Sony WH-1000XM5 Review After One Month of Use by Mike O'Brien

Mike O'Brien reviews the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones after using them in various everyday scenarios to determine if they live up to the hype as the best wireless headphones.


🔑 Key Takeaways

  • 🎧 Superior Comfort and Build: The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are praised for their comfort and secure fit, making them suitable for long listening sessions without discomfort.

  • 🌍 Dual Device Connectivity With Caveats: These headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously, which is convenient for multitasking, but this feature is limited when using high-quality audio codecs like LDAC.

  • 🔊 Exceptional Sound Quality: The audio quality is highlighted as a major strength, with the use of Sony's LDAC codec offering a superior sound experience, particularly notable in complex musical tracks.

  • 🏃 Versatility in Use: Mike found the headphones versatile enough for various activities including working out, though they lack an official IP rating for water resistance, which might concern those who sweat a lot.

  • 🔄 Areas for Improvement: Despite the high praise, areas such as the inability to fold for more compact travel and the lack of playback through USB Type-C were noted as potential drawbacks.

📝 Timestamped Summary

00:00 Introduction to Sony WH-1000XM5:

  • Overview of the video structure, introducing various use-case scenarios for reviewing the headphones.

01:00 Comfort and Build Quality:

  • Highlights the comfort and lightweight design, comparing it favorably to Bose headphones for its secure fit and vegan leatherette cushions.

05:28 Sound Quality and Features:

  • Discusses the excellent sound quality with LDAC codec, dual connectivity features and how these functions integrate into daily multi-device use.

07:00 Using WH-1000XM5 for Workouts:

  • Examines the suitability of the headphones for physical activities, touching on the fit during movement and the absence of water resistance.

09:00 Travel and Commuting:

  • Evaluates the headphones for commuting, noting the pros and cons of the ANC performance and the design concerning portability.

11:00 Final Verdict:

  • Recap of the review, emphasizing the strong points like battery life and ANC, and areas for improvement like the non-collapsible design.

❓ FAQ

Can the Sony WH-1000XM5 connect to multiple devices at once?

Yes, they can connect to two devices at the same time. However, using dual connection limits the use of high-quality audio codecs.

Is the Sony WH-1000XM5 suitable for fitness activities?

While they provide a secure fit for most activities, they lack an official IP rating for water resistance, which might be a concern for intense workouts or exposure to moisture.

🎬 Conclusion

Mike O'Brien's detailed review of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones covers extensive ground from everyday usability to specific scenarios like workouts and commuting. For anyone considering these headphones, Mike's insights can guide your decision, with a particular emphasis on their superior audio quality and comfort. For a closer look and more personal impressions, watching the full video will provide a richer understanding of these top-tier headphones.