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97% positive over last 12 months
93% positive over last 12 months
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Sony WH-1000XM5 The Best Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones with Auto Noise Canceling Optimizer, Crystal Clear Hands-Free Calling, and Alexa Voice Control, Black
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Alexa Built-in
This device has been certified by Amazon. With Alexa built-in, just ask to play music, get directions, control smart home devices, and more.
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Sony |
Model Name | WH1000XM5 |
Color | Black |
Form Factor | Over Ear |
Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
About this item
- The best noise cancellation-two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- Magnificent Sound, engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1
- Crystal clear hands-free calling with 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- Ultra-comfortable, lightweight design with soft fit leather
- Multipoint connection allows you to quickly switch between devices
- Carry your headphones effortlessly in the redesigned case.
- WH1000XM5 intuitive touch control settings to pause play skip tracks, control volume, activate your voice assistant, and answer phone calls.
- For everyday convenience, just Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention mode stop your music and let in ambient sound
- With instant pause/instant play music automatically pauses when headphones are taken off and starts again when they are put back on.
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Top Brand: Sony
From the brand
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Sony is a creative entertainment company with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, and more.
For over 70 years, imagination has been the fuel of everything we do. From how people listen to music, to how they play games, to how they watch TV, our big imaginations have led us to create products that innovate and inspire generations.
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This Item Sony WH-1000XM5 The Best Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones with Auto Noise Canceling Optimizer, Crystal Clear Hands-Free Calling, and Alexa Voice Control, Black | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | -18% $328.00$328.00 List: $399.99 | -18% $328.00$328.00 List: $399.99 | $248.00$248.00 | -29% $248.00$248.00 List: $348.00 | -18% $269.99$269.99 New Price: $328.00 | $329.00$329.00 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 18 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 18 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 18 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 18 | Get it Mar 19 - 25 | — |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Battery life | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.6 |
Sound quality | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 |
Noise cancellation | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.4 |
Volume control | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 4.6 |
Comfort | 4.4 | 4.4 | — | — | 4.5 | 4.1 |
Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Sole Providers | Amazon.com |
connectivity tech | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Wireless, Wired | Bluetooth 5.0, Bluetooth | Wireless | Wireless, Bluetooth |
headphones form factor | Over Ear | Over Ear | In Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear |
connector type | Stereo Mini Jack | Stereo Mini Jack, USB | Stereo Mini Jack | USB Type C | Stereo Mini Jack | plug,wireless |
noise control | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation |
headphones jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 2.5 mm Jack |
cable feature | Without Cable | Without Cable | Detachable | Detachable, Without Cable | Detachable | Without Cable |
From the manufacturer
WH-1000XM5
YOUR WORLD. NOTHING ELSE.
The Best Noise Canceling Headphones*
Two processors control 8 microphones
Specially developed by Sony, the new Integrated Processor V1 unlocks the full potential of our HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1. This unique combination of technology controls 8 microphones to deliver unprecedent noise canceling quality.
The best noise canceling headphones
From airplane noise to people’s voices, our WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones keep out more high and mid frequency sounds than ever. And with Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
All day power and quick charging
With up to 30 hours of battery life, you’ll have enough power even for long trips. If you need to charge in a hurry, you can get 3 hours' worth of charge after just 3 minutes with an optional USB-PD compatible AC adapter.
Crystal clear hands-free calling
With Precise Voice Pickup Technology & advanced audio signal processing, the person on the other end of the call will hear your voice clearly, even when you are in noisy situations. Equipped with two beamforming microphones on each earcup, these headphones are calibrated to only pick up your voice.
All day comfort with an elegant design
These lightweight headphones are beautifully finished in newly developed soft fit leather. This material fits snugly around the head with less pressure on the ears while keeping out external sounds. The stepless slider, seamless swivel and hanger, and silent joints, makes it a pleasure to wear.
Multipoint connection
These headphones can be paired with two Bluetooth devices at the same time. So when a call comes in, your headphones know which device is ringing and connects to the right one automatically. You’ll also be able to quickly switch your headphones to either of the two devices at the touch of a button.
Touch controls
Pause/play/skip tracks, control volume, activate your voice assistant, and answer phone calls.
Speak to Chat
As soon as you start a conversation, Speak-to-Chat automatically stops your music and lets in ambient sound.
