Sony WH-1000XM5 Two-Years Later Review: Still Worth BUYING In 2024?

Summary

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are still regarded as some of the best in the market, offering excellent build quality, comfort, top-notch active noise cancelling, and great sound. With features like adaptive sound control, a customizable equalizer, and immersive 360 Reality Audio, they continue to satisfy most users. However, they fall short in connectivity options, lacking newer Bluetooth codecs like Snapdragon Sound and USB-C audio, which may be a dealbreaker for audiophiles. Overall, the WH-1000XM5 remains a strong choice for those who value comfort and performance, but newer models might appeal to those seeking the latest audio technology.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are considered the 'Thanos' of noise-canceling headphones, frequently mentioned as one of the best options by various sources.
• 😀 Despite being released two years ago, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are still seen as one of the top choices for noise-canceling headphones.
• 😀 The headphones have an excellent build quality with a lighter and more comfortable design compared to their predecessor, the XM4.
• 😀 The ear cups are deeper, making the XM5 more comfortable for people with larger ears or bigger heads.
• 😀 The Sony Headphones Connect app provides extensive features like equalizers, ambient sound controls, and adaptive noise canceling.
• 😀 The XM5 headphones deliver strong active noise cancellation (ANC), reducing outside noise by about 84%, making them ideal for travelers, commuters, and office workers.
• 😀 The sound quality is great for most listeners, aligning well with Sony's preferred frequency response curve, although some may find the bass and treble a bit emphasized.
• 😀 The headphones provide customization options to adjust the bass and treble to individual preferences through the app.
• 😀 While the XM5 has great ANC, it lacks advanced Bluetooth codecs like Snapdragon sound and APTX Lossless, which can be a disadvantage for audiophiles seeking high-quality wireless audio.
• 😀 The connection options for the XM5 are limited, with support only for SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs, but the connection itself is generally stable and reliable in most environments.
• 😀 Despite these connection limitations, the Sony WH-1000XM5 remains a strong contender in the market, especially if you're not concerned about lossless audio streaming.

Q & A

Why are the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones compared to Thanos?

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are compared to Thanos because they dominate the noise-cancelling headphones market, with almost every review and website mentioning them as one of the best options available.

What are the four main reasons why the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are still considered the best?

The four main reasons are: 1) excellent build quality and comfort, 2) great software support via the Sony Headphones Connect app, 3) strong active noise cancelling (ANC) performance, and 4) great sound quality.

How does the build quality of the WH-1000XM5 compare to its predecessor?

The WH-1000XM5 is lighter and feels less durable than its predecessor (the WH-1000XM4), with a thinner headband and hollow construction, but still offers excellent comfort for extended listening sessions.

What makes the WH-1000XM5 comfortable for long periods of use?

The comfort comes from its lightweight design, plush ear pads, and deeper ear cups, which accommodate larger ears and heads better than previous models like the WH-1000XM4.

What features does the Sony Headphones Connect app offer for customization?

The app offers features like an equalizer for sound fine-tuning, adaptive sound controls for adjusting ANC and ambient sound, and options for setting up 360 Reality Audio for immersive listening experiences.

How effective is the active noise cancelling (ANC) performance of the WH-1000XM5?

The WH-1000XM5 reduces external noise by about 84%, making it effective at blocking out sounds like airplane engines, subway noises, and office chatter. While it falls short of the Bose QC Ultra, it outperforms the AirPods Max.

Does the sound quality of the WH-1000XM5 headphones meet general listener preferences?

Yes, the sound quality closely aligns with the preferred frequency response for most people, with a slight emphasis on bass and treble. The app allows users to adjust these settings for a more balanced sound.

What is one potential issue with the WH-1000XM5 headphones for audiophiles?

The main issue for audiophiles is the limited connection options. The headphones support Bluetooth 5.2 and basic codecs (SBC, AAC, LDAC) but lack support for higher-quality audio streaming, such as APTX Lossless or Snapdragon Sound, which limits wireless audio fidelity.

Why might the lack of USB-C audio be a downside for the WH-1000XM5?

The absence of USB-C audio makes the WH-1000XM5 less future-proof compared to newer models that offer USB-C or support for higher-quality wired audio connections.

Should you still buy the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones in 2024?

Yes, the WH-1000XM5 still holds up as a top choice for most users due to its great design, comfort, ANC, and sound quality. However, if lossless audio over Bluetooth is important to you, newer models like the Sonos Ace might be better suited.