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headphones with exceptional ANC

Sony WH-1000XM5 review

Discover the Sony WH-1000XM5, the ultimate noise-canceling headphones from Sony. With exceptional noise cancellation, outstanding sound quality, and a long battery life, these headphones provide an immersive audio experience.

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Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5

Summary / TL;DR

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The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones deliver an exceptional audio experience with outstanding sound quality and advanced noise cancellation, making them a top choice for audiophiles and frequent travelers. Featuring 40mm drivers, they offer rich bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. The Adaptive Sound Control adjusts audio settings based on the environment, enhancing the listening experience. The build quality is robust, though the non-foldable design may impact portability. Comfort is prioritized with padded ear cups and an adjustable headband, suitable for long listening sessions.

These headphones boast industry-leading active noise cancellation and a touch control panel for ease of use. High-resolution audio support and compatibility with LDAC ensure superior sound quality. The sleek, minimalist design is available in black and silver, appealing to style-conscious users. Compared to competitors like Bose and Sennheiser, the WH-1000XM5 excels in sound quality and features, though it lacks foldability. Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a standout choice in the premium wireless noise-canceling headphone market.


If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Sony WF-C700N or Sony WH-CH520 or Sony WH-CH720N.

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Sony WH-1000XM5: The Ultimate Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones

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When it comes to premium wireless headphones, Sony has always been a brand that stands out. With the release of the Sony WH-1000XM5, they have once again solidified their position as a leader in the industry. These headphones offer an exceptional audio experience, top-notch noise cancellation, and a host of impressive features that make them a must-have for any audiophile or frequent traveler.

Sound Quality

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The sound quality of the Sony WH-1000XM5 is simply outstanding. These headphones deliver a rich and immersive audio experience that will take your music listening to a whole new level. The powerful 40mm drivers produce deep and punchy bass, clear and detailed mids, and crisp highs. Whether you're listening to your favorite tracks or watching a movie, the sound reproduction is accurate and well-balanced.

One of the standout features of the WH-1000XM5 is the Adaptive Sound Control. This innovative technology analyzes your surroundings and adjusts the sound settings accordingly. It automatically adjusts the ambient sound control and equalizer settings to optimize the audio experience based on your environment. This ensures that you always get the best sound quality no matter where you are.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5

Build Quality

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The build quality of the Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent. These headphones are constructed with high-quality materials that feel durable and premium. The headband is adjustable and provides a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. The ear cups are plush and cushioned, allowing for a snug and comfortable fit over your ears.

A noteworthy issue is the non-foldable design. It's predecessor , the XM4, could be easily folded and stored in the included carrying case, making them highly portable and convenient for travel. But the XM5's cannot be folded!
The overall build quality of the WH-1000XM5 gives a sense of reliability and longevity, ensuring that they will withstand daily use and last for years to come.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5

Comfort

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Comfort is a crucial factor when choosing headphones, especially if you plan on wearing them for long periods. The Sony WH-1000XM5 excels in this aspect, providing a luxurious and comfortable fit. The ear cups are generously padded and the headband is adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your head size.

Furthermore, the WH-1000XM5 is incredibly lightweight, which adds to the overall comfort. You can wear these headphones for hours without feeling any discomfort or pressure on your head or ears. Whether you're listening to music on your daily commute or taking a long-haul flight, the comfort of these headphones will enhance your overall listening experience.

Features

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The Sony WH-1000XM5 is packed with an impressive array of features that make them stand out from the competition. The most notable feature is the industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC). The headphones utilize dual noise sensor technology and a powerful QN1 noise-canceling processor to block out external noise effectively. Whether you're in a noisy office, a crowded train, or an airplane, the ANC on the WH-1000XM5 will create a peaceful and immersive listening environment.

Another standout feature is the touch control panel on the right ear cup. This touch-sensitive panel allows you to control various functions such as adjusting the volume, changing tracks, and answering phone calls with simple gestures. It's intuitive and easy to use, adding convenience to your listening experience.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 also supports high-resolution audio, giving you the ability to enjoy your music in the highest possible quality. The headphones are compatible with LDAC, which allows for three times the data transmission rate compared to conventional Bluetooth audio, resulting in exceptional audio quality.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5

Styling

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When it comes to design, the Sony WH-1000XM5 exudes elegance and sophistication. The headphones feature a sleek and modern look with a minimalist design. The matte finish adds a touch of premium feel, and the overall aesthetic is both timeless and stylish.