Adaptive Sound Control
Automatically optimizes volume based on your environment learning your behavior and recognizes locations that you frequently visit.
Collapsible case saves space
Carry your headphones effortlessly in the redesigned case.
Sony Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones
WH-1000XM5 | WH-1000XM4 | WH-XB910N |
---|---|---|
Noise CancelingThe Best Noise Cancellation | Noise CancelingPremium Noise Cancellation | Noise CancelingDigital Noise Cancellation |
Battery Life30 Hrs, 3 Min charge for 3 Hrs playback | Battery Life30 Hrs, 10 Min charge for 5 Hrs playback | Battery Life30 Hrs, 10 Min charge for 4.5 Hrs playback |
Hands-free CallingYes with 4 microphones | Hands-free CallingYes | Hands-free CallingYes |
Multi Device ConnectionYes | Multi Device ConnectionYes | Multi Device ConnectionYes |
Special FeaturesAuto Noise Canceling Optimizer, Carrying Case, Wearing detection, Touch Control | Special FeaturesFoldable design, Carrying Case, Wearing detection, Touch Control | Special FeaturesFoldable design, Carrying Case, Touch Control |
What's in the box
Product guides and documents
Videos
Videos for this product
9:17
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Bose Quietcomfort Ultra VS Sony WH-1000XM5!
CEONTHEMAKING
Videos for this product
5:19
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Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Sony WH-1000XM4 - Which One Is Better?
Marcus Stone
Videos for this product
0:37
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Make sure to customize them in the app!
Orin Schafer
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Product Dimensions | 8.85 x 3.03 x 10.36 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 8.8 ounces |
ASIN | B09XS7JWHH |
Item model number | WH1000XM5/B |
Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #444 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #23 in Over-Ear Headphones |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | May 12, 2022 |
Manufacturer | Sony |
Charging Time | 30 Hours |
Item Weight | 8.82 Ounces |
Units | 1 Count |
Number Of Items | 1 |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product Description
The WH-1000XM5 headphones rewrite the rules for distraction-free listening. The WH1000XM5 has two processors that control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation and exceptional call quality. With a newly developed driver, DSEE – Extreme and Hires audio support the WH-1000XM5 headphones provide awe-inspiring audio quality.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the sound quality, appearance and comfort of the headphones. They mention that the noise cancelling is as close to perfect as any headphones they've ever tried, the headphones are very sleek looking and that the bass is punchy and tight after EQ changes. They are also satisfied with battery life. However, some customers differ on value, weight, performance, and quality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers generally like the sound quality of the headphones. They say that the appearance, comfort, sound quality, and build quality are great. They also mention that the noise cancelling is as close to perfect as any headphones they have ever tried, and the Auto Adaptive sound control is pretty good. For music, they find them to be more flat without pronounced highs or bass, and that they produce hip-hop very accurately. They like that the XM5s have up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge.
"...Even when my neighbors are making noise, the headphones cancel all of that out and reduce it at best to total silence, or (rarely) at worst, a very..." Read more
"...Sound Quality Excellence: The audio clarity is impressive, especially for bass-heavy tracks, making them great for diverse music tastes and gaming..." Read more
"long battery life, very good noice cancellation (better than Bose 700 that we also have in the house) , sound quality is excellent for most media...." Read more
"...Pros:*** Best-in-class noise cancellation* Excellent sound quality* Comfortable design* Adaptive Sound Control*..." Read more
Customers like the comfort of the headphones. They mention that the ear pads ensure a snug fit without causing discomfort, making them ideal for long listening sessions. The bass is punchy and tight after EQ changes, while the mids are fine and the top end is pretty.
"...The headband is relatively comfortable as well; it doesn't dig into your skull once you figure out a good position for the headphones, though it..." Read more
"...Cushioning Considerations: The ear cushions, although comfortable, may compress differently based on usage, and might require eventual replacement...." Read more
"...excellent sound quality, adaptive noise cancellation, and a comfortable design. However, they are expensive and the touch controls can be finicky...." Read more
"...of a mixed bag, it was in theory very good, but the narrow headband caused some discomfort after a while of listening!..." Read more
Customers like the battery life of the headphones. They say that it has good battery life, it lasts pretty long, and that it looks quite stylish. However, some customers have reported that the battery was full and by the end of their travel it had dropped.
