Sony WH-1000XM5: the reference headphones in quality-price make their biggest leap in noise cancellation and design

When we analyzed the Sony WH-1000XM4 we were clear that they were one of the most capable wireless headphones on the market. Some circumaural closed enclosure, with noise cancellation as the protagonist. The company renews the generation with the WH-1000XM5, the new edition of its 1000X series. Noise cancellation has been given a twist, improving the driver and opting for a more ambitious sound processing system. These are the key features of the Sony WH-1000XM5.

Sony WH-1000XM5 data sheet

	SonyWH-1000XM5
COUPLING	closed circumaural
DIAPHRAGM	30mm CF-MRC (carbon fiber reinforced)
MAGNET	neodymium
connectivity	Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, multi-connection (up to 2 devices)
Noise Cancellation	Embedded Processor V1 QN1 embedded processor
FREQUENCY RESPONSE	4Hz to 40kHz 20Hz to 40kHz (BT)
INDICTED	Hi-Res Audio, DSEE Extreme, Edge AI
SOUND PROFILE	SBC, AAC and LDAC
Battery	Up to 30 theoretical hours Charge via USB Type-C
Weight	250g
Price	450 euros

A much more ambitious bet

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are a more ambitious bet, point by point. Starting with the star point of these headphones, noise cancellation. Last year’s model had 4 microphones and a QN1 processor to manage this function. The new model has double the number of microphones 8, has an additional integrated processor to the QN1, a so-called V1 that works together. The structure has been improved to minimize the incidence of wind sound, as well. Altogether, we talk about a 50% improvement in noise cancellationthe largest jump in the history of the 1000X series, well above the 15% jump between the Sony WH-1000XM3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4.

This noise cancellation system is combined with an adaptive sound control system (ASC). It automatically detects the environment we are in, and can even recognize our location in real time, to automatically change the degree of noise cancellation. The same thing happens if the headphones detect that we are in a conversation, so that we can clearly hear what they are saying to us.

The driver is now smaller. It goes from 40 to 30mm, but Sony claims it is a higher quality driver. The objective of reducing the size of the driver is to reduce volume and weight compared to the last generation. Similarly, to improve sound quality, the components of these headphones have been optimized. Internal solders have a certain percentage of gold, just like on your Walkman. The conductivity of gold is superior to that of the materials that are usually used in the soldering of electronic devices. The proximity sensor has also been refined, which is now much more hidden, consumes less energy and allows the headphones to know when we are wearing them and when we are not.

They are still headphones compatible with Alexa and Google Asisstant, simply invoking them by voice to start working. The connection system is multipoint, so we can have two devices connected at the same time, without the need to disconnect one and reconnect the other. If we use Android, they are compatible with Fast Pair, the fastest method to pair headphones within this ecosystem.

They repeat with touch controls to manage playback and calls, being able to customize this from the headphones application itself. touch gestures they are the same as last generation, like the buttons used. What changes, apart from the new air in the design, is the pad. Sony claims that it now adapts better to the contours of the face. The headband is thinner, and there is no position adjustment: it adapts to any head and relieves the pressure exerted on the ear.

Price and availability of the Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM5 can be purchased between “the end of May and the beginning of June in Spain”, in the colors black and gray. They will have a price of 450 eurosthus increasing the figure compared to the previous model.