Technics EAH-AZ100 vs Sony WF-1000XM5
Quick take: The Sony WF-1000XM5 costs $2 less; the Technics EAH-AZ100 lasts longer per charge (10 hrs).
| Spec | Technics EAH-AZ100 | Sony WF-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250 | $248 |
| Rating | 4.3★ (1,200) | 4.3★ (19,000) |
| Type | Wireless Earbuds | Wireless Earbuds |
| Noise Cancelling | Adaptive ANC | ANC |
| Battery (single charge) | 10 hrs | 8 hrs |
| Battery (with case) | 28 hrs | 24 hrs |
| Quick Charge | 15 min = 90 min | 3 min = 1 hr |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Driver Size | 10 mm | 8.4 mm |
| Weight | 5.9 g | 5.9 g |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes |
| App EQ | Yes | Yes |
Pros & cons
Technics EAH-AZ100
- ✓Magnetic-fluid driver from Technics' $1,200 wired IEMs
- ✓Detail and separation owners call best in true wireless
- ✓10-hour ANC battery leads the flagship class
- ✓Three-device multipoint with LDAC — nobody else matches it
- ✓Dolby Atmos head tracking aboard
- ✓15-minute charge returns 90 minutes
- ✗Adaptive ANC clearly behind Bose and AirPods Pro 3
- ✗Shallow fit — some owners never get a reliable seal
- ✗Minimal IPX4 splash rating
- ✗Average call quality in noise
- ✗Functional but clunky Audio Connect companion app
Sony WF-1000XM5
- ✓LDAC delivers genuine hi-res from any Android phone
- ✓Rich warm 8.4mm Dynamic Driver X sound out of box
- ✓8 hours with ANC on beats Bose Ultra by two
- ✓Foam tips seal so well ANC feels stronger than measured
- ✓3-minute quick charge buys an hour
- ✓XM6 launch keeps pushing street prices down
- ✗Call quality falls apart in wind
- ✗Polished case scratches almost immediately
- ✗Some owners report uneven bud drain after a year
- ✗Enabling multipoint silently disables LDAC hi-res
- ✗App buries EQ settings three menus deep