Sony WH-1000XM5: Comprehensive Review of the Next Big Thing in Audio

Welcome to the world where silence and sound converge in harmony as we delve into the Sony WH-1000XM5—Sony’s latest foray into redefining the audio experience. At a premium starting price of £380 / $399 / AU$550, these headphones mark a noteworthy shift from their predecessors on both the financial and design fronts. With their sleek “noiseless designs” and pioneering tech like automatic noise-cancelling optimization, the Sony WH-1000XM5 promises an auditory oasis in the most chaotic environments. Although non-folding and crafted from different materials, leading one to question their sturdiness and finish compared to veterans like the Bose 700, there’s an undeniable allure to their musical prowess and technological advancements.

Our comprehensive review aims to provide you with an in-depth understanding of every facet of these Sony headphones—an indispensable guide whether you’re an audiophile on the quest for acoustic bliss or a professional navigating the bustling soundscape of life. We’ll explore the Sony WH-1000XM5’s sound quality, which boasts improved detail across frequencies, and its enhanced comfort, ensuring a listening experience that’s as pleasant as it is immersive.

From battery life that keeps tunes playing for hours to smart features like ‘Speak to Chat’ and multipoint pairing, and from the strides made in call quality to a realistic comparison against heavy hitters like the Bose QuietComfort and Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we witness Sony’s efforts to sculpt not just sound but silence itself with their highly anticipated Sony headphones WH-1000XM5.

Design and Comfort

When we first lay our eyes on the Sony WH-1000XM5, it’s the sleek, modern design that captures our attention. But it’s not just about looks; the comfort of these Sony headphones is paramount, especially for those of us who wear them for extended periods. Here’s what we’ve found:

• Design Overhaul:
  • The new single-hinge design and a reimagined headband make the Sony WH-1000XM5 lighter than its predecessor, easing the burden on your head during long listening sessions.
  • The earcups and headband’s top piece now boast a matte soft-touch coating paired with synthetic leather, which feels luxurious and gentle against the skin.
• Fit and Comfort:
  • With earcups that are longer and more oval-shaped, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a welcome change for those with larger ears, promising a better fit that encompasses the entire ear without pinching.
  • Despite the comfort upgrades, some users have noted a pinch point. After about an hour of use, the headband may exert pressure on the crown of the head, and the earcups could cause discomfort, particularly for glasses wearers. It’s a reminder that while one size fits most, personal head shape and eyewear can influence comfort levels.
• Portability and Controls:
  • The headphones are bundled with a collapsible case, which is not just about protection but also convenience, making it easier to take your Sony WH-1000XM5 wherever you go.
• Intuitive touch controls are embedded in the design, allowing for seamless play/pause, track skipping, volume adjustment, and more right at your fingertips.
• • Incorporating these design features, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones don’t just look good—they’re crafted for comfort, with a few caveats based on individual user experience. Available in an array of colours—black, midnight blue, and silver—these headphones also support high-definition LDAC audio codec and multipoint Bluetooth pairing, ensuring that your comfort doesn’t come at the expense of sound quality or functionality.

Sound Quality

Moving on to the heart of the Sony WH-1000XM5 experience, we find ourselves enveloped in sound quality that is as immersive as it is pristine. Sony is known for being a leader in audio innovation. Their latest headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5, are designed to provide an exceptional listening experience. In terms of sound quality, these headphones stand out from the crowd. Let’s take a closer look at what makes them special.:

