Sony WH-1000 XM5 Review

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Sony WH-1000 XM5 product information

History

he Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are the latest generation of Sony’s flagship noise-canceling headphones. They were released in May 2022, and are the successors to the highly acclaimed WH-1000XM4 headphones.

The development of the WH-1000XM5 headphones began in 2020, shortly after the release of the WH-1000XM4. Sony’s engineers wanted to create a new pair of headphones that would offer even better noise cancellation and sound quality than their predecessors.

To achieve this, Sony developed a new noise cancellation processor and a new driver design. The new noise cancellation processor is more powerful than the one used in the WH-1000XM4 headphones, and it is able to cancel out a wider range of frequencies. The new driver design is also more efficient, and it produces better sound quality.

In addition to the new noise cancellation processor and driver design, the WH-1000XM5 headphones also feature a number of other improvements over the WH-1000XM4 headphones, including:

• A new, more comfortable design
• A longer battery life
• Support for high-resolution audio codecs
• A new adaptive sound control feature
• A new speak-to-chat feature
• Multipoint pairing
• Fast pairing

The WH-1000XM5 headphones were released to critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising their excellent noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort. They have quickly become the most popular noise-canceling headphones on the market.

Sony’s History of Noise-Canceling Headphones

Sony has a long history of innovation in the field of noise-canceling headphones. The company released its first noise-canceling headphones in 1989, and it has been continuously improving its noise cancellation technology ever since.

In 2009, Sony released the WH-1000XM1 headphones, which were the first commercial headphones to use active noise cancellation (ANC). ANC technology uses microphones to detect and cancel out ambient noise.

The WH-1000XM1 headphones were a huge success, and they helped to make Sony the leader in the noise-canceling headphone market. Sony has since released a number of other successful noise-canceling headphones, including the WH-1000XM2, WH-1000XM3, and WH-1000XM4 headphones.

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are the latest and greatest offering from Sony, and they represent the pinnacle of noise-canceling technology.

Specification

Specification	Sony WH-1000XM5
Year of manufacture	2022
Company	Sony
Official website	Sony WH-1000XM5: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/specifications
Fit type	Over-ear
Item dimensions	7.3 x 3.5 x 1.3 inches (18.5 x 9 x 3.3 cm)
Item weight	8.9 ounces (250 grams)
Special features	Active noise cancellation, adaptive sound control, speak-to-chat, multipoint pairing, fast pairing
Driver size	30mm
Frequency response	4Hz – 40,000Hz
Impedance	48 ohms
Bluetooth version	5.2
Bluetooth range	32.81 feet (10 meters)
ANC modes	On, off, ambient sound
Audio codec	SBC, AAC, LDAC
Battery life	Up to 30 hours with ANC on, up to 40 hours with ANC off
Charging time	3.5 hours
Quick charging	10 minutes for 5 hours of playback
Controls	Touch sensors on the right earcup
Price	$399.99

What is included in the delivery set?

The delivery set for the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones includes the following:

• Headphones
• Carrying case
• 3.5mm audio cable
• USB-C charging cable
• Quick start guide

Some retailers may also include additional items in the delivery set, such as a flight adapter or a replacement earpad set.

What about design, materials, assembly?

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have a slightly different design than their predecessors, with a more streamlined and modern look. The earcups are now slightly larger and thicker, but they remain very comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The headband is also wider and more padded, which helps to distribute the weight of the headphones evenly.

The earcups are made of a soft plastic material, and the headband is made of a combination of plastic and leather. The headphones are well-assembled, and they feel sturdy and durable.

Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are well-designed and well-made. They are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and they have a premium look and feel.

Here are some additional details about the design, materials, and assembly of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones:

• Design: The WH-1000XM5 have a simple and elegant design. The earcups are oval-shaped, and the headband is slightly arched. The headphones are available in two colors: black and silver.
• Materials: The earcups are made of a soft plastic material, and the headband is made of a combination of plastic and leather. The earpads are made of memory foam, and they are covered in a soft leatherette material.
• Assembly: The WH-1000XM5 headphones are well-assembled. The earcups are securely attached to the headband, and the headband is well-padded. The earpads are also securely attached to the earcups.

Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are well-designed and well-made. They are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and they have a premium look and feel.

Category	Sony WH-1000XM5	Grade
Design	Simple, elegant, and modern	9/10
Materials	High-quality plastic, leather, and memory foam	9/10
Assembly	Well-assembled and sturdy	9/10

What about ergonomics and usability Sony WH-1000 XM5?

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are very ergonomic and easy to use. The earcups are large and well-padded, and they fit snugly around the ears without being too tight. The headband is also well-padded, and it distributes the weight of the headphones evenly.

The headphones are very easy to control. The right earcup has a touch panel that allows you to control the music playback, volume, and noise cancellation settings. The touch controls are very responsive, and they are easy to use even if you are wearing gloves.

The headphones also have a number of features that make them more user-friendly, such as:

• Adaptive Sound Control: This feature automatically adjusts the noise cancellation and sound profile based on your environment.
• Speak-to-Chat: This feature pauses the music and enables the microphones when you start speaking.
• Multipoint Pairing: This feature allows you to connect the headphones to two devices at the same time.
• Fast Pairing: This feature allows you to quickly and easily pair the headphones with compatible Android devices.

Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are very ergonomic and easy to use. They are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and they have a number of features that make them more user-friendly.

Here are some additional details about the ergonomics and usability of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones:

• Earcups: The earcups are large and well-padded, and they fit snugly around the ears without being too tight. The earcups are also adjustable, so you can find the perfect fit.
• Headband: The headband is also well-padded, and it distributes the weight of the headphones evenly. The headband is also adjustable, so you can find the perfect fit.
• Controls: The touch controls on the right earcup are very responsive, and they are easy to use even if you are wearing gloves. The headphones also have a number of physical buttons on the left earcup, such as a power button, a volume button, and a button to switch between ANC modes.
• Features: The adaptive sound control, speak-to-chat, multipoint pairing, and fast pairing features make the headphones more user-friendly.

Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are very ergonomic and easy to use. They are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and they have a number of features that make them more user-friendly.

Category	Sony WH-1000XM5	Grade
Ergonomics	Comfortable to wear for long periods of time, adjustable earcups and headband	9/10
Usability	Responsive touch controls, physical buttons for easy access to essential functions, user-friendly features	9/10

What about connection, control and software?

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones connect to devices using Bluetooth 5.2. They also support multipoint pairing, so you can connect them to two devices at the same time.

The headphones can be controlled using the touch panel on the right earcup, as well as the physical buttons on the left earcup. The touch controls allow you to play/pause music, skip tracks, adjust the volume, and change the ANC mode. The physical buttons allow you to power the headphones on/off, answer/reject calls, and activate the speak-to-chat feature.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are compatible with the Sony Headphones Connect app. This app allows you to customize the headphones’ settings, such as the ANC mode, EQ, and touch controls. You can also use the app to update the headphones’ firmware and check the battery level.

Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have excellent connectivity, control, and software features. They are easy to connect to devices, and they have a variety of control options. The Sony Headphones Connect app is also very useful, and it allows you to customize the headphones’ settings to your liking.

Here are some additional details about the connection, control, and software features of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones:

• Connection: The headphones use Bluetooth 5.2 to connect to devices. They also support multipoint pairing, so you can connect them to two devices at the same time.
• Control: The headphones can be controlled using the touch panel on the right earcup, as well as the physical buttons on the left earcup. The touch controls allow you to play/pause music, skip tracks, adjust the volume, and change the ANC mode. The physical buttons allow you to power the headphones on/off, answer/reject calls, and activate the speak-to-chat feature.
• Software: The headphones are compatible with the Sony Headphones Connect app. This app allows you to customize the headphones’ settings, such as the ANC mode, EQ, and touch controls. You can also use the app to update the headphones’ firmware and check the battery level.

Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have excellent connectivity, control, and software features. They are easy to connect to devices, and they have a variety of control options. The Sony Headphones Connect app is also very useful, and it allows you to customize the headphones’ settings to your liking.

Category	Sony WH-1000XM5	Grade
Connection	Bluetooth 5.2, multipoint pairing	9/10
Control	Touch panel, physical buttons	9/10
Software	Sony Headphones Connect app for customization, firmware updates, and battery level checking	9/10

How’s the sound quality? 

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer excellent sound quality. They have a wide soundstage with good bass response and clear mids and highs. The headphones also support a variety of high-resolution audio codecs, including LDAC and aptX Adaptive.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the sound quality of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones:

• Bass: The WH-1000XM5 have good bass response. The bass is deep and punchy, but it is not overpowering. The bass is also well-controlled, and it does not bleed into the mids or highs.
• Mids: The WH-1000XM5 have clear and detailed mids. Vocals and lead instruments sound natural and realistic. The mids are also well-balanced, and they are not overshadowed by the bass or highs.
• Highs: The WH-1000XM5 have extended highs. The highs are bright and airy, but they are not harsh or sibilant. The highs also add detail and clarity to the music.
• Soundstage: The WH-1000XM5 have a wide soundstage. The soundstage is spacious and immersive, and it feels like the music is coming from all around you.

Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 offer excellent sound quality. They have a wide soundstage with good bass response and clear mids and highs. The headphones also support a variety of high-resolution audio codecs, so you can enjoy your music in the highest possible quality.

Here are some additional things to note about the sound quality of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones:

• The headphones have a slightly U-shaped sound profile, with a slight emphasis on the bass and highs. This gives the music a more exciting and engaging sound.
• The headphones also have a number of features that can be used to customize the sound quality, such as the EQ and Adaptive Sound Control.
• The Adaptive Sound Control feature automatically adjusts the sound profile based on your environment. This is a great feature if you listen to music in a variety of different places, such as on the bus or at the gym.

Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 offer excellent sound quality. They are a great choice for those who are looking for headphones with a wide soundstage, good bass response, and clear mids and highs.

Category	Sony WH-1000XM5	Grade
Bass	Deep, punchy, and well-controlled	9/10
Midrange	Clear, detailed, and well-balanced	9/10
Treble	Extended, bright, and airy	9/10
Soundstage & Imaging	Wide and immersive	9/10
Noise Cancellation	Excellent	9/10

What about the energy efficiency and battery life?

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have excellent energy efficiency and battery life. They can last for up to 30 hours on a single charge with ANC on, and up to 40 hours with ANC off. This means that you can easily use the headphones for a long flight or train ride without having to worry about running out of battery.

The headphones also support fast charging, so you can get up to 5 hours of playback from just 10 minutes of charging. This is a great feature if you need to quickly charge the headphones before a trip.

Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have excellent energy efficiency and battery life. They are a great choice for those who are looking for headphones that can last for long periods of time on a single charge.

Here are some additional things to note about the energy efficiency and battery life of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones:

• The headphones have a power-saving mode that can be enabled to extend the battery life. This mode disables some features, such as Adaptive Sound Control and speak-to-chat, but it still provides good sound quality and noise cancellation.
• The headphones also have a quick attention mode that allows you to hear ambient noise without having to take the headphones off. This is a useful feature if you need to have a conversation or hear an announcement.
• The headphones come with a carrying case that also has a built-in battery. This means that you can charge the headphones on the go without having to carry around a separate charger.

Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are a great choice for those who are looking for headphones with excellent energy efficiency and battery life. They can last for long periods of time on a single charge, and they have a number of features that can help to extend the battery life even further.

