Sony WH-1000XM5: Headphones Review After Using For 1 Year

If you’ve ever worked in a busy office, you know the struggle: trying to take calls or concentrate with all the chatter around you. That’s where the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones come into play. After a year of using them almost every day, I’ve got a pretty good idea of what they’re all about, and I’m here to share the highs and lows. Whether you’re considering a purchase or just curious about these popular headphones, I hope this review gives you some clarity.

Why I Bought the Sony WH-1000XM5

I’ll be honest – I wasn’t planning to spend a lot on headphones at first. But after trying out a few Teams-approved models that either lacked decent noise cancellation or were just too expensive for what they offered, I decided to give the Sony WH-1000XM5 a go. These headphones aren’t just for calls; they’re a versatile option that promised great sound, effective noise cancellation, and a solid all-around experience. The idea of having one pair of headphones that could do it all – whether for work calls, music, or just blocking out the world – was too good to pass up.

What’s Worked Well

1. Top-Notch Noise Cancellation

Let’s start with the big one: noise cancellation. These headphones do a cracking job at shutting out the noise, whether you’re in a bustling office, a noisy café, or even on a plane. For work, they’ve been a lifesaver. I can jump on Teams calls without worrying about the background chatter, and my colleagues have noticed the difference too – no more complaints about loud offices or street noise from my end. If you need to focus or just want some peace and quiet, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is hard to beat.

2. Crystal-Clear Calls

Speaking of calls, these headphones really shine when it comes to clarity. Before using the WH-1000XM5, I’d often get feedback about background noise during calls, especially when I was out and about. But with these, it’s a different story. The headphones make sure my voice comes through loud and clear, even in crowded places. This has been a real game-changer for me, making it easier to take calls on the go without any hassle.

3. Great Sound Quality

Pairing the WH-1000XM5 with my iPhone has been a breeze, and the sound quality is something else. Whether I’m listening to music, podcasts, or watching videos, the audio is rich and immersive. The bass is deep but not overpowering, and the mids and highs are clear and crisp. If you’re into music, you’ll appreciate the level of detail these headphones bring out. It’s an all-around fantastic listening experience.

What Could Be Better

1. Multi-Device Pairing Woes

Now, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. One thing that’s been a bit of a headache is the multi-device pairing. The idea is great – being able to connect the headphones to both my MacBook and iPhone – but in practice, it’s a bit frustrating. The headphones tend to switch back and forth between devices, often when I don’t want them to. For example, I could be about to take a call on my iPhone, only to have the headphones suddenly reconnect to my MacBook. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it can be annoying, especially if you’re switching devices a lot.

2. No Siri Integration

Another letdown for me as an iPhone user is the lack of Siri integration. You can’t activate Siri using the headphones, which feels like a missed opportunity. Given how much I rely on Siri for hands-free tasks, this was a bit disappointing. If you’re someone who uses Siri regularly, this might be something to keep in mind.

3. A Bit Uncomfortable Around the Neck

Comfort is generally good when you’re wearing the WH-1000XM5 over your ears, but I’ve found them a bit uncomfortable when they’re around my neck. The ear cups press against my neck in a way that’s not the most pleasant, especially if I’m taking a break from wearing them. It’s not a major issue, but it’s something to be aware of if you tend to wear your headphones around your neck a lot.

4. The Price Tag

Lastly, let’s talk about the price. The Sony WH-1000XM5 isn’t cheap, and while they offer a lot of great features, it’s worth asking whether they’re worth the investment. For me, the noise cancellation and sound quality alone made it worth it, but if you’re on a budget or don’t need the absolute best in those areas, there might be other options out there that offer better value for money.

Product Design and Material

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Sony WH-1000XM5 is the premium build quality. The materials used feel solid and well-crafted, giving the headphones a sense of durability. The soft leather ear cushions are particularly comfortable, making long listening sessions much more enjoyable. The inside of the overhead band is also lined with this soft material, which adds to the overall comfort. Even after hours of use, I’ve found that the headphones sit comfortably without causing any discomfort. This attention to detail in the design makes the WH-1000XM5 stand out as a high-quality product.

Enhanced Sound Quality

When it comes to sound, the Sony WH-1000XM5 truly excels. The bass is deep and punchy without overwhelming the other frequencies, which is something I really appreciate. The midrange is clear and well-defined, making vocals and instruments sound natural and full-bodied. The treble is crisp and bright, adding a nice sparkle to the overall sound signature.

One of the features I’ve particularly enjoyed is the Sony equaliser in the app, which allows you to fine-tune the sound to your liking. Whether you prefer a bass-heavy sound or a more balanced profile, the equaliser lets you adjust the settings to suit your taste. I personally love listening to Jazz on these headphones, especially when streaming lossless music from Apple Music. The clarity and detail they provide make each instrument come alive, offering an immersive listening experience that’s hard to match.

Final Thoughts

So, after a year with the Sony WH-1000XM5, would I recommend them? Absolutely – but with a few caveats. If you’re looking for top-tier noise cancellation, great sound quality, and reliable call clarity, these headphones are a fantastic choice. They’ve made my work life easier and my listening experiences more enjoyable. However, the issues with multi-device pairing, lack of Siri integration, and the high price tag are worth considering.

If you’re on the fence, think about what matters most to you. If noise cancellation and sound quality are top priorities, you’ll likely be happy with the Sony WH-1000XM5. But if the price is a sticking point or you need seamless multi-device use, you might want to explore other options.

In the end, these headphones have been a solid addition to my tech arsenal, and they’ve certainly lived up to most of their promises. Whether they’re right for you will depend on your specific needs and how you weigh the pros and cons. Thanks for reading, and I hope this review helps you make an informed decision!

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Update based on user feedback – August, 2024

Issues with Sony WH-1000XM5 on MS Teams

Many users have reported problems with the Sony WH-1000XM5 during Microsoft Teams calls. Despite the headphones’ strong noise-cancelling features, background noise is still being picked up and transmitted, causing disruptions.

Even after setting the noise suppression in Teams to ‘High,’ nearby conversations are still clearly audible to others on the call. This issue seems to occur only with Teams, as the headphones work well with other apps. Some users tried adjusting mic sensitivity and toggling the “auto-adjust mic sensitivity” option, but the issue remains.

This problem is more common with the new version of Teams, as the older version did not have these issues. It may be related to the Sony Headphones app, which is only available on Android and iOS. This app might be needed to manage noise-cancelling features during calls, leading to better performance on mobile devices than on laptops.

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