Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones Review

The headphones come with a case, three ear tips, and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones are easy to pair right out of the package, but you will have to download Sony Headphones Connect to unlock some of its cool features.

The app's EQ allows you to customize the sound profile of your headphones and also can work with Sony 360 Reality Audio. It also has a convenient "speak-to-chat" feature.

Sound

Sony wireless headsets are among the most powerful and immersive on the market regardless of whether you opt for over-ear headphones, in-ear headsets or neckbands. A majority of their models support aptX HD and Hi-Res audio. Their noise cancellation technology lets you be completely immersed in your music and Headphones In Ear podcasts.

Their Bluetooth wireless headphones provide crystal clear high notes with balanced mid-range tones and warm bass tones. They also include an EQ in the Headphones Connect app for further personalization. Some of their models have a touch-sensitive sensor that allows you to control the playback of music or calls without having to touch the headphones.

The majority of their wireless headphones are compatible with iOS and Android devices. They can be connected using the standard method or via NFC. The USB cable included in the package can be used to connect them to the mobile phone.

The WF-C500's headphones may not be as attractive as other Sony headphones however they provide better audio quality for a lower price. The noise cancellation capabilities are quite good and they come with the capacity to last up to 10 hours. They are compatible with the Headphones Connect App and can support different audio formats including Hi-Res Audio, 360 Reality Audio and many more.

The Sony WI-1000XM2 Bluetooth wireless earbuds are among the most effective in their class If you're looking for a pair that delivers the best bass response. These wireless earbuds feature the same QN1 processor that is used in Sony's flagship earbuds, and they support a variety of audio codecs including aptXHD and LDAC. These earbuds also have advanced features like Quick Alert and Transparency Mode that can be activated either by pressing the right earcup or raising your hand.

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 are top-quality noise-cancelling headsets that offer outstanding audio quality and a full sound profile. The headsets are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They have physical controls instead of tap and swipe ear cup gestures you find on other Sony Bluetooth headsets. Their Bluetooth connection is not always reliable at times and they do not support an alternate wired connection.

Design

Sony has a broad selection of wireless headphones to suit all kinds of music lovers. The headsets are available in various earbuds and over ear headphones-ear designs, and are available in pink, black white, and other colors. They come in wired and wireless models, and offer various features, including noise-cancelling technology and Bluetooth connectivity. Many of the headphones are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant as well as Siri voice control.

The WH-1000XM5 are the latest version of Sony's renowned wireless noise-canceling headphones. These premium headphones for over-ear use are a bit of a change from their predecessors in terms of look however they retain the same high-quality sound and comfort.

Similar to their predecessors, the XM5s come with a pair of 30mm mica-reinforced full-range cellular drivers that produce clear and detailed audio. The Earcups are also smaller to lessen weight, making them a little more comfortable to wear. The headband is made of soft artificial leather and scattered with memory foam, making the XM5s one of the most comfortable pair around.

The XM5s are a high-end wireless headphone, competing with the Bose QC35 II, Apple AirPods Max and other top brands. They compete with high-end headphones like Bang & Olufsen, Montblanc and more. However, the XM5s are more affordable and perform better.

For those who aren't willing to pay the hefty price of the XM5s, there are the WH-C500 earbuds that are less expensive. These earbuds are a lot cheaper than their higher-end counterparts, yet they provide excellent audio quality and excellent noise cancellation. They are also compatible with the Sony Headphones App to allow you to customize settings on EQ, and can be connected to two devices simultaneously.

The WHSP800N is another great pair of Sony headphones. It's great for athletes, commuters, and people who work a lot at the office or at home. These wireless earbuds are lightweight and compact, and headphones In ear have an impressive battery of up to 17-hours. They're a bit more cumbersome to wear than other truly wireless headphones, but they're still very comfortable to use for long periods of time.

Noise Cancellation

If it's the low-pitched hum of an airplane's engine, or your neighbor's chatty co-worker the noise cancellation feature is essential in any good pair of headphones in Ear. The WH1000XM5s do not disappoint, as they have excellent active noise cancellation that reduces the majority of unwanted sounds that you hear in your environment. The headband is padded, curved and fits around your ears. It seals you off from the outside world by creating an acoustic enclosure that blocks out low-frequency noises like background noises and air conditioning conversations.

Sony's noise canceling also does a very good job of removing high-frequency sounds, like clanging dishware or other ambient conversations. However, there is a limit to the amount you can block out, and a large part of that limitation comes down to the environment around you. The WH1000XM5s block the steady rumble of a jet engine, but not a screeching brake system or your seatmate's animated conversations. Passive isolation is a better option.

If you're looking to block out additional noise, there are various settings available. You can alter the EQ of the headphones by using the Headphones Connect App or a third party equalizer. You can also utilize the programmable button located on the left earcup to set three "favorite levels" for noise cancellation. You can toggle between 10 different ANC levels with a single button.

The headphones wireless sony feature Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint and support SBC, AAC, and Sony's LDAC codec for high-res audio streaming (if you connect to compatible devices). If you own an older tablet or smartphone then the headphones will default to SBC. This is for stability.

For a top-tier pair of headphones, you're getting the top-quality Bluetooth codes, excellent sound quality, and enhanced noise cancellation. This makes the WH-1000XM5s an excellent choice, particularly if you already have a previous version of the headphones and are looking to upgrade. These are the top headphones that can cancel out noise. They're the most durable pair of headphones we've reviewed in recent years and they're a great choice for those who commute a lot.

Battery Life

The battery life is essential for true wireless earbuds. Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones deliver up to 30 hours of playback and noise cancellation. This is more than enough for the majority users and surpasses the specs of similar Bluetooth earbuds.

The earbuds come with a clever charging case that keeps them charged even when they are not being used. This allows you to keep your listening sessions going throughout the day. The earbuds also feature rapid charging technology, which can give you up to three hours of music in just 10 minutes.

When the case is closed the earbuds automatically turn off and enter power saving mode, which can extend battery life more. You can alter the sound settings of your headset such as DSEE HX Auto and Equalizer through the Headphones Connect app to get the most enjoyment from your listening experience. However, be aware that the operating time will reduce when quality audio settings are enabled.

The WH1000XM5 headphones can be used with Bluetooth 5.2 that includes LDAC audio streaming. They work with a range of Bluetooth devices. The headphones also come with a 3.5mm audio cable, so you can listen to your favorite songs in analog format.

The earbuds come with controls for phone calls and audio on both sides. By a single tap you can play or pause your music on the right earbud. You can also swiftly switch between ANC and transparency modes by the double-tap. The left earbud features an integrated microphone to make calls to the phone. It can be used to mute or answer calls.

The earbuds can also be used with Sony's Headphones Connect app, which allows you to customize audio settings, manage Bluetooth connections, and receive updates and useful tips. The app has a variety of preset listening options, and also the option of manually altering DSEE and Equalizer settings. This is a fantastic feature for those who like to listen to podcasts and music while on the go. The app is free to download for Android and iOS smartphones. Some reviewers found the app difficult to use and confusing.