Products are selected by our editors, we may earn commission from links on this page.
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is worth considering.
They offer crystal clear sound, long battery life, and intuitive touch controls, making them a great choice for listening to your favorite music or taking calls on the go.
However, some users have been disappointed with the sound quality and the overall cheap feel of the headphones.
In this product review article, we’ll take a closer look at the features and performance of the Sony WH-1000XM5 to help you decide if they are the right choice for you.
Price
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are positioned at a high price point in the market, reflecting their status as premium noise-canceling headphones.
Priced at $399.99, these headphones are intended for consumers looking for top-of-the-line audio performance, advanced noise-canceling features, and high comfort.
But keep in mind that this price also reflects technological enhancements and design upgrades that justify its placement as a high-end product in Sony’s range of audio devices.
Key Features
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones offer an unparalleled listening experience. They have an auto noise-canceling optimizer, crystal-clear hands-free calling, Alexa voice control, and up to 30 hours of battery life. These headphones are designed for maximum comfort, with a lightweight design and soft-fit leather ear cups.
The WH-1000XM5 headphones offer industry-leading noise cancellation, sound quality and volume control. With intuitive touch controls, users can easily pause, play and skip songs, control volume, activate their voice assistant and answer phone calls.
The headphones also have a Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention mode that stops your music and lets in ambient sound, as well as an ultra-comfortable and lightweight design.
With its magnificent sound, engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1, you will be able to enjoy your music like never before.
Sound Quality
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have exceptional sound quality, with enhancements in both active noise cancellation and overall audio performance.
The headphones feature a bass-heavy sound profile ideal for genres like EDM and hip-hop, and improvements in the mid and treble ranges help to brighten vocals and lead instruments.
They are also noted for their comfort and robust 30-hour battery life, maintaining Sony’s reputation as a leader in the premium headphone market.
Design
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have received significant design upgrades from previous models, reflecting a modern and sleek aesthetic.
The new design is characterized by smoother, more streamlined contours, which enhance the visual appeal and reduce wind noise.
They have a similar button layout as previous models, with two buttons on the left ear cup for power and noise-canceling features, and a touch-sensitive right ear cup for controlling music playback and calls. This familiar interface ensures ease of use for those accustomed to Sony’s headphone design.
However, it’s worth noting that the new design does not allow the headphones to fold, which might be a downside for frequent travelers who prefer compact devices.
Comfort Level
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are highly regarded for their comfort, making them suitable for long listening sessions. The headphones feature a design that integrates soft vegan leather and a well-cushioned fit, which contributes to their overall comfort. Users have found them to be so comfortable that they can wear them for extended periods without needing to take them off, except for charging.
The design adjustments have also been focused on improving the comfort level over their predecessors, with an emphasis on reducing pressure points and evenly distributing weight across the head. This includes a headband that is integrated into the ear cups, creating a seamless and more stable structure that adds to the comfort.
Battery Life and Charging
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer up to 30 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled, which is on par with the previous model despite additional features and enhanced ANC performance.
When ANC is turned off, the battery life can extend up to 40 hours, providing significant longevity for extended use without frequent recharges.
Charging these headphones is notably efficient as well. They support quick charging through USB-C, where just three minutes of charging can provide about three hours of playback.
This feature is particularly beneficial for travelers or users who need a quick boost in power before heading out.
These attributes ensure that the WH-1000XM5 headphones are not only convenient for daily use but also reliable for long trips or extended listening sessions, making them a strong competitor in the premium headphone market.
Connection
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones feature advanced Bluetooth 5.2 technology, ensuring stable and fast wireless connectivity.
They support multipoint connection, allowing them to connect to two devices simultaneously, which is convenient for switching between sources like a laptop and a smartphone.
The headphones also support high-resolution audio streaming through LDAC, which maintains excellent sound quality over Bluetooth.
Additionally, NFC capabilities facilitate quick pairing with compatible devices, enhancing user convenience.
Overall, these features make the WH-1000XM5 highly versatile and reliable for wireless audio needs.