• Advanced Noise Cancellation (ANC):
  • The hallmark of the Sony WH-1000XM5 is its industry-leading ANC technology. With dual noise sensor technology, these Sony headphones capture ambient noise with greater precision, allowing the integrated HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1 to deliver a noise-free listening experience that is second to none.
  • Sony’s proprietary technology, such as the Adaptive Sound Control, automatically adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on your activity and environment, ensuring that whether you’re in the quiet of your home or the bustle of a city street, your music remains uninterrupted.
• High-Resolution Audio:
  • Audiophiles will appreciate the Sony WH-1000XM5’s support for High-Resolution Audio, courtesy of Sony’s LDAC technology. This allows streaming at three times the data rate of standard Bluetooth audio, offering a level of detail and clarity that can make every track feel like a live performance.
  • The DSEE Extreme (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) upscales compressed digital music files in real-time, restoring the high-range sound lost in compression. This feature ensures that every note and nuance is heard in crystal clear quality.
• Immersive Experience with 360 Reality Audio:
  • Sony takes spatial audio to new heights with the introduction of 360 Reality Audio on the Sony WH-1000XM5. This feature creates a 360-degree audio environment that places you at the centre of the music, offering an experience that is as close as you can get to a live show.
• When paired with compatible music services, 360 Reality Audio immerses you in sound from every direction, making it not just about listening but about feeling the music around you.
• In our testing, we’ve found that whether it’s the subtle strum of a guitar, the deep bass of a synth, or the clear vocals of your favourite artist, the Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers with precision. The soundstage is expansive, allowing for excellent instrument separation and a rich, dynamic range. It’s a testament to Sony’s commitment to not only maintaining but elevating the standards of sound quality in their Sony headphones.
• • The Sony WH-1000XM5 represents a significant leap forward in audio technology, offering a sound experience that is as intuitive as it is indulgent. With touch controls that respond to your every command and features like Speak to Chat that pause your music the moment you start a conversation, these Sony headphones are designed to blend seamlessly into your life, ensuring that the music never stops unless you want it to.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Segueing from the immersive sound quality, we now turn our attention to the Sony WH-1000XM5’s battery life and connectivity — crucial aspects for those of us who are always on the move or dislike the constant need to recharge.

Battery Life:

• Long-Lasting Performance:
  • With Noise Cancellation activated, our Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer a robust battery life of up to 30 hours. This ensures that even on the longest flights or during the most intense workdays, your music or calls won’t be interrupted by a drained battery.
  • For those who prefer to use their Sony headphones without ANC, the battery life extends impressively to up to 40 hours, providing almost two full days of audio experience without the need for a recharge.
• Quick Charging Capability:
  • In scenarios where you find the battery low, a quick charge of just 3 minutes can yield a remarkable 180 minutes of playback time — a lifesaver for those last-minute rushes out the door.
• A full charge cycle takes approximately 3.5 hours, which means you can easily restore your headphones to full battery life overnight or during a work shift.
• • Connectivity and Features:
• Advanced Bluetooth Technology:
  • The Sony WH-1000XM5 comes equipped with Bluetooth version 5.2, ensuring stable and swift pairing with your devices. This means fewer interruptions and more consistent call quality and music streaming.
  • The supported audio formats — SBC, AAC, and LDAC — cater to a variety of audio quality preferences, while the 2.4 GHz frequency range ensures that you stay connected without interference.
• Sony Headphones Connect App Integration:
  • To fully harness the capabilities of your Sony headphones, the Sony Headphones Connect App is your go-to. It’s here that you can personalize your ANC settings, dive into 360 Reality Audio, and adjust your sound profile with the custom equalizer.
  • Remember, while the additional features like DSEE extreme, speak-to-chat, and the equalizer provide an enhanced experience, they can also impact the overall battery life of your Sony WH-1000XM5.
• Connectivity Options:
  • For those moments when you prefer or need a wired connection, the headphones can seamlessly switch to being connected via a TRS cable.
• It’s important to note that while the Sony WH-1000XM5 excels in many areas, they do not have an IP rating. This means caution should be exercised when using them in rainy conditions or during workouts.
• • In weaving together the narrative of battery life and connectivity, we’ve discovered that the Sony WH-1000XM5 is designed not only for superior sound quality and comfort but also for the practicalities of daily life. Whether you’re immersed in calls or lost in your favourite tunes, these Sony headphones are created to keep up with you, your lifestyle, and your unique listening needs.

