Expert review of the Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the successor of the successful Sony WH-1000XM4. Sony builds on the success of its predecessor and introduces another high-end headphones model. I especially like the noise canceling, which works very accurately thanks to the 2 processors. In this review, you can read what else I think of the headphones.

First impression
Design
Noise canceling
Sound quality
Smart functions
Conclusion

Sony WH-1000XM5

The high-end noise canceling strongly reduces ambient noise.
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 a 10-minute charge.

You can't fold the headphones to a compact size.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Black

Review is 8,9 out of 10, based on 364 reviews.

Over-ear | 30-hour battery life | High-end noise canceling

€ 254,99

Delivered tomorrow

First impression of the Sony WH-1000XM5

The first thing I notice on the Sony WH-1000XM5 is the packaging. This is completely plastic-free, which is how Sony contributes to the environment. When I take the headphones out of the packaging, the design stands out in a positive way. This new model looks a lot more luxurious than its predecessors thanks to its build and materials. In the included storage pouch, I find an audio cable and a USB-A to USB-C charging cable.

Less functional design

The headphones compromise on functionality due to this new, luxurious design. For example, it's no longer foldable, which makes it more difficult to bring for on the go. It doesn't fit in my bag as easily and I can't put it in my pocket anymore

High-end noise canceling

With 2 noise canceling processors, the headphones reduce the ambient noise very accurately. At the office, I'm not bothered by colleagues who are having a meeting, and I don't hear any noise of my surroundings when I'm on the train. Sony really raises the bar for noise canceling headphones for the other brands.

Powerful bass

The bass is very clear with the Sony WH-1000XM5, which I like. It's powerful and deep, which makes kicks in dance music really come out well. For music that focuses more on higher-pitched and treble tones, like pop and rock music, I'm just as enthusiastic. Instruments and vocals sound crystal clear and very detailed. When I want to add some power to my songs, I boost the bas in the Sony Headphones Connect app. That way, I can listen to a personalized sound.

Smart functions work well

Thanks to the speak-to-chat function, I can automatically switch between music and a conversation. When I start talking, the music pauses and the ambient noise is being enhanced. This function works well, just like the wearing detection. The music will pause automatically when I take off the headphones, which I really like. Another new, smart function is Activity recording. Thanks to this, I can read extensive statistics about my listening sessions in the Headphones Connect app. For example, I can read how many hours I listen to music per day.

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Conclusion

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are high-end headphones that's just as nice as its predecessors. Thanks to the high-end noise canceling, high sound quality, and good-working, smart functions, I can enjoy each listening session to the fullest. The new, luxurious design of the headphones really contributes to the joy of using it, but unfortunately the headphones compromise in functionality due to this.