Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: Best Noise Canceling Headphones?
Team Out of Town recently went on a 4-day familiarization trip to Taiwan, hosted by the Taiwan Tourism Administration. In addition to enjoying Taiwan’s amazing gastronomy, one of the highlights of the trip was shopping. One of the recommended places to shop was the Duty-Free Shops at Taoyuan International Airport. During the trip, I was able to purchase the highly acclaimed Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones in the midnight blue variant, a model that was not available in one of the Sony shops in Kuala Lumpur during my last visit.
We’ve been using and testing the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for several days now, and they are quite impressive with their high-quality sound and noise-canceling abilities.
These headphones offer an excellent listening experience. Thanks to two processors and eight microphones, the noise cancellation is unmatched. Plus, the comfort level is top-notch, making them ideal for long listening sessions.
The call quality is crystal clear, and the battery life is impressive at up to 30 hours. Although they’re a bit pricey, we believe the features justify the cost. Switching between devices is also smooth, thanks to the multipoint connection. Looking to take your headphone game to the next level?
Overview of Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones
We recently tried out the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, and they did not disappoint. With their impressive noise cancellation, blocking out the world around us was effortless. The sound quality is top-notch, providing clear and rich audio.
The design is lightweight and comfortable, making them easy to wear for long periods. The touch controls are intuitive, and switching between devices is seamless. Battery life is exceptional, lasting up to 30 hours, which is great for all-day use.
On the downside, the noise cancellation doesn’t eliminate all background noise, and the price is on the high end. Nonetheless, these headphones are a solid choice for anyone seeking premium audio and comfort.
State-of-the-Art Noise Cancellation
With the Sony WH-1000XM5, we experienced some of the best noise cancellation on the market. The eight microphones, controlled by two processors, can block out almost all background noise. Wearing these headphones on a noisy street or a packed train, we felt like we were in a quiet room.
The Auto Noise Canceling Optimizer adjusts the noise cancellation based on our surroundings, so it’s always at its best. This feature is particularly useful when we move from a quiet office to a bustling café.
Though the noise cancellation is impressive, it’s worth mentioning that it might not completely eliminate very loud noises. However, it significantly reduces them, making our listening experience much more enjoyable.
Immersive Sound Quality
When we tried the Sony WH-1000XM5, the audio blew us away. The sound was rich and detailed, making every song feel more alive. Thanks to the advanced noise-cancellation, we could enjoy our music without any interruptions from the outside world.
The new driver and DSEE-Extreme support enhanced the listening experience, especially for high-resolution audio. We did notice, though, that some tracks sounded better than others. Despite that, the overall sound quality is top-notch.
These headphones excel in crystal-clear sound during calls as well. Even in noisy environments, our voice came through clearly. While they aren’t perfect in every situation, they’re a solid choice for any music lover looking for an immersive experience.
Comfort and Design
When we first put on the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, the soft fit leather instantly felt luxurious against our ears. The lightweight design meant we could wear them for hours without feeling any discomfort. The ear cups cover our ears completely, providing a snug fit that doesn’t press too hard.
Pros:
- Lightweight and Comfortable: These headphones are surprisingly light, making them comfortable for long listening sessions.
- Soft Fit Leather: The material is soft and feels good on the ears.
Cons:
- Size: Some might find the ear cups a bit larger than expected, which could be an issue for those with smaller heads.
The design is sleek and modern. It’s not just about looks; the intuitive touch controls on the sides make it easy to pause, play, or skip tracks without fiddling with our phone. The carry case is an added bonus, making it easy to take these headphones anywhere.
Battery Life & Charging
When it comes to battery life, we found the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones impressive. They easily last up to 30 hours on a full charge. This means we can use them throughout the day without worrying about the battery dying.
Charging is quick and easy. With a USB-C connection, it takes a little over three hours to fully charge. If we’re in a rush, a 10-minute charge gives around 5 hours of playback.
We also appreciated the included carrying case, which keeps the headphones safe while on the go. Overall, considering the battery life and the convenience of quick charging, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones excel in this area.
Intelligent Features & Touch Controls
The Sony XM5 headphones offer some impressive features. One of our favorites is the intuitive touch controls. With just a tap or swipe on the ear cups, we can pause, play, skip tracks, control volume, and even answer calls. This makes managing music and calls really easy.
The Auto Noise Canceling Optimizer is also a standout. It adjusts the noise cancellation based on our environment, making for a more tailored listening experience. The Speak-to-Chat feature automatically pauses music when we start talking, which is handy for quick conversations.
