Many brands make wireless earbuds and headphones. Some of the brands are very popular, like Apple, Sony, and JBL. These brands produce the best wireless earbuds. But that does not mean other companies are not making the best earbuds that can compete with the top brands. Well, in this post, we are going to compare the latest earbuds made by the French audio technology company Devialet with the latest earbuds made by the popular company Sony. In this comparison, we will compare Devialet Gemini II vs Sony WF-1000XM5. Both the earbuds are the latest addition from the makers. While comparing these two earbuds, we will look at some important aspects like Design, build quality, sound, noise cancellation, call quality, and, most importantly, price. Both the earbuds come with a higher price. This comparison will help us to understand which earbuds are better and whether they are really worth the price tag.
 |  |
|---|---|
| Devialet Gemini II | Sony WF-1000XM5 |
| PROS | PROS |
| Effective Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) Good Call Quality with AWR Customizable Sound Profiles Multi-Point Pairing Secure Fit and Comfort | Outstanding Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) Excellent Call Quality Class-leading Sound Quality Compact and Comfortable Design Seamless App Integration |
| CONS | CONS |
| Previous version had a bulky case Default sound tuning lacks lower mids Relatively high price | Limited information in the article Likely a premium-priced option |
| CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Devialet Gemini II
The Devialet Gemini II, an evolution of its predecessor, strives to strike the perfect balance between premium audio quality and innovative features. Known for its exceptional sound quality, these earbuds deliver a nuanced and well-rounded audio profile. With a focus on high-resolution audio, the Gemini II captures intricate details often missed by other earbuds. Its sound signature offers crisp, tight, and punchy bass and mids, creating a rich and engaging listening experience. Notably, the Gemini II features Active Wind Reduction (AWR) technology, designed to minimize wind noise during calls, ensuring crystal-clear voice quality. In terms of active noise cancellation, the Gemini II boasts Adaptive Noise Cancelling technology, adapting to how the earbuds fit in your ears and effectively reducing low-frequency noise. Even without foam tips, these earbuds excel in minimizing background noise, providing a serene listening atmosphere. While there are some minor nuances in the audio profile that can be adjusted through the app, the Gemini II offers impressive performance and stands as a compelling choice for those who appreciate high-quality audio and a premium design.
Devialet Gemini II Key Features
- Active noise cancelling with adaptive noise cancelling technology.
- Active Wind Reduction (AWR) technology to reduce wind noise during calls.
- Multi-point pairing, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously.
- Customizable tap controls for various functions.
- Transparency mode for awareness of your surroundings.
- Crisp, tight, and punchy bass and mids in sound.
- High-resolution audio with good detail.
- Responsive to equalization adjustments.
- Very loud volume capability.
- Premium design with a snug and secure fit.
- Polished and clean app for customization.
- Battery life of up to 5 hours with an additional 22 hours in the case.
Sony WF-1000XM5
The Sony WF-1000XM5, the latest offering from Sony’s impressive audio lineup, is a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering top-tier audio quality and noise cancellation. These earbuds set a new standard in sound quality, offering a well-balanced and detailed soundstage with excellent clarity and separation. Their compatibility with LDAC ensures high-quality wireless audio streaming for those with compatible devices. Sony’s 360 Reality Audio feature, when combined with compatible tracks, enhances the spatial audio experience, immersing listeners in a virtual concert hall. Notably, the WF-1000XM5’s active noise cancellation is powered by Sony’s HD Noise Cancelling Processor, making them highly effective at reducing a wide range of noises, from voices to engine rumblings. This level of noise isolation makes them ideal for travelers and commuters. In terms of call quality, the WF-1000XM5 offers impressive microphone pickup and minimal background noise interference. Overall, the Sony WF-1000XM5 stands out with its exceptional audio quality, industry-leading noise cancellation, and excellent call quality, making them a top choice for audiophiles and those who prioritize immersive sound experiences.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Key Features
- Class-leading sound quality.
- Excellent noise-cancelling performance.
