The Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sony WH-1000XM5 are both high-end active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones that offer a great listening experience. They both have comfortable ear cups, long battery life, and support a variety of features. However, there are some key differences between the two headphones.
Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 were released in 2020 and were widely praised for their excellent ANC performance, comfortable design, and long battery life. They have a sound profile that is balanced and detailed, with a slight emphasis on the bass.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 were released in 2022 and are the successor to the WH-1000XM4. They have a number of improvements over the previous model, including a new design, improved ANC performance, and a better sound profile.
Comparison Table
Here is a table that compares the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sony WH-1000XM5 on a few key factors:
| Factor | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Sound profile | Balanced | More detailed |
| ANC performance | Excellent | Improved |
| Battery life | 30 hours | 31 hours |
| Weight | 254g | 250g |
| Features | Touch controls, Alexa/Google Assistant support, Bluetooth multipoint pairing | Touch controls, Alexa/Google Assistant support, Bluetooth multipoint pairing, high-resolution audio support |
| Price | $349 | $400 |
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the better headphones overall, but they are also more expensive. If you are looking for the best possible ANC performance and sound quality, then the WH-1000XM5 are the way to go. However, if you are on a budget, the WH-1000XM4 are still a great option.
Additional Information
Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing between the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sony WH-1000XM5:
- Build quality: Both headphones are well-built, but the WH-1000XM5 feel a bit more premium.
- Comfort: Both headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. However, the WH-1000XM5 may be a better choice if you have a small head.
- Soundstage: The soundstage on the WH-1000XM5 is slightly wider than on the WH-1000XM4.
- ANC performance: The ANC performance on the WH-1000XM5 is improved over the WH-1000XM4, especially at blocking out high-frequency noise.