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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize higher overall audio quality and a wider soundstage, the Sony WF1000XM5 may be a better choice. However, if you're looking for a more balanced option suitable for a variety of uses like calls, meetings, and gaming, the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ, being less expensive, offers good versatility. The Beoplay EQ also has slightly better build quality and is more suited for exercise due to its sweatproof certification. Both models have active noise cancelling and similar comfort scores, but the Sony has a longer battery life and includes virtual surround, which might enhance your listening experience for movies and music with immersive soundscapes. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
6.8
8.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is only fair.
Gaming
8.4
5.1
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is very good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Phone Calls
7.2
5.0
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good for phone calls, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8
4.9
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
5.4
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
7.0
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for noise reduction, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good.
Battery
6.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
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Key similarities
Cost
$250
$248
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has a price of $250 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $248.
Build Quality
8.9
8.5
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ and Sony WF1000XM5 both have very good build quality.
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How the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$250 | $248 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bang and Olufsen | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2021 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.2/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.4/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6.5 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 20 | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 7/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8 Grams | 6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Mag
Tim Gideon | March 2022
"Bang & Olufsen’s audio products prioritize style and function just as much as sound quality. The company’s latest Beoplay EQ noise-cancelling true wireless earphones combine strong, accurate-leaning audio with solid noise cancellation in an exceedingly classy design."
Sony WF1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ or the Sony WF1000XM5
About Bang and Olufsen
Bang and Olufsen is an almost century-old electronic goods manufacturer based in Denmark with a very special focus on design. Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen created the first AC radio in 1925 and went on to develop televisions, telephones and, of course, headphones and loudspeakers. Today, they are partnered with several companies, like Audi, BMW and Aston Martin, to provide very high-quality audio solutions.
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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