Sony WH 1000XM4 Vs Sony WH 1000XM5 Review | 93 Data compared

Review Summary The Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones offer exceptional sound quality and top-tier active noise-cancelling technology that effectively blocks low-frequency drone and ambient speech. Weighing just 254g, they feature a lightweight, well-padded plastic design that matches the industry's highest comfort standards and folds down into a compact travel case. Key technical highlights include a substantial 30-hour battery life with noise-cancelling active, a 10-minute quick-charge feature providing 5 hours of playback, a presence sensor for auto-pausing music, and a customizable companion app equalizer. Crucially, this model introduces highly requested multipoint connectivity to pair two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, though activating this feature disables support for Sony's high-resolution LDAC audio codec. The headphones present a compelling list of performance advantages alongside a few minor drawbacks. Pros include their brilliant mid-bass heavy yet detailed sound signature, excellent customizable noise-cancelling modes, long-term wearing comfort, and practical touch controls like the "Speak-to-Chat" ambient listening feature. Additionally, they score points for sustainability with a repairable design, accessible replacement parts, and an out-of-warranty battery replacement service. Conversely, the cons focus on a retail price of £350 that doesn't...

The Sony WH-1000XM4Go to product viewer dialog for this item. headphones provide a significant comfort upgrade over older models, featuring larger, more padded ear cups and superior active noise cancellation (ANC) that excels at reducing low-frequency sounds. Key pros include this high-efficiency ANC and a comfortable design, though it manages high-frequency sounds less effectively without music. Medium·Book LailertConversely, the review notes cons such as a narrow headband that limits long-term comfort compared to competitors, along with leather padding that traps heat and leads to sweaty ears during extended use. The ANC also fails to fully block high-frequency noises like wind, despite its overall top-tier performance. Medium·Book Lailert

The Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless over-ear headphones introduce a sophisticated design overhaul featuring a slender hinge and lightweight ABS plastic construction, departing significantly from the folding structure of the predecessor WH-1000XM4. In terms of performance pros, the XM5 boasts drastically improved active noise cancellation—doubling its microphone count to eight and adding a secondary V1 processor to significantly isolate midrange and high-frequency noise. Audio-wise, the XM5 uses smaller 30mm mica-reinforced drivers that deliver a punchier, highly controlled bass and more pronounced high tones compared to the older model. Furthermore, it upgrades connectivity to Bluetooth 5.2 and introduces super-rapid USB-PD charging, which provides three hours of battery life from a mere three-minute charge. Conversely, the WH-1000XM4 remains highly competitive and holds several key advantages over the newer flagship. A major drawback of the XM5 is its rigid frame that cannot fold in on itself, whereas the XM4 folds easily, making it a superior, more compact option for frequent travelers. Price is another notable con for the XM5; retailing at a steeper $399 launch price, it lacks the substantial budget-friendly appeal of the XM4,...

The Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless over-ear headphones deliver exceptional sound quality and class-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), scoring a perfect 10/10 rating in this review. Priced at £379, they feature a ground-up design overhaul made from a recyclable smooth polymer, ditching the traditional hinges for a sleeker, curvier look. Equipped with a new 30mm driver unit and a carbon fibre dome, they provide an incredibly rich, warm, and natural listening experience across diverse music genres. Key pros highlighted include their impeccable audio performance, superb comfort, outstanding microphone call quality powered by AI noise reduction, and smart features like proximity sensors for auto-pausing and location-based ANC tracking. However, the headphones come with a few design and functional trade-offs. A major con is the new non-folding structure; because the ear cups only swivel flat to fit in their case rather than collapsing down, they are more cumbersome to carry around than their predecessors. Additionally, the plush synthetic leather memory foam ear cups trap body heat, causing ears to feel sweaty and warm after a couple of hours of continuous use. The review also...

