Sony WH-1000XM5 are wireless headphones with ANC noise canceling function. The latest model is the top shelf among this type of equipment. How do they work in practice and is it worth buying? Opinions.
Sony WH-1000XM5 – first impressions
I rented the headphones from the manufacturer together with the previous generation model, the review of which you can read in this article: Review of the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones. The first thing that caught my eye was the much worse design and quality of the packaging itself. Of course, if we can call them that. The WH-10000XM4 model had a normal hard box, inside which was a case with headphones. In the latest version we have a strange, cardboard “eco” box, wrapped with a label. It is neither pretty nor functional, because the label is glued – it is broken to be thrown away.
Inside the box you will find a hard and rigid travel case. It is quite durable, which will be appreciated by people who often take headphones with them in their luggage.
At the time of writing this review, the XM5 costs PLN 1,800, so it would be a shame to accidentally damage them.
It is worth noting that the case is closed with a zipper, and inside the manufacturer placed a central compartment for cables and a charger.
The headphones look great. The model I tested is satin white with a golden Sony inscription. The sponge lining the headband and headphones is quite thick, but also soft. The skin itself is pleasant to the touch.
Sony WH-1000XM5 headphone features
The WH-1000XM5 feature advanced noise reduction technology, with Sony’s proprietary HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1. It provides reduction of ambient noise as well as the background noise itself. It also includes Adaptive Sound Control that adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on your activity and environment.
The headphones provide up to 30 hours of battery life with noise canceling on and 38 hours without. They can be charged via USB-C. They support fast charging, which gives you 5 hours of playback from just 10 minutes of charging.
Hidden controls in the headphones
The WH-1000XM5 has touch controls on the earcup for ease of use and can use voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri. They also have a “Speak-to-Chat” feature that pauses the music and turns off the noise canceling when you start talking, allowing you to talk without removing the headphones. The functions and behavior of the buttons can be controlled from the Headphones Connect application.
On the side of the headphones we also have an audio input, a switch with the function of pairing or switching between ANC mode and voice enhancement in a conversation.
Sound quality and ANC performance
The headphones are equipped with 40 mm drivers and support high-resolution audio, with support for LDAC, AAC and SBC codecs. They provide clear and balanced sound throughout the frequency range, with strong bass and clear highs. They support Bluetooth 5.0 and can connect to two devices at the same time. They also feature NFC for easy pairing with compatible devices.
The headphones sound great, but it is a fairly balanced sound in which no band dominates. The bass is pleasantly felt, as are the midrange and treble. Walking along a busy street, ANC cuts out the noise coming from the wheels of passing cars much better. In this respect, they are doing much better than the previous model.
Differences between Sony XM4 and XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the successor to the Sony WH-1000XM4, and while both headphones sound great and have pretty effective ANC systems, there are some differences between them.
ANC and noise canceling performance
Both feature Sony’s proven and excellent noise reduction technology, but the WH-1000XM5 has a new processor that provides better noise reduction performance – especially in the upper frequency range. Testing the headphones simultaneously in the same circumstances, it can be clearly heard. The WH-1000XM5 also has a new feature called “Auto Optimized Noise Reduction”, which adjusts the level of noise reduction based on the user’s location and activity.
Sound quality
The WH-1000XM5 has the same 40mm drivers as the WH-1000XM4, but has a new algorithm that improves sound quality and reduces distortion. The WH-1000XM5 also supports LDAC, which is a high-definition audio codec that can provide better sound quality than the codecs supported by the WH-1000XM4.
Battery and run time
The WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM4 offer up to 30 hours of battery life with noise canceling on. However, the WH-1000XM5 has a new “smart” battery feature that can extend battery life by automatically turning off the headphones when you’re not wearing them.
Design and comfort
The WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM4 have a similar design and are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. However, the WH-1000XM5 has a new earcup design that is supposed to be more comfortable and reduce pressure on the ears.
Price
XM5 is currently about PLN 500 more expensive than the previous model.
Differences between XM4 and XM5 – summary
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers some significant improvements over the WH-1000XM4, particularly in the areas of noise reduction and sound quality. However, if you already own a WH-1000XM4, upgrading may not be worth it unless you prioritize these particular upgrades.
Sony WH-1000XM5 pros
- Advanced noise reduction technology that can block out a wide range of ambient and background sounds.
- Excellent sound quality thanks to support for high-resolution audio and a wide range of codecs.
- Comfortable to wear for extended periods, with plush earpads and a padded headband.
Long battery life of up to 30 hours with noise canceling on and 38 hours with it off. - Quick charge feature that gives you 5 hours of playtime from just 10 minutes of charging.
- Touch controls and voice assistant support make it easy to control music and access phone functions.
- The Speak-to-Chat feature pauses your music and disables noise canceling when you start talking, making it easier to talk without taking off your headphones.
- Customizable with Sony’s Headphones Connect app, which allows you to adjust noise canceling settings and other features.
Sony WH-1000XM5 cons
- Expensive compared to some other wireless headphones on the market.
- The touch controls can be a bit fussy and take some getting used to.
- The earmuffs can become hot and uncomfortable in hot weather or during prolonged use.
- The large and bulky design may not be suitable for some users who prefer a more minimalist or portable design.
- Some users may prefer a different sound profile as the headphones are tuned for a balanced and natural sound.