"...charging is a standout feature, offering quick readiness and a long battery life of 24-30 hours.Cons:..." Read more
"long battery life, very good noice cancellation (better than Bose 700 that we also have in the house) , sound quality is excellent for most media...." Read more
"...This has come in handy many times!The battery life is incredible, as is the sound quality...." Read more
"...With up to 30 hours of battery life, you’ll have enough power to travel halfway to the moon in one of Elon Musk’s rockets...." Read more
Customers like the sleek and light design of the headphones. The blue color is beautiful and the headphones look and feel better than the ones produced by Bose. The headphone strap looks and feels more modern, with a higher build quality.
"...I am seriously impressed by all of the amazing technology that is featured within these headphones. Thank you to Sony for saving my sanity at work!!!" Read more
"...The redesign of the headphone strap looks and feels more modern with a higher build quality than the previous versions, and they're slightly lighter..." Read more
"...Overall the sound just felt incredibly unbalanced and unsophisticated, kind of like it was playing underwater...." Read more
"...It’s pretty cool tech. The first time you hear this, it’s like magic! In my video review, you can see my personal reaction...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the headphones. Some mention that they are top-notch, with good comfort, sound quality, and build quality. Others say that they feel cheap and flimsy, and are underwhelming and disappointing.
"...Sound-wise, again these headphones are top-notch. I'm no audiophile by any means, but they sound fantastic when listening to music or taking calls...." Read more
"...not has heavy as some wireless competitors. recharges quickly. well made." Read more
"...And unfortunately, the in-flight plug adapter is not included in the supplied accessories this time. But who uses that anyway? That’s so old school!..." Read more
"...So TL;DR: Probably fine for most people. ANC is good, design is futuristic, comfort is decent...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the value of the headphones. Some mention that they are worth the money, while others say that they're expensive.
"...If they fit within your budget, they're worth the cost for the quality you receive...." Read more
"...In short I highly recommend these headphones. They are a bit on the pricey side, however in my opinion it's money well spent if you're looking for..." Read more
"...That’s a pretty cool feature.So are they worth the upgrade?..." Read more
"...Fast Pair* Multipoint pairing**Cons:*** Expensive* Touch controls can be finicky*..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the headphones. Some mention that it does really well in all areas of music genres, has excellent sound, noise cancellation, and is functional. Others say that it's pretty plain and cumbersome, works without any effort, and the sound quality is very great. However, some customers also say that the comfort is not particularly great for them, and that the system build into the headphones doesn't necessarily work anymore due to how often they sweat while using them.
"...a few days and I can confidently say that these Sony headphones work wonders!..." Read more
"...I found the sound to be very well-balanced and enjoyable.**Other features**..." Read more
"...all on its own, making them entirely unusable when that happens...." Read more
"...The sound quality out of these are amazing! Does really well in all areas of music genres. Particularly really in low frequencies for bass!..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the weight of the headphones. Some mention that the material is nice, it's very light, and feels substantial without being too heavy, while others say that it' a bit bulky, but it keeps the headphones very well protected. The thing is being that they are so light, it feels like they can slip. The app is pretty plain and cumbersome, and is functional, but some find it to be more cumbersom than their AirPods. Overall, the opinions are mixed, and it'd be best to read the reviews carefully before making a purchase.
"...They are fairly lightweight, and they sit comfortably on my head for hours on end...." Read more
"...Pros:Unbeatable Comfort: They're surprisingly light and outperform other premium brands in comfort...." Read more
"...The case it comes with is awesome. It's a bit bulky, but it keeps the headphones very well protected and has a small compartment that you can..." Read more
"...good for large and small heads. not has heavy as some wireless competitors. recharges quickly. well made." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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**Design**
The WH-1000XM5 have a new sleeker design than the WH-1000XM4. The earcups are slightly smaller and the headband is more comfortable. The headphones also have a new touch-sensitive panel on the right earcup for controlling music playback and volume.
**Noise cancellation**
The WH-1000XM5 have the best noise cancellation of any headphones on the market. They use eight microphones and two processors to cancel out a wider range of noise than ever before. I was able to wear the headphones on a flight and barely hear the engine noise.
**Sound quality**
The WH-1000XM5 also have excellent sound quality. They support Hi-Res Audio and have a new driver that delivers deeper bass and clearer highs. I found the sound to be very well-balanced and enjoyable.
