Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5 - Which One Should You Buy?

[@benslabbo]

This is exactly what I was looking for to compare since the xm5 changed drivers. Thank you

[@anime5h_m1shr4]

You guys make the most technically comprehensive headphone reviews on KZbin. Thank you for all this together.

[@goranbelllane4857]

I'm about getting pair of new headphones and this video helped more then 20 previous that I've watched. Thank you sir. 😊

[@Landlordsplace]

Just bought the xm4. You saved me a big headache I believe. Great review and thanks alot.

[@XX-bm4eo]

Guys this is important. I’ve had both. New Xm5 is better if for nothing else bc the xm4 headphones break!!!!! Both of mine did within months of buying so for rest of time I had them taped. Xm5 they are secured. Xm4 was good bc they weee flexible / comfortable but so flexible that they easily broke. Still worked but had he taped. Get the new ones. I still can sleep in xm5 (yes I sleep in then bc hate noise ) but won’t have to tape them up

[@PakkaponPhongtawee]

apperciate your help with ANC comparision chart. So, i going for the XM4

[@Desi.walters.08]

How has the product been? Are they worth the money?

[@PakkaponPhongtawee]

@@Desi.walters.08 in media consumption perspective, I would say no. I have other headset that I daily drive and it cheaper. But if you get it for a good sleep, this is the best active noise canceling experience that I ever have. It help me survive 36 hour plane round tip and erase out snoring roommate during business trip

[@nosrellom]

The XM4's sound great. However they have a durability issue where the headband connects to the cups. The cups swivel has a rotation limiter that if you take your heaphones on and off fairly frequently and the cups hit the limiter or you hold your head phones by one ear cup the limiter continually pushes against the small plastic piece that holds the limiter down and through that the head band on to the cup. Eventually that small plastic piece will break. Had it happen 3x times so far with mine. Sent it away once to get it repaired. Happened again and realized it was a terrible design flaw and not a freak accident so glued it together instead of paying for shipping and repair costs and then recently just had the last one go. The last one while being very careful to always put it on and off while holding both cups or by using the head band.

[@dark6.6E-34]

Thanks for the heads up. Ill be careful not to put stress on that connection point.

[@7books88]

This just happened to me today, not even had them long :(

[@leehamlet5900]

Your website is my go-to for headphones reviews, great work

[@ezwider4652]

The xm4 are on sale at Best Buy right now for 248 and the xm5 are 329. I bought mine primarily for travel and the price makes it too hard to go for the newer model.

[@jerrygeorgopolis8015]

I have the XM4's and very happy with them ! Thanks for the review

[@marksalamon619]

These two Sony headphone models have virtually identical performance so, unless you absolutely can't live without the slightly better microphone and improved mid to high frequency noise cancellation of the XM5, it just makes sense to save money by purchasing the XM4. By Rtings own measurements, the XM4 actually has superior low-frequency noise cancellation. I'm a little surprised that Sony didn't lower the exaggerated bass response of the XM4 to give the XM5 a more accurate sound profile, but I suppose many people prefer the overemphasized bass.

[@machumachu777]

XM4 has this issue where the noise cancelling mic misfunctions causing extremely loud screeching noises that can damage your eardrums. Just do a quick google and you can see it is prevalent

[@Maria-og8if]

Sinceramente la mejor comparativa que he visto en mucho tiempo con los mejores test y comparaciones. Es increible el gran tabajo que hay detrás.

[@eddipl5055]

The only thing that I am hesitant about buying the xm4 is that I want to use them in an office environment, I wonder how much it changes the ANC in the mid frequency between these two headphone.

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Hi Eddi, You should be able to get some more insight by looking at our in-depth comparison between both of these products: www.rtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/sony-wh-1000xm4-wireless-vs-sony-wh-1000xm5-wireless/16490/33024?usage=19&threshold=0.10 Hope this helps! :)

[@PreparationdobleH]

I own a pair Bose 700, but tented to a pair of Sony XM 4 instead of the Bose QC 45

[@Brian-dd2df]

This seems like one situation where they needed to expand the group of people testing comfort of the XM5’s. I currently have both and the lighter clamping force and softer ear cups, and larger ear cups, make wearing the XM5’s way more comfortable than the XM4’s over multiple hours.

