Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones - 3 months later | Mark Ellis Reviews

I’ve been using the Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones solidly for around three months now. How do they fare after extended use? And are they really worth buying over the brilliant XM4s and the competition? My findings have been… interesting. Let’s get into it!

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I have zero interest in deep spec dives or long-winded comparisons. I review laptops, smartphones, tablets, headphones and the latest tech based on real experience. I'll tell you how it'll make you feel, whether or not it's worth your time (and money) and help you find the tech you need to get stuff done.

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CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
00:51 - The reaction
01:31 - The case
03:04 - Sound and noise cancelling
04:08 - Durability
05:20 - What about the XM4s?
07:10 - An honourable mention
08:14 - Conclusion

[MarkEllisReviews]

Did you buy the Sony XM5s? If so, are you satisfied?

[ggegeRGr]

The XM5 case is fine. Like, its seriously fine lol. The way YouTubers complain about it you'd think they were lugging an extra backpack full of bricks around.

[lesterng]

Had both, the XM5 seems a little brighter and sounds a tiny bit better with more separation and detail. Mic quality is also vastly improved on the XM5 on both ends.

[abir]

Had both, in my opinion the xm5’s are better in almost every category. The only things going for the Xm4 are the price and portability. I really don’t care about the case size or the fact that they don’t fold when they are this good

[geekinhard]

I have a very different opinion, I don't believe the most important quality on my headphones is the size of the carrying case. I think the most important thing is the sound quality, ANC, and overall fit and comfort, witch in my opinion the xm5 improved all of these aspects from the xm4. It would be nice for the xm5 to be foldable and have a smaller case, but if you have the extra money I would say the xm5 is more worth your money than the xm4.

[logankelly]

I love them. Used them for about 5k hours at this point. Still great battery life, hardly any glitches if kept updated, still an ANC superpower, and not a single scratch on them whilst NEVER USING THE CASE. I throw them in my backseat when I get in the car and they still look brand new. COULDN’T BE HAPPIER!

[erasmus]

I have both the XM4 and XM5. The big difference is that the ANC on the XM4 has a slight hissing sound and is not completely quiet. Whereas the XM5 has no hissing sound. Sony finally figured out how to remove it. This is a big differentiator for people who want some real silence.

[owRekssjfjxjxuurrpqpqss]

The XM5s not folding is good imo. The underside of the hinges on my XM4s started cracking from normal every day use. Fewer folding/moving parts means likely greater longevity

[avaricefalls]

The new case is an advantage because it's less frustrating to pack the headphones into.

[bnchaffin]

I have owned both. The XM4's have better audio quality in my opinion. The only complaint I ever had with these is related to the plastic creaking noises that are common with the XM4's. The XM5 design did eliminate that issue. If you never owned the XM4's you will love the XM5's.

[skrzyluk]

The more moving parts, the greater the risk of damage. Therefore, the flexible headband is a big advantage for me. I also like the minimalist design. Instead of carrying a case everywhere, you can put them in a smaller bag.

[colebox]

One of the big advantages for the XM5s for me was that the noise cancelling didn't make me feel sick... yes you read that right; noise cancelling in Sony's XM4s and other brands (most notably Sennheiser Momentum) made me feel nauseated/disorientated and this was just trying them out in the shop! The XM5s have been the first high-end headphones where the noise cancellation didn't do that. This had been an issue which had stopped me from buying any headphones for a number of years.

[db__]

I've tried out both multiple times before finally deciding to go for the xm5s. The audio felt much cleaner and crisper with them using the same exact EQ for the same songs in the same environment. Not saying the XM4s were bad sounding, I was really convinced and almost bought them once, but the 5s sounded better to me :/

[ozzacassiepophart]

One thing I want to add is that Sony’s noise canceling with helping with my autism has helped with my behavior issues a little bit. The noise cancellation has helped my brain basically reset from sensory overload and helped it recover a lot more. I think it’s because the headphones are the same shape, as what we called gun phones, which are headphones that are used when people shoot guns. This shape really helps, especially with the way my ears are. I love how soft the leather is and this is gonna sound strange but as a blind person, I love the smell of the leather actually. Like the smell of a new Plastic leather book cover it’s like the thick plastic type of leather used in three ring binders except the softer version. Honestly gives you a lot of cushion and that is my favorite part of them. This isn’t me just praising them because they worked well for me, this is me telling you, how they’ve basically helped a lot. They’ve changed my life! Just kidding. But for somebody who uses them for a medically diagnosed disability they have really helped my brain decompress, which is really helped with my overall behavior in general. It’s helped with my stress level. I think if I could find the right words in a less long-winded explanation, I would, tell Sony thank you for making a pair of headphones that works well for people with autism and help them. I really think more people with autism should have access to sound or Sony if you’re looking for not bone conduction but traditional headphones. Honestly, they won’t regret it.what all see if we can get medical companies to recognize the need for these kind of headphones as an actual need for people with disabilities such as autism so that people can get the help they need. And the devices they need. I was lucky that I was financially able to pay for it but what about other people that can’t and can’t work and need this kind of thing? I guess they’re left out in the cold where the current system is. Forgot to say another way that they’ve held in another reason I’ve noticed it is because I’ve started listening to music a lot more again and singing a lot more again. I think the reason that I hadn’t been listening to a lot of music or singing as much is because, I have been more stressed out and wasn’t mentally able to concentrate on anything other than my stress. I still end up concentrating on my stress, but not nearly as much and that is allowed me to be much happier to the point where I am doing things that I haven’t done in a long time like singing again of my own free will and wanting to record my music and play my music again. I also want to say thanks to Sony for bringing back my love of music again or at least helping me recognize how much I love music.

[AnisBOULAID]

Had both, I do prefer the look and the touch of the XM4, but when using for calls and Teams meetings, the XM5 is the king, noise cancellation is better in the 5

[yuppitseric]

This review was great, I ordered these and got nervous because everyone was saying the XM4s were better and thought I made a mistake but you really help calm my nerves.

[justahomosapiens]

XM5s are simply amazing, I bought them being fully aware of the case. They´re light, sound is great, call quality wonderful and they look fine. Granted, they're a bit expensive but as Mark put it, if you fancy it and wish to pay for it, go ahead. Regardless, Sony is a great brand so almost any Sony product will meet you needs. I would not upgrade from the XM4s though....I did not have the XM4s.

[kaladarg]

thanks! I just bought the xm4s and I love them, everything is perfect, i wont upgrade ever

[TheMaurobest]

This is exactly what I wanted to hear! I was not able to decide between these two, I wanted the XM5 because they're the newest, but for me, that I travel a lot, and carry a lot of work stuff on my backpack, the XM4 are perfect because of the case, more portable, great quality and cheaper! Thank you for helping me decide!

[Paul_yd_]

Subbed after your honest review. Thank you for not trying to convince me to get the latest and greatest.