Sony WH 1000XM2 Review | 93 Data compared

The Sony WH-1000XM2 review on Home Studio Basics describes these closed-back, around-the-ear Bluetooth headphones as an exceptionally rugged and comfortable option tailored primarily for casual listeners and bass heads. The reviewer, Stuart Charles Black, highlights that the headphones deliver an energetic, V-shaped sound signature packed with crisp treble and a hard-hitting, thumping bass line that provides excellent impact for genres like Hip-Hop, EDM, and Rock. Surprisingly for a Bluetooth headset, the mid-range preserves impressive precision and vocal clarity, successfully revealing subtle nuances like background piano notes and vocal echoes in classic tracks. Structurally, the headphones feature highly durable plastic, supple protein leather padding, and an active noise cancellation (ANC) system powerful enough to rival top Bose models and effortlessly silence bustling environments. Despite the high praise, the review points out several specific performance flaws and design limitations. On the audio side, there is a slight, noticeable bloat to the bass line that audiophiles might catch, and the treble can occasionally border on harsh when playing non-bass-heavy genres. From a functional standpoint, the unique touch-swipe ear cup controls feel odd at...

The Sony WH-1000XM2 is a premium wireless noise-canceling headphone model that stands as a top-tier rival to the Bose QuietComfort 35 II. It delivers exceptional sound quality featuring a warm tone, punchy bass, natural midrange, and slightly better clarity than its Bose counterpart. Its active noise cancellation is highly effective over a broad range of frequencies, performing exceptionally well in muffling city, subway, and office environments. Key highlights include a significantly improved battery life of up to 30 hours wirelessly (40 hours wired) and an innovative "Quick Attention" feature that instantly lowers music volume and lets outside sound in when a user cups their hand over the right ear cup. However, the headphones are not without drawbacks. The model weighs 272 grams, making it heavier and noticeably less comfortable for long-term wear than the lighter Bose QC35 II. Additionally, its microphone performance during voice calls is mediocre and falls short of the call quality offered by its competitors. The device also lacks a user-replaceable battery and relies on an older Micro-USB port for charging rather than the modern USB-C standard....

The Major HiFi review evaluates the Sony WH-1000xM2 wireless noise-cancelling headphones, highlighting their exceptional active noise-cancellation (ANC) and outstanding battery life. The reviewer praises several core pros, beginning with the Quick Attention feature, which seamlessly passes ambient sound when a hand is placed over the right ear cup. Audiophiles will appreciate the high-resolution Bluetooth playback supported via aptX and aptX HD codecs. Furthermore, the battery provides a substantial 30 hours of continuous music playback with ANC on, increasing to 38 hours with ANC deactivated. Architecturally, the padded ear cups ensure superb sound isolation without introducing an uncomfortable clamping force onto the head. However, the review details notable cons regarding smart functionality, physical fit, and sonic limitations. The primary drawback is the inconsistent Smart Listening by Adaptive Sound Control feature; it is unresponsive, lacks proper sensitivity, and takes nearly 20 seconds to register environmental changes like walking. Physically, the bulky design does not fit well or provide an ideal seal for individuals with smaller heads. In terms of audio profiles, the thick low-end signature creates a somewhat compressed soundstage that favors...

The Sony WH-1000XM2 headphones offer excellent active noise cancellation, strong Bluetooth range, and a 30-hour battery life, making them versatile for daily use. Users praised the immersive sound quality, responsive touch controls, and compact, protective carrying case. However, the headphones are limited by single-device Bluetooth pairing and a significant drop in audio quality when used in passive mode with a 3.5mm cable. Additionally, the design features a tight clamping force and cramped earcups, leading to comfort issues for some users.

The Sony WH-1000XM2 Wireless headphones are highly praised by RTINGS.com for their outstanding active noise cancellation (ANC), premium comfort, and consistent sound quality, making them ideal for commuters. Key advantages include an extensive, feature-rich app for customization, long battery life, and excellent wireless range, although the design can cause ears to warm over long sessions. Conversely, the review highlights significant cons, including high Bluetooth audio latency that hinders video or gaming, along with poor microphone quality for phone calls. Furthermore, the headset lacks native Bluetooth compatibility with gaming consoles and carries a high price point.

