Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones Review

The headphones are supplied with a carry case, three sets of ear tips, and a USB cable. They're easy to pair out from the box, however you'll need to download the Sony Headphones Connect app to unlock some of their cooler features.

The app's EQ allows you to customize the sound profile of your headphones and it also is compatible with Sony 360 Reality Audio. It also has a convenient "speak to chat" feature.

Sound

Sony wireless headsets are among the most immersive models available regardless of whether you opt for over-ear headphones, in-ear headphones, or neckbands. A majority of their models have aptX HD, LDAC, and Hi-Res Audio support. Their noise cancellation technology allows you to completely immerse yourself in your music and podcasts.

Their Bluetooth wireless headphones feature 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. Some models have a touch-sensitive sensor that allows you to manage music playback or phone calls without touching the headphones.

Most of their wireless headphones are compatible with iOS and Android devices. They can be linked the traditional way or via NFC. They can also be connected to a mobile device via the USB cable included with the package.

The WF-C500 earbuds might not be as attractive as other Sony headphones but they do provide superior audio performance at a less expensive cost. The noise cancellation capabilities of these headphones are quite good and they boast an endurance of up to 10 hours. They are compatible with the Headphones Connect app and support a wide range of audio formats that include Hi-Res Audio and 360 Reality Audio files.

The Sony WI-1000XM2 Bluetooth wireless earbuds are among the best cheap wireless headphones in their class if you want headphones that have superior bass response. These wireless earbuds have the same QN1 processor that is used in Sony's flagship earbuds, and they support a variety of audio codecs including aptXHD and LDAC. They also feature advanced features such as Quick Alert and Transparency Mode which can be activated by pressing the right earcup or Headphones Best raising your hands.

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 are premium noise-canceling headsets that provide outstanding audio quality and a deep sound profile. The headsets feature physical controls instead of the tap-and-swipe gestures used on other Sony Bluetooth headsets. However they do have a Bluetooth connection can be unstable at times and they don't have an unwired connection to backup.

Design

Sony offers a range of wireless headphones for all types of music enthusiasts. The headsets are available in various earbuds as well as over-ear styles, and come in pink, black, white and other colors. The headsets are available in wireless and wired versions, and come with a variety of features like 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 latest version of Sony's renowned noise-canceling wireless headphones. These premium over-ear headphones best are a bit of a change from their predecessors in terms of look but they're still able to provide the same excellent sound quality and comfort.

Like their predecessors, the XM5s come with a pair of 30mm mica-reinforced cellular full-range dynamic drivers that deliver clear and precise audio. The earcups are also smaller to lessen weight which makes them easier to wear. The headband has a soft faux leather covering and a scattering of memory foam. This makes the XM5s one of the most comfortable headphones on the market.

In the world of wireless headphones, the XM5s sit quite high in the food chain, where they compete with the likes of the Bose QC35 II and Apple AirPods Max. They also compete against higher-end headphones made by Bang & Olufsen and Montblanc, but the XM5s offer superior value and performance for your money.

For those who aren't willing to pay the hefty price of the XM5s there's the WH-C500 earbuds that are less expensive. These earbuds have high-quality audio and noise cancellation. They're much less expensive than the more expensive XM5s. They also integrate with the Sony Headphones App to allow you to customize settings for EQ and can be connected to two devices simultaneously.

The WH-SP800N are another excellent pair of Sony headphones that are ideal for commuters, sports enthusiasts and people who spend a lot of time working at home or in the office. These wireless earbuds are lightweight and compact, and they have a powerful battery that lasts up to 17-hours. They're a little more bulkier to wear than other wireless headphones, but they're still extremely 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 outstanding active noise cancellation that reduces the most annoying sounds in your surroundings. The headband is padded, curved and fits around your ears. It seals you off from the outside world with an acoustic enclosure that blocks out low-frequency sounds like air conditioning and background conversations.

Sony's noise cancellation can do an excellent job of filtering higher-frequency sounds, like loud dishes or other conversations. However, there is a limit to the amount of noise you can block out, and a lot of it is due to your surrounding environment. The WH1000XM5s can block out the steady rumble of a jet engine but not a squealing brake system or your seatmate's animated conversations. Passive isolation is a better choice.

There are a variety of settings to select from if you wish to further reduce the noise. You can alter 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" for noise cancellation. There are 10 total ANC control levels, and you can toggle them on or off with the push of the button.

The headphones wireless Sony come with 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 tablet or smartphone then the headphones will default to SBC. This is for stability.

If you purchase a pair of premium headphones, you are paying for high-quality Bluetooth codes, excellent sound quality and noise cancellation. The WH-1000XM5s are a great upgrade for those who own an earlier model of headphones. These are the top headphones that can cancel out noise. They're among the top-performing pairs of headphones we've tested in recent years and are a great choice for commutes that are hectic.

Battery Life

For true wireless earbuds, the battery's life is essential. Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones deliver up to 30 hours of playback and noise cancellation. This is enough for the majority of users and is more than the specs of similar Bluetooth headphones.

The earbuds come with a smart charging case which keeps them charged when they are not in use. It's easy to enjoy music all day. They also come with fast charging technology, which can give you up to three hours worth of music in just 10 minutes.

The earbuds will automatically go into power saving mode when the case is closed. This will extend the battery life. You can adjust the headset's sound settings like DSEE HX Auto and Equalizer through the Headphones Connect app to get the most enjoyment from your listening experience. However, be aware that the operating time can reduce when quality sound settings are turned on.

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

In terms of features, the earbuds come with touch controls on each side to manage phone calls and audio. On the right earbud, you can play and pause your music or skip tracks with a single tap. You can also swiftly change between ANC and transparency modes by a double-tap. The left earbud features an integrated microphone for phone calls. It can be used to mute or answer calls.

The earbuds can also work with Sony's Headphones Connect App, which lets users customize the audio settings, manage Bluetooth connection and receive helpful tips and updates. The app has a variety of preset listening options, and also an option to manually adjust DSEE and Equalizer settings. This is a great feature for those who prefer to listen to podcasts or music on the go. The app is free to download for Android and iOS smartphones. Some users found the app cumbersome and difficult to navigate.