​Sony announces WH-1000XM5 headphones: newer design and even better noise cancellation

Sony recently announced its latest flagship noise-canceling headphones, the WH-1000XM5. They cost $399.99, an increase from the previous 1000XM4s, and they will go on sale May 20th.

Sony says it has improved its already fantastic noise cancellation by adding a second processor to the new headphones. The improvements are most noticeable in “mid- to high-frequency noise,” according to the company. That includes things like everyday city street noise and human voices.

The 1000XM5s have a design that’s quite different from their recent models. Sony has gone for a sleeker look, switching to a stem-style slider and moving the microphones (there are now eight of them) around the perimeter of the ear cups.

The 1000XM5s also use a new type of synthetic leather on the headband, which is a bit thinner than on previous models. Controls haven’t changed, you still control audio with tap and swipe gestures, and there’s a physical button for switching between ANC and ambient modes.

The internal components have also changed. Sony has stopped using the 40-millimeter drivers of the 1000XM4s and instead use the new 30-millimeter drivers that supposedly sounds more natural and “improve sound clarity and bass reproduction.”

Sony is also highlighting improved voice call quality made possible by four beamforming mics and AI noise reduction algorithms. Sony’s WH-1000XM5 (left) compared to the previous generation WH-1000XM4 (right).

These headphones don’t really do anything new compared to the WH-1000XM4s, which Sony plans to continue selling. But the company seems confident that they surpass past 1000X-series headphones at the most important things like sound quality, noise cancellation, and voice calls.

THE GOOD 

More balanced, tighter sound

Even better active noise cancellation

Improved voice call quality

THE BAD 

Design is very "plasticky" for the price

No major new features over 1000XM4

The headphones come in only black or off-white

Bulky, awkward carrying case

SONY WH-1000XM5 SPECS

Bluetooth version: 5.2

Active noise cancellation: yes

Ambient mode: yes

Multipoint: yes

Battery life: 30 hours (ANC on), 40 hours (ANC off)

Recharge time: approx. 3.5 hours over USB-C

Bluetooth codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC

Extra features: Speak to Chat, 360 Reality Audio, DSEE Extreme, Spotify Tap, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant