With the WH-1000XM5, Sony has presented its new flagship headphones. In addition to even better active noise cancellation, the sound of the Sony headphones is said to have improved – which is noticeable in the increased price.
Sony WH-1000XM5: New headphones with strong ANC
After the popular WH-1000XM4 model from 2020, a successor is available with the WH-1000XM5 headphones. A direct comparison shows that Sony has changed the design and materials again after a long time. Among other things, one is new synthetic soft-fit leather with the ear pads, which should ensure an even more comfortable fit. The headphones weigh 250 grams.
The previous model was already considered a reference when it came to the active noise cancellation (ANC) goes. According to Sony, it has gone a step further here in order to block out ambient noise even more effectively with anti-noise. The WH-1000XM5 has eight instead of four external microphones. Wind shouldn’t be a problem either. The two ANC processors also adapt to the respective listening habits of the wearer. A transparency mode is also included, which can be activated briefly by hand on the earpiece.
According to Sony, the Battery life with ANC on 30 hours, when switched off 40 hours. The headphones are charged via USB-C, the charging process takes 3.5 hours (source: Sony), charging is via USB-C cable.
Instead of Bluetooth 5.0, the Sony WH-1000XM5 already comes with it Bluetooth 5.2 used, but the headphones are of course downward compatible. The Bluetooth codecs SBC, AAC and LDAC are supported as well as a multipoint function. Compressed music should also sound noticeably better via Sony’s “DSEE Extreme”.
A small downside: The XM5 can no longer be folded up like the headphones of the previous generations – this also means that the carrying case has become significantly larger.
More about the Sony WH-1000XM5 in the video:
Sony WH-1000XM5 for 419 euros
For its new flagship headphones, Sony wants 419 euros have, the predecessor went on sale for 379 euros. Those interested can pre-order the WH-1000XM5 in black and gray variants now (view it on Amazon) for delivery from May 20, 2022. A carrying case is included in the package.