The Sony WH-1000XM5 are wireless headphones weighing approximately 250 grams, with active noise cancellation and the ability to connect to two devices at once. They are designed for listening to music and making calls while working or travelling.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are wireless headphones weighing approximately 250 grams, with active noise cancellation and the ability to connect to two devices at once. They are designed for listening to music and making calls while working or travelling.
Design and comfort
The closed-back design covers the ears and helps reduce the amount of outside noise reaching them. The soft synthetic material, called Soft Fit Leather, provides a comfortable surface against the skin. The relatively low weight is helpful for longer listening sessions, although comfort also depends on head shape and personal preference.
Battery life and charging
The headphones offer up to 38 hours of playback. Actual battery life depends on usage and settings, including whether active noise cancellation is switched on.
A three-minute quick charge can provide up to three hours of playback. The result also depends on the power source used. Charging is via USB-C, so a standard cable with this connector can be used.
Noise cancellation and calls
Active noise cancellation is handled by two processors and eight microphones. Auto NC Optimizer adjusts ANC to the surroundings and how the headphones are worn, without manual adjustment. It can reduce distracting background noise when travelling or working.
Four beamforming microphones capture the user's voice during calls. They help pick it up in noisier surroundings, which is useful for phone calls and video conferences. How clearly the voice comes through also depends on the surrounding noise.
Sound and supported technologies
The WH-1000XM5 use 30 mm drivers in a closed-back design. The stated frequency range is 4 to 40,000 Hz and sensitivity is 102 dB; these figures alone do not determine sound quality in everyday listening.
The headphones support Hi-Res Audio and the LDAC, AAC and SBC codecs. DSEE Extreme processes compressed audio to make it sound more detailed, but it cannot guarantee the restoration of all information lost during compression.
Connectivity and controls
Multipoint allows the headphones to connect to two devices at once, such as a computer and a phone, making it easier to switch between them. Playback can be controlled using touch-sensitive surfaces on the ear cups without reaching for a phone.
Speak-to-Chat responds to the user's speech, and the headphones can also pause playback automatically when removed. These features are useful for a short conversation or an interruption to listening.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 combine long battery life with noise cancellation and features for working across multiple devices. When considering them, it's worth thinking about fit and comfort, as well as the conditions in which you'll use them.