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Sony’s flagship noise-cancelling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM series, have been widely regarded as the best in the industry for years. The WH-1000XM4, for example, was a near-perfect pair of headphones with exceptional sound quality, top-tier noise cancellation, and a comfortable design. When the Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 was announced, expectations were high, as the previous model was so refined. However, the Sony WH-1000XM5 has taken a different approach to design, performance, and usability, bringing some notable improvements along with a few trade-offs. In this review, we’ll explore the major changes, and help you decide if these new headphones are worth upgrading to, or if you should stick with the older model.
New Design: Sleeker But Less Portable
One of the most obvious changes in the Sony WH-1000XM5 is the redesign. The previous models had a familiar, rounded shape, but Sony has now gone for a more minimalistic and sharp design. The WH-1000XM5 features a sleek, clean look that might appeal to those who prefer a more modern aesthetic. The ear cups are noticeably larger and wider than the previous generation, while the vegan leather material used in the ear cups feels incredibly soft and luxurious to the touch.
Another design change is the lightweight build, which makes the headphones incredibly comfortable for long listening sessions. In fact, these may be the most comfortable noise-cancelling headphones Sony has ever made. The addition of soft, supple vegan leather combined with a very light frame creates an experience that feels almost weightless, allowing users to wear them for hours without discomfort.
Despite these improvements, there is one major drawback that many frequent travellers will find frustrating: the Sony WH-1000XM5 no longer folds. The earlier models (including the Sony WH-1000XM4) could be folded into a compact shape that made it easy to store them in your bag or carry case. The WH-1000XM5, however, adopts a new sliding headband design, similar to the Bose 700 and AirPods Max. While this may look more elegant, it means the headphones no longer collapse into a smaller form for easy portability. This change results in a bulkier carrying case, which makes the headphones less convenient to pack and travel with.
The new case, though stylish and well-made, is larger and has a more angular design, which some may find more aesthetically pleasing. It even features a magnetic compartment for storing cables. But, the simple fact is that the new, larger case might not fit as easily into your bag, making travel a bit more cumbersome. If you’re someone who values portability, this might be a dealbreaker.
Improved Noise Cancellation: Even Better Than Before
One of the key selling points of the Sony WH-1000XM series has always been its industry-leading noise cancellation. Sony’s WH-1000XM4 was exceptional at eliminating low-end noise, such as the hum of an airplane engine or the drone of a busy café, making it the go-to choice for travelers. With the WH-1000XM5, Sony has taken noise cancellation to the next level.
The headphones now feature eight microphones (four on each ear cup) that work together to create an even more effective noise cancellation system. The added microphones, along with an improved processor, allow the Sony WH-1000XM5 to not only block out the typical low-frequency noises but also handle higher-frequency sounds like human speech and appliance noises more effectively. This means that you can enjoy an even quieter, more immersive listening experience, whether you’re traveling or working in a noisy environment.
While Sony’s noise cancellation technology has always been top-notch, it’s still worth mentioning that there are other players in the market. The Bose 700 and AirPods Max, for example, also offer excellent noise cancellation, though many would argue that the Sony WH-1000XM5 takes the crown in this category. Transparency mode, which lets external sounds filter through to your ears, is also available on the Sony WH-1000XM5. Sony has improved transparency mode with 20 levels of adjustment, allowing you to control how much of your surroundings you want to hear. Although it’s not as impressive as the AirPods Max transparency mode, it’s still a great feature.
Sound Quality: Excellent, But Familiar
In terms of sound quality, the Sony WH-1000XM5 continues to deliver a top-tier listening experience. The headphones use a new 30mm carbon fiber driver, which delivers clear, balanced, and powerful sound. Sony has always been known for producing high-quality audio, and the WH-1000XM5 is no exception. Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, the sound is rich and detailed, with deep bass and crisp treble.
The headphones also support LDAC, which is great for users with Android devices that can take advantage of this high-quality wireless audio codec. LDAC ensures that your audio stream remains as close to the source as possible, providing a richer and more detailed listening experience. If you’re someone who takes audio quality seriously, you’ll be impressed with the WH-1000XM5’s performance.
However, the WH-1000XM5 doesn’t significantly improve upon the sound quality of the Sony WH-1000XM4, which was already excellent. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but if you’re expecting a major leap in sound, you might be slightly disappointed. It’s more of an incremental improvement, and for most people, the sound quality will still be amazing. But for those expecting a truly groundbreaking upgrade, it might fall short.
Battery Life and Charging: No Big Change
When it comes to battery life, the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers the same 30 hours of playback time as the Sony WH-1000XM4. That’s more than enough to get you through long flights or extended listening sessions. While Sony had initially teased the possibility of a 40-hour battery life, the WH-1000XM5 settles for the same 30 hours as its predecessor.
One notable improvement, however, is the faster charging. You can now get three hours of listening time with just three minutes of charging. This is especially handy if you’re in a rush and need a quick boost of battery life before heading out.
Microphone Performance: Better for Calls
The Sony WH-1000XM5’s microphone system has also been improved. The extra microphones help with noise cancellation, but they also improve the quality of your voice during phone calls. The microphones are now better at isolating your voice from background noise, making it easier to hear and be heard during calls. While the microphones on the previous model were good, the Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers noticeably better voice quality, making these headphones even more versatile for work calls or meetings.
Should You Upgrade to the WH-1000XM5?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are excellent headphones, but whether they’re worth upgrading to depends on your needs. If you already own the Sony WH-1000XM4 or a similar pair of headphones, the WH-1000XM5 offers some incremental improvements, but it doesn’t revolutionize the category. The new design might appeal to those looking for something fresh, but it sacrifices portability with the lack of foldability. If you frequently travel and need compact headphones, you might want to stick with the WH-1000XM4.
On the other hand, if you’re in the market for new noise-cancelling headphones and don’t mind the larger case, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is an excellent choice. The improved noise cancellation, comfort, sound quality, and microphone performance make these headphones stand out, and they are definitely among the best in the market.
For those with an Android phone or a focus on noise cancellation and sound quality, the WH-1000XM5 is hard to beat. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you might want to consider the Sony WH-1000XM4, which still offers most of the same features for a lower price.
Conclusion
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a premium set of headphones with fantastic noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort. The new design may not be for everyone, especially those who value portability, but it’s a solid upgrade for those looking for the best noise-cancelling experience. While the improvements may be incremental, they add up to a great overall package. Whether you’re an audiophile, a frequent traveler, or someone who just wants a top-tier listening experience, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is worth considering—just make sure you’re okay with the larger carrying case.
