(checked 2026-10-10)
Wirecutter's runner-up for small, comfortable everyday earbuds, but it has the weakest Amazon reception here (3.6 stars, about 30% 1-2 stars), with complaints about noise cancelling, touch controls and dropouts.
Top complaints
- Weak noise isolation and ANC
SoundGuys calls it a 'remarkably poor isolator'. Expert Reviews found the ANC weaker than Sony's WF-1000XM5, especially on low rumble, and Wirecutter says the tips let high-pitched sounds through. Amazon's summary says noise cancellation gets negative feedback, and a Walmart reviewer agrees.
- Touch controls miss taps
SoundGuys says the touch controls often failed to register, and Expert Reviews says many taps went unrecognized. Amazon owners call the controls terrible and inconsistent. Wirecutter disagrees, calling the tap controls forgiving and reliable.
- Dropouts and intermittent failures
Amazon's summary says connectivity issues are common, with frequent disconnections, pairing problems and earbuds that stop working intermittently. Owners also find them overpriced.
- Modest battery, no wireless charging
Wirecutter got 5-6 hours per charge and notes the case has no wireless charging. SoundGuys measured 6 hours 46 minutes; Expert Reviews cites 5.5 hours with ANC on.
What owners love
- Very comfortable, secure wings
Wirecutter says the soft hollow wings hold the buds in place without pressure, and a tester who hates earbuds was converted. SoundGuys scored comfort 9.5/10.
Source: Wirecutter, SoundGuys review - Balanced, adjustable sound
Wirecutter likes the balanced, full-bodied sound and the Sony app's EQ options.
Source: Wirecutter - Natural hear-through and hands-free voice control
Wirecutter says the hear-through mode sounds natural and the built-in voice control works with any phone. Expert Reviews calls the voice commands accurate and quick.
Source: Wirecutter, Expert Reviews
- You want strong noise cancelling
- You need dependable touch controls
- You want wireless charging
- People whose ears reject most earbuds
- Hearing your surroundings while listening
- Small, discreet buds
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Runner-up for smaller earbuds: comfortable and great-sounding, but battery is short and the mics don't block intermittent noise as well as the Liberty 5 Pro's.
- SoundGuys: 8/10: very comfortable, but a poor isolator with unreliable touch controls and limited multipoint.
- Expert Reviews: Great for comfort and awareness; the ANC could be better, the touch controls are fussy and the fit takes fiddling (UK review, 2024).