To accomplish this, Sony has included the Integrated Processor V1, which was first introduced on the WF-1000XM4 wireless earbuds. In addition, the number of microphones on the WH-1000XM5 has been increased to eight (up from four on the XM4), and Sony claims to have improved the technology inside the headphones responsible for identifying and cancelling out noise. Overall, these changes are expected to result in even better noise cancellation performance on the XM5.
On previous generations of the WH cans, you would have to run Sony’s NC Optimiser before changing locations to make sure you were getting the best noise-cancelling possible. Now, the XM5 headphones automatically optimise the noise-cancelling as you move around. It’s done in conjunction with Sony’s Headphones app and the Adaptive Sound Control feature, which track where you are wearing the headphones. Alternatively, you can flick between noise-cancelling and the headphones’ Ambient mode by tapping the corresponding button on the edge of the left earcup.
And once again Sony generally impresses on the noise-cancelling front. They’re among the class leaders when it comes to isolating us from constant drones and noises within train and underground carriages. They also help cut out loud conversations in crowded spaces that you don’t want to be part of.
It is worth noting that the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones may not be quite as consistent as the previous generation when it comes to cancelling out variable sounds like general traffic noise. This effect is more of a curiosity than a major issue, but it is something to be aware of. Overall, the noise cancellation performance of the XM5 headphones is still impressive, and they are expected to deliver excellent results in a variety of situations.
Performance
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones maintain all the features that have made previous generations class-leaders at their price point, including their excellent sound quality. However, this latest generation manages to deliver even greater clarity and a more open sound presentation, representing a significant improvement over its predecessor.
In terms of low frequencies, the WH-1000XM5 also exhibit a newfound level of precision. While the previous model delivered strong performance in this regard, the XM5 headphones offer even greater detail and can differentiate between notes more easily, making the XM4s sound a bit thick in comparison. As you move higher up the frequency range, the XM5 headphones continue to extract more information and deliver notes with unerring precision, showcasing excellent timing. Overall, these headphones offer an impressive level of sound performance.
Sony has consistently improved the call quality of its WH-1000 range of headphones over the years, and the XM5 model represents the best experience yet. These headphones feature Sony’s Precise Voice Pickup technology, which utilizes four beamforming microphones and AI-powered noise reduction, as well as wind noise reduction, to ensure that your calls sound as clear as possible. The combination of these technologies allows your voice to come through the WH-1000XM5 clearly and without distortion, even in noisy or windy environments. In our testing, we found that the XM5 headphones do an excellent job of suppressing general noise and gusts of wind that can disrupt call quality on lesser headphones.