These intelligent features are great, but sometimes the touch controls can be a bit too sensitive. We’ve had instances where a casual brush against the ear cup caused unintended actions. Overall, the combo of smart features and touch controls adds a lot of convenience to our daily use.
Pros and Cons
Pros
We found these headphones to be extremely comfortable. The lightweight design and soft fit leather made them easy to wear for hours without any discomfort. The noise canceling is top-notch. The combination of two processors and eight microphones really blocks out all the unwanted noise. It’s impressive how well it adapts to different environments.
Another great feature is the battery life. With up to 30 hours of playback, we rarely had to worry about charging them. And even when we did, a quick three-minute charge provided three hours of use. These headphones are also very user-friendly. The touch controls are intuitive and make it easy to control music, volume, and calls.
We also appreciated the multipoint connection. Switching between our devices was smooth and quick, making it ideal for busy users. Finally, the included carry case is redesigned to be sleek and functional, providing solid protection while on the go.
Cons
There are a few drawbacks we noticed. First, although the noise cancellation is excellent, it doesn’t fully block out very loud noises. Some sound still gets through, especially sudden loud noises.
Also, while the headphones are generally easy to use, the touch controls can sometimes be overly sensitive. We found ourselves accidentally skipping tracks or changing volume when adjusting the headphones.
The price can be a bit steep. These headphones are definitely on the pricier side, which might be a deal-breaker for some. Lastly, for those who rely on voice assistants, the Alexa integration is good but doesn’t always respond perfectly every time.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers have mentioned several positives about the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones. Many praise the exceptional battery life. Users find the call quality to be decent, making them suitable for hands-free calls. The noise cancellation is a feature most users rave about, noting it’s incredibly effective even in noisy environments.
Some buyers appreciate the comfort and lightweight design, noting that the headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods. The sound quality is another big hit, described as being audiophile quality.
On the flip side, a few reviews point out that the noise cancellation isn’t perfect and might let in some external sounds. There are mixed feelings about the case; some find it protective, while others think it’s a bit too firm.
Overall, the majority of users seem satisfied, indicating these headphones deliver a good balance of performance and comfort.
Price and Availability in the Philippines
The Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless noise-canceling headphones are available in the Philippines with prices starting from P16,999. You can find them at various retailers such as Sony Stores, Shopee, Lazada, and DataBlitz.
Bottom Line
If you want superior noise-canceling headphones with great sound quality, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is worth considering.
Their comfort, long battery life, and excellent call quality make them a solid choice.
Ready to upgrade your headphones?
Overview of Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the improvements in noise cancelation in the WH-1000XM5 compared to the XM4?
The WH-1000XM5 takes noise cancellation to another level. With two processors controlling eight microphones, it significantly reduces more ambient noise compared to the XM4. This is especially noticeable in high-traffic environments and on flights. The automatic noise-canceling optimizer also adjusts based on how you wear the headphones, making them more efficient in different environments.
Is the battery life of the WH-1000XM5 longer than its predecessors?
The battery life on the WH-1000XM5 remains impressive, offering up to 30 hours, which matches the XM4. The quick charging feature is particularly useful; just a 3-minute charge can get you up to 3 hours of playback. This makes them very convenient for extended use without worrying about running out of battery quickly.
How comfortable are the WH-1000XM5 headphones for extended use?
We found the WH-1000XM5 to be more comfortable than previous models. The lightweight design and soft-fit leather make these headphones easy to wear for long periods. Whether you’re on a lengthy flight or spending hours working from home, they remain comfortable without causing strain or discomfort.
Can the WH-1000XM5 be connected to multiple devices simultaneously?
Yes, the WH-1000XM5 supports multipoint connection. This means you can connect the headphones to your phone and laptop at the same time and switch between devices seamlessly. This feature is great for multitasking, allowing you to switch from listening to music on your laptop to taking a call on your phone without any hassle.
What is the difference in sound quality between the WH-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort series?
Comparing the WH-1000XM5 to the Bose QuietComfort series, we noticed a distinct difference in sound quality. The WH-1000XM5 delivers richer, more detailed sound with its new integrated processor and Hi-Res audio support. The bass is punchy yet balanced, and the overall clarity is enhanced. While Bose also offers excellent sound quality, Sony’s audio feels a bit more immersive.
Are there any notable advancements in the microphone quality of the WH-1000XM5 for phone calls?
The WH-1000XM5 features four beamforming microphones and advanced audio signal processing, making phone call quality exceptional. This advancement makes your voice come through clearer and reduces background noise even in noisy environments. For those who frequently take calls on their headphones, this is a valuable upgrade.
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