Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Anker soundcore P31i Wireless ANC Earbuds
Buy the Sony WF-1000XM5 if noise cancellation and sound quality matter most; buy the Anker soundcore P31i if battery life and price matter most. The Sony is $199.99 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026, and has traded between $167.99 and $190.00 in the past week. The Anker costs far less and claims 50 hours of total playtime, but its 3-hour charge time and plastic build are real trade-offs.
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Sony WF-1000XM5
3.8$199.99at AmazonObserved Nov 3, 2026, 6:15 PM
Choose the Sony WF-1000XM5 if you want the strongest noise cancellation, LDAC hi-res audio and IPX4 water resistance in a small in-ear bud.
Pros
- Industry-leading noise cancellation for planes, trains and buses
- LDAC hi-res audio and 360 Reality Audio
- IPX4 water resistance and a smaller, lighter fit
- Multipoint connection and Qi wireless charging
- Works with Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri
Cons
What separates them
| Sony WF-1000XM5 | Anker soundcore P31i Wireless ANC Earbuds | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026 | Lower-priced budget model |
| Noise cancellation | Two processors (V2 and QN2e) with dual feedback mics and foam tips | Adaptive active noise cancellation |
| Battery life | Up to 24 hours total with the case | Up to 50 hours total with the case |
| Charge time | Quick charge via case, Qi wireless charging | About 3 hours to charge |
| Water resistance | IPX4 rated | Not rated in the listed specs |
| Audio codecs | LDAC and 360 Reality Audio | Hi-Res and Spatial Audio support |
| Driver | Dynamic Driver X | 11 mm dynamic driver |
Price history
$190.00$56.99
- Sony WF-1000XM5: lowest $167.99 on Nov 3 at eBay.
- Anker soundcore P31i Wireless ANC Earbuds: lowest $56.99 on Oct 28.
Prices at every store
Sony WF-1000XM5
- AVLgear.comNew
In stock
$299.99Free shippingObserved Nov 3, 2026, 6:15 PM - AmazonRefurbished
Availability unknown
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$128.99Free shippingObserved Nov 3, 2026, 6:15 PM - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
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$199.99Free shippingObserved Nov 3, 2026, 6:15 PM
Also available at
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Specs compared
| Spec | Sony WF-1000XM5 | Anker soundcore P31i Wireless ANC Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Canceling | Yes | — |
| With Microphone | Yes | — |
| Color | Black, Smoky Pink | — |
| With Charging Case | Yes | — |
| With Touch Controls | Yes | — |
| Style | In-ear | — |
| Wireless Type | Bluetooth | — |
| Use | Sports | — |
| Assistant Support | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri | — |
| Height | 2.1″ tall | — |
| Width |
What reviewers say
Sony WF-1000XM5
Owner feedback centers on the noise canceling and the smaller fit, with sound quality called an improvement over the XM4. Complaints focus on touch controls that are easy to trigger and on app-dependent setup.
Pros
- Strong noise reduction on planes and trains
- Smaller, more comfortable design
- Four ear tip sizes help fit
- Improved sound over the previous generation
Cons
- Touch controls can be overly sensitive
- Some features require app configuration
- Case is bulkier in depth than competitors
Questions and answers
- Which has better noise cancellation?
- The Sony WF-1000XM5. Its two processors, dual feedback mics and foam Noise Isolation Earbud Tips cut noise across a wider frequency range, especially on planes and trains. The Anker offers adaptive ANC but is a budget design.
- Which lasts longer on a charge?
- The Anker soundcore P31i, rated at up to 50 hours total with the case versus up to 24 hours for the Sony. The Anker takes about 3 hours to charge; the Sony case supports Qi wireless charging.
- Is the Sony worth the extra money?
- Yes if you fly or commute often and want hi-res sound, IPX4 water resistance and multipoint. If you mainly want long playtime at low cost, the Anker covers that.
- Can I wear either for workouts?
- The Sony is IPX4 rated, so sweat and light rain are fine. The Anker has no water-resistance rating listed, so keep it out of heavy sweat and rain.
- Do both support voice assistants?
- The Sony supports Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri. The Anker's listed specs cover touch control only, so check assistant support before relying on it.
- Which is better for calls?
- The Sony uses AI-based noise reduction and bone conduction sensors for clear calls. The Anker lists 6-mic AI-enhanced calls, which is strong on paper for its price.
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