[@Elst07896]

Just took delivery of the XM4s and I have to say I'm very impressed. Listening to music, any music, should bring a smile to your face and the XM4s absolutely do not fail. Brass Construction's Movin' (CD) never sounded funkier and Luther Vandross' Take You Out (CD) is as emphatic as ever. Even KZbin's notoriously low quality codec can't halt Harry Styles' As It Was melancholy - his vocals on Sign of the Times ain't too bad either. If I had a criticism, it's Windows limiting the sampling to 16 bit/44.1 khz (CD quality) - I'd love to hear how the XM4s sound with 24 bit audio. If you guys know how I can get to do that please let me know. That aside, so glad I plumped for XM4s - a steal at £229! 👍❤😉

[@Somedudeonyoutube123]

Play that audio from Android or apple apps certified for 360 audio. should be lossless?

[@samavery-l7h]

Great review, exactly what i was looking for. Thanks for the info!

[@jesuscervantesj82]

I had the xm3 and they were comfortable now. I have the xm5 and they're comfortable the headband is not that bad to me. I really like it. I do enjoy their sound profile and the fact that they sound much more clear when you're listening to music the Ambient sound could be a bit better. It sounds good. Not perfect or as awesome as the airpods max, but it's good enough for listening to the Ambient sound outside. If you turn off the focus on voices thing overall. They've been a awesome set of cans and I love them.

[@alexsmith1207]

I preorder the Sennheiser Momentum 4, my sibling had the Sony XM4 at that time i got the Dali IO4 which lacked dynamic, and wasn't good although the tuning was different and airy. I felt in love with the sound of the XM4, and surprisingly detailed. His headphone broke so I'm give my B&O h95 messy ANC to him, but the Sony's was my second choice. Is the review of the Momentum 4 coming?

[@RTINGSdotcom]

We've purchased the Momentum 4, but they haven't been delivered yet. Once they get shipped to us, we'll try to get our testing done ASAP!

[@cybertroy2]

@@RTINGSdotcom i bought the momentum 4 yesterday. My excitement quickly disappeared after 5 mins of wearing them. The clamping force is very high for my average size head and the area under the bottom of my ears hurt like hell. i tried adjust them but it didn't help at all. i was so frustrated. and i could also feel they were heavy on my head. Massive difference to the featherweight XM5. i am returning them today to pick up Sony. When i tested the Sony they were super comfortable and so lightweight.

[@Tremonti4ever]

6:35 AND THIS IS EXACTLY WHY RETURNED THE XM5’s AND WENT BACK TO THE XM4’s. When I’m spending $350-$400 on headphones I DON’T NEED NOR WANT THEM DECIDING BASED ON AI, HOW MUCH ANC I “NEED”. When I turn ANC ON I WANT IT ON ALL THE WAY AT ALL TIMES PERIOD!!!

[@jonashylten6741]

For business I will go for the 5. À LOT of sales calls. Microphone is important. It felt good also to wear.

[@Errr717]

It sounds like the XM4 is better in general. I'm looking for a replacement for my XM3 and I like the way it folds which looks to be the same as the XM4. When travelling I just use a soft bag and it fits right in backpack without taking too much space. I think I'll stick with the XM4. I'm glad I viewed your video that showed the test results.

[@mikefa5891]

Thanks for the excellent informative review!

[@hyunji1652]

I got a question , been looking at both in Used market and i see XM4 for around 220 and XM5 for 235 , shud i jump at the XM5?

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Hello! Help with personalized buying advice is something our experts offer only via our insider forums: www.rtings.com/forums/insider-advice However, we have lots of self-service tools and recommendation articles that may be useful!

[@TamerlaneLM10]

So everyone is concluding that XM4 is better than its successor?

[@polacosan]

I desagree but respect the others.

[@jeremy7926]

Should I buy these or the xm4 model? They both cost the same here and I want an overall good headphone for music/studying/gaming/general use. I also want something that is more durable, something that lasts longer. I also don't really travel much. But I do really like ANC/Transparency.

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Personalized buying advice is something our experts offer only via our insider forums: www.rtings.com/forums/insider-advice Otherwise, we have lots of self-service tools and recommendation articles that may be helpful!

