Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones Review

The Sony WH-1000XM5, a wireless noise-canceling headphone model released in May 2022, has overtaken the market.

It is the successor to the highly acclaimed Sony WH-1000XM4, a popular ANC headphone model, and boasts several upgrades, including a new design, drivers, and features, as well as improved sound quality and noise cancellation.

Several online reviews have commended its performance, lauding its ANC capabilities, exceptional microphone, and Bluetooth connectivity options. Its sound quality has been described as sensational and precise, with punchy delivery and agile bass.

However, criticisms have also emerged, highlighting its hefty price tag, lack of IP rating, and less premium build quality. But is the Sony WH-1000XM5 worth the hype? We’ve delved into the details to provide you with a comprehensive review, exploring both its merits and drawbacks.

Quick Review

Features	Benefits	Cons
Industry-leading noise cancellation	Effective at blocking out external noise	Expensive compared to other headphones in the market
Adaptive Sound Control	Automatically adjusts settings based on location and activity	Build quality not as premium as expected
Hi-Res Audio	High-quality audio performance	No IP rating for water or dust resistance
Multiple Device Connection	Connects to two devices simultaneously
Quick Attention Mode	Mutes audio and amplifies outside sound when cupping the ear
Touch Controls	Easy to use and customizable
360 Reality Audio	Immersive audio experience with compatible music
Microphone	Clear and accurate voice calls
Battery life	Up to 30 hours of listening time with noise cancellation on

Why You Should Buy Sony WH-1000XM5?

The Sony WH-1000XM5 Over-Ear headset is an outstanding option for those in search of superior noise-canceling headphones that boast exceptional sound quality, intuitive touch controls, and a battery life that lasts for an extended duration.

Furthermore, it offers advanced features such as Adaptive Sound Control, Hi-Res Audio, and 360 Reality Audio, which undoubtedly elevate the listening experience to unprecedented levels.

In addition, this product has the ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, making it a top-of-the-line selection for individuals who desire nothing less than an exalted auditory experience.

Why You Should Not Buy Sony WH-1000XM5?

While the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a great pair of headphones, there are some reasons why you may want to consider a different option.

First of all, the build quality may not be up to par for some users, as they don’t fold away completely and lack an IP rating for water or dust resistance.

Additionally, the price point of $389 USD may be too high for some, especially if they don’t need all of the advanced features and performance that these headphones offer.

Finally, the headphones work best with Android devices, which may be a downside for iOS users who won’t be able to enjoy all of the benefits and features such as Google’s Fast Pair and LDAC support.

If Bluetooth multipoint is essential for you, you may also experience some issues as it has been reported to be glitchy or unreliable.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Detailed Review

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a top-of-the-line pair of noise-canceling headphones that come with a range of impressive features. Here are some of the key features of the Sony WH-1000XM5.

Noise-Cancellation

The noise-canceling feature of the Sony WH-1000XM5 is impressive that blocks out ambient noise effectively. The headphones use Dual Noise Sensor technology that captures ambient noise and cancels it using an advanced noise-canceling processor.

Sound Quality

The sound quality of the Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent. The headphones have a rich and detailed sound, with deep bass and clear treble. The headphones support high-resolution audio, making them a great option for audiophiles. The sound can be customized using the Sony Headphones Connect app, which offers an equalizer and various sound modes.

Adaptive Sound Control

This feature adjusts the noise cancellation level based on your surroundings. It’s useful when you’re moving between different environments, such as a quiet office and a noisy street. The headphones can even learn your frequently visited locations and adjust the noise cancellation accordingly.

Hi-Res Audio

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are capable of reproducing Hi-Res Audio, which is audio quality beyond CD quality. This means you’ll be able to hear even the subtlest details in your music, resulting in a more immersive listening experience.

360 Reality Audio

The awe-inspiring and revolutionary feature known as 360 Reality Audio has the power to elevate and transform the way you listen to music.

This cutting-edge technology harnesses the power of spatial audio, by placing sound in all directions, enveloping you in a multidimensional soundscape that is nothing short of spectacular.

Immerse yourself in a 3D audio experience that is bound to transcend your wildest expectations and take you on a journey of sonic bliss.

Comfort

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have been known to offer unparalleled comfort. The adjustable headband further contributes to the already incredible level of comfort offered by these headphones, ensuring that they fit snugly and comfortably on the wearer’s head.

Additionally, their lightweight build affords the listener the added benefit of reduced pressure on their cranial and aural regions, allowing for prolonged periods of uninterrupted use without any discomfort whatsoever.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Sony WH-1000XM5 is impressive, providing up to 30 hours of listening time with noise canceling turned on. This means you can use the headphones for an entire day without needing to recharge.

Microphone

The built-in microphone of the Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent, providing clear audio during phone calls or video chats. The headphones also have a feature that automatically pauses the music when you speak, making it easier to have conversations without removing the headphones.

Touch Controls

You can control various functions of the headphones with simple touch gestures, such as adjusting the volume, skipping tracks, and answering calls.

INPUT	ACTION
Swipe up	Volume up
Swipe down	Volume down
Swipe forward	Track forward
Swipe back	Track back
Hold (center)	Voice assistant
Double tap center	Pause / resume
Cup hand	Ambient sound passthrough

Quick Attention Mode

This feature allows you to quickly lower the volume and hear your surroundings by placing your hand over the right earcup. It’s useful when you need to have a quick conversation or hear an announcement.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Vs Other Wireless Headphones

These benefits compare favorably to other headphones, especially in terms of noise canceling, sound quality, app features, and battery life.

Here are some comparisons with some of the popular competitors of the Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony WH-1000XM4

The previous generation of Sony’s flagship ANC headphones is still a great option, but the WH-1000XM5 has some improvements over it, such as a new design, new drivers, better noise canceling performance, better microphone quality, Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint support, Find My Device support, and a wider and deeper ear padding.

Apple AirPods Max

Apple’s premium wireless ANC headphones are also very good, but they are more expensive than the WH-1000XM5 ($549 vs $399 USD).

The AirPods Max have a more premium metal build, a unique Digital Crown control, seamless integration with Apple devices and Siri, and spatial audio support.

However, the WH-1000XM5 have better noise canceling performance, better sound quality with LDAC support, better app features with custom EQ and 360 Reality Audio, better battery life (30 hours vs 20 hours), faster charging (10 minutes for 5 hours vs 5 minutes for 1.5 hours), and a more comfortable and lighter design.

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The Bose 700 have a sleeker and more durable design, a more balanced sound signature, a more natural ambient mode, and an excellent microphone system.

However, the WH-1000XM5 have better noise canceling performance, better sound quality with LDAC support and custom EQ, better app features with 360 Reality Audio and Speak-to-Chat, better battery life (30 hours vs 20 hours), faster charging (10 minutes for 5 hours vs 15 minutes for 3.5 hours), and a more comfortable and foldable design.

Should you get the Sony Headphones Connect app?

Yes, if you have the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, it is highly recommended that you download and use the Sony Headphones Connect app. This app allows you to customize the headphones’ settings, including the noise cancelling level, sound quality, and EQ settings. You can also adjust the ambient sound control, which is a feature that allows you to hear important sounds around you while wearing the headphones. Additionally, the app offers firmware updates for your headphones to ensure that they are running the latest software.