Sony WH-1000XM4 vs WH-1000XM5
When it comes to premium noise-canceling headphones, Sony WH-1000XM4 vs WH-1000XM5 stand out as top contenders. Both models offer exceptional sound quality, advanced features, and impressive battery life, making them popular choices among audiophiles and frequent travelers alike. However, despite their similarities, there are distinct differences that potential buyers should consider when deciding which model best suits their needs.
Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs WH-1000XM5
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| fit | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| weight | 254 g | 250 g |
| has a detachable cable | ✔ | ✔ |
| ingress protection (IP) rating | Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Sony WH-1000XM4) | Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Sony WH-1000XM5) |
| can be folded | ✔ | ✖ |
| has a tangle free cable | ✖ | ✔ |
| travel bag is included | ✔ | ✔ |
| has an open-back design | ✖ | ✖ |
| is dustproof and water-resistant | ✖ | ✖ |
| sweat resistance | ✖ | ✖ |
| cable length | 1.2 m | 1.2 m |
| has stereo speakers | ✔ | ✔ |
| has active noise cancellation (ANC) | ✔ | ✔ |
| lowest frequency | 4 Hz | 4 Hz |
| highest frequency | 40000 Hz | 40000 Hz |
| driver unit size | 40 mm | 30 mm |
| impedance | 16 Ohms | 48 Ohms |
| sound pressure level | 105 dB/mW | 102 dB/mW |
| has a neodymium magnet | ✔ | ✔ |
| has passive noise reduction | ✔ | ✔ |
| battery life | 30 hours | 40 hours |
| battery life (ANC) | 24 hours | 30 hours |
| charge time | 3 hours | 3.5 hours |
| has USB Type-C | ✔ | ✔ |
| has a battery level indicator | ✔ | ✔ |
| has wireless charging | ✖ | ✖ |
| battery power | 1100 mAh | 1200 mAh |
| has a solar power battery | ✖ | ✖ |
| has a rechargeable battery | ✔ | ✔ |
| has a removable battery | ✖ | ✖ |
| connectivity | Wireless & wired | Wireless & wired |
| Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 |
| has aptX Adaptive | ✖ | ✖ |
| has aptX | ✖ | ✖ |
| has LDAC | ✔ | ✔ |
| has aptX Low Latency | ✖ | ✖ |
| has aptX HD | ✖ | ✖ |
| has aptX Lossless | ✖ | ✖ |
| has AAC | ✔ | ✔ |
| audio latency | Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Sony WH-1000XM4) | Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Sony WH-1000XM5) |
| maximum Bluetooth range | 10 m | 10 m |
| supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC | ✔ | ✖ |
| has a noise-canceling microphone | ✔ | ✔ |
| has ambient sound mode | ✔ | ✔ |
| has in/on-ear detection | ✔ | ✔ |
| number of microphones | 5 | 8 |
| has a mute function | ✖ | ✖ |
| multipoint count | 2 | 2 |
| control panel placed on a device | ✔ | ✔ |
| can be used as a headset | ✔ | ✔ |
| has an in-line control panel | ✖ | ✖ |
| warranty period | 1 years | 1 years |
| has a 3.5mm male connector | ✔ | ✔ |
| has Dolby Atmos | ✔ | ✔ |
Design and Comfort
The design and comfort of headphones are crucial factors for many users, especially those who wear them for extended periods. Both the Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5 feature an over-ear design, which provides a comfortable fit and excellent noise isolation. The WH-1000XM4 weighs slightly more at 254 grams compared to the WH-1000XM5’s 250 grams, making the latter marginally more comfortable for long-term use.
An essential design difference is that the WH-1000XM4 can be folded into a more compact form, which is convenient for travelers. In contrast, the WH-1000XM5 does not have this feature. However, both models come with a travel bag, ensuring safe and easy transportation.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is often the most critical factor for headphone buyers. Both models deliver outstanding audio performance, but there are some differences. The WH-1000XM4 has a larger driver unit size of 40 mm compared to the 30 mm drivers in the WH-1000XM5. This generally allows the WH-1000XM4 to produce more powerful bass.
Both models have the same frequency range, with a lowest frequency of 4 Hz and a highest frequency of 40,000 Hz, ensuring deep bass and clear treble. The WH-1000XM4 has a higher sound pressure level at 105 dB/mW, compared to the WH-1000XM5’s 102 dB/mW, potentially offering a louder listening experience.
Noise Cancellation and Features
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a highlight of both models, providing excellent noise reduction for immersive listening experiences. However, the WH-1000XM5 features an increased number of microphones (eight compared to the WH-1000XM4’s five), which can enhance noise cancellation and call quality.
Both models support ambient sound mode and have in/on-ear detection, automatically pausing playback when the headphones are removed. However, the WH-1000XM5 has additional features such as tangle-free cable design, which the WH-1000XM4 lacks.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life is a critical consideration for wireless headphones. The WH-1000XM5 offers a longer battery life of up to 40 hours, compared to the WH-1000XM4’s 30 hours. With ANC enabled, the WH-1000XM5 still leads with 30 hours of playback versus the WH-1000XM4’s 24 hours. Both models take a similar time to fully charge, around 3 to 3.5 hours.
In terms of connectivity, both models support Bluetooth and have USB Type-C charging. The WH-1000XM5, however, uses Bluetooth 5.2, providing potentially better connectivity and energy efficiency compared to the WH-1000XM4’s Bluetooth 5.0. Both models also support LDAC, a high-resolution audio codec developed by Sony, ensuring superior audio quality over Bluetooth.
Choosing between the Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5 largely depends on individual preferences and specific needs. If portability and a slightly louder audio output are priorities, the WH-1000XM4 might be the better option. However, for those who value the latest technology in noise cancellation and longer battery life, the WH-1000XM5 is likely the superior choice. Both models offer top-tier performance, ensuring that users will enjoy a high-quality listening experience regardless of their choice.
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