The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the latest iteration in Sony’s highly acclaimed noise-canceling wireless headphone series. Building on the success of its predecessors, the WH-1000XM5 promises to deliver even better sound quality, longer battery life, and improved noise-cancellation capabilities. But does it live up to the hype?

Design and Build

The WH-1000XM5 sports a sleek and ergonomic design that fits comfortably on the head. The headphones weigh in at 254 grams (9 oz), which is slightly heavier than its predecessor but still manageable for extended wear.

The outer shell features a durable aluminum frame with a matte finish, while the ear cups are made of soft and flexible foam that conforms to your ears. The headband is adjustable, allowing you to customize the fit to suit your head shape.

Noise-Cancellation

Sony’s noise-cancellation technology has always been one of its strong suits, and the WH-1000XM5 takes it to new heights. The headphones employ a combination of feedforward and feedback microphones to detect and cancel out ambient noise.

The new model features improved noise-canceling algorithms that adapt to your environment in real-time. This means you’ll get better sound quality and reduced noise levels, even in noisy spaces like planes or public transportation.

Sound Quality

The WH-1000XM5 boasts 40mm drivers with a frequency response of 4Hz to 40kHz. The headphones deliver rich and detailed sound with impressive bass response, making them suitable for a wide range of music genres.

Sony has also included its proprietary DSEE HX technology, which upconverts compressed audio files to near-lossless quality. This means you’ll get more accurate sound reproduction even when listening to low-quality MP3s or streaming services.

Battery Life

The WH-1000XM5 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours with noise-cancellation enabled and Bluetooth connectivity turned off. With the latter feature, you can squeeze in an additional hour or two of playback time.

When it’s time to recharge, the headphones support fast charging via USB-C, allowing for a quick top-up of 5 hours of playback from just 10 minutes of charging.

Additional Features

The WH-1000XM5 comes equipped with a range of useful features that enhance your listening experience. These include:

• Quick Attention mode: Press the touch sensor on the right ear cup to quickly pipe in ambient noise and engage in conversations.
• Speak-to-chat function: The headphones automatically pause playback when you start talking, allowing for seamless transitions between music and conversation.
• Wireless connectivity: The WH-1000XM5 supports Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and LDAC (Hi-Res Audio) wireless transmission.

Conclusion

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a remarkable achievement in noise-canceling wireless headphones. With its improved sound quality, longer battery life, and enhanced noise-cancellation capabilities, it’s the perfect choice for commuters, travelers, or anyone seeking an immersive audio experience.

While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, the WH-1000XM5 is a worthwhile investment for those who value exceptional sound quality and convenience. With its competitive price starting at $349 (base model) and going up to $399 (high-end configuration), the WH-1000XM5 is an attractive option for audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike.

Technical Specifications:

• Driver size: 40mm
• Frequency response: 4Hz to 40kHz
• Noise-cancellation technology: Sony’s proprietary noise-canceling algorithm with feedforward and feedback microphones
• Battery life: Up to 30 hours (noise-cancellation enabled, Bluetooth off)
• Charging time: Fast charging via USB-C (5 hours of playback from 10 minutes of charging)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, LDAC (Hi-Res Audio) wireless transmission
• Weight: 254 grams (9 oz)