The Audio-room gallery review highlights the Sony WH-1000XM2 as closed, over-ear Bluetooth headphones that excel in overall functionality and daily use. The reviewer praises several major pros, including their very good sound quality, high comfort levels, and strong active noise cancellation (ANC) featuring customizable optimization modes. Additionally, the device offers excellent connectivity via NFC pairing, broad audio codec support (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC), and a highly impressive battery life that reaches approximately 30 hours with ANC activated and up to 40 hours when it is turned off. Despite the overwhelmingly positive remarks, the evaluation notes a few minor design drawbacks. The primary cons center on the physical implementation of the controls and inputs; specifically, the reviewer remains unconvinced by the touch control system and expresses dissatisfaction with the audio jack layout. The headphones require an audio cable with a very narrow plug, limiting compatibility with third-party 3.5mm cables. Finally, the hardware relies on an outdated Micro USB charging socket requiring a 4-hour charging period, though the reviewer ultimately concludes that apart from these quirks, they have no...

The Basic Tutorials Review awards the Sony WH-1000XM2 wireless headphones an overall score of 88 out of 100, praising them as a highly capable, technology-packed all-rounder. The reviewer notes that the active noise-cancelling (ANC) performance is top-class and easily rivals industry leaders like Bose, featuring an adaptive mode that intelligently adjusts to surrounding environments. In terms of usability, the headphones excel with a 30-hour battery life, excellent Bluetooth stability spanning roughly 10 meters, and highly responsive touch controls on the right ear cup. Additionally, the practical "Quick Attention" mode lets users immediately hear ambient surroundings simply by placing a hand over the ear cup. Comfort is another major strong point, as the lightweight 275-gram frame provides a snug, secure fit suitable for long listening sessions, sports, and glasses wearers. However, the review highlights several drawbacks, particularly regarding sound profile and everyday handling. While the overall audio quality is deemed "good," the bass response feels too dull, weak, and imprecise for a premium device priced at €415.00. The mid-range is heavily forward, which can make acoustic and quieter music genres sound...

Sony WH-1000XM2 Review Summary The Sony WH-1000XM2 are premium over-ear Bluetooth headphones that stand out for their exceptional audio quality, outclassing competitors like the Bose QC35 with a controlled low-end rumble and prominent, clear treble that elevates vocals. Priced at around £270, they introduced a more durable plastic rim over the older model's easily scratched leather earcup lining. The headphones boast extensive app integration, allowing users to customize active noise cancellation (ANC) and sound profiles, and feature a handy touch control where placing a palm over the right cup instantly pipes in ambient sound. Battery life is highly impressive, providing 30 to 40 hours of playback along with a quick-charge feature that delivers 70 minutes of use from just a 10-minute charge. They also support the high-fidelity LDAC codec on compatible Android devices to deliver superior wireless transmission. Pros and Cons Cons: They carry an expensive premium price tag; a relatively weak headband clamping force makes them sit too loosely on the head, meaning they are not ideal for workouts or running; and the ANC is slightly less effective at...

Review Summary The Sony WH-1000XM2 wireless headphones offer an exceptional combination of peerless active noise cancellation (ANC) and outstanding sound quality. Building upon their predecessor, these headphones feature a clean, uncluttered, and lightweight design with comfortable synthetic leather ear pads. They deliver a dynamic, highly musical performance with a crisp, detailed edge and a robust bass response across all genres. Key hardware improvements include long battery life, an optimized atmospheric pressure sensor for inflight use, intuitive touch controls, and Bluetooth aptX HD support for 24-bit streaming. Despite their elite performance, the review highlights that accessing the full spectrum of advanced features requires downloading the dedicated Sony headphone app. This app opens up gimmicky settings like virtual positioning and various acoustic surround modes (such as Arena and Concert Hall). However, core everyday controls remain seamlessly integrated directly onto the physical chassis. This includes a simplified single button for ambient sound adjustment and the Quick Attention mode, which drops the volume instantly when covering the right earcup. Overall, they represent some of the absolute best values for premium, travel-friendly noise-cancelling headphones on...

The Sony WH-1000XM2 is a premium pair of over-ear wireless headphones that delivers outstanding audio robustness with its 40mm drivers and provides class-leading active noise cancellation (ANC). Designed with the frequent traveler in mind, these headphones weigh 275g and feature comfortable leather ear cup coverings, a convenient folding design with an included travel case, and a remarkable 30-hour battery life. Notable pros include its highly effective smart ANC that adjusts for atmospheric pressure in airplane cabins, handy external touch controls—such as placing a palm over the right ear cup to temporarily mute audio—and deep customization options via the dedicated Sony Headphones app, which includes equalizer settings and sound positioning controls. However, the headphones do come with a few design and software drawbacks. A major con highlighted in the review is the clunky implementation of the automatic mode switching feature in the app, which pauses the music, chimes, and blasts the user with background noise before applying a new environmental profile. Additionally, the exterior microphone is heavily exposed to the elements, causing an irksome rushing "roar" sound when confronted with passing...