Review Summary The Sony WH-1000XM5 represents a streamlined evolution of Sony's flagship over-ear noise-cancelling headphones, shifting to a sleeker, un-foldable design made with recycled materials. Equipped with downsized 30mm speaker drivers, the headphones deliver phenomenal audio quality marked by expansive clarity, vibrant upper-end detail, and tight, controlled bass without any muddy distortion. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) receives a slight upgrade through the combination of an Integrated Processor V1, a QN1 processor, and eight microphones, establishing an incredibly effective "blanket of silence" against urban environment sounds. Additionally, they maintain a highly competitive 30-hour battery life with ANC enabled, feature fast USB-C PD charging, and support premium features like multipoint pairing, LDAC high-res audio playback, and intuitive Speak-to-Chat functionality. Core Strengths and Weaknesses Pros:Phenomenal audio clarity and precise open soundstage.Exceptional noise cancellation powered by a dual-chip architecture.Strong smart suite featuring Speak-to-Chat, hands-free Alexa/Google Assistant, and multi-device pairing.Excellent call quality driven by advanced wind reduction and voice isolation tech.Cons:Inability to fold down flat makes them less portable and requires a much bulkier travel case.High price tag ($399 retail) means they face heavy value...

The Absolute Sound characterizes the Sony WH-1000XM5Go to product viewer dialog for this item. as offering a "warm and soft" sound profile ideal for background listening, commuting, or office work, with effective noise cancellation and comfortable, stable, and lightweight design. Key strengths include a balanced, slightly elevated bass, while the headset is praised for its convenience and long-term comfort. Conversely, the review notes the sound is uneven and veiled, lacking the dynamic energy required for critical listening, and it falls short of high-resolution, wired audio quality due to Bluetooth limitations. The headset is not recommended for workouts, leading to a conclusion that its $400 price point is best suited for travel and office use rather than audiophile-level critical listening. YouTube·THE ABSOLUTE SOUND

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer a rich, balanced audio performance with top-tier active noise cancellation and clear call quality. Key pros include a 30-hour battery life with ANC on and a comfortable "Soft-Fit" design, according to the Trusted Reviews review. However, the headphones feature a non-folding design that creates a larger, less portable carrying footprint. Additionally, the review notes potentially unstable wireless connectivity in crowded areas and a reliance on app EQ settings to maximize audio performance. YouTube·

Review Summary The Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless over-ear headphones are highly praised as an exceptional all-round option, delivering a confident, expansive, and naturalistic sound profile across the entire frequency range. A standout improvement over their predecessor is the significantly upgraded active noise-cancelling (ANC) system, which efficiently blocks almost all external sounds without causing a "cabin pressure" sensation or degrading audio quality. The headphones feature an eco-friendly, smooth ABS plastic design, weighing a lightweight 250 grams for comfortable long-term wear. They also offer a robust 30-hour battery life with ANC activated, fast USB-PD charging, multiple seamless control options via touch, voice, and an exemplary companion app. Despite their top-tier performance, the WH-1000XM5 come with a few notable drawbacks, primarily their unblinkingly expensive premium launch price tag of $399 (£379 / €419). From a design standpoint, they no longer fold down into a compact shape like the older XM4 model, making them slightly less portable. Additionally, the earcups tend to trap and return body heat during extended listening sessions. On the technical side, the headphones lack aptX codec support for non-Sony smartphones, the...

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer superior sound quality, exceptional active noise cancellation (ANC), and excellent battery life compared to older models. The new 30mm carbon fiber composite driver dome delivers clear, precise, and lively audio. The upgraded QN1 processor and multiple microphones excel at blocking environmental noise in busy offices and coffee shops. Users get 30 hours of playtime with Bluetooth 5.2 and ANC enabled, or up to 40 hours without ANC. Synthetic leather and memory foam on the earpads make them highly comfortable for all-day use. Handy tools like speak-to-chat and auto-pause elevate the daily listening experience. Despite great performance, a complete design overhaul introduces notable compromises. The lack of joints and hinges means they no longer fold away completely into a compact footprint. The switch to ABS plastic sliders creates a less premium look and feel compared to older versions. The zippered hard case is slower to access than a quick magnetic catch. While the ANC is class-leading, it can occasionally let high-pitched background voices leak through. Finally, the touch swipe controls on the right earcup are somewhat...

