Best Sony WF-1000XM5 Eartip Replacements 👉🏻 (Silicone and Foam)
There are 2 reasons why you may want to replace the WF-1000XM5’s ear tips.
Since the Sony WF-1000XM5 comes only with foam tips, sooner or later you’re gonna have to replace them because they do get filthy and wear out eventually.
Or perhaps you prefer the feel of silicone instead of foam. You feel it’s more comfortable, and far more durable than foam tips so you don’t have to keep replacing them every year.
But even if there are tons of cheaper options out there for foam and silicone tips you’ve gotta be very careful with these replacements because they usually don’t come with a mesh that prevents ear wax from getting into the XM5’s nozzles.
The original XM5 tips have that mesh, but the aftermarket ones often don’t. And if you use those that don’t have a mesh, and wax gets into the nozzles, it will affect sound quality, volume and noise canceling. It’s also almost impossible to clean because the nozzle opening is so tiny, you may even puncture the driver if you’re not careful.
But I have found some suitable replacements from reputable brands which cost less than the originals.
The first example is the Comply TRUEGRIP PRO for TWS earbuds. These foam tips have more tapering, and they feel softer than the original’s foam and silicone hybrid so when you’re wearing them they fit into the ear canal easier, so you can say that these are more comfortable for longer periods of wearing.
( Tip: Get 15% off Comply tips here when you use discount code LOUDNWIRELESS )
The Azla SednaEarfit MAX uses thick, medical grade silicone, and I’ve found them to be very comfortable, very conforming, while providing a good deal of noise isolation.
Both the Azla and Comply tips have meshes which prevents wax from getting into the XM5’s nozzles making them suitable for use. But they also have some impact on sound, noise canceling and transparency, which is worth diving into.
Sound quality
The Comply foam tips do have a very small impact on bass and mid range response. They also generate a bit more presence and brilliance below the 10 khz region. What this means is these will introduce a bit more warmth and darkness to vocals while making your music sound a bit closer.
The Azlas sound almost indistinguishable from the originals except for maybe a little bit more brightness and a bit thinner bass. But if you were to ask me to do a blind test, I might get it wrong half of the time. Listen to the samples here comparing the original ear tips to the Azla and Comply ones.
Active Noise Canceling
In terms of active noise canceling, the Comply tips actually provide more noise isolation than the original. It could be because its foam is thicker. While the Azlas, being made of single layer of silicone, was not able to block as much noise across the board especially in the mid range, so you’re going to hear more human chatter.
However, when active noise canceling is turned on, I found the difference between all these ear tips to be less obvious, because the XM5’s hardware is able to actively cancel a lot of low frequency rumble regardless of ear tips. Have a listen to the samples.
Join to compare all sound quality, noise canceling, and microphone samples.
Transparency
In terms of transparency, compared to the originals, the Azlas produce the clearest passthrough. It felt more like you’re not wearing earbuds. On the other hand, the Comply tips sounds a bit more muffling than the originals when transparency is turned on. But just a little more occlusion, it’s not very different to the originals in that area.
Conclusion
In short, if you want better noise canceling and comfort, choose the Comply. If you want better durability, transparency and comfort, choose the Azla. Those are some alternatives to consider aside from the Sony originals. Check latest prices and deals through the links below.
Comply TrueGrip Pro Official Site - Get 15% off when you use discount code LOUDNWIRELESS
Note: Only purchases directly from complyfoam.com qualify for the Guaranteed Fit Program. If for whatever reason the chosen size does not work for you, Comply will offer a credit to get you the right size you need at no extra cost. (International orders are subject to shipping/vat charges & fees)
Amazon links to the ear tips
Comply TrueGrip Pro - https://amzn.to/3PHuHrq
Azla SednaEarfit MAX - https://amzn.to/3qsbbYN
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