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the Sony WH-1000XM2 highlights them as an exceptional pair of active noise-canceling headphones that improve upon their predecessors with a 30-hour battery life, superior, warm, and energetic audio, and an intelligent ANC system that adapts to environmental changes. Key features include the "Quick Attention" touch-control system, a more robust design, and pressure-adapting technology for air travel. Despite the high praise, the review notes that the Bose QC35 II offers slightly more effective noise cancellation, while the Bowers & Wilkins PX provides a higher sound fidelity. Additionally, the headset's built-in microphone is not ideal for phone calls, with users reporting echoey or unclear transmission during conversations.

The Sony WH-1000XM2 headphones are an exceptional second-generation pair of premium wireless noise-cancelling over-ears that offer an outstanding balance of class-leading sound quality and advanced features. Aesthetically, they carry over the highly comfortable, non-vice-like headband design of their predecessors but introduce slightly altered, more tactile finishes like Champagne Gold and a refined gunmetal or blue-grey option. The headphones stand out with impressive noise-cancelling capabilities, a consolidated button layout for ambient sound control, and a clever Quick Attention mode to quickly lower music volume. Additionally, they boast an innovative Atmospheric Pressure Optimiser designed to maintain audio performance during altitude changes on flights, alongside an optional Headphones Connect app for further customization and smart auto-settings. The audio performance delivers loads of crisp detail, beautifully refined highs that never sound bright, and broad dynamics that easily keep the listener engaged. The prominent pros of these headphones include their incredibly punchy, confident, and full-bodied lows, paired with a massive battery life that stretches up to 30 hours with Bluetooth and noise-cancelling enabled, or up to 38 hours over a wired connection. However, they do...

The Sony WH-1000XM2 is a premium pair of travel-grade wireless headphones designed to compete directly with Bose by delivering exceptional active noise cancellation and high-resolution audio performance. Reviewers praise the product's superb sound quality, highlighted by a balanced EQ, clear mids, and crisp highs that resist listening fatigue, alongside a robust 30-hour battery life and a convenient quick-charge feature. Key standout features include the "Quick Attention" mode—which momentarily pipes in outside noise via exterior microphones without requiring headphone removal—and an "Ambient Noise" mode that selectively lets in high-frequency tones like loudspeaker announcements. Additionally, the headphones support the advanced LDAC codec for high-resolution Bluetooth playback on compatible Android devices, while utilizing proprietary up-scaling technologies to enhance lossy audio on other platforms like iOS. Despite its premium performance, the review highlights several structural and functional drawbacks that users should consider before buying. On the downside, the physical design incorporates plastic arms and hinges connecting the earcups to the metal bridge, presenting a fragile weak point prone to breaking under force. The exclusive touch-capacitive control scheme also introduces a learning curve and becomes...

The Sony WH-1000XM2 over-ear headphones deliver exceptional sound quality and industry-leading adaptive noise-cancelling capabilities, earning an impressive 4.88 overall rating. They offer a highly balanced sound profile with a punchy, deep bass range, realistic midranges, and beautifully transparent highs that support high-resolution audio up to 40 kHz via advanced codecs like LDAC and aptX HD. Pros include their robust and lightweight 279-gram collapsible design, excellent touch controls on the right ear cup, and a massive battery life of up to 30 hours with noise-cancelling activated. Additionally, the introduction of a dedicated mobile app allows users to seamlessly customize ambient noise levels and use a configurable equalizer, improving upon the hardware-restricted controls of its predecessor. However, the headphones do come with a few notable drawbacks. On the downside, the active noise-cancelling system reacts sensitively to wind noise, and the automated voice announcements for profile switching can be annoying as they completely pause music playback. Sonically, they do not quite match the spaciousness and airiness of audiophile-grade open-back headphones, causing the music to feel like it "sticks closer to the ear" during...

The Sony WH-1000XM2 headphones offer top-tier active noise cancellation and a rich, bass-forward sound profile, challenging major competitors like Bose. Key strengths include an app with detailed EQ customization, though the high-mids can sound slightly sculpted by default. Despite high-end performance, the headphones are expensive, with touch controls that may require a learning curve and stiff competition from the more comfortable Bose QC35 II.