Smart Features and App Integration

Delving into the smart features and app integration of the Sony WH-1000XM5, we find a suite of customizable options that cater to the diverse preferences of users. Here’s how these headphones enhance your auditory journey:

Customization with Sony | Headphones Connect App:

• Personalized Sound Settings: Tailor your audio experience with the app’s comprehensive equalizer adjustments. Whether you prefer a bass-heavy sound for your workouts or a balanced tone for classical music, the app accommodates your taste.
• Ambient Sound Control: Manage how much of the world you let in with adjustable ambient sound settings, perfect for staying alert in busy streets or tuning out during a peaceful retreat.
• Innovative Sound Technologies:
• 360 Spatial Sound Personalization: For those with a BRAVIA XR TV, the 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer app takes immersion to another level by analyzing your ear shape to deliver a tailor-made spatial sound field.
• DSEE Extreme™ Enhancement: Activate this feature via the app to upscale your digital music files in real-time, ensuring that every track retains its full sonic glory, even after compression.
• Voice and Sound Assistance:
• Voice Assistant Integration: With compatibility with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri, manage your day, set reminders, and control your music hands-free.
• Industry-Leading Call Quality: Leverage the Precise Voice Pickup Technology during calls, which utilizes beamforming microphones and AI to focus on your voice and reduce background noise for crystal-clear conversations.
• Adaptive and Intuitive Features:
• Adaptive Sound Control: The headphones learn your behaviour and location to adjust noise cancellation and ambient sound settings automatically, providing optimal listening wherever you are.
• Speak-to-Chat: Never miss a word or a beat with automatic music pausing during conversations.
• Quick Access and Multi-Device Connectivity: Easily switch between devices with multipoint pairing and access your favourite functions with a simple touch.
• Incorporating these smart features into our daily use, we’ve found the Sony WH-1000XM5 not only meets the high standards for sound quality and comfort but also excels in providing a personalized and intuitive listening experience. Whether it’s through voice control for hands-free operation or the adaptive sound settings that adjust to your environment, these Sony headphones integrate seamlessly into your life, enhancing every interaction with your audio content.

Call Quality

In our hands-on experience with the Sony WH-1000XM5, we’ve found that the call quality is generally good, with a few caveats that potential users should be aware of:

• Voice Capture Clarity:
  • The Sony WH-1000XM5 excels in delivering clear voice capture during calls. This is particularly noticeable in environments with moderate ambient noise, where the headphones’ integrated microphone does an impressive job of isolating your voice from the background.
  • Despite the clarity, some users have noted that speech can come across as thin and slightly distorted. This might not be a deal-breaker for casual conversations, but it’s something to consider if pristine call quality is a top priority for you.
• Adaptive Noise Cancellation During Calls:
  • The ANC system on the Sony WH-1000XM5 is designed to adapt when it detects your voice. Talk-through mode allows you to better hear your surroundings, which can be helpful if you need to be aware of what’s happening around you while on a call.
  • However, it’s worth noting that while the ANC is effective at reducing mid to treble range noise, it may not be as adept at blocking out lower-frequency sounds. This could be distracting if you’re in an environment with a lot of bass-heavy noise.
• Microphone Performance Feedback:
  • Equipped with a total of eight microphones and an AI noise rejection algorithm, the Sony headphones WH-1000XM5 are geared towards providing a good call quality experience. This makes them suitable for professional settings such as Zoom calls or phone meetings, where clear communication is essential.
• Despite these features, some users have encountered issues with the microphone performance. There have been reports of the user’s voice sounding distant or echoing, which can compromise the overall call quality. Adjusting the microphone settings and checking for driver updates may help, but if the problem persists, it could be a point of contention for users who frequently make calls.
• • As we continue to evaluate the Sony WH-1000XM5, we keep in mind that while they offer a range of impressive features, such as ANC, 360 Reality Audio, and long battery life, the call quality is an aspect that may not meet everyone’s standards. It’s important to weigh these factors when considering the Sony headphones WH-1000XM5 for your needs, especially if call clarity is a crucial element of your daily audio use.

