Wireless Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5

9.1/10
$399

Sony's flagship noise-canceling headphones with V1+V2 dual-chip noise cancellation, 30-hour battery life, LDAC high-quality transmission

Test Date: February 20, 2024

Specifications

Driver Unit
30mm
Frequency Response
4Hz-40kHz
Noise Canceling Chip
V1 + V2 Dual Chip
Bluetooth Version
5.2
Audio Codec
LDAC/aptX/AAC/SBC
Battery Life
30h (ANC on)
Quick Charge
3min charge = 3h playback
Weight
250g

Noise Cancellation Tests

Low Frequency (Aircraft)

95%

Aircraft engine noise almost completely eliminated

Mid Frequency (Traffic)

88%

Vehicle noise significantly reduced

High Frequency (Voices)

75%

Human conversation noticeably reduced

Office Environment

92%

Keyboard typing, AC noise effectively isolated

Sound Quality

Bass Response

9.2

Good extension, moderate quantity without being overwhelming

Midrange Vocals

9.0

Clear and natural vocals, centered positioning

Treble Detail

8.8

Good extension, non-fatiguing, rich detail

Soundstage

8.6

Wide lateral soundstage, average depth

Smart Features

Adaptive Sound Control

Automatically adjusts noise canceling and ambient sound based on activity and location

Quick Attention Mode

Cover right ear cup with palm to quickly lower volume

Wearing Detection

Automatically pauses when removed, resumes when worn

Multipoint Connection

Connect to two devices simultaneously with smart switching

Call Noise Reduction

AI algorithm optimizes call quality with background noise suppression

Comfort Test

DurationComfort RatingNotes
1 Hour
9.5
Completely comfortable, no pressure
3 Hours
9.0
Slight warmth, overall comfortable
6 Hours
8.5
Need brief break, acceptable
8+ Hours
8.0
Slight fatigue from extended wear

Pros and Cons Analysis

Pros

  • Industry-leading noise cancellation with advanced V1+V2 dual-chip technology
  • Balanced sound quality with reasonable frequency distribution
  • Excellent battery life, 30 hours for long trips
  • High wearing comfort, not tiring for extended use
  • Rich smart features with good adaptive experience
  • LDAC high-quality transmission, supports Hi-Res audio
  • Excellent call quality with noticeable AI noise reduction
  • Exquisite craftsmanship and excellent build quality

Cons

  • High price, average value for money
  • Non-foldable design limits portability
  • Touch controls occasionally misfire
  • Plastic materials feel slightly cheap in cold weather
  • Complex app features with higher learning curve

Conclusion

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is an excellent flagship noise-canceling headphone with comprehensive capabilities. The V1+V2 dual-chip noise cancellation is indeed industry-leading, sound quality is balanced and pleasant, and the 30-hour battery life is sufficient for daily use. While not inexpensive, considering its comprehensive performance in noise cancellation, sound quality, comfort, and smart features, it's a worthwhile investment for users who frequently work or travel in noisy environments.