The Sony WH-1000XM4 are flagship over-ear wireless headphones that deliver elite, class-leading active noise cancellation (ANC) and superb audio quality through 40mm dynamic drivers. Priced at £350, they introduce highly practical features like multipoint pairing for dual-device connectivity, wear detection to automatically pause playback, and Speak-to-Chat, which transparently lets ambient sound in when you speak. Operating over Bluetooth 5, they retain a solid 30-hour battery life with ANC enabled, while their adaptive smart tech tailors noise-cancelling profiles based on your head shape, spectacles, and GPS location. The primary pros of these headphones include a supremely comfortable design with rebalanced padding, exceptional low-end power, and real-time upscaling via DSEE Extreme technology. However, their major cons are a complete lack of an IP rating for water resistance, average microphone quality during conference calls, and the omission of aptX or aptX HD codec support. Overall, the review highly recommends the WH-1000XM4 as near-flawless and the undisputed over-ear ANC headphones to beat.

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The Sound & Signal review positions the Sony WH-1000XM4Go to product viewer dialog for this item. as a top-tier benchmark for wireless over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. The reviewer heavily praises its best-in-class active noise cancellation (ANC), which uses adaptive sound control to easily silence deep distractions like plane engines and office chatter. Sound performance is noted for its warm, rich profile featuring powerful bass, clear mids, and highly customizable EQ settings via the companion app. Additionally, it offers outstanding comfort for long sessions due to soft memory foam ear cushions and an evenly distributed headband structure. Convenience features are another major highlight, packed with 30 hours of ANC battery life (with a 10-minute quick charge yielding 5 hours of playback), multipoint Bluetooth pairing for two simultaneous devices, wear detection, and a travel-friendly foldable design. However, the review outlines several prominent drawbacks to consider before buying. A notable design flaw is the complete lack of water or sweat resistance, meaning they are not built to withstand rigorous gym workouts or heavy rain. Visually, the headphones are nearly identical to the older XM3...

Sony WH-1000XM5 Summary The Sony WH-1000XM5 features a streamlined, wind-resistant design with a stepless slider headband, but its fewer hinges mean it cannot fold away completely like its predecessor. It boasts sensational sonic clarity, precise low-end agility, and a punchy, dynamic presentation across all musical genres. Technological upgrades include an Integrated Processor V1, eight total microphones for automatically optimized, superior noise cancellation, and a highly advanced Adaptive Sound Control that recognizes frequent commutes. Microphone performance is a standout pro, utilizing Precise Voice Pickup technology to deliver clear call quality with minimized background and wind interference. However, its downsides include a build that feels less premium and rugged than before, alongside a higher price tag of around £260 / $280. Sony WH-1000XM4 Summary The Sony WH-1000XM4 remains a highly competitive option due to its durable, sturdier build and ability to fold into a compact ball for easier travel without a case. Its core strengths include a dynamic, detail-rich sound, a 30-hour standard battery life matching the XM5, and a cheaper price point around £200 / $300. Its sound profile is thick...

The Sony WH-1000XM5 outperforms the XM4 in noise cancellation, battery life (over 31 hours), and passive isolation, while offering faster charging. However, a major design drawback is that the XM5 does not fold, resulting in a larger carrying case and reduced portability compared to its predecessor. YouTube· The Sony WH-1000XM4 remains a strong, value-focused alternative due to its fully collapsible, portable design and lower price point. While the XM4 lacks the superior ANC performance and long battery life of the newer model, it retains the same excellent smart features and, for many, offers better value.

