Sony WH-1000XM5: The Best Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has emerged as a standout product in the crowded market of wireless noise-canceling headphones. With its combination of exceptional sound quality, advanced noise cancellation technology, and sleek design, it has garnered attention from audiophiles and casual listeners alike. This article delves into the features, performance, and overall user experience of the WH-1000XM5, showcasing why it may very well be considered the best in its class.
Design and Comfort
Premium Build Quality
The WH-1000XM5 headphones are crafted from a mix of soft fit synthetic leather, plastic, and metal, resulting in a premium feel that is both durable and stylish. Their design is minimalist and modern, appealing to a wide range of users. The lightweight construction, weighing just 8.82 ounces, makes them comfortable for extended use.
Comfort Over Extended Periods
What truly sets the WH-1000XM5 apart is its comfort. The plush ear cups envelop the ears gently, allowing for long listening sessions without discomfort. Users have reported being able to wear them for hours on end without feeling fatigued, making them an ideal companion for travelers and those who work long hours with headphones.
Sound Quality
Balanced Audio Performance
Equipped with dynamic drivers, the WH-1000XM5 delivers a balanced and clear sound profile across all genres of music. Whether you’re listening to classical, rock, or electronic music, the audio remains crisp and well-defined. The headphones also come with customizable sound settings via the Sony Headphones Connect app, allowing users to tailor the audio output to their preferences.
Exceptional Noise Cancellation
The WH-1000XM5 features cutting-edge Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, powered by an Integrated Processor V1 and controlled by eight strategically placed microphones. This advanced setup enables the headphones to effectively block out ambient noise, making it easier to immerse oneself in music or podcasts. Users have noted that the ANC excels in eliminating consistent background sounds, such as engine noise or air conditioning, providing a distraction-free listening experience.
Connectivity and Battery Life
Bluetooth Technology
With Bluetooth version 5.2, the WH-1000XM5 offers a reliable wireless connection up to 10 meters. Users have reported seamless connectivity, allowing them to move freely without interruptions in audio playback. The headphones also feature touch controls that make it easy to play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume with simple gestures.
Long Battery Life
One of the standout features of the WH-1000XM5 is its impressive battery life. Users can enjoy up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge, eliminating battery anxiety during long trips or extended use. Additionally, the quick charging feature allows for three hours of playback with just a three-minute charge, ensuring that you’re never left without your favorite tunes.
Call Quality
Clear Communication
The WH-1000XM5 is not only designed for music lovers but also for professionals who rely on hands-free calling. With four beamforming microphones and advanced audio signal processing, the headphones ensure that your voice is captured clearly, even in noisy environments. However, some users have noted that while the call quality is generally good, it may not match specialized headsets like the Blueparrott B450-XT, which are designed specifically for calls in high-noise settings.
User Feedback and Comparisons
Strengths and Weaknesses
User reviews highlight several strengths of the WH-1000XM5, including its excellent sound quality, long battery life, and effective noise cancellation. Many users prefer it over competitors like the Bose 700 and Apple AirPods Max for its audio performance and comfort. However, some users have pointed out that the call quality may not be the best in extremely noisy environments, indicating a potential area for improvement.
Competitive Edge
When compared to other premium headphones, the WH-1000XM5 stands out due to its superior sound quality and customizable audio settings. While the Bose QuietComfort series excels in noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM5 offers a more balanced sound experience, making it a preferred choice for many audiophiles.
Conclusion
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a remarkable pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones that excels in sound quality, comfort, and battery life. Its advanced noise-cancellation technology and thoughtful design make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to enhance their listening experience, whether for music, podcasts, or calls. Despite a few minor drawbacks in call quality compared to specialized devices, the overall performance and features of the WH-1000XM5 solidify its place as one of the best options in the market today.
Rating
- Sound Quality: 5/5
- Noise Cancellation: 5/5
- Comfort: 5/5
- Battery Life: 5/5
- Call Quality: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐️
In summary, for those seeking a premium audio experience combined with top-tier noise cancellation, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a worthy investment that will not disappoint.
Truthful Reviewer –
If you’re looking for top-notch noise-cancelling headphones with customizable sound profiles, look no further. I’ve tried them all: AirPods Max, Sony XM3, XM4, and Bose 700, but the all-new Sony XM5s have taken the crown as the best noise-cancelling headphones.
✔ Improved Microphone – Compared to the XM4, the microphone on the XM5 performs significantly better in Zoom and Microsoft Teams calls, whether for work or personal use.
✔ Long-lasting Comfort – I can wear these for hours without discomfort, even with glasses on. The XM4s tended to get warm, but the XM5s offer much better breathability.
✔ Touch Controls – The touch controls are responsive and intuitive, providing a noticeable upgrade in sensitivity over previous models.
