The Loser? Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bose NC 700 vs Apple AIRPODS MAX vs Sennheiser MOMENTUM 3 Comparison

As an Audio Engineer, this is the definitive, in-depth, and experiential review of the Sony WH-1000XM5 and a comparison with the Sennheiser Momentum 3, Apple AirPods Max, and the Bose NC 700 Bluetooth wireless ANC headphones 🎙 Check out DESCRIPT for FREE: myte.ch/descript (ad)
-- WHERE TO PURCHASE --
▶Sony WH-1000XM5: shop-links.co/chd8pfIMILO
▶ Sennheiser Momentum 3: shop-links.co/chCa2cvDNNJ
▶Apple AirPods Max: shop-links.co/chfZk7Ahj69
▶ Bose NC 700: shop-links.co/chCa1DrfsaW
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* These are affiliate links
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0:00 Intro: What to expect and what I bring as an Audio Engineer
0:32 How to best enjoy and experience this review and comparison
1:15 SONG SAMPLE: Electronic (Sub Frequencies & High-end Sizzle)
1:53 Build Quality
4:04 SONG SAMPLE: Female Vocals (Electronic)
4:44 Interactions, Buttons, and Connectivity
6:50 SONG SAMPLE: Female Vocals (Warm, Midrangey, Soul)
7:38 ANC Comparisons
9:58 SONG SAMPLE: Acoustic (Singer-Songwriter)
10:39 Transparency Mode Comparisons
12:02 SONG SAMPLE: Reverby Surf Rock (Check the Bass Guitar)
12:43 Microphone and Call Quality
15:22 SONG SAMPLE: Male Vocal (Funky, Warm Bass)
15:55 Bluetooth Distance Comparisons
17:51 Gaming Comparisons
19:11 MY CUSTOM EQ with SONG SAMPLE: Epic, Dramatic, Commercial Rock
20:25 How I adjusted EQ and Sound Impressions
20:21 SONG SAMPLE: 80s Synth Vibe (The bass line is so good)
22:00 More Sound impressions
22:45 SONG SAMPLE: Epic Arena Stomper (Lots of low-end and high-highs)
24:05 Which one should you buy?
25:46 SONG SAMPLE: Epic Cinematic (support my friend www.hannahparrott.com/)
26:26 My Personal Preference
27:53 SONG SAMPLE - FULL SONG (Metal)
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I utilize affiliate links and may receive a commission from them, and at times may receive items for review from various brands. Despite that, I promise to always provide an honest & an unbiased as possible review because you deserve the best. All sponsorships will be clearly stated because transparency & trust are important to me!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

🔥 *QOTD: What are your observations? Which ones do you think performed well in some areas and didn't in others? What specific areas? Let me know!* 🎙 Check out DESCRIPT for FREE: myte.ch/descript (ad) -- WHERE TO PURCHASE -- ▶Sony WH-1000XM5: shop-links.co/chd8pfIMILO ▶ Sennheiser Momentum 3: shop-links.co/chCa2cvDNNJ ▶Apple AirPods Max: shop-links.co/chfZk7Ahj69 ▶ Bose NC 700: shop-links.co/chCa1DrfsaW 🎶Where I got all the music for this video: myte.ch/musicbed * These are affiliate links

[@AndRootPro]

Hey! I think the bit rate you used while recording the headphone samples might be too low. They all sound super compressed compared to many recordings from the same recording device/ears.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

I recorded at 48kHz and 32-Bit float. I don't think so. You're also listening to audio through KZbin, so your expectations for sound quality should adjust accordingly.

[@Wildue]

@@AndRootPro Yes, KZbin uses AAC

[@MrekerX2]

Have you ever opened up the apple settings and turned off the volume limiter, there are a few settings that really open up the Air Pod Max, very much like what you have done with the in app EG and settings with the others, I would love a full opened up version review with the Settings given a chance to take them off DEFAULT.

