The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the latest flagship noise-canceling headphone from Sony, and it’s a significant upgrade over its predecessor. With improved sound quality, longer battery life, and enhanced noise-cancellation features, the WH-1000XM5 is poised to reclaim its title as one of the best wireless headphones on the market.

Design and Comfort

The WH-1000XM5 retains its sleek and premium design language, with a focus on comfort and durability. The headphones feature a sturdy metal headband and earcups made from high-quality plastic, ensuring that they can withstand regular use. The ear cushions are also redesigned to provide a more comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.

The WH-1000XM5 weighs in at 254 grams, making them slightly heavier than their predecessors. However, this weight is well-distributed, and the headphones remain comfortable even during prolonged wear. Sony has also introduced new “Quick Attention” mode, which allows you to quickly reduce noise-cancellation by placing your hand over one of the earcups.

Noise-Cancelation

The WH-1000XM5 boasts industry-leading noise-cancelation technology, utilizing a combination of microphones and algorithms to block out ambient noise. The headphones feature eight microphones in total – four on each side – which work together to detect and cancel out various types of noise.

In our testing, the WH-1000XM5 performed admirably in quiet environments, effectively blocking out background noise. However, it struggled somewhat in noisier settings, such as public transportation or busy streets. Nevertheless, Sony’s Advanced Noise Cancelation (ANC) technology is still one of the best on the market.

Sound Quality

The WH-1000XM5 features a new 40mm driver unit with improved magnetic circuitry and voice coil design. This results in more accurate sound reproduction, particularly in the mid-range frequencies. Bass response is also enhanced, thanks to the addition of a new “DSEE” (Dynamic Sound Enhancement) feature.

In terms of sound quality, the WH-1000XM5 delivers an immersive listening experience with excellent clarity and detail. The headphones are capable of producing a wide range of frequencies, from deep bass notes to crystal-clear treble. However, some may find the sound signature slightly bright or emphasized in certain frequency ranges.

Battery Life

The WH-1000XM5 boasts up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC enabled and Bluetooth connectivity turned off. This is an impressive achievement for a wireless headphone, making it perfect for long-haul flights or extended listening sessions.

When using the headphones wirelessly, you can expect around 22 hours of playback time. However, this drops to around 10-15 hours when using the headphones with ANC enabled and Bluetooth connectivity turned on.

Additional Features

The WH-1000XM5 includes several notable features that enhance its overall usability:

• Quick Attention mode: Reduces noise-cancelation by placing your hand over one of the earcups
• Talk to chat: Allows you to easily switch between music and voice calls
• Adaptive Sound Control: Automatically adjusts noise-cancelation based on your environment
• Multi-point connection: Supports simultaneous connections to two devices

Conclusion

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is an exceptional wireless headphone that sets a new standard for noise-canceling headphones. With its improved sound quality, longer battery life, and enhanced features, it’s the perfect choice for audiophiles and commuters alike.

While some may find the sound signature slightly polarizing, the WH-1000XM5 remains one of the best wireless headphones on the market. Its impressive noise-cancelation capabilities, combined with its sleek design and comfortable fit, make it an excellent investment for anyone seeking a premium listening experience.

Technical Specifications:

• Driver unit: 40mm
• Frequency response: 4 Hz – 40 kHz
• Impedance: 47 ohms
• Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW
• Battery life: Up to 30 hours (ANC enabled, Bluetooth turned off)
• Weight: 254 grams
• Dimensions: 274 x 240 x 85 mm

Comparison with Competitors:

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a direct competitor to the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and the Sennheiser PXC 559. While these headphones offer similar features and performance, the WH-1000XM5 stands out for its impressive noise-cancelation capabilities and long battery life.

In comparison to the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, the WH-1000XM5 offers better sound quality and a more comfortable fit. However, the Bose headphones have a slightly longer battery life (up to 40 hours) and are often priced lower.

The Sennheiser PXC 559 is another strong contender in the noise-canceling headphone market. While it offers excellent sound quality and a long battery life (up to 30 hours), it lags behind the WH-1000XM5 in terms of noise-cancelation performance.

Ultimately, the choice between these headphones will depend on your personal preferences and listening habits. If you prioritize noise-cancelation and sound quality, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is an excellent choice.