Competitor Comparison

In the realm of premium audio, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones stand tall with their impressive suite of features. However, the market is rife with worthy contenders, each vying for the top spot with their unique offerings. We’ve taken the liberty of comparing the Sony WH-1000XM5 with some of its closest competitors to see how they stack up in terms of sound quality, comfort, ANC, and more.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs. Sony WH-1000XM5:

• Price: At $429, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones come in slightly more expensive than the Sony WH-1000XM5.
• Battery Life: Sony has a battery life of 31 hours and 53 minutes with Active Noise Cancelling on, while Bose has 27 hours and 37 minutes.
• ANC Performance: While Bose has a slight edge in noise cancellation, Sony’s ANC capabilities are still excellent.
• Sound Profile: The Sony WH-1000XM5 has a more pronounced bass shelf, offering a rich audio experience, while Bose may have an overemphasis on the lows that some users find too heavy.
• Sennheiser Momentum 4:
• Battery Life: Sennheiser Momentum 4 takes the lead with up to 60 hours of battery life, making it ideal for travel.
• Sound Customization: Through the Sennheiser Smart Control app, users can personalize sound settings for a tailored listening experience.
• Transducer System: A 42mm transducer system ensures detailed and powerful audio reproduction.
• Bose 700:
• Noise Cancellation Levels: The Bose 700 headphones offer 11 levels of active noise cancellation, allowing for more granular control over your listening environment.
• Design: They are known for their sleek design and lightweight headband, which contribute to their overall comfort.
• Call Quality: A built-in beamforming microphone aims to provide clearer calls, a feature that’s essential for professionals.
• 1MORE SonoFlow:
• Budget-Friendly: For those conscious of price, the 1MORE SonoFlow headphones present a budget option without compromising on quality.
• Battery Life: They boast an impressive 70 hours of battery life, ensuring almost a week’s worth of use on a single charge.
• Sound Customization: With 12 studio-grade adjustable EQ presets, users can fine-tune their audio experience.
• Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds:
• Form Factor: If earbuds are more your style, the Sony WF-1000XM4 offers a compact alternative without sacrificing sound quality.
• Durability: They come with IPX4 water- and sweat-resistant, making them optimal for workouts and outdoor activities.
• Battery Life and Connectivity: These earbuds provide up to 8 hours of battery life and the convenience of pairing with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.
• When we look at the overall picture, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are often considered the “Goldilocks” of Bluetooth headphones. They strike an ideal balance with solid improvements over their predecessors in various aspects such as sound quality, comfort, build quality, ANC, and transparency mode. They also outperform the Bose QC35, QC45, 700, and PX7 in these categories, establishing themselves as a formidable choice for anyone seeking the ultimate audio experience.
• As we navigate through the nuances of these high-calibre headphones, it’s clear that each brings something special to the table. Whether it’s the long-lasting battery of the Sennheiser Momentum 4, the precise noise cancellation levels of the Bose 700, the value proposition of the 1MORE SonoFlow, or the convenience of the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds, the choice ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and specific needs.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Throughout this article, we’ve journeyed through the features and performance of Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones, weighing their sound quality, design, and comfort against the needs of both audiophiles and everyday users. We’ve seen how the WH-1000XM5 sets a new benchmark with its robust battery life, intuitive touch controls, and advanced noise-cancelling capabilities, reinforcing its standing as a top contender in the crowded space of premium audio solutions.

Considering the competition, the Sony WH-1000XM5 holds its own, offering a well-rounded package that combines innovation with user-centric design. While not flawless, particularly in the area of call quality, the WH-1000XM5 headphones emerge as a good choice for anyone looking to upgrade their auditory experience—be it for leisure, travel, or professional use. Through its blend of technology and comfort, Sony continues to tune the harmony between silence and sound, paving the way for listeners to immerse themselves in audio excellence.

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