[@Skirtap]

The best review/comparison company!

[@invisiblemansleepininyobed9989]

Great vid! 🎉

[@domd8290]

Had both and I'm really not sure I'm going along with rtings and their nifty charts here. My non scientific test (my head next to a vacuum cleaner) had the xm5s winning (barely). Sound wise the 5s have better imaging and nuances to songs popped a bit more. Not to mention cleaner bass. Still was close. I kept the 5s and sold the 4s

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Hey Dom, Thanks for the feedback, we'll pass this along to our headphones team to consider making any necessary changes on our end. For what it's worth though, a lot of audio quality can be subjective and can vary based on personal preference. But we're glad to hear you found something you're happy with. And thanks again for the feedback!

[@saritofir]

And if i need to buy one of them. Which one do you recommend? What about the folding? The 5 model-Is it big ?

[@vamos419]

In the review, they told XM4 has better ANC for engine noises like airplane and bus. While the XM5 has better ANC in office environments and AC noise, so I guess your test of vacuum falls under this category.

[@Somedudeonyoutube123]

With Sony's equalizer, I disagree. XM4 are $200 used at most and sound the same and are more portable

[@lastlavender5351]

please help me decide which to buy. I dont care about sound etc, I just one that comfort (not too hot & comfort to ear skin) to wear for long time (ex. 3-4 hours simultaneously)

[@Hamed-ox8qv]

The headphones and this review both shows the power of science. thanks

[@elwinMMA]

I have a pair of xm3's that I bought in 2019. They are very durable.

[@digi051669]

Most people that break them aren't very gentle😅

[@leorank6670]

Momentum 4's came out, many people say that they are better than both of these. Please could you test them? It's been over a month since they were released and they seem to be the real deal. I value your testing to be accurate. Thanks!

[@RTINGSdotcom]

We’re actually in the process of testing them, so stay tuned for our results! www.rtings.com/headphones/suggestions

[@leorank6670]

@@RTINGSdotcom Oh, that's great. I appreciate your response. Thanks.

[@Dankh-z9z]

I need some help... I'm a university student, I need to commute 2.5 hours a day for uni. I'm wondering whether to get the mark 4 or mark 5, the buses I use do tend to make a lot of noise. I found deals for both headsets and the difference between their prices is about 50usd, I'm not sure whether I should spend the extra 50 and get the mark 5 or save them and get the mark 4

[@managingaccounts]

Hi Adams, Thanks for the detailed comparison, I was also searching if XM4 or XM5 can be used for Video Editing as well, XM is bassyl I guess and Sennheiser gives original sound. But still I found XM listed as a headphone that can be used for Audio Editing/ Video Editing. What is your verdict on Using a "wireless" Sony XM4 or XM5 for video editing or using Sennheiser (wired) HD300 Pro or HD400 Pro or HD599 Special Edition?

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Hi there, You're definitely right that the Sony WH-1000XM4/5 are pretty bass-heavy. They're well-suited for casual use, but they won't be the best choice if you're video editing. Although we haven't tested any of the Sennheisers you've listed (we've tested the HD 599, but not the special edition variant), open-backs like the HD 599 or the HD 400 PRO would be solid choices for video editing. Generally, Sennheiser's audiophile-grade headphones tend to be more neutral, and the open-back design helps create a more immersive audio experience. Keep in mind that open-backs tend to lack low-bass due to their design though. I hope this helps. 🙂

[@managingaccounts]

@@RTINGSdotcom Thanks for your reply which supports more Sennheiser wired than Sony's XM4 or XM5. I found out XM4 and XM5 have "equaliser control" via app, can we now get "neutral sound" from XM4 and purchase it or still your choice would be Sennheiser HD599?

[@itsmnaveedsheikh]

@@managingaccounts so what did you pick for video editing? kinda same situation here

[@Vicky-il5yv]

I checked the comparison in details in RTINGS site. Playing the sample audio from section "Noise Handling". I could see XM5 is clearly performing better than XM4 (ratings are also aligned accordingly). Whereas this video seems not stating the same (may be the site has the latest and detailed tests) So, shouldn't I consider XM5 if I am also going to use it for phone calls and office meetings???