**Other features**
The WH-1000XM5 also have a number of other features, including:
* Adaptive Sound Control: Automatically adjusts the noise cancellation and ambient sound settings based on your environment.
* Speak-to-Chat: Pauses music playback and enables ambient sound when you start speaking.
* Fast Pair: Quickly pairs the headphones with your Android devices.
* Multipoint pairing: Connects the headphones to two devices at the same time.
**Overall**
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are the best noise-canceling headphones on the market. They offer excellent sound quality, adaptive noise cancellation, and a comfortable design. If you're looking for the best possible noise-canceling headphones, the WH-1000XM5 are the best choice.
**Pros:**
* Best-in-class noise cancellation
* Excellent sound quality
* Comfortable design
* Adaptive Sound Control
* Speak-to-Chat
* Fast Pair
* Multipoint pairing
**Cons:**
* Expensive
* Touch controls can be finicky
*doesn't fold in
**Recommendation:**
If you're looking for the best possible noise-canceling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best choice. They offer excellent sound quality, adaptive noise cancellation, and a comfortable design. However, they are expensive and the touch controls can be finicky. If you're on a budget or don't need the best possible noise cancellation, there are other good options available.
I've explored various Sony products over the years, and my latest experience with the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones has been quite enlightening. Here's a distinct perspective on them:
Pros:
Unbeatable Comfort: They're surprisingly light and outperform other premium brands in comfort. The use of memory foam in the ear cups adds to the comfort, although it might need special attention over time.
Rich Features: The noise-canceling technology is as effective as ever, and the ambient mode is a practical addition for situational awareness. The Speak-to-Pause Music feature is a clever touch for multitasking moments.
Sound Quality Excellence: The audio clarity is impressive, especially for bass-heavy tracks, making them great for diverse music tastes and gaming on devices like the PS5. Note: they lack a built-in mic for gaming. Call clarity is significantly better than previous models.
Rapid Charge Capability: The fast charging is a standout feature, offering quick readiness and a long battery life of 24-30 hours.
Cons:
Investment Cost: These headphones are a significant investment. If they fit within your budget, they're worth the cost for the quality you receive.
Fit Quirks: While not a major issue, the fit around the neck can be slightly awkward for some users, especially when taking them off frequently. Unlike previous Sony models, they don't fold inward, which might be a minor inconvenience for storage and portability.
Cushioning Considerations: The ear cushions, although comfortable, may compress differently based on usage, and might require eventual replacement.
Top reviews from other countries
Cancelamento de ruído não funciona perfeitamente pra sons muito agudos, ex: tenho periquitos australianos e com o NC ativado ainda da pra escutar o piado deles, porém se vc colocar uma música de fundo ai desaparece todos os sons ao redor e vc fica isolado.
Qualidade de som nas músicas é excelente, porém tenho um Astro A40 que uso no playstation e prefiro o som do Astro com a MixAmp tanto pra músicas como filmes e séries.
Em relação ao conforto achei confortável, dá pra usar por bastante tempo, porém achei o espaço para orelhas muito raso, as orelhas encostam e é oq faz ter que dar umas pausas, oq por exemplo não ocorre com o Astro A40 que o espaço é bem maior, mais confortável, a orelha não encosta e daria pra ficar o dia inteiro com ele, nesse quesito também gostaria de citar o Anker Life Q30 que era o headphone que usava antes desse, acho o Anker mais confórtável, embora perca no NC e qualidade sonora.
Por fim o investimento foi grande, mais nosso problema é a taxação e o real que não vale nada comparado com o dólar, espero que o headphone dure muito tempo, pois realizei a compra por conta do meu Anker Life Q30 com 1 ano e meio de uso parou de funcionar o Noise Cancel e descascou todo e abriu a parte da espuma, levando em conta que o Anker custa em medio R$ 400 e o Sony R$ 2500 espero que se reflita na durabilidade.
Reviewed in Brazil on November 2, 2023
Cancelamento de ruído não funciona perfeitamente pra sons muito agudos, ex: tenho periquitos australianos e com o NC ativado ainda da pra escutar o piado deles, porém se vc colocar uma música de fundo ai desaparece todos os sons ao redor e vc fica isolado.
