Sony’s WH-1000XM5 handle both sound and silence well

In the world of consumer headphones, Sony’s 1000X series has consistently been a big favourite. The newest model is invariably an ‘Editor’s Choice’ in tech publications and considered a benchmark against which other headphones in the category are measured.

The newest WH-1000XM5 over-the-ears headphones have recently been launched in India at ₹26,990. For music lovers on the go, these headphones are an easy recommendation. For reference, the previous model, the WH-1000XM4 is available for ₹19,990 and is also about as good. Both these - and indeed, the whole series - have stellar noise cancellation, immersive sound quality, category-starter smart features and good battery life.

Compared with the XM4, the new XM5 model has been redesigned. It looks more contemporary and is again available in black and in cream. These headphones now come in a case that is much larger, as the ear-cups don’t fold inward completely to allow the device and case to have a smaller footprint. It would have been nice if the smaller size had been retained as these headphones are meant primarily for those who travel. Inside the case, you have the USB-C cable — and it’s shorter than it needs to be. There’s a 3.5mm cable for wired listening.

The XM5 headphones, when you wear them, will feel light and comfortable, with a firm but gentle grip. Unlike most headphones that slip off smaller heads, these do not, and stay perfectly wearable for hours. Comfort is, of course, a very individual matter, and depends a lot on the shape of one’s ears, so some may find the XM4 more comfortable and some the XM5 model. The cushioning on the ear-cups may be thinner than it was in the previous model, but the feel is still luxurious and soft. Wearing them in very hot weather may be uncomfortable, but otherwise, they cause no issues.

A beautiful silence

On donning these headphones, the first thing that is evident is the near-total silence. Construction sounds, consistent hums, dogs barking, people talking all disappear into the barely discernible distance if active noise cancellation is turned on. Even the sound of a vacuum cleaner nearby can quite fade away. One can actually wear these and not turn on music just for sheer focus and concentration on work. Or even while reading a book, for example. With the XM5, Sony is right at the top of the pack with the efficacy of its noise cancellation.

Silence can be both inconvenient and dangerous, so there’s an ambient mode that you can trigger temporarily just by cupping your palm over the left ear cup. Instantly, you’ll be able to hear sounds around as the music recedes into the background. You can also turn off ANC or stay in ambient mode and also use an interesting feature called 'Speak to Chat' which turns the music down as soon as you speak. For the most part, the device recognises that it’s the wearer’s voice. This is to allow you to speak to someone around. When you stop, the music will come back on after a suitable wait. This is something now available on several Sony headphones, including the XM4 and is quite useful, unless you’re in the habit of singing along with your music - then you will trigger the mode when you don’t really want it. One can turn the feature on optionally.

One of Sony’s smart features includes Adaptive Sound Control with which ANC and EQ settings adapt to the situation you’re in and your preferences for that situation. If one normally listens to music with ANC on full while resting in bed, the mode will trigger itself 'on' when you recline in bed.

There are eight microphones on this model, so it adds to the efficacy of noise cancellation and makes phone calls clearer. 

Smart sound

These features can be selected and adjusted in Sony’s Headphones Connect app, the most well-made audio companion app around. There are a lot of features to explore within the app, including the equaliser and sound presets. You can also upgrade firmware, select to listen to 360-Reality audio (this will depend on the source and service) and check the status of everything while the device is in use.

The 1000XM5 headphones sound really good. There is a spacious soundstage with full-bodied sound, a well-tuned bass that is not overwhelming but rather natural, good clarity, volume, and separation. The presets (Bright, Excited, etc) make an immediate and easily detectable difference to the profile. You can create your own presets as well. Music sounds refined and satisfying to the point where one is quite reluctant to turn it off and ‘come out’ of the inner world of these headphones. One feels all alone, but the solitude is sheer splendour. The XM5 works on Bluetooth 5.2 and supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC. The device has 30mm drivers.

The previous generation XM4 sound is as good, but tuned a little differently, with more bass. Even though the bass seems more balanced on the XM5, it is still quite prominent with mid-range frequencies taking a little bit of a backseat. EQ adjustments are a real boon, however.

The ear-cups of the XM5 (as well as previous models) are touch sensitive and work really consistently and reliably. Taps and swipes control just about everything, from calling up the assistant to adjusting volume.the There are two buttons on the right ear-cup for pairing, power and ANC.

The battery lasts over 30 hours with ANC on and though it supports fast charging, you need a USB PD charger. Turning ANC off can almost double the battery life.