Key Specifications

Without delving too deep into the specifications, there are notable features worth highlighting. Priced at £380/$399/€420, the XM5s are positioned firmly in the premium range of consumer headphones, especially as their release could impact the pricing of the already impressive XM4s.

The marketing for the XM5s emphasizes their noise-cancelling capabilities, touted as “unmatched,” and described as a significant leap in technology. Battery life has been improved to 30 hours, and a quick three-minute charge can yield three hours of playback (though a charging brick is not included).

In terms of sound quality, the headphones utilize carbon fiber composite drivers for a more natural audio experience. They also support high-resolution wireless audio through LDAC and DSEE Extreme, which upscales compressed music using AI technology.

Noise-Cancellation Experience

Let’s start with noise-cancellation, an area where Sony has always excelled. The XM5s deliver an impressive performance, creating a sound environment that feels less oppressive compared to other models. The noise-cancellation is superior, effectively muting external sounds without a noticeable hiss during silence.

However, the ambient mode leaves something to be desired. While the feature allows external sounds in, it doesn't match the clarity of the AirPods Max’s transparency mode. This discrepancy is particularly noticeable during phone calls.

In this video, we explore the strengths and weaknesses of the Sony WH-1000XM5 compared to the AirPods Max, particularly focusing on noise-cancellation.

Comfort and Design

Comfort is subjective, but the XM5s initially feel comfortable. The headband is well-padded, though the ear cups could benefit from more cushioning. The material, termed 'soft fit leather' by Sony, might not provide the best support, leading to a noticeable pressure on the ears during extended use.

Visually, the XM5s are strikingly light and quiet, with no creaking or cracking sounds during adjustments. One significant design change is that the XM5s do not fold, simplifying storage but requiring a larger case.

The casing is made from recycled automobile plastic, which may feel less premium than the AirPods Max but contributes to environmental sustainability.

Sound Quality Assessment

Testing the XM5s straight out of the box, I wanted to hear their intended sound signature. The headphones excelled across various genres, handling complex arrangements without distortion. Tracks like Massive Attack’s "Unfinished Sympathy" showcased their ability to manage different frequencies seamlessly.

The overall sound is confident and typical of the Sony XM series, though not the most thrilling. That said, they are versatile and responsive to EQ adjustments.

In this video, we take a deeper look at the audio performance of both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods Max, focusing on sound quality and user experience.

Controls and Battery Performance

The XM5s feature two buttons: one for power and battery checks, and another for toggling noise-cancelling modes. Other controls rely on a touch-sensitive interface on the right ear cup, which can be less intuitive for some users.

With a battery life of 30 hours and the ability to gain three hours of playback from a quick charge, the XM5s are impressive in this regard.

Call Quality and Additional Features

While I typically don’t use over-ear headphones for calls, the XM5s include technology aimed at improving call clarity. They performed adequately, though the ambient mode still needs refinement for clearer communication during calls.

Additional features like Speak-to-chat and voice assistant compatibility add convenience but are not groundbreaking. The multipoint connection allows simultaneous use with two devices, functioning well as expected.