Sony
Earbuds & wearables · Last assessed 6/9/2026
Score breakdown
Why this grade
Historically the most repairable earbud line: WF-1000XM3 scored 5/10 and WF-1000XM4 7/10, with earbud batteries replaceable using widely available standard Z55H coin cells and a modular case battery/port (XM4). However iFixit reports Sony 'nerfed' the line — each generation needs more tools just for a battery swap, and the WF-1000XM5 abandons the replaceable-battery design. No official replacement parts or repair instructions (community/iFixit guides only); no smartwatch line. Cheap coin-cell parts and no activation lock are pluses, but absent OEM support keeps it at F.
Methodology & version
Five dimensions — parts availability, schematic access, repairability, OEM pricing, and software freedom — are scored 0–100 and weighted equally; the letter grade is the average (A 90–100, B 80–89, C 70–79, D 60–69, F below 60). This assessment is current as of 6/9/2026 and cites its sources below. It covers the Earbuds & wearables category and is not a claim about every device the maker ships.