Sony’s 1000X series’ upcoming iteration, the WH-1000XM5, is finally here. With industry-leading technology and innovations that set a standard for many top-selling headphones to follow, particularly in the areas of noise-cancelling and spatial audio, Sony’s mainline wireless headphones have dominated the market for the past few years. With the aptly named WH-1000XM5, Sony hopes to update their well-known Bluetooth line, modernizing some of its more recognizable features. In addition to this article on our review of the WH-1000XM5, be sure to read our other articles on Sony products. ..
Design
The WH-1000XM5 headphones represent a considerable change from the two generations of over-ear headphone designs that were essentially identical. The WH-1000XM5 headphones are a little curvier than their predecessors, which is the simplest way to sum them up in a nutshell. There are fewer obvious points of articulation, more covert noise-cancelling mic ports, and a slimmer headband with additional leather-look covering to conceal its joins and extension points. Everything is cleaner and more streamlined. The space where your ears rest is also slightly different in shape from the WH-1000XM3 and WH-1000XM4’s oval cavity. It is a more squat ovoid. ..
The new extension points feel stronger and have fewer pressure points that could shatter away, a gripe of well-used past versions. Some modifications, however, might not be well received. Unfortunately, there is still no mention of any type of water resistance here.
Sony has announced that their newest headphones, the WH-1000XM3, will no longer fold in on themselves. This is a significant change because it means that the headphones will not be as portable as they once were. Additionally, it appears that Sony did not put as much padding into the headband of these new headphones as they did in earlier models. This may make these headphones less comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. ..
The new version of the Beats by Dre Solo2 headphones comes with a new headband that is more comfortable and adjustable, as well as a stepped extension that makes them easier to wear. They will also fit all sizes, and have plenty of padding around the ears.
Sony WH1000-XM5 review: Comfort
The WH-1000XM5 are one of the lightest wireless over-ear headphones available. They’re also not any heavier to wear than the trim weight would suggest thanks to a mix of thoughtful hanger design, soft synthetic leather, and a scattering of memory foam in the earcup and the Centre of the inside of the headband.
The Sony ear cups are comfortable and fit most people’s ears without being too large or suffocating. However, some competing designs seem to return body heat more quickly, so it may be worth considering if you’re looking for the best ear cups for your head.
Sony WH1000-XM5 review: Connectivity
The Sony Xperia XM5s is a new smartphone that connects wirelessly using Bluetooth 5.2. This supports the SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs which are all important for streaming high-resolution material. The downside is that there is no aptX codec support which is disappointing, but the XM5s is still more than capable of handling the high-resolution material on most streaming providers. There is also a 3.5mm analogue input on the left earcup and a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cable included in the carry-case in case of battery life issues. ..
Noise cancelling
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market, according to Sony. The XM5 has been designed to cancel out higher frequencies better than previous models, which may help reduce noise pollution. ..
The Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless earbuds feature an integrated processor V1 that was debuting on the WF-1000XM4 wireless earbuds. This technology is said to have improved the noise detection and increased the number of microphones on the earbuds. Additionally, Sony claims that this technology has helped to achieve better sound quality.
With the new XM5 headphones, you can now automatically optimize the noise-cancelling while you move about. This is done through Sony’s NC Optimizer and Adaptive Sound Control, which keep track of where you are wearing the headphones. Alternatively, you can switch between ambient and noise-cancelling modes by tapping the corresponding button on the left earcup’s edge. ..
Sony continues to lead the pack in terms of noise cancellation. When it comes to shielding us from the incessant drones and noises inside train and subway carriages, they are among the best in their class. Additionally, they assist in blocking out loud conversations in crowded areas that you do not wish to take part in. Surprisingly, when dealing with variable sounds like background traffic noise, these headphones aren’t quite as consistent as the previous generation. This effect is more of a mystery than a significant issue. ..
Audio performance
The WH-1000XM5 is a significant improvement over the WH-1000XM4 in terms of sound quality and precision. The new headphones are able to convey information more clearly and easily than their predecessors, making them a great choice for anyone looking for high-quality audio. ..
These Sony headphones continue to extract more information as you increase the frequency range, thanks to an added sense of clarity. Additionally, notes are delivered with perfect timing, thanks to the XM5 headphones. Duel of the Fates from The Phantom Menace OST is the first test song on our playlist.
The song is a stirring classical track that conveys dynamic shifts without hesitation from the moment the choir starts the song. The tune is driven by strings and woodwind instruments, with the Sonys delicately alternating between the furious, frenetic movement and the softer moments.
The timpani roll in the middle of the song, which is challenging to follow on headphones with a fuller balance, is tracked and dissected superbly by these. Although Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” isn’t the most difficult music for the WH-1000XM5 to play, it does give the Sonys a chance to show off. The drums have a noticeable sense of weight and drive, but the XM5 also manage to maintain the edges smooth and flawless, which increases the dynamics of their rise and fall. Another great example of the Sonys’ expert timing is their rendering of Eilish’s delicate but very deliberate stop/start vocal. ..
Sony WH1000-XM5 review: Call performance
XM5 outperforms predecessor in this area, as well as perhaps rivals mentioned in this review. It’s amazing how well on-board processors can distinguish your voice from background noise, even when it’s really loud. They accomplish this without the compression and muddiness that frequently go along with this type of algorithmic magic, and system exhibits only faint touch of harshness when pushed to its utmost. ..
We both experienced a difference when recording voice samples in crowded cities with our Editor-at-large Caleb Denison. The sound of our voices was extremely intrusive on our end, while the JBL Tour One headphones had a lovely, warm tone. The only other headphones that even remotely compare are the Beats by Dr. Dre Solo2.
Battery and charging
The Sony WH-1000XM5s’ noise cancelling ability is impressive, but their battery life could be improved.
Some readers might find it unsatisfactory that rival companies are starting to eke out longer battery life per charge. However, the other features’ quality more than makes up for any disadvantage to the competitors in this area, especially when it comes to noise-cancelling capabilities, and 30 to 40 hours of playback is still more than plenty. ..
We found that the Sony PlayStation 4 was not as accurate in predicting how long it would last with its built-in audio playback feature, “ANC” (Audio Noise Cancellation), turned on. However, we also tended to turn up the volume louder than average, which could lead to the battery draining more quickly. ..
The USB-PD standard allows you to playback music for three hours from a three minute charge. Sony has made an effort to improve the charging experience overall.
Price and availability
The Sony WH1000-XM5 are the top of the “mainstream” over-ear headphone market and are edging closer to the “luxury lifestyle” segment, where brands like Montblanc, Apple (with its AirPods Max), and Bang & Olufsen hang out. The XM5’s most obvious rivals, from brands like Bose and Sennheiser, are all noticeably less expensive.
Conclusion
The Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones are a great choice for people who frequently move or spend a lot of time outside. The active noise cancellation is strong, and the microphone performance and battery life are both excellent. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a great choice for commuting and travelling.
The ANC headphones are great for long flights because they have a good noise isolation rating and they are also comfortable. However, their ANC falls short in terms of reducing the low rumble of bus engines.