- Outstanding call quality with background noise reduction.
- Compact and comfortable form factor.
- Adaptive noise cancellation to adjust to your activity.
- Speech detection to pause music and activate transparency mode when speaking.
- Transparency mode for ambient sound awareness.
- Strong wind noise reduction.
- Integration with the Sony Headphones app for customization.
- High-quality sound for music and movies.
- Suitable for travel and long flights.
- Premium build quality and design.
Devialet Gemini II vs Sony WF-1000XM5 Specs
| Feature | Devialet Gemini II | Sony WF-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker Driver | 10mm titanium-coated driver | 8.4mm driver |
| ANC | Up to 40dB noise cancellation | Advanced Noise Cancelling |
| Voice Call | Wind noise reduction (AWR) | Excellent call quality |
| Earbud Battery | Up to 5 hours | Up to 6 hours (NC ON) / 7 hours (NC OFF) |
| Charging Case Battery | Up to 22 hours | Up to 12 hours (NC OFF) / 8 hours (NC ON) |
| Battery Compatibility | Qi-certified or USB-C | USB charger / Wireless charger (with case) |
| Dimensions (Earbuds) | 16mm W x 23mm H x 26mm D | Not specified |
| Dimensions (Case) | 65mm W x 39mm H x 27mm D | Approx. 64.6mm W x 40mm H x 26.5mm D |
| Earbud Weight | 6g (per earbud) | Approx. 5.9g x 2 (including earbud tips) |
| Case Weight | 49g | Approx. 39g |
| Max Sound Level | 120 dB SPL | Not specified |
| Amplification Performance | THD+N < 0.1% @ 100 dB SPL | Not specified |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz – 20kHz | 20–20,000 Hz / 20–40,000 Hz (LDAC) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2, Multipoint | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Supported Audio Formats | AAC, SBC, Qualcomm® AptX™ | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| App | Devialet Gemini app | Not specified |
| Battery Life (Continuous Communication) | Max. 6 hrs (NC ON) / Max. 7 hrs (NC OFF) | Not specified |
| Content Protection | Not specified | SCMS-T |
| IP Rating | Not specified | IPX4 equivalent |
Price and Value
Finally, let’s talk about the price and overall value of these earbuds.
Devialet Gemini II
The Devialet Gemini II is positioned as a premium product, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation. While it offers excellent sound quality, noise cancellation, and call quality, it comes with a relatively high price tag.
Sony WF-1000XM5
The Sony WF-1000XM5, although not budget-friendly, offer exceptional value for their price. They deliver top-tier sound quality, industry-leading noise cancellation, and excellent call quality, making them a strong contender for those looking for a high-end but value-packed option.
Design and Comfort
The design and comfort of wireless earbuds play a significant role in long-term usage and overall satisfaction.
Devialet Gemini II
The Gemini II features a polished and premium design, reflecting Devialet’s commitment to quality. While it addresses the bulkiness issue of its predecessor, it remains larger than some compact earbuds. However, the ergonomic design ensures a snug and secure fit.
The Gemini II's app provides easy access to customization options, allowing you to fine-tune settings and EQ to your preference.
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony’s WF-1000XM5 sport a more compact and attractive design compared to their predecessors, making them comfortable for extended use. Their fit is secure, although some users with smaller ears may experience slight adjustments for optimal comfort.
Sony's Headphones Connect app provides a wide range of customization options, including equalization and adaptive sound control.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, both the Devialet Gemini II and Sony WF-1000XM5 aim for excellence but with distinct characteristics.
Devialet Gemini II
The Devialet Gemini II delivers crisp, tight, and punchy bass and mids, offering a balanced audio profile. It excels in high-resolution audio, capturing intricate details often missed by other earbuds. The sound is characterized by a bit of extra shimmer in the cymbals and more texture in the bass, providing a rich listening experience.
However, it may not be perfect for everyone. Some users might find the lower mids to be a bit thin, lacking the depth and warmth they prefer in vocal-heavy tracks. Additionally, the high-frequency response has a noticeable bump around 14kHz, making certain instruments like bells and triangles sound overly bright and dominant.
