Although not mentioned explicitly in Sony's teaser, it is almost certain that the WF-1000XM5 will launch next week. These earbuds should arrive with 8.4 mm drivers, three microphones, and improved real-time noise cancellation. Bluetooth 5.3, wireless charging, and multipoint connectivity are also expected.
I have the XM4. Sound quality, noise cancelling, battery, etc, are all very good. Unfortunately, for the first few months I only used them for 1 hour a day, tops. When I started using them for long periods of time (6-7 hours), my outer ears started hurting… and by then I couldn’t send them back.
My suggestion to any first timers getting earphones that stay in place because they’re “stuck” inside the ear: test them for long periods of time and see if they’re comfortable or not. We all have different ear shapes and they won’t work for everyone (eg: me).
I was looking for something more traditional and a friend suggested the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC (Anker’s sound brand). They cost much less (I paid around 70 euros for them), so I wasn’t expecting that much… but I’m surprised! Battery is not as good (7-8 hours for me with noise canceling ON), but they sound fine and the noise cancelling isn’t that bad (the XM4 are better, but not “200 euros more” better) and like the XM4, I think it can be improved with foam ear tips. I just need someone to make some aftermarket ear tips… I can’t use the ones I have from my Sony as Soundcore went with a squared design, so the normal round ones don’t fit/attach to the earbuds.
I’ve learned that I can’t do the in-ear bud style for more than an hour. Full overhead headphones (I use Bose NC-700s are good for 2 hours or so for me), but buds like Samsung Bud Lives can stay in ear for 3+ hours. I just wish the ANC for these types of buds worked better.
I like the Buds Live a lot but they make my ears hurt after about 2 hours. My XM4s are more comfortable. I wore them on a transatlantic flight with minimal breaks and no real issues.
It takes time to get used to new ear buds. Wear them for 4+ hours a day for a couple days in a row, then give your ears a break for 2-3 days so they can heal. Then try the buds again. They probably won’t be as uncomfortable going forward.
Anker’s Soundcore are making some hard hitting budget wireless buds. I recently lost my buds 2pro case so I picked up a the soundcore a40 on prime day. I was pleasantly surprised that the a40’s ANC is better, the fit was more comfortable and battery life last quite a bit longer. My friend also said my mic was much clearer since it cancels out the background noise so much better than the buds2pro.