Tech

Sony WH-1000XM5 vs. WH-1000XM4—Which Premium Headphones Are Worth Your Money?

Changyong Im

08 Dec 2024 — 4 min read

If you’ve got noise-canceling headphones on your holiday wish list, chances are you’ve already stumbled across Sony’s WH-1000X lineup, arguably the gold standard for premium wireless listening. Sony’s WH-1000XM4 ruled the roost for a couple of years (Released in August 2020), sitting atop countless “best of” lists and travelers, remote workers, and audiophiles alike. But now the new kid on the block, the WH-1000XM5, has waltzed in. It claims to step up with more refined noise-cancellation, fresh styling, and some under-the-hood improvements that might change your listening game entirely.

So, what’s the real difference here? And, most importantly, which one should you drop your hard-earned cash on? Let’s break down the specs, performance, and overall vibe of these two Sony heavyweights.

Design & Comfort

WH-1000XM4: These are already sleek, folding cans that have become iconic in the headphone space. They look understated, come in timeless colors (like black and silverish white), and conveniently fold up for travel. They’re comfortable for long hauls—think cross-continental flights—without pinching your ears or getting too warm.

WH-1000XM5: Sony decided to shake things up design-wise on the XM5. These sport a cleaner, more modern silhouette, offering a minimalist headband and earcup shape. One trade-off: the XM5s don’t fold in the same way the XM4s do, which might matter if you’re frequently stuffing them into a backpack. But the payback is that the XM5 feels a touch lighter and better balanced on your head. The headband’s softer padding and a sleek, modern aesthetic give it a premium.

*This is just my personal opinion. I had a hard time deciding between two models when I was looking for a new headset a while back, because they were slightly different in design. I ended up choosing the XM5, the newer model, and I'm now happily using it...

Noise Cancellation & Audio Quality

WH-1000XM4: Well, these are no slouches. Their noise cancellation was industry-leading when they launched, blocking out airplane hum, busy office chatter, and street noise so well you’d think the world just hit “mute.” Audio quality is warm, immersive, and incredibly detailed. The XM4s provide a balanced profile that works well with everything from EDM to classical. With beamforming mics and multi-device connection, it’s easy to take calls on the fly or switch between your laptop and phone.

WH-1000XM5: Sony’s calling the XM5’s noise cancellation “industry-leading,” and honestly, they might have a point. The XM5s offer a subtle but noticeable improvement in cutting out midrange and high-frequency sounds—so fewer distracting voices and keyboard clacks. The sound signature feels a bit more refined too, giving you a richer, slightly more nuanced audio experience. The bass still thumps nicely without overshadowing the mids and highs. If you’re picky about sound, the XM5 might feel like the next logical step up. They also handle wind noise better—great if you’re walking outside in a breezy city.

Battery Life & Charging

WH-1000XM4: With up to 30 hours of battery life, these headphones can outlast even your longest Spotify binge. Quick charging means 10 minutes gets you up to 5 hours of playback. This is a lifesaver when you forget to charge before that transatlantic flight.

WH-1000XM5: Same 30-hour mark, but a slightly different quick-charge profile. A quick 3-minute charge can juice you up for about 3 hours. While that’s not as generous as the XM4’s 5 hours in 10 minutes, it’s still enough for a decent chunk of your day. Honestly, both are impressive in the longevity department, so this category is more of a tie.

Special Features & Extras

WH-1000XM4: They fold neatly, are fully hi-res audio compatible, and have all the beloved Sony features like touch controls on the earcup and an “NC optimizer” that fine-tunes noise cancellation to your environment. Wear detection automatically pauses your music when you slip them off. You also get a quality carrying case for easy storage.

WH-1000XM5: Sony went big on “auto everything.” Like their predecessors, these have hi-res audio support and top-notch beamforming microphones plus AI-driven noise reduction for calls, ensuring you sound crystal clear. Multi-device pairing comes standard, just like on the XM4, meaning you can seamlessly jump from your Zoom call on the laptop to a phone call. The M5 also brings a sleeker carrying case and improved wearing detection. While you lose the foldable design, you gain a more refined, head-hugging fit and smoother aesthetics.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you’re already rocking the WH-1000XM4, upgrading to the M5 might feel like a luxury rather than a necessity. The XM4 still delivers phenomenal noise cancellation, stellar audio, and a foldable, traveler-friendly design. They’ve come down in price since the XM5’s arrival, so if you’re on a budget, the XM4 is a killer deal.

That said, if you want the absolute cutting edge, the XM5 just nudges ahead in a few key areas—especially if you’re an audio purist or you really value the best possible noise cancellation. Its new design, slightly better noise-canceling chops, and refined sound may justify the higher price tag for serious headphone lovers who crave the newest thing.

Bottom line: