Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones Review
The headphones come with a carrying case, three sets of ear tips, and a USB-C cable. The headphones are simple to pair right out of the package, but you will need to download Sony Headphones Connect to unlock some of its amazing features.
The app's EQ allows you to modify the headphones' sound profiles and it also supports Sony 360 Reality Audio. It also includes a convenient "speak-to-chat" feature.
Sound
Sony wireless headsets are some of the most powerful and immersive on the market, whether you choose over-ear headphones, in-ear headsets, or neckbands. Many of their models support aptX HD and Hi-Res audio. Their noise cancellation technology helps block out any external noise and lets you fully immerse yourself in your music or podcast.
Their Bluetooth wireless headphones provide crystal clear high notes, balanced mid-range tones, and warm bass tones. The Headphones Connect App also includes an EQ that allows you to further personalize. Additionally certain models come with a touch sensor that lets you control music playback and calls without having to touch the headsets.
Most of their wireless headphones work with iOS and Android devices. They can be paired in the traditional manner or through NFC. The USB cable that comes with the package can be used to connect them to the mobile phone.
The WF-C500 earbuds might not be as attractive as other Sony headphones but they do offer superior audio quality at a much lower cost. They come with excellent noise cancellation features and a battery life of up to 10 hours. They are compatible with the Headphones Connect App and can support a variety of audio formats, including Hi-Res Audio, 360 Reality Audio and more.
The Sony WI-1000XM2 Bluetooth wireless earbuds are among the best in their class for those looking for an earbud that has superior bass response. These wireless earbuds utilize the same QN1 noise-canceling process as Sony's flagship headphones and support a variety of audio codecs like aptX HD and LDAC. They also come with advanced features like Quick Alert and Transparency Mode which can be activated by pressing the right earcup or by raising your hand.
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 are premium noise-canceling headsets that offer outstanding audio quality and a rich sound profile. The headsets are comfortable to wear for long periods of time and come with physical controls instead of the tap and swipe earcup gestures that are found on other Sony Bluetooth headsets. Their Bluetooth connection may not be reliable at times and they don't provide a backup wired connection.
Design
Sony has a variety of wireless headphones for all kinds of music lovers. The company's headsets feature various styles of earbuds and over-ears that are available in black, white pink, and a variety of other colors. They come in wired and wireless models, and come with various features, including noise cancellation technology and Bluetooth connectivity. A lot of the headphones offered by the company are also compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri voice control.
The WH-1000XM5 are a new iteration of Sony's popular wireless noise-canceling headphones. These premium over-ear headsets are a bit different from their predecessors in terms of design, but still offer the same great audio quality and comfort.
Like their predecessors, the XM5s have a pair 30mm mica-reinforced cellular full-range cellular drivers that provide clear and precise audio. The Earcups are also smaller to lessen weight and make them easier on the ears. The headband is made of soft synthetic leather and a smattering of memory foam which makes the XM5s one of the most comfortable pair around.
The XM5s are an extremely premium wireless headphone that competes with the Bose QC35 II, Apple AirPods Max, and other top brands. They compete with high-end headphones like Bang & Olufsen, Montblanc and many more. But the XM5s offer more value for money and perform better.
Those who do not want to spend the hefty XM5s can go with the WH-C500, which is a bit cheaper. These earbuds are a lot less expensive than their more expensive counterparts, but they offer excellent audio quality and superb noise cancellation. They're also compatible with Sony Headphones app for customizable settings for EQ, and they can be connected to two devices simultaneously.
The WH-SP800N are another excellent pair of Sony headphones that are perfect for sports fans, commuters and those who spend a lot of time working at home or in the office. The wireless earbuds are lightweight and compact, and they have an impressive battery of up to 17-hours. They're more awkward to wear than other truly wireless headphones, but they're still extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Noise Cancellation
It doesn't matter if it's the low sound of an airplane's engine or your friend's chattering colleague, noise cancelation is vital in any good pair of headphones. The WH-1000XM5s do not disappoint with their outstanding active noise cancellation that blocks out most unwanted sound in your surroundings. The headband is cushioned and curved, and it fits over your ears. It blocks you from the world outside with an Acoustic enclosure that blocks out low-frequency sounds like background noises and air conditioning conversations.
Sony's noise cancellation can do great job at filtering higher-frequency sounds, like loud dishes or other conversations. There's a limit to how much noise you can block out, and that amount is largely determined by your surroundings. The WH-1000XM5s can block out the constant noise of a jet engine but won't do much to quiet down a squealing brake, or your seatmate's raucous conversation (that's where passive isolation is more useful).
There are several settings to pick from to reduce noise even further. You can adjust the EQ of the headphones with the Headphones Connect App or a third party equalizer. You can also use the programmable button on the left earcup to set up three "favorite levels" to block out noise. There are ten total ANC control levels and you can switch them off or on with the push of a button.
The headphones wireless Sony feature Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint as well as support SBC, AAC, and Sony's LDAC codec for high-res audio streaming (if you connect to compatible devices). If you're using an older phone or tablet the headphones will switch to SBC to ensure stability.
For a top-tier pair of headphones, you're getting the top-quality Bluetooth codes, excellent audio, and superior noise cancellation. That makes the WH-1000XM5s an excellent choice, especially when you already own a previous version of the headphones and want to upgrade. They're among the top wireless noise-cancelling headphones on the market. These are the best headphones we've tested over the last few years. They're perfect for commutes.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for earbuds with true wireless capabilities. Sony's WH1000XM5 headphones provide up to 30 hours music playback, with noise cancellation. This is enough for the majority of users and exceeds the specifications of similar Bluetooth earbuds.
The earbuds come with a clever charging case that keeps them charged even when they are not being used. This allows you to keep your listening sessions on all day long. They also come with fast charging technology, which can add up to three hours worth of music in only 10 minutes.
The earbuds automatically enter power saving mode once the case is closed. This will increase the battery's life. In the Headphones Connect App, you can adjust the headset's sound setting, for example DSEE Auto and Equalizer to optimize your listening experience. Be aware that sound quality settings can reduce the operating time.
The WH-1000XM5 headphones work with a wide range of Bluetooth devices and are compatible with the latest version of the Bluetooth 5.2 protocol, including LDAC audio streaming. They also offer a 3.5mm cable that lets you listen your favorite songs in analog form.
In terms of features, the earbuds feature the ability to use touch controls on both sides to control audio and phone calls. On headphone online shopping can play and pause your music or skip tracks with just a single tap. Double-tap to change between ANC mode and transparency mode. The left earbud comes with an inbuilt microphone for phone calls. It can be used to mute or answer calls.
The earbuds are also compatible with Sony's Headphones Connect app, which allows you to modify the audio settings, manage Bluetooth connections, and receive updates and helpful tips. The app provides a variety of pre-set listening options and also the option to manually adjust the DSEE and equalizer settings. This is a great feature for those who like listening to podcasts and music while on the go. The app can be downloaded for free on Android and iOS phones. However, some reviewers find the app difficult to navigate and cumbersome.