
Technics EAH-AZ40
Score: 80/100
Sony WF-1000XM5 Black
Score: 89/100Rankings

The Sony WF-1000XM5 are premium true-wireless earbuds offering industry-leading active noise cancellation and a total of up to 24 hours of playback with the charging case. They trade off a modest IPX4 water-resistance rating and a premium price point. Ideal for commuters and audiophiles who prioritize ANC and battery life.

Technics EAH-AZ40-S combines LDAC hi-res sound, 10-hour ANC playback and a 28-hour total battery with three-device multipoint and app-based EQ customization. Its feed-forward ANC is less effective and LDAC cannot be used while multipoint is active. Great for multitaskers and commuters needing long battery life.
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
28 hoursbest | 24 hours | |
10 hoursbest | 8 hours | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 90 minutesbest |
10 mmbest | 8.4 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 15 minutes | 3 minutesbest |
10 metersbest | 10 metersbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 50.8 gbest |
4 | 6best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(3) | ||
Battery Life (Total with Case) (hours) | 28 hours | 24 hours |
Battery Life (Earbuds Only) (hours) | 10 hours | 8 hours |
Quick Charge Time (10 min boost) (minutes) | 15 minutes | 3 minutes |
Audio(3) | ||
Supported Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | AAC, LC3, LDAC, SBC |
Driver Size (mm) | 10 mm | 8.4 mm |
Microphone Count | 4 | 6 |

Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).

Professional reviewers praise the Technics EAH-AZ40M2 for its intuitive touch controls, robust three-device multipoint connectivity, long battery life, and high-resolution LDAC audio, while noting that the feed-forward only ANC and inability to use LDAC during multipoint are drawbacks compared to more advanced competitors.
Everyday users consistently highlight the comfortable fit, long battery endurance, clear call performance, and the convenience of multipoint switching, though they also report occasional Bluetooth hiccups, the need for precise ear-tip selection, and the lack of water-resistance on the charging case.

“perfect all around”

“clear calls even in noise”



Professional reviewers praise the WF-1000XM5 for its market-leading ANC, real-world battery performance that exceeds specifications, and the significant size and weight reductions that enhance portability. The inclusion of dual ANC processors, advanced microphone array, and support for high-resolution LDAC audio further solidify its position as a high-end offering, though the limited IPX4 rating is seen as a minor drawback.