Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones Review
The headphones come with a case and three pairs of ear tips, and a USB-C charging cable. They're easy to pair right out of the box, but you'll need to download the Sony Headphones Connect app to unlock some of their more exciting features.
The app's EQ allows you to customize the sound profile of your headphones, and it can work with Sony 360 Reality Audio. It also has 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. A majority of their models have aptX HD, LDAC, and Hi-Res Audio support. Their noise cancellation technology can block out external sounds and allows you to fully enjoy your music or podcast.
These Bluetooth wireless headphones deliver warm bass tones and balanced mid-range notes and crystal clear high notes. They also have an EQ feature in the Headphones Connect app for further customization. Additionally certain models have the ability to touch sensors that let you control music playback and calls without touching the headsets.
Most of their wireless headsets can be used with iOS or Android devices. They can be connected the traditional way 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's headphones may not be as stylish as other Sony headphones, but they offer superior audio quality at less cost. Their noise-canceling capabilities are also quite good and they boast a battery life of up to 10 hours. They work with the Headphones Connect app and support a wide range of audio formats including Hi-Res Audio and 360 Reality Audio files.
If you are looking for a pair of Bluetooth wireless earbuds that deliver superior bass response, Sony WI-1000XM2 is your most suitable choice in its class. These wireless earbuds feature the same QN1 processor that is used in Sony's flagship headphones. Additionally, they support a variety audio codecs like aptXHD as well as LDAC. They also come with advanced features such as Quick Alert and Transparency Mode that can be activated either by pressing the right earcup or by raising your hand.
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 are premium noise-canceling headsets that deliver exceptional audio quality and a deep sound profile. The headsets feature an actual control system instead of the tap-and-swipe gestures used on other Sony Bluetooth headsets. However, their Bluetooth connection can be erratic at times and they don't have a wired connection as a backup.
Design
Sony offers a range of wireless headphones suitable for all types of music enthusiasts. The company's headsets feature various earbud and over-ear designs that are available in white, black pink, and a variety of other colors. They come in wired and wireless models, and include various features like noise-canceling technology as well as Bluetooth connectivity. Many of the company's headphones are also compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri voice control.
The WH-1000XM5 are the most recent version of Sony's renowned wireless noise-canceling headphones. These premium headphones for over-ear use are a bit of a different style from their predecessors in terms of design but they're still able to provide the same high-quality sound and comfort.
Similar to their predecessors, the XM5s feature a pair of 30mm mica-reinforced cellular full-range dynamic drivers that provide clear and detailed audio. The earcups have been reduced in size to reduce the weight and make them easier to wear. The headband is covered with soft leather and a smattering of memory foam which makes the XM5s one of the most comfortable pairs around.
The XM5s are an extremely premium wireless headphone that competes with the Bose QC35 II, Apple AirPods Max, and other top brands. They also compete with higher-end headphones made by Bang & Olufsen and Montblanc however, the XM5s provide better quality and performance for the budget.
If you don't want to pay for the expensive XM5s can opt for the cheaper WH-C500. These earbuds have excellent audio quality, and noise cancellation. They're much less expensive than the more expensive XM5s. They're also compatible with Sony Headphones application for adjusting EQ settings, and they can be connected to two devices at once.
The WHSP800N is another great pair of Sony headphones. It's ideal for commuters, athletes and those who work at home or in an office. These wireless earbuds come with an impressive battery lifespan of up to 17 hours and are stylish and light and compact. They are heavier than other wireless headphones, but they're comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
Noise Cancellation
Whether it's the low hum of an airplane's engine or your friend's chattering colleague, noise cancelation is vital in every pair of headphones. The WH1000XM5s do not disappoint with their excellent active noise cancellation which eliminates the majority of undesirable sounds in your environment. The headband is cushioned and curved to fit your ears, sealing you from the outside world using an acoustic envelope that effectively blocks out low-frequency sounds, such as background conversations or air conditioning.
Sony's noise canceling 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 the surroundings. The WH-1000XM5s can block out the constant rumble of a jet engine but they won't be able to shut down a squealing brake, or your seatmate's raucous conversation (that's why passive isolation is more useful).
There are a variety of settings to pick from to further reduce the noise. You can alter the EQ of the headphones 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" to block out noise. There are ten total ANC control levels and you can turn them off or on by the press of a button.
The headphones are wireless and feature Bluetooth 5.0 multipoint, SBC, AAC and Sony's LDAC for high-resolution audio streaming (if connected to compatible devices). If you own an older smartphone or tablet then the headphones will default back to SBC. This is to ensure stability.
For the most expensive pair of headphones, you're paying for the high-quality Bluetooth codecs, amazing audio, and superior noise cancellation. The WH-1000XM5s are an excellent upgrade for those who have a previous model of headphones. They're the top wireless noise cancelling headphones available. They're among the top-performing pairs of headphones we've tested in recent years and are a great pick for busy commutes.
Battery Life
The battery life is essential for true wireless earbuds. Sony's WH1000XM5 headphones can provide up to 30 hours of playback and noise cancellation. This is enough for the majority of users and exceeds the specs of similar Bluetooth earbuds.
The earbuds are equipped with a smart charging case that keeps the earbuds powered even when they are not being used. It's simple to listen to music all day. They also come with fast charging technology, which can add up to three hours of music in only 10 minutes.
When the case is closed, the earbuds will automatically shut off and enter power saving mode, which can extend the battery's life further. You can change the settings for sound on your headset like DSEE HX Auto and Equalizer within the Headphones Connect app to get the most from your listening experience. However, be aware that the available operating time may decrease when quality sound settings are turned on.
The WH-1000XM5 headphone s are compatible with a range of Bluetooth devices and support the most recent version of the Bluetooth 5.2 protocol, including LDAC audio streaming. The headphones also include an 3.5mm audio cable, so you can listen to your favorite songs in analogue format.
In terms of features, the earbuds have the ability to use touch controls on both sides 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 quickly switch between ANC and transparency modes by a double-tap. The left earbud features an inbuilt microphone for phone calls. It can be used to make or end calls.
The earbuds can also be used with Sony's Headphones Connect App, which allows users to customize 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. It's a great feature for those who love music and podcasts on the go. The app can be downloaded free of charge on Android and iOS phones. However, some reviewers find the app difficult to navigate and confusing.