Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5: A Comparison

When it comes to premium noise-canceling headphones, Sony’s WH-1000XM series is undeniably one of the most popular and well-regarded names on the market. With their superior sound quality, comfort, and cutting-edge technology, both the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5 have earned their place as top contenders in the audio industry. However, with the release of the WH-1000XM5, many potential buyers are left wondering whether the new model is worth the upgrade or if the WH-1000XM4 still holds its ground. In this report, we’ll compare the two models side by side, breaking down their key features, performance, and value for money, to help you decide which one suits your needs best.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphone

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones offer an exceptional listening experience with a combination of premium features, including outstanding noise cancellation and superb sound quality. The noise cancellation is powered by Dual Noise Sensor technology, effectively blocking out ambient noise, which makes these headphones ideal for travel, commuting, or any noisy environment. Additionally, the sound quality is rich and clear, with Edge AI enhancing the music by upscaling compressed audio in real time. The battery life is also impressive, providing up to 30 hours of playtime, and a quick 10-minute charge delivers 5 hours of playback. These headphones are also equipped with touch sensor controls, allowing users to pause music, skip tracks, and control volume with ease, all while keeping the design sleek and user-friendly.

However, despite the many positives, the WH-1000XM4 does have a few drawbacks. Some users report occasional connectivity issues, especially when trying to pair with multiple devices simultaneously. Additionally, while the noise cancellation and sound quality are praised, there are a few who experience occasional glitches with the microphone during calls, leading to unclear audio. Lastly, the headphones’ premium price point may be a bit steep for those on a budget. Still, the WH-1000XM4’s overall performance makes it one of the top contenders in the noise-canceling headphone market.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Active noise cancellation with Dual Noise Sensor technology.
2. Up to 30 hours of battery life with fast charging.
3. Touch sensor controls for easy music and call management.
4. Speak-to-chat feature for automatic volume reduction during conversations.
5. Multipoint connection for seamless switching between devices.

Pros:

1. Excellent noise cancellation for immersive listening.
2. Long battery life, with quick charge functionality.
3. Superior sound quality enhanced by Edge AI.
4. Comfortable design for extended use.
5. Clear call quality with five built-in microphones.

Cons:

1. Connectivity issues with multiple devices.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphone

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones deliver an exceptional listening experience, combining powerful noise cancellation with superior sound quality. Featuring dual processors that control eight microphones, these headphones effectively block out external noise, allowing users to immerse themselves fully in their music or calls. The sound quality is crystal clear, with an added benefit of precise sound staging, thanks to the new Integrated Processor V1. For those who frequently take calls, the four beamforming microphones ensure that your voice is picked up clearly even in noisy environments. The long-lasting 30-hour battery life and quick charging options—3 hours of playback from just a 3-minute charge—make these headphones perfect for daily use or travel, providing uninterrupted music and hands-free calling.

Despite these impressive features, the WH-1000XM5 does have a few drawbacks. While the overall comfort is praised by some users, others report discomfort from the headband, particularly during extended use. Additionally, the build quality, although lightweight and portable, has received mixed feedback, with some customers noting the headphones feel fragile due to their ultra-thin plastic construction. The intuitive touch controls offer great convenience, but some users may find them prone to accidental activation.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Advanced noise cancellation with dual processors and eight microphones.
2. Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3-minute charge for 3 hours of playback).
3. Crystal-clear hands-free calling with four beamforming microphones.
4. Lightweight, comfortable design with soft fit leather for all-day wear.
5. Touch controls for easy music and call management.

Pros:

1. Excellent noise cancellation for an immersive experience.
2. Superior sound quality with precise separation and sound staging.
3. Long battery life with a fast charging option.
4. Comfortable for extended use, with a lightweight design.
5. Clear hands-free calling, even in noisy environments.

Cons:

1. Comfort is subjective; some users find the headband uncomfortable.

Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Sony’s WH-1000XM series has earned its reputation as one of the best wireless noise-canceling headphones on the market, with each new iteration offering improvements in sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort. The WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5 are the latest models in this series, both featuring advanced technology designed to enhance your listening experience.

Noise Cancellation

Both the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5 offer excellent noise cancellation, but the XM5 takes it a step further. The WH-1000XM4 utilizes a combination of Dual Noise Sensor technology and adaptive noise cancellation, while the WH-1000XM5 improves upon this with dual processors controlling eight microphones. This setup in the XM5 allows for more precise and efficient noise cancellation, especially in varying environments. Customers often note that the XM5’s noise cancellation feels more immersive, reducing background noise even in louder settings like planes or busy streets.

The improved microphone array in the WH-1000XM5 also contributes to better call quality and noise isolation during phone calls. Although the XM4 performs admirably in this area, the additional microphones and enhanced processing in the XM5 lead to clearer calls, even in noisy environments.

Sound Quality

Both models deliver exceptional sound quality, but the WH-1000XM5 is designed to provide a slightly richer and more detailed listening experience. With the introduction of the new Integrated Processor V1 in the XM5, the sound quality is further refined, offering precise separation and better sound staging. The WH-1000XM4, while still offering excellent sound, doesn’t have the same level of clarity and depth that the XM5 achieves, particularly when listening to high-resolution audio files.

