Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Sony WH-1000XM4 – the GOATs in the Noise-Canceling compared

A battle of audio titans: the Sony WH-1000XM5 vs. Sony WH-1000XM4. These headphones are nothing short of legends in the tech world, but which one truly deserves the GOAT (Greatest of All Tech) title? Let’s find out as we dive into this epic showdown of sound and style.

Design and Build Quality:

In the design and build quality corner, the Sony WH-1000XM5 boasts a modern, friction rod adjustment system, a sleek departure from the older WH-1000XM4’s notched headband track. Sony decided to trim down the look by ditching the yokes, giving it a cleaner appearance. It’s like the XM5 got a stylish makeover. However, there’s a trade-off – the XM5 can only rotate to lay flat, while the XM4 can also fold up. Score one for versatility.

For those with larger ears, the WH-1000XM5 is your go-to for comfort, thanks to its wider plush memory foam padding. But don’t fret, whichever Sony headphones you choose, you can always swap out the ear pads to extend their life. Both headphones share the same carbon fiber chassis, ensuring they’re feather-light on your noggin. The XM5 may be only 1 gram lighter than the XM4, but it feels delightfully nimble.

Tech and Specs:

In the tech realm, both headphones pack some serious heat. They come equipped with sensors that automatically play or pause your music as you put them on or take them off. The controls are identical, including touch gestures like cupping your hand over the right ear cup for ambient mode.

Now, the XM5 throws a curveball with its all-new 30-millimeter driver. Teamed up with the previous-gen model’s Integrated Processor V1 and other upgrades, it’s a High-Resolution Audio powerhouse, both wired and wireless. It’s like having a concert in your ears. Plus, the XM5’s microphone game is strong, drowning out more mid and treble range noise compared to the XM4.

Battery Life:

When it comes to battery life, both champions claim 30 hours with ANC activated. But here’s the twist – the XM5 gives you 3 hours of playback with just 3 minutes of charging, while the XM4 requires a full 10 minutes for 5 hours of playback.

Accessories:

Both headphones arrive with a 3.5mm TRS jack cable for wired listening, a hardshell carrying case, and a USB-C charging cable. The XM4’s case might be more oblong, but it’s flexible.

Sound Quality:

Now, let’s talk tunes. The Sony WH-1000XM4 delivers excellent sound quality, supporting 360 Reality Audio and the LDAC codec for superior audio. However, it leans a tad too heavily on bass and treble, making vocals struggle to shine through.

Enter the Sony WH-1000XM5, also a sonic powerhouse supporting High-Resolution Audio thanks to LDAC. Out of the box, it offers a more balanced experience. Still, it has that penchant for bass and treble, causing a touch of “piercing” sensation. But the leap in sound quality from the previous generation is undeniable, setting a high bar for rivals.

Drivers:

What powers these auditory marvels? The Sony WH-1000XM4 rocks 40mm dynamic drivers paired with Sony’s QN1 HD Noise Cancelling Processor. It’s a dynamic duo, ensuring top-notch sound while crushing background noise.

Now, the Sony WH-1000XM5 enters the ring with an all-new 30-millimeter driver, teaming up with the Integrated Processor V1 and other upgrades. This new driver elevates sound quality and noise cancellation to new heights. The XM5 takes the crown in the driver department.

Microphone Systems:

In the microphone showdown, the WH-1000XM4 holds its ground with a great system, but the WH-1000XM5 brings heavyweight gear. With two processors controlling eight microphones, it’s like having a conference room in your headphones. The XM5 takes the microphone crown.

Connectivity:

The XM5 steps up the connectivity game with Bluetooth 5.2, leaving the XM4 with its Bluetooth 5.0 in the dust. Both support SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs but neither have aptX compatibility. They’re both pals with Google Assistant and Alexa, but the XM5 adds a “OK Google” wake word magic.

Noise Cancelling:

When it comes to noise cancellation, the XM5 steps up with two processors and eight microphones, blocking out more mid and high-frequency noise. The XM4’s noise cancellation remains top-notch, though, once you’re in the zone, you won’t care about the outside world. XM5 might win on paper, but it’s a victory that may go unnoticed.

Controls:

Both headphones have similar controls, automatic play/pause, and touch gestures. The XM5 brings adaptive ANC to the table, while the XM4 offers an ANC optimizer. It’s like comparing two heavyweights with slightly different signature moves.

Sony WH-1000XM6:

For the future-minded tech enthusiasts, the Sony WH-1000XM6 is rumored to drop in the summer or fall of 2024, based on Sony’s release history. Get ready for another epic showdown in the GOAT arena!

GET THE SONY WH-1000XM5 ON AMAZON

GET THE SONY WH-1000XM4 ON AMAZON

who’s the winner:

In conclusion, both headphones are champions in their own right. The XM4s are the way to go for those who prefer folding headphones and a slightly more budget-friendly price. On the other hand, the XM5s shine for those who crave the utmost noise cancellation, appreciate the latest design, and don’t mind a subtle price difference. In this grand showdown, they both deserve applause as the true GOATs of the audio world.