Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones, Auto NC Optimizer, 30-Hour Battery, Alexa Voice Control, Black
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AI Verdict
These are 8.8-ounce Bluetooth headphones with 30-hour battery life and dual-processor, eight-microphone active noise cancellation, ideal for focused listening and clear calls in loud environments.
These headphones offer exceptional noise cancellation with two processors and eight microphones, making them a strong choice for blocking out environmental noise. However, the non-folding design and potential for ear discomfort due to shallow earcups mean they aren't universally ideal for all users or travel scenarios.
If portability and a perfectly neutral sound profile are higher priorities, look for headphones with a collapsible design and a flatter frequency response out of the box.
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Pros
- Industry-leading active noise cancellation powered by two processors and eight microphones effectively silences low-frequency hums.
- Offers up to 30 hours of playback time on a single charge, with a quick charge option providing 3 hours of playback from just 3 minutes of charging.
- Crystal clear hands-free calling, even in noisy environments, due to four beamforming microphones and advanced audio signal processing.
- Lightweight 8.8-ounce design and soft fit leather contribute to comfort during extended wear.
- Supports multipoint Bluetooth pairing, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices like a phone and computer.
- Intuitive touch controls on the earcups manage music playback, calls, and voice assistant activation.
Cons
- The sound profile is bass-heavy out of the box, with recessed mids and highs, often requiring manual EQ adjustments for a balanced listening experience.
- The non-folding design means the included hard-shell carrying case is larger, making it less compact for travel compared to models that collapse.
- Shallow earcups can cause ears to touch the internal fabric, leading to discomfort and heat buildup for some users during long listening sessions.
- Adaptive Sound Control, which automatically adjusts noise cancellation, can be annoying with frequent profile switching notifications.
- Some users have reported concerns about hinge durability and material peeling near the hinges after prolonged use.
Dimension Scores
The sound profile is bass-heavy and often requires EQ adjustments to achieve a balanced sound, with mids and highs sometimes recessed out of the box.
Equipped with two processors and eight microphones, the active noise cancellation is highly effective, especially against low-frequency droning noises.
The 8.8-ounce lightweight design and soft fit leather contribute to comfort, though shallow earcups can cause ears to touch the inside for some users, leading to discomfort after an hour.
The headphones provide a substantial 30 hours of battery life with ANC on, and a quick 3-minute charge yields 3 hours of playback.
Best For
- Commuters needing to block out constant low-frequency noise from airplane engines or train rumbles.
- Individuals working in open offices or busy coffee shops who require deep focus without external distractions.
- Frequent travelers who prioritize long battery life and rapid charging capabilities.
- Professionals needing reliable, clear hands-free communication in varied, potentially noisy, environments.
Not Recommended For
- Audiophiles seeking a neutral, uncolored sound signature without needing to apply custom EQ settings.
- Users who require a highly compact, collapsible headphone design for minimal bag space during travel.
- Individuals with larger ears or those sensitive to ear warmth during extended wear due to shallow earcup depth.
Watch Out For
- The headphones do not fold, meaning the included hard-shell case is significantly larger than previous models, making it less convenient for compact storage in bags.
- Out-of-the-box sound quality is often described as bass-heavy with muddled details in complex tracks, requiring users to tweak EQ settings for a more balanced sound.
- Ears can touch the inside of the shallow earcups, leading to discomfort and potential soreness after about an hour of continuous wear for some users.
- Material peeling near the hinges has been observed by users after two years, though it typically doesn't impact functionality.
- The Adaptive Sound Control feature, while functional, can be distracting with its audible notifications when switching between sound profiles.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B09XS7JWHH |
| Style | Headphones |
| Units | 1.0 Count |
| Material | Leather, Metal, Plastic |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Generation | 5 |
| Model Name | WH-1000XM5 |
| Item Weight | 8.8 ounces |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB |
| Battery Life | 30 Hours |
| Control Type | Voice Control |
| Manufacturer | Sony |
| Release date | May 20, 2022 |
| Type of item | Electronics |
| Audio Latency | 200 Milliseconds |
| Cable Feature | Without Cable |
| Charging Time | 3.5 Hours |
| Noise Control | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Series Number | 5 |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Earpiece Shape | Circle |
| Bluetooth Range | 10 Meters |
| Controller Type | Bluetooth |
| Headphones Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | 8 microphones, Auto Noise Canceling Optimizer, Carrying Case, Multipoint connection, Touch Control, Wearing detection |
| Audio Driver Size | 30 Millimeters |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Item model number | XM5BK |
| Compatible Devices | Desktops, Laptops, Smart Speaker, Tablets, Telephones |
| Frequency Response | 2.4 GHz |
| Hardware Interface | USB Type C |
| Product Dimensions | 8.85 x 3.03 x 10.36 inches; 8.82 ounces |
| Included Components | Headphone cable (approx. 1.2 m (47.25 in.)), Headphones, Protective Case, USB Type-C cable (USB-A to USB-C) (approx. 20 cm (7.88 in.)) |
| Customer Package Type | FFP |
| Carrying Case Material | plastic |
| Input Device Interface | Bluetooth, Audio jack |
| Noise Control Features | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Specific Uses For Product | Entertainment |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Calling |
| Supports Bluetooth Technology | Yes |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 04548736132627 |
What Buyers Say
Many users find that while the noise cancellation is top-tier, the sound quality out of the box is surprisingly underwhelming, often needing significant EQ adjustments to sound balanced. The non-folding design is a recurring point of contention, making the carrying case bulky and less travel-friendly than previous models. Despite these points, the comfort for extended wear is frequently praised, attributed to the lightweight build and soft earcups, though some experience ear contact with the drivers. The call quality is a definite upgrade, with voices coming through clearly even in noisy settings.
