Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones Review

The headphones are supplied with a carry case, three sets ear tips, and a USB cable. The headphones are easy to pair straight out of the package, but you will require downloading Sony Headphones Connect to unlock some of its cool features.

The app's EQ allows you to customize the sound profile of your headphones and can work with Sony's immersive 360 Reality Audio. It also includes a convenient "speak-to-chat" feature.

Sound

Sony wireless headsets are among the most immersive models available, whether you choose over-ear or in-ear headphones, or neckbands. A majority of their models support aptX HD and Hi-Res audio. Their noise cancellation technology helps to block out external sounds and allows you to fully enjoy your music or podcast.

Their Bluetooth wireless headphones feature crystal clear high notes and balanced mid-range tones and warm bass tones. The Headphones Connect App also includes an EQ for further customization. Additionally, some of their models come with the ability to touch sensors that let you control the playback of music and calls without having to touch the headsets.

The majority of their wireless headphones work with iOS and Android devices. They can be connected using the standard method 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 appealing as other Sony headphones, but they provide superior audio performance at a less expensive price point. The noise cancellation capabilities are very good, and they have a battery life of up to 10 hours. They are compatible with the Headphones Connect app and support a wide range of audio formats, including Hi-Res Audio and 360 Reality Audio files.

The Sony WI-1000XM2 Bluetooth wireless earbuds are among the most effective in their class for those looking for an earbud that has superior bass response. These wireless earbuds utilize the same QN1 noise cancelling processor as Sony's flagship earbuds and Noise Cancelling Headphones support a variety of audio codecs, including aptX HD and LDAC. They also have advanced features like Quick Alert and Transparency Mode which can be activated by touching the right ear cup or lifting your hands.

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a premium pair of noise-canceling headsets that provide outstanding audio quality with an incredibly full and rich sound profile. The headsets come with a physical control system instead of the tap-and-swipe gestures used on other Sony Bluetooth headsets. The headset's Bluetooth connection can be unreliable at times and they don't provide an alternative wired connection.

Design

Sony has a broad selection of wireless headphones that can be used by all kinds of music enthusiasts. The company's headsets feature various earbud and over-ear designs that are available in white, black, pink and a number of other colors. The headsets are available in both wired and wireless versions, and include a variety of features, including noise cancellation and Bluetooth connectivity. Many of the company's headphones are also compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri voice control.

The WH1000XM5 is the most recent version of Sony's popular noise-canceling wireless headphones. These premium headphones for over-ear use are a bit different from their predecessors in terms of design, but still have the same outstanding sound quality and comfort.

Similar to their predecessors, the XM5s feature a pair of 30mm mica-reinforced cellular full-range cellular drivers that deliver clear and detailed audio. The Earcups are also smaller to reduce weight and make them easier on the ears. The headband is adorned with soft leather and scattered with memory foam, making the XM5s one of the most comfortable pairs around.

The XM5s are an extremely high-end wireless headset, competing 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. However, the XM5s are more value for money and perform better.

For those who don't want to pay the hefty price tag of the XM5s there's the WH-C500 earbuds that are less expensive. These earbuds are less expensive than their more expensive counterpart, but they still offer excellent audio quality and excellent noise cancellation. They're also compatible with Sony Headphones app for customizable EQ settings, and they can be connected to two devices at the same time.

The WH-SP800N are another excellent pair of Sony headphones that are ideal for commuters, sports enthusiasts and people who spend long hours at home or in the office. These wireless earbuds have an impressive battery lasting up to 17 hours and have a sleek design that's both lightweight and compact. The headphones are more cumbersome than other wireless headphones however they are still comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

Noise Cancellation

If it's the low-pitched hum of an airplane's engine or your coworker's chattering neighbor Noise cancellation is a must in any good pair of headphones. The WH-1000XM5s do not disappoint with their outstanding active noise cancelling headphones - your input here - cancellation that blocks out the most annoying sounds within your surroundings. The headband is cushioned, curved and fits around your ears. It isolates you from the outside world with an enclosure for sound that blocks out low-frequency sounds such as air conditioning and background conversations.

Sony's noise cancellation also does an excellent job of blocking out high-frequency sounds like clanging dishware or other ambient conversation. There's a limit to how much noise you can block, and that limit is largely determined by your surroundings. The WH-1000XM5s will block out the constant sound of a jet engine, but will not do much to calm down a squealing brake, or your seatmate's animated conversation (that's where passive isolation comes in handy).

If you want to cancel out additional noise, there are a variety of settings to choose from. You can adjust the EQ within the earphones headphones using the Headphones Connect app or a third-party equalizer. You can also use the programmable button located on the left earcup to select three "favorite" noise cancellation levels. You can toggle between 10 different ANC levels with just a single button.

The headphones wireless Sony include Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint and support SBC, AAC, and Sony's LDAC codec for high-res audio streaming (if you connect to compatible devices). If you own an older tablet or smartphone then the headphones will switch back to SBC. This is for stability.

If you're looking for a top-quality pair of headphones, you're getting the high-quality Bluetooth codes, excellent sound quality, and enhanced noise cancellation. The WH-1000XM5s are an excellent choice, especially in the event that you already own a previous version of the headphones and are looking to upgrade. They're among the top wireless noise-cancelling headphones available. They're the most durable pair of headphones we've reviewed in recent times and they're a great choice for those who commute a lot.

Battery Life

For true wireless earbuds, the battery life is crucial. Sony's WH1000XM5 headphones can provide up to 30 hours of music playback and noise cancellation. This is more than enough for most users and exceeds the specs of similar Bluetooth headphones.

The earbuds are equipped with a smart charging case that keeps the earbuds charged when they are not in use. It's simple to listen to music throughout the day. In addition the earbuds are equipped with quick charging technology that gives up to three hours of music playback in just 10 minutes of charging.

The earbuds automatically enter power saving mode when the case is closed. This will increase the life of the battery. 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 high-quality sound settings may reduce the operating time.

The WH-1000XM5 headphones work with a variety of Bluetooth devices and supports the most recent version of the Bluetooth 5.2 protocol, including LDAC audio streaming. The headphones also come with an 3.5mm audio cable, so you can listen to your favorite songs in analog format.

In terms of features, the earbuds feature the ability to use touch controls on both sides to control audio and phone calls. By a single tap you can play or pause your music on the right earbud. Double-tap to switch between ANC mode and transparency mode. The left earbud features a built-in mic for calls to the phone. It can be used to stop or answer calls.

The earbuds are also compatible with Sony's Headphones Connect app, which allows you to modify audio settings, manage Bluetooth connections and receive updates as well as helpful tips. The app comes with a range of pre-set listening modes and also the option to manually adjust the DSEE and equalizer settings. This is a great feature for people who prefer listening to podcasts and music on the move. The app can be downloaded free of charge on Android and iOS phones. Some reviewers find the app difficult to navigate and cumbersome.