✔ Bluetooth & Connectivity – When I take them off, the music pauses, and it resumes seamlessly when I put them back on. I can move around my home without losing signal, and switching between my iPhone and MacBook Pro is quick and easy.
✔ Hard Case & Cables – The included hard case is of high quality, perfectly fitting the headphones and including slots for the USB-C and audio aux cables at no extra cost.
✔ Feature-rich Sony App – The app allows extensive customization of audio profiles and presets, which are excellent for various music genres. Updates are easy through the app, and I can control noise cancelling and transparency modes directly from there or via a button on the headphones. The adaptive sound feature adjusts based on my environment—no complaints here. The auto power-off option is a nice touch as well.
I bought two pairs of the Sony XM5s—one for me and one for my wife. We both love these cutting-edge wireless noise-cancelling headphones. Having tested all the latest models, I can confidently say that both Sony and Apple lead the market. Below is my comparison of the Sony XM5s and Apple’s AirPods Max:
Sound Quality: Winner – Tie
In my testing with Tidal and Apple Music, I found the XM5s excelled in genres like Jazz, Bossa Nova, Hip-Hop (90s), Classical Rock, Symphony, and R&B. The AirPods Max performed better with EDM genres such as House and Drum & Bass. Overall, it depends on your music preference, but the XM5s shine in Jazz.
Audio Enhancements: Winner – AirPods Max
The XM5s offer 360 Audio Reality, accessible mainly through less popular apps, while the AirPods Max support Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio with a broader library.
Comfort: Winner – Sony XM5
The lightweight design of the XM5 allows for hours of comfortable wear, even while walking around. The AirPods Max can become uncomfortable after just 1-2 hours of use.
Features: Winner – Sony XM5
Sony’s app provides extensive customization options, from sound profiles to noise cancellation settings. The AirPods Max lack a dedicated app beyond music presets.
Transparency Mode: Winner – AirPods Max
The transparency mode on the AirPods Max is unmatched; conversations sound completely natural. The XM5s are an improvement over the XM4s but still fall short in this area.
Microphone: Winner – AirPods Max
The AirPods Max microphone is crystal clear, making it great for business calls. The XM5s have improved over the XM4s, but the AirPods Max remain the superior choice.
Noise Cancelling: Winner – Sony XM5
The AirPods Max can cause discomfort with prolonged noise cancellation, while the XM5s let me listen for hours without pain. They effectively block out loud environments without any discomfort.
Build Quality: Winner – AirPods Max
The AirPods Max exude luxury with their metal and aluminum construction, while the XM5s, made from sophisticated plastic, don’t quite match that feel. The AirPods Max also feature magnetic ear cushions that can be replaced.
Accessories & Costs: Winner – Sony XM5
Sony provides a durable carrying case and a headphone cable, while Apple’s case offers minimal protection and requires purchasing additional accessories separately. At $499 for the XM5s versus $779 for the AirPods Max, the value of the Sony headphones is clear.
Conclusion:
While both brands have their merits, my preference leans towards the Sony XM5s for their superior sound in genres I enjoy daily, along with a more comfortable noise-cancelling experience. The price difference is considerable, especially as they perform similarly in most categories.
TSF –
I replaced my Sennheiser 450BTC headphones with these, and I’m really pleased with my decision. For the price and intended use, they’re excellent headphones. However, they lack an equalizer, and the automatic noise cancelling isn’t the best. After some research, I was deciding between Sony, Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra, and Apple AirPods Max. It was an easy choice to go with Sony: the AirPods are quite pricey and don’t offer much in terms of sound enhancement beyond basic EQ settings on the iPhone (which is what I’m using them with). While Bose excels in noise cancelling, their sound quality doesn’t quite match up to the Sonys. I prioritized exceptional sound quality and effective noise cancelling over slightly better noise cancelling with lesser sound. Additionally, the battery life of the Bose models is noticeably shorter than that of the Sony headphones. I chose the blue color for a refreshing change from black. With my larger head and ears, the cups fit comfortably and fully cover my ears. Make sure to download the Sony app before pairing them; they do sound a bit flat out of the box without any adjustments. After installing the app and spending about 30 minutes fine-tuning the settings, I was blown away by the sound quality. While my best friend, a professional musician, has high-end studio headphones that sound better, these come remarkably close. Overall, I’m extremely satisfied with my choice; I couldn’t have asked for a better deal at this price point.
Truthful Reviewer –
These are among the best headphones I’ve ever used for both music and calls.
Anthony –
I’ve been using these headphones for a month, and the sound quality and battery life are outstanding. My main concerns are that the charging and wired cables are a bit short (I like using them wired with my PC and wireless with my phone). The noise cancellation could be improved, but you can adjust the sound settings using the Sony app (Sound Connect)—I just prefer not to fiddle with configurations. Overall, these headphones are lightweight, stylish, and comfortable, making them great for all-day use.