“Honestly, the noise canceling is insane, like, airplane hum just vanishes, but the sound? Kinda flat until I messed with the EQ for ages. And seriously, why can't these things fold up? The case is a brick in my bag!”
Common Praise
- Blocks out airplane engine noise and other low-frequency sounds almost completely.
- Voice calls are clear and crisp, even when there's background noise.
- The headphones feel light and comfortable for hours, making them suitable for long listening sessions.
- Battery lasts a full 30 hours with ANC, and the quick charge feature is a lifesaver for last-minute use.
- Touch controls on the earcups are responsive and easy to use for managing music and calls.
- Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity allows seamless switching between a phone and laptop.
Common Complaints
- Sound quality is too bass-heavy and lacks clarity in the mids and highs without custom EQ settings.
- The headphones don't fold up, making the case much larger and less convenient to pack than the XM4s.
- Ears touch the inside of the earcups, causing discomfort and heat after about an hour of wear.
- Adaptive Sound Control's automatic adjustments and notification dings can be distracting.
- Concerns about the long-term durability of the hinges and material peeling near them.
- Transparency mode sounds somewhat muffled, not as natural as some competitors.
Ownership Tips
- After a few weeks, you'll probably find yourself spending time in the app tweaking the EQ to get the sound just right, especially if you're not a fan of heavy bass.
- The non-folding design means you'll need to dedicate a significant amount of space in your bag for the large carrying case, which can be a hassle for daily commutes.
- You might notice your ears getting warm or touching the inside of the earcups after an hour or two, which can become uncomfortable during longer listening periods.
- The Adaptive Sound Control feature, while clever, often gets turned off because the constant switching and notification dings are more annoying than helpful.
- The build, while feeling premium, has some long-term concerns about hinge integrity and material wear near the joints, so handle them with care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Sony WH-1000XM5 waterproof?
No, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are not waterproof and are not recommended for use in wet environments like rain or showers, as this can cause electrical damage.
Do these headphones fold for portability?
The earcups on the Sony WH-1000XM5 fold flat, but the headphones do not collapse completely like some previous models, resulting in a larger carrying case.
How long does the battery last on a single charge?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers up to 30 hours of playback time with active noise cancellation enabled.
Can I connect these headphones to more than one device at a time?
Yes, these headphones support multipoint Bluetooth pairing, allowing you to connect them to two devices simultaneously and switch between them.
Is the call quality clear, especially in noisy places?
Yes, the Sony WH-1000XM5 features four beamforming microphones and advanced audio signal processing to ensure your voice is heard clearly during hands-free calls, even in noisy environments.
Do the headphones come with a carrying case?
Yes, the Sony WH-1000XM5 includes a premium hard-shell carrying case that also has a compartment for the charging and stereo cables.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at headphones like these, you're mostly paying for how well they can silence the world around you and how long they last on a charge. Don't just look at the brand; consider if you need them to fold up small or if you're okay with a bigger case. Also, think about how picky you are with sound – some headphones sound amazing right out of the box, others need a little tweaking in an app to hit their stride.
Noise Cancellation (NC)
This is how much external sound the headphones can block out. Higher-end models use multiple microphones and processors to create 'anti-noise,' making a noisy airplane cabin sound like a quiet room. It's like having your own personal quiet bubble.
Battery Life
Measured in hours, this tells you how long you can listen before needing to recharge. For travel or long workdays, more hours means less worrying about finding an outlet. A quick charge feature is like a fast pit stop for your headphones.
Weight
Expressed in ounces or grams, this impacts how comfortable the headphones feel on your head over many hours. Lighter headphones often cause less fatigue, especially if you wear them all day, like wearing a light hat versus a heavy helmet.
Bluetooth Connectivity
This is how your headphones wirelessly connect to your devices. Look for features like 'multipoint' if you want to seamlessly switch between your phone and laptop without constantly re-pairing, like having two remote controls for one TV.
Alternatives
If a more compact, folding design is essential, search for headphones that explicitly state 'collapsible' or 'foldable' in their descriptions. For a more neutral sound profile without needing EQ, look for reviews that emphasize 'balanced audio' or 'flat frequency response' out of the box.
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