Written by Lucas
Edited on
19 June 2023
·
10:58
Compare the Sony WH-1000XM5 to the Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the successor of the great WH-1000XM4. The 2 headphones differ in terms of design, but are still quite alike. They have a few important differences. For example, the XM5 has a dual noise canceling processor instead of 1. In this article, we'll explain the similarities and differences, so you can choose the right model.
View the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sony WH-1000XM4
- Sony WH-1000XM5
Thanks to the high-end noise canceling, ambient noise is reduced well.
With the Sony Headphones Connect app, you can personalize the sound via an equalizer.
Thanks to the fast charge function, you can use the headphones for 5 hours after 10 minutes of charging.
The headphones can't be folded to a compact size.
From
€ 249,90
- Sony WH-1000XM4
Active noise canceling reduces annoying ambient noise and white noise.
When you start a conversation with someone, your music will pause automatically.
With the Sony Headphones Connect app, you can personalize the sound via an equalizer.
The headphones don't include a 6.3mm adapter.
From
€ 206,99
Comparison of the Sony WH-1000XM5 to the Sony WH-1000XM4
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Sony WH-1000XM4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Noise canceling | Dual processor | Single processor |
| Design | Not foldable | Collapsible |
| Fast charge function | Yes, 10 minutes of charging is 5 hours of use | Yes, 10 minutes of charging is 60 minutes of use |
| Wearing detection and speak-to-chat | Yes | Yes |
Noise canceling
Sony WH-1000XM5: dual processor
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 2 noise canceling processors, the HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1 and the Integrated Processor V1. This last one ensures that the first one functions the best possible. Thanks to this, the ambient noise is reduced very accurately and you'll hear up to 50% less ambient noise than with the XM4.
Sony WH-1000XM4: single processor
The Sony WH-1000XM4 only has the HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1. Ambient noise isn't reduced as accurately as with its predecessor, so you'll hear more ambient noise.
Design
Sony WH-1000XM5: not foldable
Sony chooses a more premium look with the WH-1000XM5 than with its predecessors. This does come at the expense of functionality. You can't fold these headphones to a compact size. As a result, it's more difficult to store it in your bag and you're no longer able to keep it in your pocket. Thanks to the included storage bag, you can keep your headphones free from damage.
Sony WH-1000XM4: foldable
When you're done listening to music, you can fold the Sony WH-1000XM4 to a compact size. This allows you to put it in your bag or pocket without them taking up a lot of room. The ear cups of the headphones are a little smaller than the ones of the XM5, which means it doesn't stand out as much.
Battery
Sony WH-1000XM5: 10 minutes of charging, 5 hours of use
On a full charge, the Sony WH-1000XM5 lasts about 30 hours. Is the battery empty and do you want to leave soon? Charge your headphones for 10 minutes and you'll be able to use it for 5 hours again. That way, you can still listen to music for most of the day
Sony WH-1000XM4: 10 minutes of charging, 60 minutes of use
Just like with the XM5, you can listen to music for 30 hours on a full charge with the Sony WH-1000XM4. When you charge the headphones for 10 minutes, you can use it for 60 minutes again. This is a lot shorter than with the XM5.
Sound quality
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM4 have the same sound reproduction. The focus is on the bass with both headphones. These are very powerful and deep, which means you'll hear a full sound. The medium-high and treble tones are well-balanced and sound clearer and more detailed. This makes the headphones suitable for almost every genre, from dance to classical music.
Speak-to-chat and wearing detection
Both models have the speak-to-chat function and wearing detection. When you start a conversation, the headphones will automatically lower the volume of the music and enhance the ambient noise. That way, you'll be able to take part in a conversation right away. Do you take off the headphones? The music will pause. When you put it back on, the music will continue. You can turn this function on or off in the Sony Headphones Connect app.
Conclusion
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and XM4 are headphones with high-quality sound, high-end noise canceling, and smart functions. In terms of noise canceling, the XM5 reduces the ambient noise a little more accurate and the design looks more premium. But this is all at the expense of functionality. For example, you can't fold the headphones to the same compact size as the XM4.
Article by Lucas
Audio Expert.
