Sony WH-1000XM5/B Review: Premium Noise Cancelling Headphones with Outstanding Features

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Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: Are These the Headphones You’ve Been Waiting For?

Testing the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones has been an absolute ride. As someone who’s been through a wide array of over-ear headphones, I can confidently say these have some standout features but also a few quirks. Let me break it down for you in a way that feels like a chat between friends.

First Impressions and Comfort

The first thing that hit me when I unboxed these was the minimalistic yet sleek design. The lightweight structure paired with the soft-fit leather ear cushions? Chef’s kiss! Wearing them for hours feels like a gentle hug around your ears—no pinching, no sweating, no weird pressure points. However, if you’ve got a wider neck like my coworker Mike, who joked about his “giraffe neck,” you may find it a bit tight when resting them there. Small gripe, though.

Noise Cancellation – A Game-Changer

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is next-level. With dual processors powering 8 microphones, you can sit in the middle of a bustling café and feel like you’re in a serene forest. I tested this during a noisy subway ride, and I swear, I forgot the world existed. That said, while ANC is stellar for droning sounds, like engines or fans, it struggles a bit more with sharp noises like kids screaming (trust me, I live with two). Pairing the ANC with some chill jazz? Pure bliss.

Sound Quality That Doesn’t Disappoint

The audio performance is crisp and well-balanced. The bass is solid but not overpowering, mids are warm, and the treble sparkles just right. I played everything from Kendrick Lamar to Beethoven, and these headphones handled it like a pro. For audiophiles, the Sony app’s EQ settings let you tweak to your heart’s content. I even tried the 360 Reality Audio feature, and while it’s neat, it’s not a game-changer unless you’re a Tidal subscriber.

Battery Life and Charging

The 30-hour battery life is a lifesaver. I’ve gone days without charging, and even when I messed up and left them on all night, a 3-minute quick charge gave me 3 hours of playback. This feature alone is a godsend for frequent travelers or forgetful people like me who never think ahead.

Touch Controls – A Mixed Bag

You can pause, play, adjust volume, and switch tracks all with touch gestures. For the most part, the touch controls are intuitive and responsive, but there’s a slight learning curve. I accidentally skipped songs a few times when trying to adjust the volume. My advice? Maybe practice a bit before showing off.

Call Quality – Almost Perfect

On calls, the 4 beamforming microphones with precise voice pickup made me sound crystal clear. Even in noisy environments, people on the other end could hear me just fine. However, if you’re comparing it to something like a dedicated call headset, it might fall slightly short.

How It Compares to Competitors

Compared to the Bose 700, the Sony WH-1000XM5 excels in sound quality, comfort, and customization options. But Bose has a slight edge in call clarity and transparency mode. As for Apple’s AirPods Max, Sony wins hands down on pricing and battery life, but Apple’s premium materials and spatial audio might sway brand loyalists.

Price and Value

No, these aren’t budget headphones, but they’re worth every penny if you’re after top-tier noise cancellation, comfort, and sound quality. I’d argue they’re a better deal than their pricier Apple counterparts, especially with the included accessories.

Features You Should Know

• Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity ensures a stable connection within a 10-meter range.
• Touch-sensitive controls make operation seamless, once you get the hang of them.
• Speak-to-chat automatically pauses your music when you start talking—a feature I didn’t know I needed until I tried it.
• The ambient mode is handy when you don’t want to miss important announcements or conversations.

Final Thoughts

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are a powerhouse. From their stunning noise cancellation to premium sound quality and all-day comfort, they’ve become my go-to for work, travel, and relaxation. There are a few nitpicks, sure, but overall, these are definitely worth checking out if you’re in the market for high-end headphones.

Pros

• Phenomenal noise cancellation for various environments.
• Comfortable design for extended use.
• Incredible 30-hour battery life with fast charging.
• Highly customizable sound profiles via the Sony app.
• Impressive call clarity even in noisy spaces.

Cons

• Learning curve for touch controls.
• Slightly tight when resting around the neck.
• Premium pricing may not suit all budgets.
• Noise cancellation struggles with sharp, sudden sounds.

What Comes With the Product

• Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.
• USB Type-C cable (USB-A to USB-C, approx. 20 cm).
• Headphone cable (approx. 1.2 m).
• Compact carrying case.

How to Use Guide

1. Charge the headphones: Plug in the USB-C cable and let it juice up before first use.
2. Pairing: Hold the power button for 7 seconds to enter pairing mode. Connect via Bluetooth on your device.
3. Activate ANC or Ambient Mode: Use the dedicated button to toggle between modes.
4. Touch Controls: Swipe up/down for volume, left/right for tracks, and double-tap to pause/play.
5. Explore the Sony app: Download it for deeper customization like EQ settings and adaptive sound controls.
6. Speak-to-chat: Just start talking to pause music automatically.
7. Power off: Hold the power button for a few seconds.

Expert Tips & Recommendations

• Keep them clean: Wipe the earcups regularly to maintain the soft leather.
• Use the app: Dive into the EQ settings to adjust the sound to your liking.
• Invest in high-res audio: Pair these headphones with a Hi-Fi music streaming service for the best experience.
• Store them safely: Always use the carrying case to avoid scratches or damage.

Warranty & Support Information

Sony provides a one-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. For support, their customer service team is reachable via phone, email, or live chat. You can also check their website for software updates and troubleshooting guides. Keep your proof of purchase handy for warranty claims.

Additional information