Maria Angelica Gonçalves –
I’m here to share my thoughts on this product after using it for a while. I purchased it mainly for studying, daily music listening, and especially for its noise-canceling feature. I live in an area where neighbors have dogs that bark around the clock, serving as alarms for everything. Since I can only concentrate in extreme silence or with white noise, these headphones have truly SAVED my academic life and mental health, haha.
When the music is on, I can’t hear anything around me, whether I’m inside or outside. Even when the music is off, sounds are barely audible from a distance. The headphones are beautiful, incredibly lightweight, and comfortable—I sometimes wear them for ten hours straight and forget I have them on. They come with many features to customize them according to daily needs.
As for sound quality, I find it excellent for my purposes. There’s an option to personalize the equalizer to match individual preferences. The seller is very attentive and responds to inquiries quickly; my order even arrived a few days early.
I’ve had two other headphones from a well-known brand (J..) and they don’t compare to these. If you’re in desperate need of “silence” to work, study, or simply want to relax at home without being disturbed by neighbors or their barking dogs, go ahead and buy these—you won’t regret it!
Victor –
The noise cancellation feature really works. However, keep in mind that Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) doesn’t eliminate all types of sounds. It’s designed to reduce white noise, such as engine sounds, traffic noise, and machinery. You’ll still hear higher-pitched sounds, like animals or human conversations. But when you combine ANC with music, you’ll likely notice very little from the outside world. The sound quality is also excellent—clear and well-balanced. It’s a pricey device with a low cost-to-benefit ratio, but it’s still worth it.
Aron –
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are truly among the finest noise-canceling headphones I’ve ever experienced. The sound quality is exceptional, boasting a well-balanced and clear audio profile that suits all music genres beautifully. Their noise cancellation is unparalleled, effortlessly filtering out ambient noise whether you’re traveling or in a bustling environment. Comfort is remarkable, featuring soft ear cups and a lightweight build, making them perfect for extended listening sessions. The battery life is impressive, providing up to 30 hours of use, and the quick charge feature is a great added perk. The sleek, minimalist design is appealing, although they do feel slightly fragile. All in all, the WH-1000XM5 are an excellent choice for anyone seeking top-notch audio quality and leading-edge noise cancellation.
Brayan Escobedo –
These headphones are definitely worth the price! They have great audio quality, come with a convenient carrying case, and what I liked most is the impressive battery life; it lasts a long time. Overall, they are very comfortable and made of good material. I would buy them again without hesitation.
Waydavis –
I’m nearly 65 years old, so my hearing isn’t what it used to be. However, I find these headphones to be quite good for several reasons:
A: The battery life is exceptional.
B: The call quality was decent until I compared it to my Blueparrott B450-XT headphones. The Blueparrotts are specifically designed for noisy environments and set the standard for ANC call quality, in my opinion. I often demonstrate this by making calls while running my vacuum cleaner, and the person on the other end hears nothing – it’s truly impressive! Unfortunately, these headphones didn’t perform nearly as well in the same test. I was informed that my voice sounded distant and a bit muffled, making them suitable for calls but not ideal for noisy situations. I also tried the BOSE 700s and found them lacking, which led me to choose the Sony headphones.
C: An unexpected benefit is that they serve as a great sleep aid. They effectively block out background noises like conversations, air conditioners, and fans, leaving everything quiet without any audio playing.
I mainly bought them for gaming on my PS5 and watching TV late at night, and they excel in both areas.
D: Surprisingly, my ears don’t get sweaty even after extended use. I did order the Dekoni Suede Earpads for added comfort, but I returned them because they didn’t live up to their claims of being fully suede, and the price seemed too high for the quality.
E: They’re comfortable for long-term wear unless you have large ears, in which case you might find them a bit cramped. In terms of music, I prefer a flatter sound profile without overly pronounced highs or bass, and the app’s EQ feature is a nice touch. The ANC works effectively for music in both quiet and noisy environments. Keep in mind, I’m not 18 anymore.
While the price is somewhat steep, the build quality appears superior to many competitors. I highly recommend trying out different brands and models in-store, as sound quality is subjective and varies by preference.
UPDATE: 5/23/23 – I’m returning these headphones for a replacement because they started behaving strangely. They wouldn’t turn on after being switched off without waiting about 15 seconds, which isn’t normal. Additionally, I began experiencing connection issues that weren’t present initially. Despite this, I still consider them excellent. If the new pair has similar problems, I’ll need to reassess.
UPDATE: 6/3/23 – The new pair is functioning properly, with no connection or power issues.
UPDATE: 2/16/24 – They’re still working perfectly, and I use them nearly every night for sleep.