Qualidade de som nas músicas é excelente, porém tenho um Astro A40 que uso no playstation e prefiro o som do Astro com a MixAmp tanto pra músicas como filmes e séries.
Em relação ao conforto achei confortável, dá pra usar por bastante tempo, porém achei o espaço para orelhas muito raso, as orelhas encostam e é oq faz ter que dar umas pausas, oq por exemplo não ocorre com o Astro A40 que o espaço é bem maior, mais confortável, a orelha não encosta e daria pra ficar o dia inteiro com ele, nesse quesito também gostaria de citar o Anker Life Q30 que era o headphone que usava antes desse, acho o Anker mais confórtável, embora perca no NC e qualidade sonora.
Por fim o investimento foi grande, mais nosso problema é a taxação e o real que não vale nada comparado com o dólar, espero que o headphone dure muito tempo, pois realizei a compra por conta do meu Anker Life Q30 com 1 ano e meio de uso parou de funcionar o Noise Cancel e descascou todo e abriu a parte da espuma, levando em conta que o Anker custa em medio R$ 400 e o Sony R$ 2500 espero que se reflita na durabilidade.
✔ Much Better Microphone (vs. XM4) – Tested with Zoom/Microsoft Teams business calls and family/personal calls. Performs much better than XM4 previous generation
✔ Long Term Comfort – I can wear them for long periods of time (several hours) without any discomfort while wearing my glasses. XM4’s felt warm/hot after long term use, XM5’s have more breathability.
✔ Touch Controls – Works flawlessly between swipes and tap. Feels like an upgrade with better sensitivity compared to previous generation.
✔Bluetooth & Connectivity – I take them off, music pauses, I put them back on, music resumes. I walk anywhere in my home while leaving my phone on my desk. Clear sound, no distortion whatsoever, signal transmission remains in-tact and stable at any given moment. I have them connected to my iPhone and MacBook Pro, I’m able to swap between both devices quickly.
✔Hard Case & Wire – The case is good quality, headphones fit perfectly with slot for USB C charging cable and audio aux cable, both included no extra charge.
✔Sony app is full of features. Can customize audio profiles or use presets. The presets are excellent for any genres of music and I often swap depending on my mood. Updates are done through the app. NC and transparency mode can be controlled in the app or by using a button on the headphones. Adaptive sound is nice, it auto detects my environment and changes from NC and transparency. It works in my favor, no complaints. Auto power off is an option, or manually turn them off using the button on the headphones.
I purchased 2 pairs of the new Sony XM5’s – one for my wife and one for myself. We absolutely love using the latest and greater wireless noise cancelling headphones – I can easily say that both Sony and Apple make the best out there. Because I own all the latest NC headphones, I created a comparison below between the 2 best: Sony XM5’ and how they compare with Apple’s Air Pods Max.
Sound Quality: Winner Tied
I tested the XM5’s using Tidal and Apple Music using both wired and wireless. I found the music quality on the XM5’s sound better on specific genres such as Jazz, Bossa Nova, Hip-Hop (90’s), Classical Rock, Symphony, and R&B.
The APM are ahead when it comes to EDM like House, Drum & Bass, along with Pop and other computerized music.
Both headphones are close for most genres, however the biggest difference I noticed between the two was Jazz like genres, with the XM5’s being leagues ahead.
This is a tie because it depends on the genre you prefer.
Audio Enhancements: Winner Air Pods Max
The XM5’s offer 360 Audio Reality which is only accessible to less popular streaming music apps like Tidal, while the APM offer Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio. The audio library for the sound enhancement is also smaller for Sony with limited selections.
Comfort: Winner Sony XM5
The XM5 can remain on your head for long periods of time (several hours) without any discomfort given its lightweight feel. When walking around the house, or outdoors, the XM5’s remains on your head without moving.
The APM on the other hand are heavier and begin causing some discomfort after 1-2 hours. When stationary, they’re fine, but when walking around and tilting your head, they begin to slip off.
Features: Winner Sony XM5
Sony offers an headphones app accessible from the App Store or Google Play Store which allows you to heavily customize your XM5’s, from building a sound profile, selecting audio pre-sets, adjusting noise cancelling, transparency modes and a great deal more.
The APM on the other hand, do not have an app of any kind, besides the ability to select audio pre-sets from the music app you subscribe to.
