Sony WH-1000XM5 vs WH-1000XM4: which headphones should you buy?

A black pair of Sony WH-1000XM5 on a yellow knitted cushion.

Sony WH-1000XM5

Bluetooth: SBC, AAC, LDAC
Battery life: 30hrs
Charging: USB-C
Weight: 250g

'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' goes the saying. Sony begs to differ, and with stunning results. It's brought on the sound quality of its best over-ear wireless headphones while executing a complete redesign. True, they feel a little less premium than their predecessors, but one listen will dispel all doubts. Simply incredible.

Pros

• Sensational sonic clarity
• Punchy delivery
• Precise, agile bass
• Nice to use

Cons

• Build seems a little less premium than before
• Don’t fold away completely

Sony WH-1000XM4

Bluetooth: SBC, AAC, LDAC
Battery life: 30hrs
Charging: USB-C
Weight: 254g

Their successors might better them for sound quality, noise cancellation and features, but the XM4 are still mighty fine. They have a more premium build than the XM5, and can go toe to toe with any similarly priced pair, especially now they're discounted and coming to the end of their life. Still a great buy.

Pros

• Dynamic, detail-rich sound
• Sensational sense of timing
• Lightweight, comfy and clever

Cons

• No IP rating
• No aptX support
• Now superseded by the XM5