Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Time to compare Sony WH-1000XM4 with Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones. We will cover the essentials so you can buy with confidence.
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Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(623)Amazon | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | 5.2 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) |
Drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) |
Microphones | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) | Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off) |
Battery Life | N/A (Not TWS) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) | USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD) |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5 mm) | Yes (3.5mm cable included) |
Water Resistance | No IP Rating | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 254 g (8.96 oz) | 250 g (approx.) |
Controls | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio | Speak-to-Chat, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer |
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Sony WH-1000XM4
✓ Pros:
- • Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- • Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
- • Multi-device pairing works seamlessly
- • Comfortable lightweight fit for long sessions
✗ Cons:
- • No official IP water resistance rating
- • Microphone quality is good, but not best-in-class anymore
- • Touch controls can be sensitive to moisture/cold
- • LDAC disables when using Multipoint (on older firmware)
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
- • Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
- • Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- • Fast charging (3 min for 3 hours playback)
- • Multipoint connection works seamlessly
✗ Cons:
- • Non-foldable design reduces portability
- • Price increase compared to previous generation
- • No IP water resistance rating
- • Auto NC Optimizer cannot be manually forced to max
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Which one is better?
Sony WH-1000XM4 is stronger in specific features, but Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones could still be the better pick if you value its unique advantages.
Who should buy each?
Expert take:
- Sony WH-1000XM4 suits buyers who need Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones suits buyers who want Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Sony WH-1000XM4 excels if you value top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is better if you prioritize market-leading active noise cancellation (anc). Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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