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Yeah, so something worth noting is that our website represents our most up to date results following retests and Firmware Updates. So, the comparison here: www.rtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/sony-wh-1000xm4-wireless-vs-sony-wh-1000xm5-wireless/16490/33024?usage=19&threshold=0.10 is what we'd recommend focusing on. That said, the XM5 have a better microphone performance and their ANC is blocks out more mid and treble range noise. So, they'd probably have the edge for your intended usage!

[@RoMusic2011]

Tried XM5's for two days and returned them, went back to XM4. New ones have auto NC optimizer which still hasn't been fixed. XM4 the best headphones because you choose how much NC you want and it stays like that. XM5's not recommended!

[@RoMusic2011]

@ExtraEcclesiamNullaSalus My god after all this time they still didnt fix that.. just return them I still enjoy my XM4's

[@v8706]

@ExtraEcclesiamNullaSalus Hii iam currently very confused between sony xm4, xm5 and sennheiser momentum 4 i want to buy an all rounder headphones one which i can use on my ps5, ioad pro and phone. I mostly play games like rdr 2 so their is no issue of playing with mic and i heard sound is better on momentums but iam really very confused because i want to buy headphones for a long run so any suggestions pls? Btw currently sony xm4s are the cheapest and xm5 and sennheiser momentum 4s are on same price after discount durability and comfort is also very important for me

[@boiler195]

I contacted them a while back about possibly adding manual controls for noise canceling quality and was shot down. Ended up returning as I found ANC straight up useless for WFH, especially compared to my old XM3.

[@tarassu]

I have XM3-s. Calls are not good, but are there any NC upgrades between XM 3 and 4?

[@RTINGSdotcom]

www.rtings.com/forums Our experts are happy to answer your questions via our forums on our website!

[@celticlofts]

If you take the best of the XM5s (noise cancelling and mic improvements) and combine them with the versatility of the XM4s then you'd have headphones that would be very hard to beat.

[@zirak93-2]

Bascially they have only improved the mic quality with the xm5. I will surely go for xm4.

[@rodolfofrancisco]

Waiting for the AirPods Pro 2 review and comparison with the first gen!

[@RTINGSdotcom]

👀👀

[@TheGamingAudiophile]

XM5 refurbished on eBay with a 2 year warranty is $259!

[@diasarhan3315]

is it used or brand new ?

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Oh wow! Let us know what you think if you buy them!

[@TheGamingAudiophile]

@@diasarhan3315 Like new.

[@TheGamingAudiophile]

@@RTINGSdotcom They came today. So far they look and function as if they are new. Came with all accessories. Absolute steal.

[@I_dont_read_responses]

Sounds about right. We upgraded from XM3s to refurbished XM4s over a year ago for $199.

[@GiedriukasMazhylis]

so - I need an answer - for everyday music listening - I am the big big big fan of house, progressive music - I am stuck - for the best music quality - should I really choose the XM5??? Is it worth to pay more? I want to buy the best headphones so that later I would not take a lokk back and regret it.... please advice - I will not use them for any meetining, calls and so on... JUST FOR EVERYDAY MUSIC LISTENING - Need the best Noise Cancelling Headphones with a Highest possible sound quality...

[@AlecRedfield1037]

I own the XM4 and I've been happy with them ever since I bought them. But to be perfectly honest: I would wait for the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless. These headphones will be released this month and I expect them to be better than both XM4 and XM5.

[@GiedriukasMazhylis]

@@AlecRedfield1037 Thanks!

[@stephenknight6562]

Sennheiser momentum 3 is much better for house set Dance preset

[@wyw201]

If you want the best sound quality, get the B&O H95. If you are fine with wired IEMs, get Sony’s IER-Z1R.

[@GiedriukasMazhylis]

@@stephenknight6562 Thanks!

[@celticlofts]

The big drawback for me with regard to the XM5's is the fact that they don't fold up like those of the MX4s. Space is a premium when it comes to air travel these days so the small footprint of the XM4s makes them perfect for a small carry on bag. Functionally I could detect no discernible sound difference, or better noise cancelling, from the XM5s over its predecessor, at least to my ears, If I had to choose again between these two great sets of headphones I'd still go with the XM4s.