Comparison & Review

• Bose QuietComfort 45: The Bose QC45 are the closest competitor to the Sony WH-1000XM5. They offer excellent noise cancellation and sound quality, and they are very comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
• Apple AirPods Max: The AirPods Max are a great choice for iOS users. They offer excellent noise cancellation and sound quality, and they are very easy to use with iPhones and other Apple devices.
• Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: The Momentum 4 Wireless offer excellent sound quality and a comfortable fit. They also have a number of features that make them user-friendly, such as automatic on/off and smart pause.
• Bowers & Wilkins PX8: The PX8 are a premium pair of headphones with excellent sound quality and noise cancellation. They also have a luxurious design and feel.
• Microsoft Surface Headphones 2: The Surface Headphones 2 are a good all-around pair of headphones with good sound quality and noise cancellation. They also have a number of features that make them ideal for use with Windows devices.
• Beats Studio3 Wireless: The Studio3 Wireless are a popular pair of headphones with good sound quality and noise cancellation. They also have a stylish design and a comfortable fit.
• JBL Live 650NC: The Live 650NC are a good budget-friendly option with good sound quality and noise cancellation. They also have a comfortable fit and a long battery life.
• Jabra Elite 85t: The Elite 85t are a good pair of true wireless earbuds with good sound quality and noise cancellation. They also have a comfortable fit and a long battery life.
• Sony LinkBuds S: The LinkBuds S are a good pair of true wireless earbuds with good sound quality and noise cancellation. They also have a unique design that allows you to hear ambient noise without having to take the earbuds out.
• Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3: The Momentum True Wireless 3 are a premium pair of true wireless earbuds with excellent sound quality and noise cancellation. They also have a comfortable fit and a long battery life.

Two models that I would like to highlight in more detail are:

• Bose QuietComfort 45: The Bose QC45 are the closest competitor to the Sony WH-1000XM5. They offer excellent noise cancellation and sound quality, and they are very comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The QC45 also have a number of features that make them user-friendly, such as automatic on/off and smart pause.
• Apple AirPods Max: The AirPods Max are a great choice for iOS users. They offer excellent noise cancellation and sound quality, and they are very easy to use with iPhones and other Apple devices. The AirPods Max also have a number of features that make them user-friendly, such as spatial audio and automatic switching between devices.

Overall, there are a number of headphones on the market that are similar in features and cost to the Sony WH-1000XM5. The best headphones for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for the best possible noise cancellation and sound quality, the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45 are the best options. If you are an iOS user, the Apple AirPods Max are a great choice. If you are looking for a more affordable option, the JBL Live 650NC are a good value.

How do Sony WH-1000 XM5 users describe their experience with these headphones? 

Sony WH-1000 XM5 users generally have very positive experiences with the headphones. They praise the excellent noise cancellation, sound quality, comfort, and build quality.

Here are some excerpts from user reviews:

• “The noise cancellation is the best I’ve ever experienced. I can wear these headphones on a plane and completely block out the engine noise. The sound quality is also excellent, with clear highs and deep bass.”
• “These headphones are so comfortable that I can wear them for hours on end without any discomfort. The build quality is also top-notch, with sturdy construction and high-quality materials.”
• “I’m extremely happy with my Sony WH-1000 XM5 headphones. They’re the best headphones I’ve ever owned.”

Of course, no product is perfect, and the Sony WH-1000 XM5 are no exception. Some users have complained that the headphones are a bit expensive, and that the touch controls can be a bit finicky. However, the majority of users are very happy with the headphones and would recommend them to others.

Pros and cons of headphones Sony WH-1000 XM5

Positive aspects	Negative aspects
Excellent noise cancellation	Expensive
Excellent sound quality	Touch controls can be finicky
Very comfortable to wear
Long battery life
Well-built

Conclusions

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are excellent headphones with a lot to offer. They offer the best noise cancellation and sound quality on the market, and they are also very comfortable to wear for long periods of time. If you are looking for the best possible headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are a great choice.

However, it is important to be aware that the headphones are expensive, and that the touch controls can be a bit finicky.

Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are an excellent choice for those who are looking for headphones with excellent noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort.

Sony WH-1000 XM5. Basic questions, basic answers

Last Updated on November 8, 2023