Review Summary The Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones retain the winning formula of their predecessor while delivering key structural and smart feature upgrades. Physically, they offer enhanced comfort through a slimmer headband cushion and wider earpads, yet manage to weigh 1g less than the XM3. The audio performance is highly impressive across the entire frequency range, utilizing 40mm polymer drivers and Bluetooth 5.0 to reveal expansive soundstage detail, deep bass control, and crisp treble. Notable smart feature pros include the intuitive "speak-to-chat" capability—which automatically pauses music and amplifies external sound when you talk—and an upgraded Bluetooth Audio system-on-chip that samples ambient surroundings over 700 times per second for adaptive noise cancellation. They also boast a robust 30-hour battery life with a quick-charge option yielding 5 hours of playback from a 10-minute USB-C charge. Despite these advancements, the headphones carry a few notable limitations. Visually, the design changes are minimal, making the WH-1000XM4 virtually identical to the older model at a glance. The reviewer notes minor, theoretical missteps regarding supported audio codecs, and marks the "adaptive sound control" feature as merely useful...

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The review by Jack Needham on Stuff pits the Sony WH-1000XM5Go to product viewer dialog for this item. against its predecessor, the WH-1000XM4Go to product viewer dialog for this item., to evaluate whether the upgrade is truly worth the extra investment. The WH-1000XM5 boasts significant pros, including a completely reimagined, ultra-smooth aesthetic crafted from eco-friendly recycled plastics, a highly precise 30mm carbon fibre-composite driver that provides rich, beautifully detailed audio, and improved microphones that ensure superior hands-free call clarity. Additionally, its active noise cancellation (ANC) has been upgraded to target higher frequencies automatically through the Sony Headphones app's Adaptive Sound Control. However, the M5 model comes with notable cons; unlike the M4, its rigid frame cannot fold, forcing it to sit flatly in a much larger carrying case, and the physical buttons for power and ANC controls are poorly repositioned on the left earcup, making them prone to accidental presses.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones earn a stellar 9.1 overall score by delivering exceptional sound quality and highly advanced smart features in a sleek, lightweight design. The audio performance is a major highlight, offering deep, tight, and well-defined bass alongside balanced mid-ranges and incredibly detailed highs. Comfort is another significant pro; due to their lightweight build and redesigned plush padding, users can comfortably wear them for an eight-hour workday without issue. Furthermore, they introduce highly requested upgrades like Bluetooth 5.0 multi-point support for dual-device pairing, a robust 30-to-38-hour battery life, and an automatic ambient mode that activates when you speak. Despite these high marks, the review identifies a few notable cons and areas for improvement. Visually, the design is nearly identical to the older XM3 model, making the aesthetic feel somewhat repetitive. The new "speak-to-chat" feature frequently mis-triggers, automatically pausing music and turning on ambient mode from basic vocal disruptions like singing or sneezing. Additionally, the companion application fails to remember previous user preferences, forcing users to manually turn off active noise cancellation (ANC) every time the headphones power back...

The CNN Underscored review by Jacob Krol highlights the Sony WH-1000XM4 as an outstanding successor to the XM3s, maintaining a retail price of $349.99 while introducing valuable hardware and software upgrades. The core strengths (pros) outlined in the review focus on its class-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), which combines the QN1 processor and a dual-chip system to block out environmental sounds and higher-frequency human voices 700 times per second. Additional advantages include vibrant, three-dimensional audio quality enhanced by DSEE Extreme upscaling, a lighter design with softer ear cup padding for extended comfort, and an excellent 30-hour battery life complete with USB-C fast charging. On the technical side, the review praises the inclusion of multipoint Bluetooth pairing for connecting two devices simultaneously and intelligent user features like Speak-to-Chat and automatic wear-detection sensors that instantly pause playback when the headphones are removed. Despite the glowing recommendation, the review points out a few drawbacks (cons). The design features a mostly plastic build, which the author notes feels underwhelmingly cheap for a premium $349.99 price tag. Furthermore, while the upgraded five-microphone setup provides clear...