Transparency Mode: Winner Air Pods Max
The transparency mode on the APM is unlike anything else; I can have full conversations that sound natural. The XM5’s on the other hand are an upgrade from the XM4’s, but it doesn’t sound as natural as the APM.
Microphone: Winner Air Pods Max
The microphone on the APM is excellent; I’ve hosted hundreds of hours of business meetings and personal phone calls; the microphone is crystal clear and professional.
The XM5’s on the other hand is an upgrade from the XM4’s and noticeable a lot better, but the APM are noticeably better. I tested the XM5’s for calls and was satisfied with the results.
Noise Cancelling: Winner Sony XM5
When wearing the APM for a long period of time, my ears feel like they’re going to explode. When I first purchased the APM on the release date, I could use the noise cancelling option for hours however, after over a year, I can no longer handle noise cancellation beyond 15 minutes it gives me severe ear pain and I must switch to transparency mode or take them off and break.
The XM5’s on the other hand, do not cause me any pain, regardless of if I’m listening for 30 minutes or 2 hours. During testing, I listened to music for a long period of time and watched a YouTube for an hour.
I feel that prolonged listening to the APM using the noise cancelling feature caused my ears to become highly sensitive after using them for over a year, with a feeling of severe cabin pressure. This is also worse if using the Bose QC35’s, with pressure being too intense.
I can wear the XM5’s for long periods of time; they manage to block loud televisions and screaming babies. The biggest takeaway is being able to keep them on for several hours without discomfort or pain.
Build Quality: Winner Air Pods Max
The APM are built to look and feel luxurious. From the band, metal, and aluminum components, they feel like the Lamborghini of headphones. The XM5’s on the other hand are made out of sophisticated plastic. Also, the APM has magnetic interchangeable ear cushions that can be purchased separately, while the XM5’s do not.
Accessories & Costs: Winner Sony XM5
Sony offers a real carrying case that protects the headphones and its accessories from damage/drops. Apple has a bra-like case that doesn’t protect the headphones at all, forcing the user to purchase a third-party case online. Also, Sony offers a headphone cable, while Apple requires a separate purchase ($45). This means between the cable and the case; you’re looking at almost $100 of added expenses with the APM.
Moreover, the price at the time of this review is $499 for the XM5’s and $779.00 for the APM. The Sony’s offer a much better value.
Conclusion:
There are many factors to take into consideration between both brands, but ultimately, my heart is with the XM5’s because they sound better for the genres I listen to (Jazz) on a daily basis, and it puts me in the musical ‘zone’. Also, the noise cancelling feature from the XM5’s don’t give me the ‘cabin pressure’ feeling found from the APM. The price difference between both is also substantial given they are close in most categories.
Reviewed in Canada on May 30, 2022
✔ Much Better Microphone (vs. XM4) – Tested with Zoom/Microsoft Teams business calls and family/personal calls. Performs much better than XM4 previous generation
✔ Long Term Comfort – I can wear them for long periods of time (several hours) without any discomfort while wearing my glasses. XM4’s felt warm/hot after long term use, XM5’s have more breathability.
✔ Touch Controls – Works flawlessly between swipes and tap. Feels like an upgrade with better sensitivity compared to previous generation.
✔Bluetooth & Connectivity – I take them off, music pauses, I put them back on, music resumes. I walk anywhere in my home while leaving my phone on my desk. Clear sound, no distortion whatsoever, signal transmission remains in-tact and stable at any given moment. I have them connected to my iPhone and MacBook Pro, I’m able to swap between both devices quickly.
✔Hard Case & Wire – The case is good quality, headphones fit perfectly with slot for USB C charging cable and audio aux cable, both included no extra charge.
✔Sony app is full of features. Can customize audio profiles or use presets. The presets are excellent for any genres of music and I often swap depending on my mood. Updates are done through the app. NC and transparency mode can be controlled in the app or by using a button on the headphones. Adaptive sound is nice, it auto detects my environment and changes from NC and transparency. It works in my favor, no complaints. Auto power off is an option, or manually turn them off using the button on the headphones.
I purchased 2 pairs of the new Sony XM5’s – one for my wife and one for myself. We absolutely love using the latest and greater wireless noise cancelling headphones – I can easily say that both Sony and Apple make the best out there. Because I own all the latest NC headphones, I created a comparison below between the 2 best: Sony XM5’ and how they compare with Apple’s Air Pods Max.