The WH-1000XM5 is available in classic black and silver color options, catering to different style preferences. Whether you're wearing them on your daily commute or during a business trip, these headphones will complement your attire and make a fashion statement.

What's in the Box

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When you purchase the Sony WH-1000XM5, you'll find a comprehensive package that includes everything you need for an exceptional listening experience. In the box, you'll find:

  • Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones
  • Carrying case
  • 3.5mm audio cable
  • USB-C charging cable
  • Airplane adapter
  • User manual and warranty information
Sony WH-1000XM5 Sony WH-1000XM5

Comparison to Competitors

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When comparing the Sony WH-1000XM5 to its direct competitors in the market, such as the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless, it becomes clear that the WH-1000XM5 offers a superior sound quality, advanced noise cancellation, and a more extensive range of features.

While the Bose QuietComfort 35 II delivers excellent noise cancellation and comfort, the WH-1000XM5 takes it a step further with the Adaptive Sound Control and touch control panel. The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless, on the other hand, offers exceptional sound quality, but falls short in terms of noise cancellation and feature set when compared to the WH-1000XM5.

Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 stands out as the top choice in the premium wireless noise-canceling headphone market, offering a perfect balance of sound quality, comfort, and features.

Video by: Marques Brownlee

Conclusion

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The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a truly remarkable pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones. With exceptional sound quality, top-notch noise cancellation, and a plethora of features, these headphones provide an unparalleled audio experience. The build quality is excellent, ensuring durability and longevity, while the comfort is unmatched, allowing for hours of fatigue-free listening. The stylish design adds to the overall appeal, making them a fashion statement. If you're in the market for premium headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 should be at the top of your list.


Pros & cons

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Pros

  • Exceptional noise cancellation for a truly immersive listening experience
  • Comfortable fit with plush ear cushions and adjustable headband
  • Impressive battery life of up to 30 hours on a single charge
  • Intuitive touch controls for easy navigation and quick access to features
  • High-quality sound with deep bass and clear, detailed audio

Cons

  • Expensive price tag
  • Can feel a bit bulky and heavy on the head
  • Touch controls can be a bit finicky and require some getting used to
  • May not fit comfortably for people with larger heads
  • Noise cancellation can sometimes affect audio quality, especially at higher volumes

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation on and LDAC off. However, this can vary depending on usage conditions and settings. With LDAC, the battery life is around 26 hours, and up to 40 hours without noise cancellation or LDAC.

  • Yes, the Sony WH-1000XM5 supports multipoint connection, allowing you to connect to multiple devices at the same time. This feature is useful for switching between different audio sources seamlessly.

  • Yes, the Sony WH-1000XM5 supports the LDAC audio codec, which provides high-quality audio streaming over Bluetooth.

  • You can optimize noise cancellation on the Sony WH-1000XM5 using the Sony | Sound Connect app. This app allows you to customize noise cancellation settings based on your environment and preferences.

  • Yes, you can use the Sony WH-1000XM5 while it is charging, unlike some previous models. This allows for continuous listening even when the battery is low.

  • The Sony WH-1000XM5 is made with soft-fit synthetic leather, providing a comfortable fit around the head with less pressure on the ears.

  • Yes, the Sony WH-1000XM5 includes a cable for wired listening, which can be used when the battery is depleted or in environments where Bluetooth is not allowed.

  • Yes, the Sony WH-1000XM5 can be used for gaming, offering good sound quality and connectivity options. However, it may not have specific gaming features like low latency modes found in dedicated gaming headsets.

  • To reset the Sony WH-1000XM5, you can refer to the user manual or visit Sony's support website for specific instructions. Resetting can help resolve connectivity or functionality issues.

  • Yes, the Sony WH-1000XM5 supports voice assistants. You can activate your device's voice assistant using voice commands or through the Sony | Sound Connect app.

Important

Before buying any product, check all details of this product on the website or in the store where you purchase it. Aspects and specifications mentioned in the text above might differ.