[@NatTheGreat143]

Is it possible if you make a video with Sony xm5 vs JBL tour one m2?

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Not something we have planned at the moment, but we’ll keep it in mind! www.rtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/shokz-openrun-pro-bone-conduction-vs-shokz-openrun-bone-conduction/31212/31341?usage=19&threshold=0.10 You could use the above comparison tool to compare them though’

[@test1ngthew4ters]

I've been having xm3 for years, and they are nearly as good as xm4's . While xm5 are so close to xm4, I don't think I should buy xm5's. Any positive feedback on the upgrade 3->5 ?

[@RTINGSdotcom]

In this case, it might help to use our comparison tool and compare the XM3 to the XM5: www.rtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/beats-powerbeats-pro-truly-wireless-vs-beats-fit-pro-true-wireless/854/29242?usage=19&threshold=0.10 Let us know if it's still unclear or you have any specific questions though!

[@theoc1009]

Not worth the upgrade, moreover looks like a degrade, with a noise isolation of 8.2 vs 9.8... Same music quality, not foldable 👀. The only point for the xm5 is the bluetooth 5.2 vs 4.0 for the xm3. Bluetooth 5.2 (LE) improve a little bit the bitrate...

[@P0wer2R0ll]

My xm3's broke almost One year ago. I went with Soundcore Life Q30 for 55 Euro. So much better soundstage and microphone for calls 🤘

[@pandasdreamlygon]

why are your videos so quiet... did you master it to -9db?

[@RTINGSdotcom]

We're not sure why at the moment, but we suspect it might be happening during the processing/upload process. We're gonna try to resolve this issue ASAP.

[@roboticvenom1935]

XM4's new are $270 on eBay 24/7 and have 2yr warranty. XM5's will quickly become $300 or less guarantee. Shit on overpriced airpods max due to sales/price.

[@blackbeast9268]

I have autism but not a lot of money. Xm5 costs 500 dollars where I live and xm4 is 250. Is the ANC of xm5 so better it deserves double the price?

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Hello! Price differences are often subjective and it'll come down to how each individual user values the difference in performance. For most people though, it probably isn't worth double the cost!

[@mojtabaghaffari-t7b]

very good comparation

[@SILENCE_uk]

i have some XM3s would either be worth an up grade too? or wait for another gen?

[@undeny]

Wait another gen

[@ccbowers]

Same bloated bass. The default tuning on these is pretty bad because of this. App lets you EQ to fix it to a decent level, but why do they continue to do this? Yet somehow they get good reviews for sound. I wish they could better balance the (bland) styling with functionality of comfort and foldability. In every other way, I do like these headphones though. ANC and connection are great. The pass through is passable.

[@LiLa-hg5yj]

I watched the video, did some more research and decided to buy the XM4. Turns out they don't hold up to the test at all. The sound is extremely mushy, there's a lot missing in singers voices and the highs are very sharp. Also disappointing in the base as its just a rumble and not defined base like in better headphones (that even cost less). I'm sending them back and am really sad to have spend the 200€ in the first place.

[@aleee2010]

how is the new one worst? its so weird

[@RTINGSdotcom]

If you want to learn more about how they compare to each other performance wise, you can check out our in-depth comparison here: www.rtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/sony-wh-1000xm5-wireless-vs-sony-wh-1000xm4-wireless/33024/16490?usage=19&threshold=0.10 Hope this helps!

[@aleee2010]

@@RTINGSdotcom Thanks

[@ozbloke36empty87]

I have an oval head so a very slight point at the top of my skull and the XM5's are am absolute killer, hurt so bad, had to return mine. Just FYI I have a large head. Plus 100% agree about the ear cups, just poor quality and shouldn't be like this on such expensive headphones. I personally find the XM5 a downgrade in every single way apart from the mic cutting down background noise. But that's about it. It is definitely a step backwards in 95% of instances.

[@sabianfirst]

Bought and received the XM4 today, mainly because I now am getting accustomed to an open Hospital environment. Used to be a frequent traveler; not much anymore, though I see more travel in the future. These headphones seem like they would afford better noise cancelling for low-droning noises like sitting on the wing (did it 100s of times). I found the Office Environment segment particularly interesting, as I am in the office sometimes, as are many others. I respect your reviews and thorough bench testing RTings, pretty much above all others. So for this reason, I ask, have you done testing in a real office (with carpeting and sound dampeners), vs an open hospital environment with patients, nurses, etc. on hard floors (and walls and ceilings)? Some, like me, would like to know the results of a test like this when considering which headphones to purchase. Thank you for your excellent reviews and insight.

