Sony WH1000-XM5
USD 398
Pros
- Top Notch ANC Performance
- Decent Imaging
- Great Microphone
- Supportive App Features For Customization
- Bluetooth 5.2 with (AAC, LDC & SBC)
- Atmos Support
Cons
- Non-Foldable
- No IP Rating
- Price
Sony WH1000-XM5 Review : Sony has been the pioneer in the headphone market for years now and still standing strong, even though the competition is huge in this segment. But, as we all know Sony headphones are always a class apart. The Sony WH1000-XM5 is no exception, these are a major upgrade to its previous XM4 model both in terms of design and sound quality.
The 1000X series is among the top-selling headphones for the last few years all because of the quality and value provided by Sony. The pricing of XM5 is a bit on the higher side as it is one of the premium headphones out there but does its specs and sound quality justify its price like the previous generations? For that, we have reviewed the Sony WH1000-XM5 in detail which would help you make your final decision before the purchase.
So, let us get started
What is Inside The Box?
- Sony WH1000-XM5 Headphones
- Carrying Case
- 8” Cable
- USB Type C Charging Cable
- Manuals
Sony WH1000-XM5 Review: The Design
If we talk about the previously launched XM4 was not a serious upgrade in terms of design to that of XM3, but it is not the case with the Sony WH1000-XM5 series. It has got a whole new design to start they have this clean minimal sharp look with two colour options. The earcups are slightly bigger and wider, the new vegan lover material is so much softer which combines with the super lightweight of the whole headphones making this entire pair more comfortable even for long usage.
Honestly, the XM5 is probably the most comfortable noise-cancelling headphones on the market out there right now. But, a major drawback in its design is that the earcups on XM5 are not foldable, unlike XM4 which is a huge setback for some users. You can only adjust the size using the sliding headband as a result one has to carry a bigger case while traveling.
The case however is of decent quality but feels bigger compared to XM4. Overall the design looks good and premium enough with soft-touch material making it more attractive for serious headphone lovers out there.
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The Controls & Features
| Input | Output |
| Swipe Up | Volume Up |
| Swipe Down | Volume Down |
| Hold | Voice Assistant |
| Swipe Back | Track Backward |
| Swipe Forward | Track Forward |
| Cup Hand | Ambient Sound |
| Double Tap Center | Pause/Resume |
The controls are very much the same as the last three iterations of the 1000x series. The left earcup on XM5 gets two buttons mainly the power and an ANC button. To turn on the headphones you just need to hold the power button and after three seconds the pairing mode starts through which you can pair your phone or computer easily.
Switching on the NC/AMB button will toggle the ANC (active noise cancellation) mode through which you can select ANC on or Off. The headphones also have an option for ambient sound modes that allow you to hear the outside noise through a microphone array.
Battery Life
Sony claims a 30-hour battery backup with 1000x XM5 headphones and we observed the same in our test as well. The XM5 played for around 30.5 hours on ANC on mode which is quite decent for a long-haul flight, however, the battery performance improved significantly to a whopping 50 hours when the ANC was disabled.
Also, the 3-minute charge would provide you a playback time of around 180 min which is decent enough. The XM5 has a good battery backup and with an 8-inch cable, you shouldn’t be that worried about it.
Connectivity
The XM5 headphone supports the Bluetooth 5.2 version, providing a stable connection throughout. Also, once paired there was no lag whatsoever and the connection was smooth and instant whenever we switched on the headphones.
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The Sound Quality We Observed in this Sony WH1000-XM5 Review
Excellent is the word when we talk about the sound quality of the new XM5. The headphones come with the new 30mm carbon fiber driver that enhances the sound performance and the ANC especially over high-frequency. It has also the support of the “My Headphones” application that helps in customizing & balancing the EQ, it also has a decent transparency mode that allows & restricts the outside noise from the surroundings.
On the default settings, you might find the bass to be low at times but you can always adjust the EQ according to your taste in sound and music. The sound is clear and wider in XM5 at the lower end as compared to mids, you still feel some cloudiness however the major improvement is seen in the highs where it shows a great response to treble frequencies as compared to its former versions.
The ANC on these headphones is just too good and you do get a wonderful experience of the music of all types whenever you put the XM5 on. However, the XM5 is a great headphone but sadly, it still does not match the quality of Airpod Max where the sound quality is much more clear and crisp.
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Sony WH1000-XM5 Review: Final Verdict
So, should you purchase the all-new Sony WH1000-XM5?
Well, we would certainly recommend the XM5 to Android users as the XM5 are the best headphones with the most advanced ANC out there and if you could sideline the small drawbacks in the design these may turn out to be the best travel headphones for you. However, if you are an iPhone user you may prefer the Airpod Max over the Sony WH1000-XM5 all thanks to Apple’s echo system.
Do you agree with our Sony WH1000-XM5 Review or still have some doubts? Do tell us your views on the Sony WH1000-XM5 in the comment section below and also suggest the other headphones or earphones you want us to review next on We Observed.
Originally Published on: Dec 28, 2022 at 06:29
