Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Jabra Evolve2 Buds: Which One Wins?

Choosing the ideal headset or wireless headphones for music on the go can be a challenge, especially when it comes to Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Jabra Evolve2 Buds. Technology has advanced so much that even earbuds have stunning quality. Customers are, thankfully, blessed with a wealth of choices over a variety of form factors.

Sony has been a name associated with quality headphones for years. Whether it be in recording studios or out on jogs, they have carved a name and legacy for their attention to detail in audio. The company’s WH-1000XM5 is a premium Bluetooth headset, with a price and quality to match.

But how does it stack up against Jabra’s Evolve2 Buds? The Evolve2 Buds are also a premium quality product that comes in a different form factor. Let’s take a look at the specs behind both of these devices to see which one is best for you.

Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Jabra Evolve2 Buds: Side-by-Side Comparison

Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Jabra Evolve2 Buds: What’s the Difference?

Both of these high-end listening solutions are great for their price point. There is a multitude of differences between the two of them, however. This boils down to discrepancies in audio quality, performance, and form factors.

Audio Quality

Audio quality is quite a stark difference between the two headsets, with the Sony WH-1000XM5 having a far higher frequency response. Frequency response isn’t a huge deal in the lower price ranges, but for headsets, at their respective price points, it is a bit of a consideration.

Best for Noise Cancellation

Sony WH-1000XM5

$328.00

• Two processors control 8 microphones
• Auto NC Optimizer
• The new Sony V1 Integrated Processor
• Hands-free calling with 4 beamforming microphones
• Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging
• Ultra-comfortable, lightweight design with soft-fit leather

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12/06/2023 03:50 pm GMT

Jabra is no slouch despite the lesser frequency response. Music playback and calls are clear on the Evolve2 Buds. Audio quality on the calls could be better, as there does seem to be some lack of low and high end when taking voice calls. The WH-1000XM5 headset doesn’t have this issue. Instead, it maintains the same degree of clarity on calls as it does during music playback.

Noise cancellation on the WH-1000XM5 is, likewise, more robust. The Evolve2 Buds do have some form of noise cancellation, but it pales in comparison to other offerings out there. Sony’s offering is more active in its attempts to reduce noise and works well in use.

Jabra’s Evolve2 Buds can eliminate things like room tone, AC hum, and others, but things can get a bit noisier with more active sound sources present. Playback during calls and music also leaves minimal distortion on both devices.

Battery Life

Battery life leaves the WH-1000MX5 as the king nominally, as it has a much greater capacity. The Evolve2 Buds have their own carrying case that charges the earbuds, however, much like Apple’s AirPods line. Battery life for the Evolve2 Buds is quite admirable for its form factor. The addition of a charging case allows users to top off the battery at their leisure when the level is getting a little bit lower.

Best for Professional Use

Jabra Evolve2 True Wireless Earbuds

$203.77

• Activate HearThrough
• The plug-and-play USB adapter provides a stable connection and up to 65 ft of wireless range
• Up to 8 hrs of battery life, 33 hrs with the case, and up to 1 hr with a 5-minute fast charge
• IP57 dust and water-resistant
• Seamless collaboration for virtual meetings

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12/07/2023 12:58 am GMT

Voice calls strain both devices’ batteries a little more substantially than music playback. For the WH-1000XM5, this is a difference of around eight hours compared to when listening to songs. The Evolve2 Buds see their battery life cut in half when on voice calls, a 50% reduction compared to just idly listening to music.

Battery life is further strained by the active noise cancellation packed into both headsets. It certainly functions well on both, with the edge going to Sony’s headset, but it absolutely will drain the battery at a much faster rate. Noise cancellation being toggled on sees a 25% reduction in battery life on the WH-1000MX5 and a 20% reduction on the Evolve2 Buds.

Form Factor

There is no getting around differences in the form factor of these devices. The WH-1000XM5 are over-the-ear, meaning they target prolonged comfort. Jabra’s offering is form-fitting earbuds, which do quite well when placed in the ear.

As far as long-term comfort goes, the weightier WH-1000XM5 headphones remain a breeze to wear. The ergonomics at play from Sony are geared towards wearing these headphones all day. While it would be nice if they weighed a little less than their stated 250-gram weight, they remain comfortable thanks to the well-designed headband and earcups.

Jabra’s Evolve2 Buds obviously weigh a good deal less, but there are other considerations with earbuds. Thankfully, Jabra saw fit to package the Evolve2 Buds with a variety of tips to better fit the ear. When properly fitted, Jabra’s wireless headset provides a good seal. This works in conjunction with noise cancellation to nominally provide distraction-free listening.

Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Jabra Evolve2 Buds: 6 Must-Know Facts

1. Sony WH-1000XM5 can use LDAC, AAC, and SBC audio codecs for Bluetooth.
2. Sony WH-1000XM5 can be used as hard-wired headphones.
3. Sony WH-1000XM5’s right ear cup has a capacitive touch panel for gestures and controls.
4. Jabra Evolve2 Buds can use Bluetooth up to 65 feet away.
5. Jabra Evolve2 Buds support AAC and SBC codecs for Bluetooth.
6. Jabra Evolve2 Buds can be charged with either USB-A or USB-C connections depending on the model specified.

Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Jabra Evolve2 Buds: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?

When choosing between these two headsets, it really is down to a few deciding factors. If long-term comfort and battery life are important to you, then the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are the most logical choice.

They can run for over a day on a single charge and are built to be comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The ability to use them as a pair of hard-wired headphones through a TRS cable is also a great addition.

If you value portability, the Evolve2 Buds are a handy and small package with great sound quality. While they aren’t the absolute best at noise cancellation, they are a competitively priced alternative to others in the same form factor. Whichever choice you make, they’re both rock-solid options.

Recent Technology Updates for the Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Jabra Evolve2 Buds

Since February 2023, there have been technological advances for the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Jabra Evolve2 Buds, including:

• Noise Cancellation: As of June 2023, the Sony WH-1000XM5 was updated to improve overall noise cancellation.
• Call Quality: In July 2023, the Jabra Evolve2 Buds were updated to improve call quality.

Possible Technology Advances for the Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Jabra Evolve2 Buds

While planned technology advances have not been announced for the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Jabra Evolve2 Buds, it is likely you may see some of the following in next six to 18 months:

• Better noise cancellation: A major selling point for headphones and earbuds is noise cancellation. As a result, overall noise cancellation is expected to improve.
• Longer battery life: Another major selling point for headphones and earbuds is battery life. The battery life is expected to be improved as users expect a longer battery life.
• More comfortable designs: More comfortable designs and improved comfort can be expected. This will be beneficial for users who want to use their headphones for an extended period of time.
• Lower prices: Prices are expected to go down, making the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Jabra Evolve2 Buds available to a wider audience.

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