Sound Quality: Winner Tied
I tested the XM5’s using Tidal and Apple Music using both wired and wireless. I found the music quality on the XM5’s sound better on specific genres such as Jazz, Bossa Nova, Hip-Hop (90’s), Classical Rock, Symphony, and R&B.
The APM are ahead when it comes to EDM like House, Drum & Bass, along with Pop and other computerized music.
Both headphones are close for most genres, however the biggest difference I noticed between the two was Jazz like genres, with the XM5’s being leagues ahead.
This is a tie because it depends on the genre you prefer.
Audio Enhancements: Winner Air Pods Max
The XM5’s offer 360 Audio Reality which is only accessible to less popular streaming music apps like Tidal, while the APM offer Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio. The audio library for the sound enhancement is also smaller for Sony with limited selections.
Comfort: Winner Sony XM5
The XM5 can remain on your head for long periods of time (several hours) without any discomfort given its lightweight feel. When walking around the house, or outdoors, the XM5’s remains on your head without moving.
The APM on the other hand are heavier and begin causing some discomfort after 1-2 hours. When stationary, they’re fine, but when walking around and tilting your head, they begin to slip off.
Features: Winner Sony XM5
Sony offers an headphones app accessible from the App Store or Google Play Store which allows you to heavily customize your XM5’s, from building a sound profile, selecting audio pre-sets, adjusting noise cancelling, transparency modes and a great deal more.
The APM on the other hand, do not have an app of any kind, besides the ability to select audio pre-sets from the music app you subscribe to.
Transparency Mode: Winner Air Pods Max
The transparency mode on the APM is unlike anything else; I can have full conversations that sound natural. The XM5’s on the other hand are an upgrade from the XM4’s, but it doesn’t sound as natural as the APM.
Microphone: Winner Air Pods Max
The microphone on the APM is excellent; I’ve hosted hundreds of hours of business meetings and personal phone calls; the microphone is crystal clear and professional.
The XM5’s on the other hand is an upgrade from the XM4’s and noticeable a lot better, but the APM are noticeably better. I tested the XM5’s for calls and was satisfied with the results.
Noise Cancelling: Winner Sony XM5
When wearing the APM for a long period of time, my ears feel like they’re going to explode. When I first purchased the APM on the release date, I could use the noise cancelling option for hours however, after over a year, I can no longer handle noise cancellation beyond 15 minutes it gives me severe ear pain and I must switch to transparency mode or take them off and break.
The XM5’s on the other hand, do not cause me any pain, regardless of if I’m listening for 30 minutes or 2 hours. During testing, I listened to music for a long period of time and watched a YouTube for an hour.
I feel that prolonged listening to the APM using the noise cancelling feature caused my ears to become highly sensitive after using them for over a year, with a feeling of severe cabin pressure. This is also worse if using the Bose QC35’s, with pressure being too intense.
I can wear the XM5’s for long periods of time; they manage to block loud televisions and screaming babies. The biggest takeaway is being able to keep them on for several hours without discomfort or pain.
Build Quality: Winner Air Pods Max
The APM are built to look and feel luxurious. From the band, metal, and aluminum components, they feel like the Lamborghini of headphones. The XM5’s on the other hand are made out of sophisticated plastic. Also, the APM has magnetic interchangeable ear cushions that can be purchased separately, while the XM5’s do not.
Accessories & Costs: Winner Sony XM5
Sony offers a real carrying case that protects the headphones and its accessories from damage/drops. Apple has a bra-like case that doesn’t protect the headphones at all, forcing the user to purchase a third-party case online. Also, Sony offers a headphone cable, while Apple requires a separate purchase ($45). This means between the cable and the case; you’re looking at almost $100 of added expenses with the APM.
Moreover, the price at the time of this review is $499 for the XM5’s and $779.00 for the APM. The Sony’s offer a much better value.
Conclusion:
There are many factors to take into consideration between both brands, but ultimately, my heart is with the XM5’s because they sound better for the genres I listen to (Jazz) on a daily basis, and it puts me in the musical ‘zone’. Also, the noise cancelling feature from the XM5’s don’t give me the ‘cabin pressure’ feeling found from the APM. The price difference between both is also substantial given they are close in most categories.
