Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back!
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Promos
Sony's MK5 noise cancelling headphones are still king of the hill, Sony WH1000XM5: geni.us Sony WH1000XM4: geni.us MKBHD Merch: shop.mkbhd.com Tech I'm using right now: amazon.com Intro Track: youtube.com Playlist of MKBHD Intro music: goo.gl Headphones provided by Sony for review. ~ twitter.com @MKBHD @MKBHD
The Sony WH-1000XM5 review begins by situating the XM5 as a departure from the established crown worn by the XM4 and XM3 lineage, emphasizing a new design language and a different travel profile. The reviewer notes the notable shift to a minimal, sharp look with larger ear cups and a softer vegan leather that increases long-term comfort, while also highlighting the new inclusive microphone array and a sliding headband that echoes competing premium models. He assesses the tradeoffs of the revised form factor, particularly the fact that the XM5 no longer folds down for compact travel, and presents the redesigned case as a larger, more premium solution that still aims to protect and organize accessories. On sound and noise cancellation, the XM5s are described as an evolution rather than a revolution: stronger noise suppression across both low and high frequencies due to more mics and processing power, with transparency mode offering 20 levels of adjustment in the companion app, but with the caveat that they do not yet reach the almost telepathic voice clarity of the AirPods Max. In terms of music playback, the reviewer confirms the XM5 employs a new 30 millimeter carbon fiber driver and maintains LDAC support, yielding a playback experience that remains among the best in wireless headphones, particularly on Android devices, though the XM4 remains a compelling value and near-equivalent in many respects. The battery life remains at about 30 hours per charge, with the notable improvement being faster 3-minute quick charging options that deliver around 3 hours of listening, which the reviewer frames as a travel-oriented convenience. Lastly, the assessment is nuanced: the XM5 delivers superb comfort, top-tier noise cancellation, and robust feature sets, but for travelers the lack of folding capability and the larger case are real usability drawbacks that can influence purchasing decisions, making the XM4 a strong value option for those who prioritize portability or cost savings.
Topics · audio-technology · product-review · headphones · travel-gear · consumer-electronics · noise-cancellation · design · bluetooth-audio
Questions answered
- What is the main tradeoff of the Sony WH-1000XM5 design compared to previous generations?
- The XM5 sacrifices folding down for a sliding headband design, resulting in a larger, less travel-friendly case.
- How does the XM5 perform in noise cancellation and call quality?
- Noise cancellation is improved thanks to more microphones and processing, and call quality is solid with better voice isolation than previous models, though not at the AirPods Max level.
- Is the XM5 a better value than the XM4?
- It depends on priorities: the XM5 offers superior comfort and optional features but costs more and is less portable; the XM4 remains the more economical choice with nearly identical sound and battery life for many users.