Sony WH-1000XM5 Review by Marques Brownlee

Electronics & Technology Review Marques Brownlee Sony WH-1000XM5

Marques Brownlee reviews Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones, highlighting improvements in comfort, noise cancellation, and a few design changes which may not appeal to all, especially travelers.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • 🎧 The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer exceptional comfort and enhanced noise cancellation, making them a top choice for noise-canceling capabilities.

  • ✨ Design changes include non-folding headbands and a larger carrying case, influencing their portability, which might not be ideal for travel.

  • 🎶 Sound quality remains excellent, comparable to previous models, with the addition of a new 30mm carbon fiber driver which supports LDAC technology.

  • 🔊 Increased microphone count from eight to sixteen improves voice and noise cancellation quality significantly.

  • 🔄 Though still premium, the new design may not be worth upgrading from the WH-1000XM4 if portability and storage are priorities due to its larger size and price.

📝 Timestamped Summary

00:00 Introduction to the Sony WH-1000XM5:

  • Marques introduces the latest Sony noise-canceling headphones, the WH-1000XM5, highlighting its departure from previous models in design and features.

01:00 Comfort and Materials:

  • The new vegan leather and enlarged ear cups enhance comfort.
  • Lighter overall weight contributes to a more comfortable long-term wear experience.

02:00 Technical Enhancements:

  • Increase in the number of microphones enhances voice clarity and noise cancellation.
  • Presentation of new features like touch-sensitive controls and improved on-head detection.

03:00 Portability Concerns:

  • Discusses the non-folding design which negatively impacts portability.
  • New carrying case design is stylish but noticeably larger due to the headphones' inability to fold.

05:30 Audio and Noise Cancellation Performance:

  • Enhanced suppression of both low and high-frequency sounds for improved noise cancellation.
  • Transparency mode and sound quality continue to excel, albeit not vastly different from the predecessor, WH-1000XM4.

07:00 Price and Value Comparison:

  • New model priced at $400, while the WH-1000XM4 remains available at $350.
  • Assessment of whether upgrades justify the price increase and potential variables to consider if choosing between the two models.

❓ FAQ

How does the sound quality of the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to previous models?

The sound quality is very similar to the WH-1000XM4, maintaining a high standard with minor improvements due to the new driver and LDAC support.

Are the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones suitable for long travel?

While they are exceptionally comfortable and have superior noise cancellation, their new non-folding design makes them less ideal for travel due to increased bulkiness.

What are the major differences between the WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM4?

Main differences include the non-folding design, more embedded microphones for enhanced audio clarity, and aesthetic changes. The XM5 is slightly less portable but offers slightly improved sound and comfort.

🎬 Conclusion

Marques Brownlee's review of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones provides deep insights into both the incremental improvements and the new design challenges. If you prioritize top-tier noise cancellation and don't mind less portability, WH-1000XM5 might be the perfect upgrade. However, for those who travel often, revisiting the WH-1000XM4 or reviewing alternative options might be advisable before making a purchase decision. For a closer look, watch the full video on Marques Brownlee’s channel.