Nevertheless, the Gemini II responds well to equalization, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your liking. Moreover, these earbuds are impressively loud, making them suitable for those who crave higher volume levels.
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony is renowned for its audio quality, and the WF-1000XM5 lives up to that reputation. These earbuds provide a well-balanced and detailed soundstage with excellent clarity and separation. Bass, mids, and highs are finely tuned to deliver an immersive listening experience.
The WF-1000XM5 also offer LDAC support, enabling high-quality wireless audio streaming if you have compatible devices. Sony’s 360 Reality Audio feature, when used with compatible tracks, enhances the spatial audio experience, making you feel like you’re in a live concert.
In terms of sound quality, the Sony WF-1000XM5 take the lead with their exceptional audio reproduction and versatility.
Noise Cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a crucial feature for earbuds, especially if you want to enjoy your music in noisy environments. Both the Devialet Gemini II and Sony WF-1000XM5 come equipped with ANC, but they have different approaches.
Devialet Gemini II
The Gemini II boasts Adaptive Noise Cancelling technology that adapts to how the earbuds fit in your ears, ensuring optimal noise reduction. It also employs Internal Delay Compensation (IDC), making it highly responsive to intermittent noise.
During tests, the Gemini II demonstrated effective noise cancellation, particularly in reducing low-frequency noise. This makes it a strong contender in the ANC department, even without foam tips. It excels in minimizing background noise, offering a serene listening experience.
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony is known for its industry-leading noise cancellation technology, and the WF-1000XM5 do not disappoint. They provide top-tier noise cancellation that competes with the best in the market.
The WF-1000XM5’s ANC is powered by Sony’s HD Noise Cancelling Processor, which is highly effective at reducing a wide range of noises, including voices, engine rumblings, and ambient sounds. This level of noise isolation makes them an excellent choice for frequent travelers and commuters.
In terms of noise cancellation, the Sony WF-1000XM5 take the lead with their exceptional performance.
Call Quality
Good call quality is essential for wireless earbuds, especially if you use them for work or communication. Both the Devialet Gemini II and Sony WF-1000XM5 offer features to enhance call clarity.
Devialet Gemini II
The Gemini II is equipped with Active Wind Reduction (AWR) technology, designed to filter out wind noise during calls. During tests, the microphone pickup quality was decent, providing intelligible audio even in noisy environments.
What sets the Gemini II apart is its ability to effectively reduce background noise, almost to a whisper. Wind noise was virtually nonexistent, ensuring clear conversations. This feature makes it suitable for calls in outdoor settings or noisy cafes.
Sony WF-1000XM5
The WF-1000XM5 also deliver impressive call quality, with clear microphone pickup and minimal background noise interference. Sony’s expertise in noise cancellation extends to call quality, ensuring that your voice comes through clearly even in challenging acoustic environments.
Both earbuds offer excellent call quality, making them suitable for business and personal use.
Conclusion
In the showdown between the Devialet Gemini II and the Sony WF-1000XM5, both earbuds have their strengths and weaknesses.
Devialet Gemini II shines with its balanced sound profile, effective noise cancellation, and impressive call quality. It’s a solid choice for those who appreciate high-resolution audio and premium design.
Sony WF-1000XM5, on the other hand, excels in sound quality, boasting a well-balanced and detailed soundstage. They lead the pack with their industry-leading noise cancellation technology, making them ideal for travelers and audiophiles.
Ultimately, the choice is yours as you are the person who is going to spend the money. If you are looking for the best sound quality and noise cancellation, the Sony WF-1000XM5 is the clear winner. But if you are looking for a more balanced audio profile and premium design, the Devialet Gemini II is a compelling choice.
Consider your preferences and needs carefully to determine which wireless earbuds align best with your lifestyle and listening habits. Both of these earbuds offer impressive features that cater to different audiophile tastes and usage scenarios.
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.