Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones Review

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

The application's EQ allows you to customize the headphones' sound profile and also supports Sony's immersive 360 Reality Audio. It also offers 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. Many of their models support aptX HD and Hi-Res audio. Their noise cancellation technology allows you to be completely immersed in your music and podcasts.

These Bluetooth wireless headphones provide warm bass tones as well as balanced mid-range notes and crystal clear high notes. The Headphones Connect App also includes an EQ to further customize. Some of their models also have 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 headphones are compatible with iOS and Android devices. They can be connected using the standard method or through NFC. They can also be connected to a mobile device using the USB cable that is included in the package.

The WF-C500 headphones may not be as appealing as other Sony headphones, but they provide superior audio performance at a lower cost. The noise cancellation capabilities are excellent, and they have the capacity to last up to 10 hours. They are compatible with the Headphones Connect App and can support different audio formats, including Hi-Res Audio, 360 Reality Audio and many more.

If you are looking for Bluetooth wireless earbuds with high-quality bass, Sony WI-1000XM2 is your top choice in its category. These wireless earbuds have the same QN1 processor as Sony's flagship headphones. Additionally, they support a variety of audio codecs including aptXHD and LDAC. They also come with advanced features, like Quick Alert and Transparency Mode, which can be activated by pressing the right earcup, or raising your hand.

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 are premium noise-canceling headsets that provide outstanding audio quality and a deep sound profile. The headsets are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They have physical controls instead of the tap and swipe ear cup gestures that are found on other Sony Bluetooth headsets. However their 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 that are suitable for all kinds of music lovers. The headsets from Sony come with 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 such as noise-canceling and Bluetooth connectivity. Many of the headphones are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and Siri voice control.

The WH-1000XM5 are the most recent iteration of Sony's popular wireless noise-canceling headphones. These premium headphones for over-ear use are a slight different style from their predecessors in terms of appearance, but they still retain the same great sound quality and comfort.

Like their predecessors, the XM5s feature a pair of 30mm mica-reinforced cellular full-range dynamic drivers that produce clear and precise audio. The earcups are also reduced to reduce the weight and make them more comfortable to put on your ears. The headband is covered with soft artificial leather and a smattering of memory foam which makes the XM5s among 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 also compete with higher-end headphones from the likes of Bang & Olufsen and Montblanc however, the XM5s provide the best quality and value for your money.

For those who aren't willing to pay the high cost of the XM5s there's the less expensive WH-C500. These earbuds are cheaper than their higher-end counterparts, yet they offer excellent audio quality and excellent noise cancellation. They also work with the Sony Headphones App, which allows you to adjust EQ settings and can be connected to 2 devices at once.

The WHSP800N is another great pair of Sony headphones. It's perfect for athletes, commuters and people who work at work or at home. These wireless earbuds are lightweight and compact, and they have an impressive battery of up to 17 hours. These headphones are a little heavier than other wireless headphones however they're comfortable to wear for long periods.

Noise Cancellation

Noise cancellation is a must-have feature in any pair of headphones with bluetooth. The WH1000XM5s don't disappoint, as they have excellent active noise cancellation that reduces the majority of unwanted sounds in your environment. The headband is padded and curved to fit around your ears, securing you off from the outside world with an acoustic enclosure that blocks out most low-frequency sounds like background conversations or air conditioning.

Sony's noise cancellation does an excellent job of filtering higher-frequency sounds, such as loud dishes or other conversations. However, there is a limit to the amount of noise you can block out and a large part of the limitation is due to the surrounding environment. The WH-1000XM5s will block out the constant sound of a jet engine but will not do much to calm the squealing brake or a jolly conversation with your seatmate (that's why passive isolation can be more beneficial).

If you're looking to block out even more sound, there are several settings to choose from. You can adjust the EQ of the headphones using the Headphones Connect App or a third-party equalizer. You can also utilize the programmable button located on the left earcup to create three "favorite levels" for noise cancellation. There are 10 total ANC control levels all and you can turn them off or on with the push of the button.

The headphones wireless Sony feature Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint and support SBC, AAC, and Sony's LDAC codec to provide high-res audio streaming (if you connect to compatible devices). If you're using an older smartphone or tablet the headphones will default to SBC for stability reasons.

If you purchase a pair of premium headphones, you'll pay for high-quality Bluetooth codes, fantastic sound and noise cancellation. The WH-1000XM5s are an excellent choice, especially in the event that you already own a prior version of the headphones and want to upgrade. These are the best wireless noise cancelling headphones available. They're the top headphones we've tested in recent years. They're great 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 and noise cancellation. This is more than enough to satisfy the majority of users, and surpasses the specifications of similar Bluetooth earbuds.

The earbuds are equipped with a smart charging case that keeps the earbuds charged when they are not in use. This allows you to keep your listening sessions going throughout the day. Additionally, the earbuds come with quick charging technology that gives up to three hours of playback in only 10 minutes of charge.

The earbuds automatically enter power saving mode when the case is closed. This will prolong the battery life. 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 operating time will reduce when quality sound settings are activated.

The WH-1000XM5 headphones work with a variety of Bluetooth devices and support the most recent version of the Bluetooth 5.2 protocol, headphones including LDAC audio streaming. They also offer the 3.5mm cable that lets you listen your favorite songs in analog format.

The earbuds are equipped with controls for phone calls and audio on each side. On the right earbud, you can play and pause your music or skip tracks with just a single tap. You can also quickly change between ANC and transparency modes with a double-tap. The left earbud has an integrated microphone for calls to the phone. It can be used to mute or answer calls.

The headphones can also be used with Sony's Headphones Connect App, which allows users to alter audio settings, control Bluetooth connection, and receive helpful tips and updates. The app has a variety of preset listening options and also the option of manually altering DSEE and Equalizer settings. It's a great feature for those who love listening to music and podcasts while on the go. The app is free to download for Android and iOS smartphones. Some reviewers find the app difficult to navigate and confusing.