Both headphones support the DSEE Extreme (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) for upscaling compressed music files in real-time, which helps to restore lost detail and improve overall sound quality. However, the improved audio processing capabilities of the XM5 make it the better choice for audiophiles seeking the most accurate sound.

Comfort and Build Quality

When it comes to comfort, both the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5 offer a lightweight and ergonomic design with soft ear cups and a comfortable headband. However, the XM5 features an updated design that further improves comfort by reducing pressure during long listening sessions. The WH-1000XM4, although comfortable for most users, has a slightly bulkier feel and some users report discomfort from the headband after extended use.

In terms of build quality, both headphones are made with premium materials, though the WH-1000XM5 is made with a more refined design. While the WH-1000XM4’s construction is solid, some users have pointed out that the XM5 feels more durable and less prone to wear and tear, thanks to its smoother matte finish and redesigned hinges.

Battery Life and Charging

Both models offer impressive battery life, with the WH-1000XM4 providing up to 30 hours of playback on a full charge. The WH-1000XM5 also offers 30 hours of battery life, but with the added benefit of a quick charge feature—just 3 minutes of charging provides up to 3 hours of playback. This makes the XM5 the better choice for users who need quick power-ups during short breaks.

Both headphones also include a USB Type-C cable for charging, and they offer similar long-lasting battery performance for full-day use. However, the quick charging capabilities of the WH-1000XM5 give it a slight edge for users who are constantly on the go and need a quick charge to get through their day.

Additional Features

Both the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5 come equipped with a variety of useful features, including touch sensor controls, hands-free calling, and Alexa voice control. Both models support multipoint connectivity, allowing users to pair with two devices simultaneously. However, the WH-1000XM5 introduces an advanced “Speak-to-Chat” feature, which automatically reduces volume when you start speaking and pauses playback when you remove the headphones. This is a handy feature for those who frequently find themselves in situations where they need to engage in a conversation quickly without fumbling with the controls.

The WH-1000XM5 also features a more intuitive control system, which some users find more responsive than the XM4’s controls. Additionally, the XM5 has better voice pickup with its four beamforming microphones, improving the clarity of calls even in noisy environments.

Summary Table: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5

Feature	WH-1000XM4	WH-1000XM5
Noise Cancellation	Dual Noise Sensor technology	Dual processors with 8 microphones
Sound Quality	Excellent with DSEE Extreme	Enhanced sound with Integrated V1 Processor
Comfort	Soft ear cups, comfortable fit	Updated design for better comfort
Build Quality	Solid build, some plastic feel	Premium feel with smoother matte finish
Battery Life	Up to 30 hours, quick charging	Up to 30 hours, 3-minute quick charge
Call Quality	Clear, good microphone performance	Superior call quality, better voice pickup
Additional Features	Touch controls, Alexa voice control	Touch controls, Speak-to-Chat, improved voice control

FAQ

What are the key differences between the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5?

The main differences between the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5 are in the noise-cancellation technology, sound quality, and comfort features. The WH-1000XM5 boasts dual processors that control eight microphones, offering more efficient noise cancellation compared to the WH-1000XM4. The sound quality on the WH-1000XM5 is enhanced by the new Integrated Processor V1, providing clearer sound and improved audio processing. In terms of comfort, the WH-1000XM5 features an updated design, making it more comfortable for long listening sessions, while the WH-1000XM4, although comfortable, is slightly bulkier.

Are the Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5 good for calls?

Both the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5 excel at hands-free calling, thanks to multiple microphones and noise-canceling technology. However, the WH-1000XM5 has a clear advantage with four beamforming microphones and advanced audio processing, which ensures even clearer call quality, especially in noisy environments. The WH-1000XM4 also delivers good call quality, but the WH-1000XM5’s microphone setup provides superior voice pickup, making it the better choice for frequent callers.

How long does the battery last on the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5?

Both the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5 offer an impressive 30 hours of battery life on a full charge. However, the WH-1000XM5 includes a quick-charge feature that provides 3 hours of playback with just a 3-minute charge, which can be particularly useful for those on the go. The WH-1000XM4 also supports quick charging, but its charging time is slightly longer in comparison.

Are the Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5 comfortable for extended wear?

Both the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5 are designed with comfort in mind, featuring soft ear cups and lightweight designs. The WH-1000XM5, however, has an updated design that reduces pressure and improves overall comfort for long listening sessions, making it a better choice for users who plan to wear the headphones for extended periods. The WH-1000XM4 is still very comfortable, but some users report slight discomfort around the headband after long hours of use.

Which one is better for noise cancellation?

While both headphones offer excellent noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM5 has a slight edge due to its dual processors and eight microphones. This advanced system allows the WH-1000XM5 to deliver even more effective noise isolation, particularly in environments with fluctuating background noise. The WH-1000XM4, with its Dual Noise Sensor technology, still offers fantastic noise cancellation, but the WH-1000XM5 is more precise in adapting to different noise environments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5 are excellent choices for anyone looking for high-quality noise-canceling headphones. The WH-1000XM4 is a solid option, offering great sound quality, comfort, and battery life at a slightly lower price point. However, the WH-1000XM5 improves upon nearly every aspect of its predecessor, from noise cancellation and sound quality to comfort and call clarity. If you’re looking for the latest and greatest in wireless noise-canceling headphones and are willing to invest in the best performance, the WH-1000XM5 is the clear winner.