Build quality: These are made of high-quality plastic and feel lightweight and comfortable to wear for longer durations. The only thing is, that the headband is thin and hurts a little on my head after wearing it for a few hours. Just move or adjust it a little and I'm good to go for another hour.
Sound quality: It's Sony, no need to brag about sound quality. Sony is known for sound clarity. Every small musical instrument is heard in great detail. I can't forget my first experience of listening to music using these headphones. I'm blown away by the details and the clarity of sound.
Battery life: It is mentioned 30 hours. Seems to be true. Headphones will easily last up to two days of mixed usage.
Noise cancellation (N.C.): These headphones are my first experience with noise cancellation. When NC is turned on, it is silent. Zero noise. But after a few days, I realised that I could still hear voices from other people when they were shouting or talking loudly. It's good not to completely block all sound.
Update on N.C.:
I want to address one thing people who are saying that NC is not good. I think they feel like that because of the adaptive NC feature in the Sony headphones app. Due to this feature, the level of Noise cancelling is adjusted automatically according to the surroundings. I know it doesn't work 100% accurately every time. It works sort of 70 - 80 % accurately depending on the surroundings. That's why some people complain that NC is not completely silent or perfect. Some are complaining there is no option to disable the adaptive NC feature. It is available in the Sony headphones app after the latest update. We can also manually disable the adaptive NC of headphones using the app. I mentioned these details because some people may not be aware of these features available in the headphones app.
Note: When NC is turned on, a sound pressure is created between ears and headphones. So there is a vacuum-like seal between ears and headphones and it blocks external sound. I'm not sure how NC works. This is the first time for me experienced noise cancellation. It was a shock and a surprise feeling when NC was on. My brother got scared due to this effect. I got used to it now. Check the Sony manual regarding the safety of NC. In the Sony Headphones Connect app, there is a safe listening setting. Please follow it and you don't need to worry about your ears getting damaged due to headphones. I have attached screenshots of the same. Please check.
Final Verdict: I can say that these headphones are the best consumer headphones. Audiophile headphones are different that's why I mentioned them as the best consumer headphones. Most people who use them will love them.
Reviewed in India on June 15, 2023
Build quality: These are made of high-quality plastic and feel lightweight and comfortable to wear for longer durations. The only thing is, that the headband is thin and hurts a little on my head after wearing it for a few hours. Just move or adjust it a little and I'm good to go for another hour.
Sound quality: It's Sony, no need to brag about sound quality. Sony is known for sound clarity. Every small musical instrument is heard in great detail. I can't forget my first experience of listening to music using these headphones. I'm blown away by the details and the clarity of sound.
Battery life: It is mentioned 30 hours. Seems to be true. Headphones will easily last up to two days of mixed usage.
Noise cancellation (N.C.): These headphones are my first experience with noise cancellation. When NC is turned on, it is silent. Zero noise. But after a few days, I realised that I could still hear voices from other people when they were shouting or talking loudly. It's good not to completely block all sound.
Update on N.C.:
I want to address one thing people who are saying that NC is not good. I think they feel like that because of the adaptive NC feature in the Sony headphones app. Due to this feature, the level of Noise cancelling is adjusted automatically according to the surroundings. I know it doesn't work 100% accurately every time. It works sort of 70 - 80 % accurately depending on the surroundings. That's why some people complain that NC is not completely silent or perfect. Some are complaining there is no option to disable the adaptive NC feature. It is available in the Sony headphones app after the latest update. We can also manually disable the adaptive NC of headphones using the app. I mentioned these details because some people may not be aware of these features available in the headphones app.
Note: When NC is turned on, a sound pressure is created between ears and headphones. So there is a vacuum-like seal between ears and headphones and it blocks external sound. I'm not sure how NC works. This is the first time for me experienced noise cancellation. It was a shock and a surprise feeling when NC was on. My brother got scared due to this effect. I got used to it now. Check the Sony manual regarding the safety of NC. In the Sony Headphones Connect app, there is a safe listening setting. Please follow it and you don't need to worry about your ears getting damaged due to headphones. I have attached screenshots of the same. Please check.
Final Verdict: I can say that these headphones are the best consumer headphones. Audiophile headphones are different that's why I mentioned them as the best consumer headphones. Most people who use them will love them.