Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: A Refined Leader in Wireless Noise Cancellation
Sony’s 1000X lineup has been a dominant force in the wireless headphone market since 2016, with each iteration building upon the success of its predecessors. Now, the Sony WH-1000XM5 arrives on the scene, promising improvements across design, audio quality, and active noise cancellation. But with the rise of true wireless earphones, do these full-size over-ear headphones still hold their place in the premium segment? We put the WH-1000XM5 through its paces to find out.
A Modern Design with Some Trade-offs
While previous generations shared a familiar design language, the WH-1000XM5 takes a bold new direction. This includes a refreshed look for the ear cups, hinges, headband, and foam padding, resulting in a more modern aesthetic. However, this redesign comes at a cost. Although the Sony WH-1000XM5 weighs in at a lightweight 252g thanks to the new shape, it no longer folds completely inwards, a feature many appreciated on the WH-1000XM4. This makes the included carry case less compact, which may be a drawback for travelers.
The WH-1000XM5 boasts comfortable ear cups and headband padding, providing a snug fit and excellent noise isolation. However, those who wear glasses may experience a slight decrease in noise cancellation due to a minor reduction in the seal.
Controls on the WH-1000XM5 are a blend of physical buttons and touch gestures. The touch-sensitive outer side of the right ear cup offers tap, swipe, and touch-and-hold gestures for playback control. You can also customize the functionality of the NC/AMB button through the app.
Features and Functionality
The WH-1000XM5 features a wear-detection sensor that automatically plays or pauses music when the headphones are put on or taken off. The “Speak to Chat” feature pauses playback and activates Ambient Sound mode when the headset detects your voice, making it easier to hold conversations without removing the headphones.
Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.2, a 3.5mm audio jack for wired use, and support for the LDAC Bluetooth codec for high-quality audio streaming. You can also connect to two devices simultaneously using multi-point connectivity, though this disables the LDAC codec.
The headphones are equipped with eight microphones for ANC and voice calls, and the integrated QN1 noise canceling processor ensures effective noise suppression.
A Comprehensive App Experience
The Sony Headphones Connect app provides a comprehensive set of controls and customization options for the WH-1000XM5. Features include:
- Adaptive Sound Control to personalize ANC settings based on location and surroundings.
- Equalizer settings to tailor the sound to your preferences.
- DSEE Extreme mode for upscaling audio quality.
- Multi-point connectivity setup.
- Voice assistant selection (Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa).
Superior Performance and Battery Life
The Sony WH-1000XM5 builds upon the strong foundation laid by its predecessor, offering notable improvements in sound quality and active noise cancellation.
Sound Quality: The WH-1000XM5 delivers a detailed and engaging listening experience, characterized by a spacious soundstage and a V-shaped sonic signature with emphasis on bass and treble. The mids remain clear and present, thanks to the spacious soundstage.
Whether you’re listening to electronic dance music, pop, or acoustic tracks, the WH-1000XM5 handles them all with aplomb, seamlessly adapting to the nuances of different genres. The headphones shine when used with the LDAC codec and high-quality audio files, but even when paired with an iPhone over AAC, the experience remains enjoyable and satisfying.
Active Noise Cancellation: The WH-1000XM5 offers an upgrade in ANC performance compared to its predecessor, with noticeably better suppression of both indoor and outdoor noise. The internal microphones efficiently adapt to different environments, effectively blocking out a wide range of sounds, from the hum of a ceiling fan to the roar of traffic. The improved performance is particularly noticeable when wearing glasses, as the ANC can compensate for the slight decrease in the noise-isolating seal.
Call Quality and Connectivity: Call quality is decent, with clear and consistent audio transmission at distances up to 4m. The LDAC codec consistently delivered stable streams at the 990kbps bitrate within this range.
Battery Life: The WH-1000XM5 boasts impressive battery life, lasting around 28 hours on a single charge with ANC enabled at a moderate volume.
Verdict: A Worthy Upgrade and a Top Choice
The Sony WH-1000XM5 reaffirms Sony’s position as a leader in the wireless headphone market. While the improvements may be incremental, they elevate the already impressive experience offered by the WH-1000XM4. With exceptional sound quality, refined active noise cancellation, impressive battery life, and a comfortable fit, the WH-1000XM5 is a top contender for those seeking a premium over-ear listening experience.
However, it’s important to note that the price point may be a barrier for some. If you’re seeking an alternative, consider the Yamaha YH-L700A, the Bose QuietComfort 45, or the Apple AirPods Max (though the latter is significantly more expensive).
Ultimately, the Sony WH-1000XM5 stands as a capable and reliable pair of active noise canceling headphones that delivers an exceptional listening experience. If you’re in the market for a premium over-ear headset, the WH-1000XM5 should be high on your list.