Software
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are supported by the Sony | Headphones Connect app, which offers robust customization and control.
Through the app, users can fine-tune sound settings with an adjustable equalizer and access Adaptive Sound Control, which adjusts noise cancellation and ambient sound based on the user’s environment.
The app also supports 360 Reality Audio for an immersive listening experience, making it a crucial component of the WH-1000XM5’s functionality, enhancing both usability and audio performance.
Noise Cancelling
The noise-canceling quality of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones is exceptionally effective. These headphones leverage Sony’s advanced Integrated Processor V1, which significantly enhances noise cancellation across both high and low frequencies.
The combination of feedforward and feedback microphones allows these headphones to effectively eliminate ambient noise, providing a near-silent listening environment.
The Adaptive Sound Control feature smartly adjusts to environmental changes, ensuring optimal noise suppression in various settings.
Overall, the WH-1000XM5 stands out for its superior noise cancellation capabilities, making it a top choice for those in noisy environments.
Compared to Other Similar Products
When compared to similar products such as the Bose QuietComfort 35 II or the Sennheiser HD 596, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is clearly the winner in terms of features and performance.
The WH-1000XM5’s noise cancellation capabilities are top-of-the-line, and it has a unique feature called Speak-to-Chat, which allows you to easily pause your music and listen to your surroundings.
Additionally, the WH-1000XM5’s sound quality is superior to that of the other two products mentioned, with its deep bass, crystal clear highs and mids, and excellent soundstage.
While the Sony WH-1000XM5 may be more expensive than competitors, it is worth the investment considering the features and sound quality it provides. The headphones are also lightweight and comfortable, making them perfect for long listening sessions.
Pros
1. Comfortable and lightweight
2. Unique features like noise canceling and Speak to Pause Music
3. Superb sound quality and fast charging
Cons
1. Costly
2. No folding capability
3. Compressed cushioning after extended use
Conclusion
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are a worthwhile investment for those looking for top-tier noise-canceling headphones with excellent sound, comfort, and battery life. W
While they come with a premium price tag, their overall performance and features justify the cost for audiophiles and regular users alike who prioritize quality and functionality in their audio devices.
Buy now at Amazon
Questions & Answers:
Question: How long is the battery life of the WH-1000XM5 headphones?
Answer: The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers up to 30 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation enabled and up to 40 hours with it turned off. This makes them suitable for long flights or extended listening sessions without frequent recharges.
Question: What are the key features of the WH-1000XM5’s noise cancellation technology?
Answer: The WH-1000XM5 headphones feature advanced noise cancellation technology with a new Integrated Processor V1 and support for LDAC codec, which enhances the noise cancellation capabilities, especially in environments with a lot of background noise.
Question: Are the WH-1000XM5 headphones comfortable for long periods of wear?
Answer: Yes, the WH-1000XM5 headphones are designed with comfort in mind. They feature plush earcups and a lightweight design that allows for extended periods of wear without discomfort.
Question: Can the WH-1000XM5 connect to multiple devices simultaneously?
Answer: Yes, the WH-1000XM5 supports multipoint connection, allowing them to be connected to two Bluetooth devices at the same time. This is convenient for users who switch between devices, such as a laptop and a smartphone.
Question: How effective is the quick charge feature of the WH-1000XM5?
Answer: The WH-1000XM5’s quick charge feature is very efficient. It provides up to 3 hours of playtime with just 3 minutes of charging. This is particularly useful for users who need a quick boost in battery life.
Question: What improvements have been made in the WH-1000XM5 compared to previous models?
Answer: The WH-1000XM5 has several improvements over previous models, including better noise cancellation, enhanced sound quality, and a more comfortable and durable design. They also feature an updated look that aligns with current aesthetic preferences.
Question: Is there a companion app for the WH-1000XM5, and what functionalities does it provide?
Answer: Yes, the Sony Headphones Connect app is available and provides several functionalities for the WH-1000XM5, such as customizing sound settings, adjusting noise cancellation levels, and firmware updates to enhance headphone performance.
