WF-1000XM5 vs Technics AZ100
Both the WF-1000XM5 and the Technics AZ100 sit in the premium wireless earbuds class, and Sony and Technics are clearly watching each other. The Technics AZ100 has the edge in 1 of the 3 areas we looked at, most visibly in the battery & charging category.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging Technics AZ100 wins
- Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price Tie
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging4.8
- Features & Connectivity5.0
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging7.8
- Features & Connectivity5.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Technics AZ100 has 2 h more listening per charge
Put simply, the Technics AZ100 is far ahead here: 10 h compared with 8 h. Longer listening per charge matters on long flights, workdays and road trips.
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The Technics AZ100 has 4 h more total battery with the case
On paper, the Technics AZ100 is a touch ahead here, listing 28 h against 24 h. The Technics AZ100’s case holds more extra charge, which is handy on trips.
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The Technics AZ100 has
The Technics AZ100 comes out larger here (0.39 in versus 0.33 in), which is neither a plus nor a minus on its own. Treat driver size as a design detail rather than a verdict on how each pair sounds.
-
The WF-1000XM5 has
A modest but measurable lead goes to the WF-1000XM5: 1.38 oz compared with 1.48 oz. The WF-1000XM5’s case is lighter, one less thing weighing down your pocket.
Design & Size
Both land at nearly the same weight, so this isn’t a deciding factor.
Fit & Build
| Spec | WF-1000XM5 | Technics AZ100 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear (stemless) | In-ear (stemless) |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.21 oz | 0.21 oz |
| Case weight | 1.38 oz (winner) Lightest case in class | 1.48 oz |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Too close to call
The differences on sound & noise cancelling are small enough to ignore in daily use. The takeaway: sound & noise cancelling is not where these two differ.
Driver size
WF-1000XM5: 0.33 in Technics AZ100: 0.39 in Driver size is only one ingredient of sound quality; tuning, fit and processing matter at least as much.
Battery & Charging
Technics AZ100 leads
If battery & charging is high on your list, the Technics AZ100 makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The Technics AZ100 adds 2 h more listening per charge. Ratings usually assume moderate volume and specific settings, so real results vary. The battery & charging verdict goes to the Technics AZ100.
Battery (single charge)
WF-1000XM5: 8 h Technics AZ100: 10 h The Technics AZ100 runs longer before needing a break, so you’re less likely to be interrupted mid-podcast.
Battery (with case)
WF-1000XM5: 24 h Technics AZ100: 28 h A bigger total means fewer case charges per week, a small but real convenience.
Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to features & connectivity. Bottom line for features & connectivity: it’s a wash.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | WF-1000XM5 | Technics AZ100 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver size | 0.33 in | 0.39 in |
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial audio | 360 Reality Audio | N/A (not specified) |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | WF-1000XM5 | Technics AZ100 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 8 h | 10 h (winner) Longest listening per charge |
| Battery (with case)Manufacturer rating | 24 h | 28 h (winner) |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | WF-1000XM5 | Technics AZ100 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | No |
| Controls | Touch | N/A (not specified) |
Fit & Build
| Spec | WF-1000XM5 | Technics AZ100 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear (stemless) | In-ear (stemless) |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.21 oz | 0.21 oz |
| Case weight | 1.38 oz (winner) Lightest case in class | 1.48 oz |
Price
| Spec | WF-1000XM5 | Technics AZ100 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $300 | $300 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
At launch, the WF-1000XM5 and the Technics AZ100 cost the same.
Launch prices (US) as of January 2025. Discounts and bundles come and go, so compare current prices before buying.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the WF-1000XM5 if…
- you carry the case in a small pocket (1.38 oz vs 1.48 oz)
- you’re comfortable with how Sony does things
Choose the Technics AZ100 if…
- you listen for hours at a stretch (10 h vs 8 h per charge)
- you want more total battery with the case (28 h vs 24 h)
- you trust Technics and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the WF-1000XM5 or the Technics AZ100?
The Technics AZ100 makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you’d trade the rest for.
Which has better battery life, the WF-1000XM5 or the Technics AZ100?
The Technics AZ100 comes out ahead on battery (single charge), with 10 h compared with 8 h on the WF-1000XM5.
Which weighs less, the WF-1000XM5 or the Technics AZ100?
Weight won’t decide this one; the WF-1000XM5 and the Technics AZ100 are very close.
Executive Summary
Let’s set the logos aside for a minute. The WF-1000XM5 and the Technics AZ100 are close competitors, and their spec sheets tell an interesting story. The Technics AZ100 has 2 h more listening per charge, and for most people that’s not a small thing. Still, if you care most about, the WF-1000XM5 deserves a look.
Your priorities do the choosing here: a lighter case points to the WF-1000XM5, battery & charging to the Technics AZ100.
My pick: the Technics AZ100, though I’d happily point you to the WF-1000XM5 if you’d rather have on the WF-1000XM5.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.