Sony XM5 headphone review: Audiophile’s New Reigning Champion

With the success of the Sony XM4 and the good reviews it got from audiophiles, Sony keeps raising the bar with each new product. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is no different; it has become the current gold standard for quality.  Since it release on March 2023, these headphones have garnered popularity among both music enthusiasts and casual listeners. It is now best known for its exceptional sound quality, ability to block out noise, and stylish design.

Let’s look in more detail at all of the features that make the Sony XM5 headphones the new reigning champion in the world of audiophiles.

Design and Build Quality

Sony’s XM5 headphones are a tribute to modern design and engineering.  Crafted with a minimalist aesthetic, these headphones have a simple look and radiate class.  The matte finish and subtle branding lend a premium look, while the lightweight construction ensures comfort during extended use.

The ear cups are thickly padded with memory foam, providing velvety comfort. This shape improves sound isolation while simultaneously reducing fatigue, making them ideal for extended listening sessions. The headband is equally well-padded and adjustable, allowing it to fit a variety of head sizes and shapes while remaining comfortable.

Sony has devoted close attention to detail, employing high-quality materials to increase endurance. The hinges and joints are strong, delivering firmness despite the headphones’ lightweight feel. This combination of aesthetics and durability makes the XM5 a worthy investment for discerning users.

Sound Quality

At the heart of the Sony XM5’s appeal lies its exceptional sound quality. Sony has equipped these headphones with cutting-edge drivers and audio processing technology, delivering a listening experience that is both immersive and accurate.

Bass

The XM5’s bass response is deep and well-defined, without being overpowering. It offers a satisfying thump for bass-heavy genres like hip-hop and electronic music, while maintaining clarity and separation. The low frequencies are tight and controlled, eliminating the muddiness that characterizes cheaper headphones.

Midrange

The XM5 really excels in the midrange frequencies. Their exceptional warmth and clarity make them perfect for vocal-focused genres like jazz and acoustic music. This variety of instruments has a natural timbre that makes every note ring sweetly.

Treble

High-frequency sounds get luster from the clear, detailed treble response, which doesn’t wear you out. Because of this balance, the XM5 can manage both the sharp attacks of rock and pop songs and the fine intricacies of classical music with equal skill.

Soundstage & Imaging

The XM5’s soundstage is spacious, producing a sense of space that closed-back headphones often lack. This expansive soundstage, paired with precise imaging, enables listeners to determine the position of instruments and vocalists with remarkable accuracy. It’s like the music wraps around the listener, making an experience that few headphones can match.

Noise Cancellation

The XM5 pushes the boundaries of Sony’s noise-canceling technology, which has long been the standard in the business. These headphones have sophisticated Adaptive Sound Control, which can automatically adapt the noise suppression level according to the surroundings.    No matter where you are—in a busy metropolis, a noisy office, or a peaceful home—the XM5 will adjust to provide the best possible noise reduction.

The XM5 can really get rid of noise, which is truly impressive. It can block a wide range of frequencies, from the low hum of an airplane engine to the high-pitched chatter of a busy café. Being surrounded by quiet, it allows you to focus entirely on your music or conversations.

Connectivity and Features

The Sony XM5 headphones come with a wealth of features that improve their usage and versatility. Bluetooth 5.2 provides a robust and efficient wireless connection, including support for high-resolution audio codecs such as LDAC and aptX HD. This means you can enjoy high-fidelity audio wirelessly without sacrificing sound quality.

Multipoint Connectivity

The XM5’s ability to connect to multiple devices at the same time is one of its primary benefits. In particular, this is helpful for people who switch between their phone and laptop a lot, because it lets them switch without the need for manual reconnection.

Touch Controls

The touch-sensitive controls on the ear cups are intuitive and responsive. Swiping and tapping gestures allow you to adjust volume, skip tracks, and answer calls effortlessly. Additionally, the touch controls can be customized via the Sony Headphones Connect app, providing a personalized user experience.

Voice Assistants

The XM5 supports major voice assistants like as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. There is nothing great on it but with a simple voice command, you can control your music, check the weather, or manage your schedule, adding a layer of convenience to your daily routine.

Battery Life: The XM5 also does a good job with its battery life. These headphones can play music for up to 30 hours on a single charge, making them great for long trips and listening sessions. With fast charging technology, you can get an extra 3 hours of use from a 3-minute charge, so you don’t have to wait around.

Comfort and Usability

Comfort is a critical factor for any pair of headphones, and the Sony XM5 does not disappoint. The lightweight design and plush ear cushions make these headphones a joy to wear, even during marathon listening sessions. The clamping force is just right, providing a secure fit without exerting excessive pressure on the head.

The headphones are also designed with usability in mind.  The ear cups swivel and fold, making them convenient to store in the provided carrying case. This portability is ideal for travelers and commuters who require a dependable pair of headphones that can handle the demands of regular use.

The Sony Headphones Connect App

The Sony Headphones Connect app is a powerful tool that makes the XM5 more useful.  Available for both iOS and Android devices, this app gives users a tremendous amount of customization options for their listening experience.

Equalizer

The app features a comprehensive equalizer that lets you fine-tune the sound profile to your liking. The software lets you make and save personalized presets, so you can get the sound you want—be it more bass-heavy or balanced in frequency response.

Adaptive Sound Control

This function automatically adjusts the noise-cancelling settings based on your activity levels, thanks to the built-in sensors of the headphones. When you’re out and about, it can switch to an ambient sound mode that lets you hear the world around you, and when you’re inside, it can go back to its original state with full noise cancellation.

