In recent weeks, the network has been actively spreading rumors about new flagship headphones from Sony. The Japanese company decided not to keep us waiting and presented the model WH-1000XM5.

The third and fourth generations of headphones were almost indistinguishable in terms of design, so from the fifth, we expected some changes in this direction. The layout of the WH-1000XM5 has become more elegant and minimalist, and the design of the cups’ attachment to the headband has changed. Sony has also used new artificial leather – it has become thinner and softer than before, which has a positive effect on the feeling of using headphones. The weight of the device is 250 grams.

WH-1000XM5 allows you to adjust the length of the headband, but you can not fold the headphones, by analogy with previous generations. Due to this, the branded case for transporting the device has significantly increased in size. It looks quite stylish, but also takes up more space in the backpack, which is not always convenient. This decision raises some questions, because the novelty is positioned as headphones for travelers.

Sony has officially introduced the top  WH-1000XM5 headphones

Image / The Verge

You can control the functions of the WH-1000XM5 with the help of physical buttons (switching of noise absorption modes, power), as well as touch panels on the headphones. In addition, you will find a USB-C port for fast charging (3 minutes is enough for 3 hours of operation) and a 3.5 mm audio jack. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 has not changed compared to its predecessors. You can expect about 30 hours of use of headphones with active noise cancellation system.

Sony has officially introduced the top  WH-1000XM5 headphones

The ANC system, by the way, has been improved. QN1 and V1 processors are responsible for its work. The company says that the improvements are most noticeable in medium and high frequency noise. According to the first reviews of the novelty, noise absorption has really become even better, so Sony has raised the bar for other manufacturers even higher. Positive feedback on sound quality, although the WH-1000XM4 in this aspect proved to be the best. The WH-1000XM5 uses new 30mm drivers (the previous model featured 40mm drivers) to give you a more natural and balanced sound.

For audio transmission, you can use the above-mentioned 3.5-mm audio jack, as well as Bluetooth 5.2. There is support for the proprietary LDAC codec, as well as SBC and AAC. In addition, Fast Pair (fast connection to Android devices), Swift Pair (fast connection to computers with Windows 10/11), Multipoint Connection (simultaneous connection to two Bluetooth devices), and others are supported. Voice assistants Google Assistant and Alexa are built in.

Sony has officially introduced the top  WH-1000XM5 headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5 is still available in two colors: black and off-white. But the cost of headphones has increased by $50 and now the device costs $399.99.