[@DayAndNightTo2099]

if you make calls xm5 is better, but xm4 is more comfortable and cheaper, so it wins for me as someone who doesnt make much calls

[@1Cypher]

Just Bought xm4 for 200 bucks its a steal

[@brianhall4897]

I have a question about smart tv's with streaming KZbin TV ... do either of these work well in this environment??

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Hi Brian, Unfortunately we haven't tried either headphones for watching content on Smart TVs, so we can't say which is best. Without having our own data, we wouldn't want to speculate and risk providing incorrect information. Sorry about that!

[@aperson1181]

Can you use these only in the wired mode? I am concerned about EMFs from Bluetooth, is it off by default? Can it stay off?

[@RTINGSdotcom]

These headphones come with a 1/8" TRS cable, allowing you to receive audio. So you can use them wired. However, this means you can't use the microphone.

[@lavayuki]

The xm4 looks nicer and more stylish to me. The xm5 looks strange

[@arjunmohandas8870]

Xm4 looks way better than xm5 on head for me...Got it around 200$ and saved 60$ over xm5

[@Overonator]

XM5 build quality is inferior lame of Sony to do this.

[@apexg6571]

Argueable

[@DrakonR]

Considering XM4 is $270 at Costco, you're better off saving $250 and get the older model.

[@__smalls__]

You’d be saving $130 since if you’re able to buy them at $270 and the xm5 is $400 then that’ll be $130.

[@apexg6571]

Did u skip maths at school Eddie?

[@Somedudeonyoutube123]

Lol I got mine for $165 on OfferUp and Mercari. No way should anyone get new version gently used if they care about their wallet

[@BrotherJim4Jesus]

$228 for Xm4 today at Best Buy

[@XX-bm4eo]

Guys this is important. I’ve had both. New Xm5 is better if for nothing else bc the xm4 headphones break!!!!! Both of mine did within months of buying so for rest of time I had them taped. Xm5 they are secured. Xm4 was good bc they weee flexible / comfortable but so flexible that they easily broke. Still worked but had he taped. Get the new ones. I still can sleep in xm5 (yes I sleep in then bc hate noise ) but won’t have to tape them up

[@Aiham980]

What is the best monitor that costs around $500 to play on PlayStation 5

[@RTINGSdotcom]

It depends on pricing in your area, but some of the options on our best monitors for PS5 list should fall within that price point! www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/best/ps5#recommendation_244716

[@rockkiller124]

I have XM5 and I love it

[@martin4458]

Excellent video. Ya know I only trust you guys and Vincent @ HDTV test. I did want the xm5's but now it's the xm4's that I want. The 5's look cheap. I hope Rtings do a video review of the Sony's X95K TV soon.

[@RTINGSdotcom]

Hey Martin! Thanks for the kind words, we appreciate the support. While we don’t have a video for the X95K yet, feel free to check out our full review on our website! www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/sony/x95k

[@WalkandSki]

the drop over 10k and 15k for XM5 is....should be quite noticeable...

[@princesspari15]

Sir Samsung frame qled 55 model 2022 vs sony 55x85j which better tv please reply.

[@RTINGSdotcom]

In this case, it’d help to check out our comparison between both models to see which one is better in the areas that are important to you. If it’s still unclear though or you have follow up questions, don’t hesitate to reach out again! www.rtings.com/tv/tools/compare/samsung-the-frame-2022-qled-vs-sony-x85j/32326/21695?usage=1&threshold=0.10

[@princesspari15]

I understand but i confusion please sir help

[@MrBrax]

XM5 seems like a joke both price wise and form factor wise

[@tytownsend8219]

The xm5's are better in every way, and they are so comfortable because of how light they are. Spend the extra money to get the better headphones..

[@ToriZealot]

4 g difference

[@davemeadows6688]

Which are the best if you have large ears?

