Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones Review

The headphones come with an enclosure with three ear tips, as well as an USB-C charging cable. They're easy to pair right out from the box, however you'll need to download Sony's Headphones Connect app to unlock some of their cooler features.

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

Sound

If you decide to go with in-ear, over-ear or neckband headphones, Sony makes some of the best-sounding wireless headphones around. Many of their models come with aptX HD, LDAC, and Hi-Res Audio support. Their noise cancellation technology can block out external sounds and allows you to fully be absorbed in 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 to further customize. Some of their models include a touch-sensitive sensor that allows you to control the playback of music or calls without having to touch the headphones.

Most of their wireless headsets are compatible with iOS or Android devices. They can be connected using the standard method or via NFC. They can also be connected to a mobile device using the USB cable that is included in the package.

The WF-C500's headphones may not look as good as other Sony headphones, but they offer higher quality audio at a lower price. They have good noise cancellation features and a battery life up to 10 hours. They are compatible with the Headphones Connect App and support different audio formats like Hi-Res Audio, 360 Reality Audio and many more.

If you're looking for Bluetooth wireless earbuds that deliver excellent bass response the Sony WI-1000XM2 headphones are the top choice in its category. These wireless earbuds feature the same QN1 processor that is used in Sony's flagship headphones for tv. Additionally, they are compatible with a variety of audio codecs, including aptXHD and LDAC. These earbuds also have advanced features, like Quick Alert and Transparency Mode, which can be activated either by touching the right earcup, or 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 feature an actual control system instead of the swipe-and-tap gestures found on other Sony Bluetooth headsets. However they do have a Bluetooth connection isn't always stable and they do not support an unwired connection to backup.

Design

Sony has a broad selection of wireless headphones that can be used by all types of music lovers. The company's headsets feature various styles of earbuds and designs for over-ears that are available in white, black pink, and a variety of other colors. The headsets are available in both wired and wireless versions, and come with a range of features like noise cancellation 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 WH1000XM5 is a new version of Sony's renowned noise-canceling wireless headphones. These premium headphones for over-ear use are a bit different from their predecessors in terms of design, but have the same outstanding sound quality and comfort.

Like their predecessors XM5s have a pair 30mm mica-reinforced full-range cellular drivers that produce clear and detailed audio. The earcups have been reduced in size to reduce the weight and make them less abrasive to wear. The headband is adorned with soft leather and scattered with memory foam which makes the XM5s one of the most comfortable pairs around.

The XM5s are a very high-end wireless headphone, 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. But the XM5s offer more affordable and perform better.

Those who do not want to spend the expensive XM5s can choose the less expensive WH-C500. These earbuds are a lot less expensive than their more expensive counterparts, yet they provide top-quality audio and excellent noise cancellation. They also integrate with the Sony Headphones App to allow you to customize settings for EQ and can be connected to 2 devices simultaneously.

The WH-SP800N is another great pair of Sony headphones that are ideal for sports fans, commuters and people who spend long hours at work or at home. The wireless earbuds are lightweight and compact, and Headphones Beats have an impressive battery of up to 17-hours. The headphones are heavier than other wireless Headphones Beats but they're comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Noise Cancellation

Noise cancellation is a must-have feature in any pair of headphones. The WH-1000XM5s don't disappoint with their excellent active noise cancellation that cuts out the majority of unwanted sounds in your environment. The headband is cushioned and curved, and it fits over your ears. It seals you off from the world outside with an enclosure for sound that blocks out low-frequency sounds like air conditioning and background conversations.

Sony's noise cancellation does great job at filtering high-frequency sounds like clanging dishes or other ambient conversations. But there's a limit to how much you can cancel out the sound, and a large part of it is due to the environment around you. The WH-1000XM5s can block out the constant rumble of a jet engine, but they won't be able to shut down a screeching brake or your seatmate's animated conversation (that's where passive isolation comes in handy).

There are several settings to pick from to further reduce the noise. You can alter the EQ of the headphones by using the Headphones Connect App or a third-party equalizer. You can also use the programmable button on the left earcup to create three "favorite levels" for noise cancellation. There are ten total ANC control levels and you can turn them off or on by the press of one button.

The headphones wireless Sony feature Bluetooth 5.0 multipoint, SBC, AAC and Sony's LDAC for high-quality audio streaming (if connected to compatible devices). If you're using an older smartphone 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 codecs, great audio, and superior noise canceling. The WH-1000XM5s are an excellent choice, especially if you already have a previous version of the headphones and are looking to upgrade. These are the top wireless noise cancelling headphones on the market. They're the top headphones we've tested over the last few years. They're perfect for commutes.

Battery Life

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

The earbuds come with an intelligent charging case that keeps the earbuds powered even when not in use. It's simple to listen to music all day long. In addition, the earbuds come with fast charging technology that adds up to three hours of music playback in just 10 minutes of charging.

When the case is closed the earbuds turn off automatically and enter power saving mode to increase the battery's life further. In the Headphones Connect App, you can adjust the headset's audio setting such as DSEE Auto and Equalizer to optimize your listening experience. However, be aware that the available operating time will reduce when quality audio settings are enabled.

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are compatible with a wide range of Bluetooth devices and supports the most recent version of the Bluetooth 5.2 protocol, which includes LDAC audio streaming. The headphones also come with an 3.5mm audio cable so that you can listen to your favorite songs in analogue format.

In terms of features, the earbuds have touch controls on each side to manage phone calls and audio. With a single touch you can play or pause music using the right earbud. You can also change between ANC and transparency modes with the double-tap. The left earbud has an integrated microphone for calls to the phone. It can be used to stop or answer calls.

The headphones can also be used with Sony's Headphones Connect App, which allows users to customize audio settings, control Bluetooth connection and receive useful tips and updates. The app offers a range of preset listening options, and also the option to adjust manually DSEE and Equalizer settings. It's an excellent feature for people who enjoy listening to music and podcasts while on the go. The app can be downloaded free of charge on Android and iOS phones. However, some users find the app difficult to navigate and confusing.