The DEFINITIVE Sony WF-1000XM5 Review & Comparison by an AUDIO ENGINEER

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Thanks to @SidneyDiongzon @braethorn and @XXIVCONCEPT for helping me with some shots and making an appearance!

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CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:29 The Best Way to Experience This Video
0:43 Some of What We'll Cover
1:01 SONG - Broad Frequency, Electronic
1:41 The Flow of this Video
1:59 Why This Video Focuses on the XM5 the Most
2:08 SONG - Female Vocal, Electronic
2:57 Build, Fit, Feel, and Size Comparisons
3:51 One of my least favorite parts about the XM5 Design
5:34 SONG - Acoustic, Male, Singer-Songwriter
6:21 Battery Life and Charging
7:40 SONG - Male Vocal, Funk
8:26 Interactions, Connectivity, and App
9:38 We literally didn't plan an awkward handshake, which makes this 10x more hilarious @braethorn
10:18 SONG - Female Vocal, Soul
11:22 Microphone & Call Performance Mega Test
14:33 SONG - Broad Frequency, Electronic
15:40 Gaming Tests
15:59 SONG - Male, Hip Hop
16:53 Transparency Mode Tests
20:30 ANC Mode Tests & Talking Tests
22:26 SONG - Male Vocal, Rock
23:02 My Thoughts on Sound Quality
24:40 Male Vocal, Surf/Beach Rock
25:43 My Custom EQ & How to Gain Access to it
26:47 SONG WITH MY CUSTOM EQ - Male Vocal, Blues, Soul
27:45 Which One Should You Get?
29:45 SONG - Male Vocal, 80s Style Retro Pop
30:34 My Personal Preference
31:25 OUTAKES

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*All of these links are affiliate links

[CollinAbroadcast]

Listening on the XM5, this goes CRAZY! Bravo, you really killed this video

[johnnynguyen]

I recently upgraded from WF-1000XM4 to AirPods Pro 2nd-Gen! So far, I don't dislike the AirPods, especially since I use an iPhone as my main driver (ironically as an Android developer).

Otherwise, I would've upgraded to the WF-1000XM5 to take advantage of the LDAC & custom EQ-ing that the AirPods lack.

Anyway thanks for this insanely in-depth review! I'm so glad you mentioned how Sony can sound "muffled." I thought it was just me thinking I didn't have the ears for the amazing WF-1000XM4 and their default sound, thus me drastically lowering those mid bands in the EQ. (I'm not part of that group who believes in flat EQ audio purity or whatever, sorry!)
So I was super surprised by how "airy" the AirPods sound, and especially impressed with the Spatial Audio feature; it sounds more like I'm at a live event rather than having speakers blasting directly between my head.

This video confirms that either XM5 or AirPods would be a good choice though; for me, I'm reluctantly forgoing Sony's custom EQ-ing for Apple's "airy" AirPods and great ecosystem support. (Plus it helps that the AirPods are cheaper and Apple Music on the MacBook actually offers custom EQ-ing!)

Thanks for your effort and time into this video! 
I certainly trust you as an audio engineer who knows what they're talking about!
🐢🐢🐢

[sonywalkman]

You have the most detailed in-depth reviews and comparison videos on YouTube. Amazing work! Your videos have been my go-to for forming headphone purchase decisions.

[marcrae]

I really appreciate the effort of all your videos! Just another excellent review. Keep it up 😁

[qussay]

Wow.. what a review?! I didn't even know such a review was possible. I really appreciate all your dedication and effort put behind this work. Thank you!

[therealjohnshelburne]

Well DONE on the sponsor drop during the mic test! Very creative!

[LPM]

4:14 the manual for the XM5 says to actually rotate each pod counter/clockwise in the case to remove them using your thumb and index finger and then pull up.

[Methenavigator]

It’s the real time to find out which one sounds the best.

[Paulfighteronline]

These headphones/earbuds reviews are by far the most extensive and well done I've ever encountered on YouTube. Keep em coming!

[ranezra]

Very professional and helped me a lot. Thanks!

[ahSteve-qmvy]

The only draw back for me with the WF-1000xm5 is the touch control for volume. Tapping it 4x for volume makes it very uncomfortable and nerve wrecking and not as intuitive. They should make it like the Senheisser with touch and hold for volume control.

[corujariousa]

I really appreciate these tests from you. Very factual and unbiased. You just show the results under the criteria you are testing and the view/consumer can decide which to buy. The subjective tests from other channel mean nothing to me.

[karlo]

I can imagine some wanting the opposite, but I want an ANC AI that learns my wife's voice and makes it Transparent.

[snakefan]

Great thorough review! Informed my buying decision

[bongsau]

This comparison test is AMAZING! So far, audio/hifi reviews have not (really) been capable of conveying the differences in sound signature and therefore having to rely on the (subjective) description of the reviewer or the measurements/specs of the product. I think this is the closest you can come to concluding your preferences, apart from A-B testing different products in real life at the same time, something which is definitely tricky for the average consumer (especially hygiene wise when it comes to in-ears/IEM's)

Aside from providing an unbiased approach, I applaud you for your natural and pleasant presence on camera and the slick editing and quality of the video. You have my subscription! 🙏

[hek]

Incredibly helpful, getting the XM5 after having the XM4 and feel much better about it after watching this

[sivagurunathan]

You are one of the smartest YouTubers out there! I love your creativity. Most of us would skip the sponsor segment even if it's only for 5 seconds (even though it's not one here), but you made us watch and listen to the entire thing with rapt attention. You are an extremely underrated YouTuber, and I'm waiting for you to reach 15 million subscribers. I hope you remember me at that time :p

[bananaguy]

I just can’t ever seem to get over how good these videos are! I come back to them all the time and recommend them to friends. The production quality and the accuracy on how each of the ear/head phones sound from the video to real life is great. I picked up whxm4s and AirPods Pro after watching these videos and I can say for sure that the videos really do help to figure out what is the right product for you. 👏👏👏

[bensgadgetreviews]

This video is so good and informative! Thank you