Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony WH-1000XM4 Review (noise cancelling headphone)

The Sony WH-1000XM4 noise cancelling headphone has a high-quality feel but adjusting the slide mechanism can be difficult. The frequency response in passive mode is muffled and unpleasant, but turning on the noise cancellation improves the bass response. The headphone has a large deviation from the target frequency response and low, variable impedance. Applying EQ makes the sound more normal and pleasant. The noise cancellation is effective for reducing noise, but the headphone's internal amp is not powerful. Overall, the headphone is highly flawed in passive mode but can be recommended with equalization.

Sony WH-1000XM4 review: A nearly flawless noise-canceling headphone

The Sony WH-1000XM4 is a nearly flawless noise-canceling headphone. It has excellent sound and top-notch noise canceling, improved voice calling, and pairs with two devices at the same time. The headphone is slightly more comfortable and has a good battery life. It looks virtually the same as the previous model and is expensive. The upgrades are subtle improvements rather than game-changers, but it remains one of the top noise-canceling headphones on the market.

Sony WH-1000XM4 review

The Sony WH-1000XM4 is a top-tier pair of headphones with excellent active noise canceling (ANC) and sound quality. It features Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, speak-to-chat functionality, and a comfortable design. The headphones can be customized using the Sony Headphones Connect app, which also provides access to features like noise canceling optimization and 360-degree sound. The battery life is around 30 hours and the headphones support Bluetooth 5.0 and multiple codecs. The ANC performance is among the best in its class, although the newer WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45 offer better noise canceling. The sound quality is great, with a slight emphasis on bass. The microphone quality is good for wireless headphones. Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is a compelling choice for those looking for high-quality ANC headphones.

Sony WH-1000XM5 review

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a redesigned version of Sony's popular noise-cancelling headphones. It has a new "noiseless design" and a slimmer profile. The headphones feel lighter and less premium than the previous model. The noise-cancelling technology has been improved, with automatic optimization and eight microphones. The sound quality is excellent, with a musical and detailed sound. The call quality is also impressive. The battery life is 30 hours with Bluetooth and noise-cancelling enabled. Overall, the WH-1000XM5 is a solid choice for those looking for high-quality noise-cancelling headphones.

Sony WH-1000XM5 review

The Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones are a worthy successor to the highly regarded XM4 model. They offer excellent sound quality, improved noise cancellation, and eco-friendly materials. The design is sleek but not particularly eye-catching. The headphones are comfortable to wear and have intuitive touch controls. The sound quality is impressive, with balanced and detailed audio across the frequency range. The active noise cancellation is top-notch, creating a quiet listening environment. The battery life is decent, lasting up to 40 hours with noise cancellation off. The call quality is excellent, and the headphones have strong connectivity options. Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are a flagship over-ear headphone that delivers on performance and features.

Sony WH-1000XM5 review: new design, new sound, new price

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a new flagship noise-canceling headphone with a fresh design, improved sound, and better active noise cancellation. However, it doesn't offer any major new features and is $50 more expensive than its predecessor. The design is plasticky and the carrying case is bulky. The headphones have a sleeker look but can't fold down like previous models. The sound is tighter and more detailed, but some may prefer the more energetic sound of the previous model. The noise cancellation is excellent, especially for street noise and nearby voices. The voice call quality is improved with eight microphones. The headphones support LDAC and multipoint, but you can't use both at the same time. The controls and buttons remain largely unchanged. The battery life is 30 hours with noise cancellation on. The headphones lack wireless compatibility with the PlayStation 5 and are not water or sweat resistant. Overall, the WH-1000XM5 is a comfortable and high-quality headphone, but the price increase and bulky case may deter some buyers.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones Review: The One to Beat

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have a new design with a single hinge and a larger carrying case. They are more comfortable to wear and have a longer battery life. The noise canceling function is excellent, especially for higher frequencies. The sound quality is refined and balanced, with better clarity and tighter bass. The headphones support Bluetooth 5.2 and have improved voice call quality. They also have features like Quick Attention mode and Speak-To-Chat mode. Overall, the XM5 headphones are a strong choice for noise-canceling headphones with impressive features and sound quality.

Sony WH-1000XM5 review

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a flagship active noise-canceling headphone that is comfortable to wear and has a good fit. It has a lot of features, including Find My Device support and Fast Pair. The headphone has good ANC performance and offers a long battery life of up to 31 hours with ANC on. The sound quality is decent, with a strong bass emphasis. The headphone comes with a microphone that provides good call quality. Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a great option for those looking for high-quality ANC headphones.