Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: Superior Noise-Canceling Headphones?

Electronics & Technology Review CNET Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer an extensive redesign with improved comfort, sound quality, and exceptional noise cancellation, albeit at a higher price.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • 🎧 The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones boast a significant redesign, offering a sleeker look with a single hinge design, enhanced comfort, and a new carrying case compared to the WH-1000XM4.

  • 🔊 Featuring new 30mm carbon fiber drivers, the WH-1000XM5 delivers a more audiophile-sound profile, with balanced sound, better clarity, and a tighter bass.

  • 📞 Voice call quality has seen a substantial improvement in the WH-1000XM5, making these headphones ideal for noisy environments.

  • 🔋 Despite these upgrades, the battery life remains consistent with up to 30 hours of playback and a quick charge feature that provides three hours of use from just a three-minute charge.

  • 💰 Priced at $400, the WH-1000XM5 is $50 more than the initial price of the WH-1000XM4, posing a significant consideration for potential buyers.

📝 Timestamped Summary

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

  • Introduction to the new Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.
  • Discussion on design changes and new features compared to previous models.

01:20 Design and Build Quality:

  • Detailed look at the redesigned structure, including the removal of the dual hinge, which allows the headphones to lie flat but not fold.

03:00 Comfort and Fit:

  • Analysis of the comfort improvements, like lighter weight and new synthetic leather ear pads.

05:00 Sound Quality and Features:

  • Discussion of the audio quality improvements with new drivers and sound profile.
  • Features like Quick Attention Mode, Speak-to-Chat, and improved noise cancellation.

07:00 Voice Call Quality Test:

  • Test of the voice call quality in noisy environments, showcasing the advanced noise reduction capabilities.

08:30 Comparison with Competitors and Previous Model:

  • Comparison of WH-1000XM5 with Bose 700 and QuietComfort 45, and discussion on whether it's worth upgrading from Sony WH-1000XM4.

❓ FAQ

How does the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to the WH-1000XM4 in terms of design?

The WH-1000XM5 features a more streamlined design with a single hinge and swivel structure, which allows them to lie flat. This design is different from the dual hinge of the WH-1000XM4, which allowed for folding.

Is the increase in price justified with the new features of the WH-1000XM5?

While the WH-1000XM5 offers several enhancements such as improved sound quality, superior comfort, and significantly better call quality, whether these justify the $50 price increase will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Can the Sony WH-1000XM5 be paired with multiple devices?

Yes, the WH-1000XM5 supports multi-point Bluetooth pairing, allowing users to connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between them seamlessly.

🎬 Conclusion

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones step up the game with their refined design, superior audio performance, and top-notch voice call quality. If you're in the market for premium noise-canceling headphones and can stretch the budget, the WH-1000XM5 presents a compelling choice, especially for users who value these enhancements. For more detailed impressions and to see these headphones in action, check out the full video on CNET's official YouTube channel.