC runtime and major improvement over the AZ80.

Bluetooth performance was generally competent, with praise for clear switching, but some long-term reviewers reported dropouts or occasional hiccups.

Bluetooth reliability is consistently praised, with reviewers reporting stable connections and no meaningful dropouts.

Build impressions were mixed, with premium feel and durability expectations balanced against slippery glossy plastic and foam-tip fragility.

Build quality is praised as premium, tactile, mature, and a substantial step forward.

Hi-res and DSEE/LDAC playback features were valued by several reviewers, though DSEE's audible impact was not universally convincing.

Hi-res playback is praised in the one scored review, where LDAC/FLAC listening brought more detail, solidity, and space.

The dedicated pairing button was described as a welcome usability improvement over prior Sony pairing behavior.

Control remapping is praised as unusually flexible and useful across the app and earbuds.

The case was generally praised as compact and pocketable, but some reviewers disliked slippery buds/case extraction or noted needing to charge it more often.

Case quality is mixed: it is compact and pocketable, but multiple reviewers criticize weak magnets, rattle, scratches, or bland styling.

Charging was viewed positively thanks to USB-C, wireless charging, and quick-charge usefulness, though one test measured quick charge below Sony's claim.

Charging is viewed positively where evaluated, especially wireless charging and case convenience.

Codec support was viewed positively because AAC and LDAC are supported, though aptX absence remains a separate weakness.

Codec support is praised for LDAC/LC3 breadth, but the absence of aptX is called a mild limitation.

Comfort was usually praised after Sony reduced size and weight, but fit-dependent pressure and stemless design kept it from being universally comfortable.

Comfort trends positive thanks to smaller, lighter ergonomics, but fit fatigue and bulk remain concerns for some ears.

The design was broadly praised as smaller, sleeker, and more premium, while some reviewers flagged the stemless approach and glossy surfaces as tradeoffs.

Design and aesthetics are generally praised as premium, sleek, compact, or classy, though a few reviewers find the look plain.

Fit was the most divisive physical trait, ranging from secure and comfortable to pressure-heavy, hard to seal, or unsuitable for some ears.

Eartip fit is generally good with the right size, but some reviewers report looseness, bulk, or falling out.

Ear tip options were generally appreciated, especially the extra-small size, though some reviewers still wanted more variety or different shapes.

Ear tip options are considered useful and generous, especially for finding the right fit across ear sizes.

EQ customization was strongly praised for useful tuning control, even when reviewers noted it was not as advanced as parametric systems.

EQ customization is a clear strength, with many reviewers praising the eight-band control and meaningful tuning options.

Find My was a clear omission, with one reviewer calling out the lack of a built-in find-my-buds feature.

Find My support is useful for peace of mind, though one reviewer is disappointed by the location behavior.

Frequency response was praised as balanced or neutral, with one review noting a more natural delivery when ANC was off.

Frequency response impressions are mixed: one review calls it strange, while others praise accuracy, balance, and low distortion.

Head gestures were viewed as useful and sometimes surprisingly good, but one reviewer found they did not work every time.

Included accessories scored modestly positive because the extra ear tip sizes were useful for fit options.

Included accessories draw criticism where reviewed because foam tips are missing despite multiple silicone tip sizes.

Instrument separation was a strength, with reviewers highlighting good separation, distinct instruments, and cohesive placement in complicated tracks.

Instrument separation is a standout strength, with reviewers hearing layers, voices, and complex arrangements as distinct and clearly placed.

Independent left/right earbud use is praised as convenient and useful when scored.

LDAC support was treated as a meaningful advantage for Android and high-res listeners, with reviewers linking it to better wireless audio quality.

LDAC is received positively for higher-quality playback and better sound from compatible Android or hi-res sources.

At high volume, one test found bass stayed clear and treble avoided harshness, supporting good clarity when turned up.

Maximum-volume clarity is praised for staying clean and distortion-free even at high levels.

Microphone noise reduction and wind handling were often praised, but one lab-style test found the AI voice separation could fail in heavy noise.

Microphone noise reduction is polarized: several reviewers praise wind and background suppression, while one reports failed clarity and cutouts.

Call quality was highly split: some reviewers called it excellent or much improved, while others found it subpar, robotic, or weak in harsher noise.

Call quality is mixed, ranging from serviceable or excellent in some reviews to choppy, robotic, or poor in others.

Midrange performance drew strong praise for vocal clarity, transparency, and natural presentation, with only limited caveats from mixed tuning impressions.