[@RTINGSdotcom]

For help with personalized buying advice, feel free to reach out to our experts here: www.rtings.com/forums/insider-advice

[@happybuggy1582]

You know Sony fked up when two gens are even comparable

[@zanychelly]

You need to be an ET 👽 for the XM5 to hurt your head.

[@oilalalet3181]

The Sony XM4 features noise canceling which makes an intolerable noise when you trigger the noise cancelling.

[@michaelraines2204]

Have both and the XM5 are better.

[@sickmessiah]

The xm2 are still the peak in sound quality in my opinion

[@sickmessiah]

My custom curves for the xm2’s is -2 on everything except 16k. Then I bass boast to taste. Usually high. The xm3’s and xm4’s are way to muddy in the low mids to correct with the eq options

[@chilloutmuenchen]

and don`t forget about the first

[@rizakayan]

I have xm2, i tried xm4 in store, and xm4 is much better for my taste, warm and energetic.

[@LaughingStock_]

@@sickmessiah If you need to use EQ on a piece of gear, it is crap. Serious hi-fi gear has NO EQ - the only place EQ should be used is in the mastering stage of a recording.

[@sickmessiah]

@@LaughingStock_ Meanwhile million dollar recording and mastering studios but trinovs and other high end room correction gear that eq's adjusting for delay and phase ext .. Those guys often still adjust the eq for taste but nothing too extreme . No such thing as a perfect speaker or room . To me personally i like a low end bump and everything flat as possible above 80hz at 80db's .

[@josef1858]

Jake Gyllenhaal's brother works for rtings haha

[@polacosan]

After your review, Sony is rethinking its design!!😂😂😂😂

[@joehesketh9370]

I'd love to see a comparison between the XM4 and the Momentum 4.

[@RTINGSdotcom]

We can definitely keep this in mind for future video ideas but in the meantime, feel free to check out both using our comparison tool! www.rtings.com/headphones

[@joehesketh9370]

@@RTINGSdotcom the Momentum 4 is not available via your comparison tool, so I don't believe I can do that.

[@NicolasChanCSY]

0:26 The lineup should be WH-1000X, not WH-1000XM. And M4/ M5 stands for Mark 4/ Mark 5. You are better than this...

[@Jonathan-sk9de]

Jeez, you must be the type of person to say someone is ugly for having a big toe 1mm above the average

[@NicolasChanCSY]

@@Jonathan-sk9de Haha. Except that toe sizes come in a spectrum or distribution and there is no such thing as one correct toe size. Lineups? Lineups very often have one and only one correct name. In this case, that is WH-1000X. It is a shame that rtings gets all the amazing measurements and graphs, but the lineup name wrong.

[@RTINGSdotcom]

You're right, this was a mistake on our end and we appreciate you holding us accountable. It should definitely have beem WH-1000X, with M5 meaning Mark 5. Sorry for the confusion and thanks again for bringing this to our attention!

[@drewa6891]

I hate that these things are poorly made and disposable, spend $300 and they break after two years. It's like paying for a headphones subscription.

[@reecechadwick8504]

Look after them better, I have had different premium headphones for over 5 years and still no issues so it's more than likely you rather than the company, no disrespect meant btw.

[@theoc1009]

Conclusion: Buy XM3. Best ever noise isolation, foldable, ~same music quality, less expensive...

[@I_dont_read_responses]

Except for meetings... the microphone on XM4s is superior to XM3s.

[@vickey4sure]

👍🏾 Xm3 also supports APTX

[@JamarD421]

I feel compelled to purchase the older, lesser expensive option: The XM4. Oh wait.... both of them still cost the same to this day.

[@RosaPAP3817]

Lmao😂

[@coolguy1538]

Wow, the XM5 looks ugly af, looks like pipes, and adjusting it looks like your putting up a tent lol.

[@amani_art]

MX4 FTW

[@ahmetkbns3383]

can you help me wh1000xm5 1000xm4 advice is needed for me

[@youarecorrectiamwrongbecau1338]

Someone with actual experience with both here? pls help me decide between the XM4 and XM5. I'm really confused as ANC is my top priority and sound quality just after that. I'm really leaning towards XM4 considering their incredible ANC + I prefer XM4's design over XM5 and most importantly they are significantly cheaper, XM5 are almost 30% costlier than XM4 where I live. But every review I've seen for both, almost everyone said XM5 have significantly better ANC than XM4. This is the only channel which says XM4 has better ANC + XM5 has much better mic for calling which I prefer to do on the headphones if I'm wearing them while the call comes. So it has become really confusing for me. Anyone with real experience with both, I'd really appreciate your opinion.