Firmware Updates

The app also provides a convenient way to keep your headphones up to date with the latest firmware. These updates can improve performance, add new features, and ensure compatibility with the latest devices.

Comparison with Competitors

The Sony XM5 takes on fierce competition in the congested high-end headphone market. But because of the distinctive way that its features, sound quality, and design come together, it manages to distinguish out.

Bose QuietComfort 45

Bose QuietComfort 45

The Bose QC45 is a formidable rival, known for its exceptional noise cancellation and comfort. While the QC45 excels in noise suppression, the XM5 offers a more dynamic and detailed sound profile, making it a better choice for audiophiles.

Sennheiser Momentum 4

Sennheiser Momentum 4

The Momentum 4 boasts excellent sound quality and build, but its noise cancellation is not as advanced as the XM5.  On the other side, the Sony headphones offer more features, such as touch controls and multipoint connectivity.

Apple Airpods Max

Apple AirPods Max

Apple’s AirPods Max are renowned for their premium build and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. However, they come at a higher price point and are heavier, making the XM5 a more comfortable and cost-effective option for many users.

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Read our full review: The best-designed headphones you can buy right now: Our Top 9 Picks

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Is it Worth Buying?

In short, yes—the Sony XM5 headphones are worth buying. While the Sony XM5 headphones are not cheap, they offer excellent value for the money.

While the price tag may be on the higher side, they are the best option available due to the remarkable combination of high-quality sound, comfortable design, and innovative features, makes them worth every penny.  These headphones are a great buy for regular listeners and audiophiles due to their ergonomic design, long battery life, and exceptional noise cancellation.

If you want headphones that tick all the boxes, the Sony XM5 is music to your ears.

The Bottom Line

The Sony XM5 headphones represent the pinnacle of audio technology, combining superb sound quality, advanced noise cancellation, and a host of user-friendly features. If you’re a dedicated audiophile or a casual listener seeking the best possible experience, these headphones deliver on all fronts.

Their elegant design, snug fit, and solid build quality make them enjoyable to use, while the exceptional battery life and connectivity options commit to match the demands of modern living.  The Sony XM5 is not just a pair of headphones; it’s a gateway to a richer, more immersive world of sound.

The Sony XM5 headphones have proven to be a delight of engineering and design solidifying its position as the reigning champion in the world of audiophile headphones.   

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Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)

1.  What makes the Sony XM5 different from its predecessors?

The Sony XM5 headphones offer several improvements over their predecessors, including enhanced noise-canceling technology, better sound quality, longer battery life, and more advanced features like multipoint connectivity and improved touch controls. The design has also been refined for increased comfort and durability.

2. Do the Sony XM5 headphones support 3D audio or spatial sound?

The Sony XM5 headphones support Sony’s proprietary 360 Reality Audio, which provides an immersive audio experience by simulating 3D sound. This feature enhances the spatial sound quality, making it feel like the music is coming from all around you.

3. What audio codecs do the Sony XM5 headphones support?

The Sony XM5 headphones support high-resolution audio codecs, including LDAC and aptX HD. This ensures high-fidelity audio playback over Bluetooth, providing an enhanced listening experience for users who prioritize sound quality.

4.  How do the touch controls on the Sony XM5 work?

The Sony XM5 headphones feature touch-sensitive controls on the ear cups. You can use swipe and tap gestures to adjust volume, skip tracks, and answer calls. The touch controls can also be customized via the Sony Headphones Connect app to suit your preferences.

5. What is included in the box with the Sony XM5 headphones?

The Sony XM5 headphones come with a carrying case, a USB-C charging cable, an audio cable for wired connections, and an airplane adapter. These accessories enhance the portability and versatility of the headphones.

6.  How do I update the firmware on my Sony XM5 headphones?

Firmware updates for the Sony XM5 headphones can be performed through the Sony Headphones Connect app, available for both iOS and Android devices. The app provides notifications for available updates and guides you through the update process.

7.  Are the Sony XM5 headphones waterproof or sweatproof?

No, the Sony XM5 headphones are not designed to be waterproof or sweatproof. It is advisable to avoid using them in wet conditions or during intense physical activities where they might be exposed to sweat.

8.  How do I customize the sound profile of the Sony XM5 headphones?

You can customize the sound profile of the Sony XM5 headphones using the Sony Headphones Connect app. The app includes a comprehensive equalizer that allows you to adjust the sound to your liking and create custom presets.

9.  Can I use the Sony XM5 headphones with a wired connection?

Yes, the Sony XM5 headphones come with an audio cable that allows for a wired connection. This can be useful if you want to save battery life or if you’re connecting to a device that does not support Bluetooth.

10.  What is the warranty period for the Sony XM5 headphones?

The warranty period for the Sony XM5 headphones typically varies by region, but it is usually around one year from the date of purchase. It is advisable to check the specific warranty terms provided by Sony in your region.

11. How can I reset the Sony XM5 headphones to factory settings?

To reset the Sony XM5 headphones to factory settings, you typically need to press and hold specific buttons on the headphones for a certain period. The exact method can be found in the user manual or the Sony Headphones Connect app.

12. Are replacement parts available for the Sony XM5 headphones?

Yes, replacement parts such as ear cushions and cables are generally available for the Sony XM5 headphones. These can be purchased through Sony’s official website or authorized retailers.