Midrange and vocals are generally described as clear, detailed, warm, and more forward than the previous model.

One long-term reviewer felt Sony lacked Apple ecosystem integration and feature parity compared with AirPods.

Multi-platform compatibility is praised because the app and customization work across iOS and Android.

Multipoint was usually reliable and convenient across two devices, though some reviewers noted limits versus three-device competitors or ecosystem switching.

Multipoint is a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly praising reliable switching and three-device connectivity.

Passive isolation was one of the strongest points, with foam tips repeatedly credited for blocking incidental and high-frequency noise.

Passive isolation is viewed positively when the tips seal well, with reviewers noting isolation even before ANC is active.

Portability was a consistent strength wherever discussed, with reviewers praising the smaller buds and compact case.

Portability is strong because the case is repeatedly described as pocketable, small, and easy to carry.

Preset EQ and Find Your Equalizer were liked as helpful ways for casual listeners to find a preferred tuning.

Preset EQ quality is mostly positive, especially Direct, Dynamic, and Treble+ modes, though SuperBass+ is too heavy for one reviewer.

Sidetone-style call monitoring was praised by one reviewer because it helped them avoid shouting during calls.

Smudge resistance was better than expected on the glossy parts and case finish in the reviews that mentioned it.

Setup was described as straightforward or fast, especially through Sony's app and pairing flow.

Setup and software simplicity are mostly positive, but the lack of a physical pairing button adds friction for one reviewer.

Sound leakage is a weakness in the one scored review, which says loud music can be heard in a quiet room.

Reviewers broadly praised the XM5 sound as detailed, clear, energetic, and premium, though a few found it less rich or too bass-forward in default tuning.

Reviewers overwhelmingly praise the AZ100's sound as clear, detailed, musical, and high-end, though one review found the stock tuning odd.

Soundstage depth was mixed: some reviewers heard nice depth and nuance, while others described an intimate, close, or cluttered stage.

Soundstage depth is usually strong, with reviewers praising depth, immersion, and layering, though one long-term reviewer wanted more depth.

Reviewers often found the soundstage wider and more open than prior Sony buds, but some still heard a narrower or more internal presentation than top rivals.

Soundstage width receives strong praise, with reviewers describing the presentation as spacious, broad, expansive, and room-like.

Spatial audio and 360 Reality Audio were mixed: some reviewers liked the immersion, while others found platform limits or practical value underwhelming.

Spatial audio is mixed: reviewers appreciate Dolby/head-tracking support, but several find it merely decent, distracting, or less clear than stereo.

Stability was mostly strong when the fit worked, with some reviewers reporting secure use, but one reviewer still saw dislodging during heavy movement.

Stability is mixed: several reviewers found the fit secure, while others would not trust it for vigorous movement.

Sustainability materials were noted positively where reviewers mentioned recycled/plastic-free packaging and environmentally minded design.

Touch controls were polarizing: reviewers liked the expanded control options, but repeated tapping for volume was often criticized as awkward or intrusive.

Touch controls are generally responsive and customizable, though sensitivity and personal preference create some mixed reactions.

Transparency mode was useful and adjustable, but reviewers often said Apple still sounds more natural or that Sony is merely good rather than best-in-class.

Transparency mode is mixed: some find it natural or useful, while others hear hiss, over-processing, or weaker situational awareness.

Treble was generally viewed as clear, refined, and detailed, although some reviewers noted sibilance or said rivals can deliver more sparkle.

Treble is usually considered clear, airy, detailed, and non-harsh, though one review says the default tuning lacks high-end content.

Value was positive for premium-feature buyers, especially at discounts, but reviewers repeatedly noted the high price and stronger recent competition.

Value is mixed-to-positive: reviewers like the premium feature set and sound, but several note the high price and strong competition.

Voice assistant integration worked reasonably well for one reviewer, though not perfectly.

Voice assistant integration is limited in coverage but works reliably where tested or described.

One reviewer found the earbuds needed higher volume than competitors and could be hard to hear without ANC in noisy settings.

Volume output is praised as top-tier and very loud in the reviews that discuss it.

Water and sweat resistance was considered useful for workouts and rain, but reviewers framed IPX4 as basic rather than rugged.

Water and sweat resistance is adequate for workouts or rain, but one reviewer cautions against heavier rain exposure.

One reviewer strongly connected the very light feel with long-term comfort.

Weight comfort is praised because the earbuds feel better distributed, light, and easier to forget during use.