Review Summary The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones represent a significant, minimalist redesign that prioritizes extreme comfort through a lightweight build, memory foam padding, and balanced clamping pressure. They deliver top-tier, well-balanced audio quality across multiple genres—from heavy bass tracks to crisp rock and clean pop—complemented by market-leading noise cancellation powered by eight exterior microphones and the V1 processor. Users also benefit from an impressive battery life and intuitive, touch-based earcup controls, including a convenient "Quick Attention" mode to instantly hear surroundings. Despite their near-flawless performance, the headphones come with clear drawbacks, notably a steep premium price tag of £379. A major design flaw is that they can no longer fold down into a compact format, allowing the earcups to only rotate flat, which makes them less portable and harder to pack without their case. However, if budget is not an issue, their combination of exceptional sound, comfort, and elite noise isolation makes them one of the best overall daily packages on the market.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer top-tier, all-around performance highlighted by an incredibly wide soundstage and excellent sound customization through eight effective app presets and manual EQ adjustments. They feature outstanding active noise cancellation (ANC) that blocks 31 decibels of sound, virtually eliminating monotonous low- and mid-frequency background hums. Additionally, they deliver world-class call quality by utilizing eight microphones and two processors to keep the caller's voice loud and clear, even when strolling through exceptionally rowdy environments like subways or busy airports. Strong Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity further elevates the user experience by supporting Google Fast Pair and seamless Multipoint switching between dual devices. Despite these strengths, the headphones come with notable drawbacks, starting with an expensive $400 list price and an unimpressive 25-hour tested battery life, which falls significantly short of the 39-hour market average. The physical fit is also limited; while the stepless headband slider allows fine-tuning, the overall frame is too large for smaller or narrow heads, creating a downward force that makes the earcups shift or slide off completely. Furthermore, the soft leatherette ear pads easily trap heat...

Overview and Key Enhancements The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones serve as a premium upgrade over the older WH-1000XM4, offering notable advancements in a sleek, redesigned package. While both models retain an identical 30-hour battery life and include the same robust feature set—such as multipoint connectivity and customizable EQ via the Sony app—the XM5 stand out with a lighter, better-balanced fit and smoother synthetic leather padding. In terms of raw performance, the newer model delivers tighter bass response, greater dynamic audio clarity, and ultra-clear microphone call quality even in windy conditions. Furthermore, its adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC) leverages eight microphones to drastically suppress high and low frequencies without creating annoying background white noise. Trade-offs and Value Verdict Despite these premium enhancements, the WH-1000XM5 introduces clear design trade-offs that favor the older model for specific use cases. Unlike the highly flexible, folding construction of the WH-1000XM4, the XM5’s ear cups only rotate and do not fold inward, resulting in a significantly larger, longer carrying case that is less convenient for packing into tight luggage. Price is another massive factor; the XM5 retail...

According to RTINGS.com, the Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones are a versatile, comfortable choice for travel and office use, boasting incredible active noise cancellation and a 37-hour continuous battery life. While the default sound profile offers heavy bass that can be adjusted via a comprehensive app, the headphones are designed for long-term comfort rather than stability. Conversely, the WH-1000XM4s suffer from a disappointing, muffled microphone performance, making them poor for calls in noisy environments. Furthermore, the closed-back design traps heat, rendering them unsuitable for sports, and they exhibit high latency that renders them ineffective for gaming.

The SoundGuys review rates the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones as an excellent, premium option featuring top-tier active noise cancellation (ANC), Bluetooth multipoint, and support for SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs. Key strengths include effective attenuation of low-frequency sounds, automatic pausing functionality, and a highly portable design. Conversely, the review notes that the battery life is slightly lower than the predecessor, and the double-tap gesture control for pausing is inconsistent. Additional limitations include restricted functionality of the custom physical button and a slightly less comfortable fit during long listening sessions.

Trusted Reviews awarded the Sony WH-1000XM4 a perfect 5-star rating, citing top-tier active noise cancellation, detailed audio quality, and a comfortable design as major pros. The headphones feature intelligent functionality, including Speak-to-Chat and Bluetooth multipoint pairing, offering exceptional value. While the design is identical to its predecessor and lacks water resistance, the 30-hour battery life and competitive price point make them a strong, recommended choice over newer, more expensive alternatives.