[@RTINGSdotcom]

If you would like help from our experts with personalized buying advice, this is something we offer only via our insider forums:www.rtings.com/forums/insider-advice

[@youarecorrectiamwrongbecau1338]

@ExtraEcclesiamNullaSalus thank you so much. I really appreciate you taking out the time to give such a detailed and clear experience of yours. I did go to a store today and they only had XM5, tested those and they performed phenomenally. And yes, with music on, the ANC works significantly better. However, I'm getting an even better deal on XM4 now so I'm again leaning towards those and as I can figure from what others and you've said, XM4 ANC is also really good and the travel friendly design makes more sense to me because I want to carry these with me, and XM5 extra large case I feel will start bringing problems in the long run taking lit more space in the bagpack. So finally thinking to just order the XM4 and hope for the best. ✌️

[@youarecorrectiamwrongbecau1338]

@ExtraEcclesiamNullaSalus also, I hope XM4 also work significantly better with music on and cancel out most sound with music on. Can you clear this for me as well?

[@vaderanomaly1573]

Tldr xm4>xm5

[@HeyYall398]

This is only xm4 vs xm5 comparison review that is 100% correct and not hyped up!

[@zawaprz]

Neither is good :(. I got Bose QC45, and love how they sound.. Sony is muffled, and not to well reproducing sounds with poor channel separation. They surely deliver boost for base, but you can easily do it on QC45 with app's EQ, and yet maintaining same crisp, and 'wide surround sensation' that Sony simply lucks. My only complain about QC45 is I wish it handled phone talks the way XM5 handles with excellent background NC, or wind noise cancellation but that can be probably achieved with app / firmware addition. Originally from what I read QC 45 came to market without EQ, and now Bose added that up.. so there is hope.. ..

[@Gaucho215]

So basically from what you’ve said the xm4 are better and cheaper 😂

[@Hotobu]

How did Sony manage to make them WORSE?

[@infoaccessful]

Wish I had watched this video before buying the XM5's!!!! They hurt my head after an hour or so of gaming. This video would have saved me a $100 or more as I would have bought the XM4's! Otherwise the XM5's are pretty awesome, but will plan for some XM4 in my future. The XM5's sound great, but for gaming I wire them to PC, use a separate mic, and can only use them for an hour before my head hurts. huh.

[@irms7645]

How do you know if the xm4 wouldn’t be the same

[@infoaccessful]

@@irms7645 XM4 are reported not to hurt your head, at least. I do not know about having to use separate microphone to keep the great stereo sound.

[@Vicky-il5yv]

Can we turn off noise cancellation completely in XM5? Looking to get one, I will be also using it for calls/meeting. Would you recommend to go with XM5?

[@franciscobenitez4466]

Hello: hacen y reciben call por qué los qué yo tuve no iba bién al llamarme , dejarlo claro antes de dar publicidad ok en español 👍🇪🇦

[@RTINGSdotcom]

¿Qué problemas tenía antes al hacer llamadas telefónicas? No tuvimos ningún problema con las llamadas telefónicas, si lo hubiéramos hecho, ¡lo habríamos mencionado en la revisión completa en nuestro sitio web!

[@andrewandrew8710]

This review is bias and controversial

[@stephenknight6562]

Honestly so sick of KZbinrs saying these headphones king. They are so hot and make my ears sweat easier then bose or sennheiser there nc is earcup padding. They so Gimmicky I wish Tony would spend less time on gimmicky features a moron good sound

[@ruudtriepels5753]

With one do you recommend? I own a Bos quiet 35 and are thinking to buy a Sony 1000Mx4

[@stephenknight6562]

@@ruudtriepels5753 I sound and comfort and very good almost top tier noise cancelling recommend sennheiser momentum 4

[@AzerSax]

Xm3

[@usramx]

Do not upgrade! You will be dissapointed by the XM 5.