[@kamikaze00007]

I wish you would do one of these with those Sony Linkbuds open-back true wireless earbuds. They are very interestingly unique being open but still truly wireless buds, but the price is steep if they don't end up sounding great. It would be really buyer-helpful if we could see how it sounds like through a review like this before shelling out a ton of money for one.

[@melvinluner1454]

The only channel I trust with audio devices comparison

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks so much, Melvin! Please share it with others. It seriously helps a lot!

[@Wildue]

Finally

[@balljawl]

what about dankpods?

[@theearthisbread]

Lol Oluv is the best

[@melvinluner1454]

@The Night most are sheep's they don't give honest reviews but this dude is on a next level he not only use his ears but also machine to review other channels are always airpods pro when they are newer ones that are way better they give a Sheep's review I have used airpods and other brands but airpods are not the top 5

[@laurenchi9097]

Your videos are amazing! I'm still blown away by how much time, effort, and money is put into filming and it really makes me appreciate you and your channel! As always, another beautifully made video 😁

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Glad you like them! Please share this with others. It helps way more than you realize!

[@SubaruWRXStiYamahaR6-AllGone]

As I was writing this very comment I saw yours summed up what I wanted to say perfectly! I wish more KZbinrs would organize and lay everything out like he does.

[@hatsunemiku838]

I absolutely love your videos! You have the most in depth analysis of each headphone and completely unbiased! You let us come up with the best sounding of the group. 2 things about the Sony wh1000xm5s. The ambient sound at my work is exactly where the anc either is at max or one level down and it changes every 15 seconds if I change the orientation of my head. Or even if I swallow, it changes and it's super annoying especially since I listen to podcasts very quietly. So basically the pitch of the sound of the ac either higher pitch or lower pitch. The other thing is I use Google assistant to send messages on Facebook, and if I hold my finger on the touch area it let's me say a reply then the Google assistant reads back what I said and then says tap to send. But taping once doesn't do anything and then holding to activate the Google assistant again wants me to re record my message. I dont use the anc button and I don't use Spotify, so why can't I assign the button to by my assistant? Just dumb

[@ariesaries91]

Your presentation energy is always refreshing, and your dedication is so electrifying. Thanks so much for this very detailed, representative, and comprehensive video comparison (as always). I watched (listened the sound of) this video with my AKG N700NCM2 (btw, I have also Philips SHP9500 and Hifiman Deva), and I think my fave sound profile is the XM5s with your custom EQ v2, followed by the Sennheisers with its high-end tuning. You're the best!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Nice! Those are great earbuds. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@ariesaries91]

@@ThisIsTechToday Thx for your response. Hey, I fell in love with Surfclub's Get Away bcoz of your videos! 😁😁😁

[@mikeree8543]

Akg n700ncm2 is really good. Perfect balance and clarity and bass is really good. But clapping force is only negative. And maybe the design. For me jbl club one and akg n700ncm2. I love the eq setting. I plan to buy Bose next or bowers and wilkins.

[@ariesaries91]

@@mikeree8543 I agree with you. I'm happy with my purchase on AKG N700NCM2. I've ever owned XM3, but it was too bassy to my ears (to my taste as well). Some instruments sound unnatural to my ears, then I sold it. No regret at all. One thing I really miss from them is their ANC, which is way more aggressive and effective compared to AKG's adaptive ANC. However, sub-bass on AKG N700NCM2 is very satisfying. Me too, I'm wondering about Bose, especially QCs series, B&Ws, and Beyerdynamics.

[@mikeree8543]

@@ariesaries91 when I bought AKG , I thought it wasn't great, but I tested with my Beat studio3, skullcandy, Sony, couple JBL s. Akg had best clarity, crisp & bass with eq settings. So far so 👍. Maybe I would get bowers wilkins, skip the Bose after watching this one, bose sounds narrow on low frequency.

[@STOUTIM0US]

I purchased the Sony XM5 due to your previous review and preference. I am really enjoying them and loving the ambient sound w/ focus on voice and the noise canceling. I've noticed a big difference in sound quality between the XM5 and the Bose Q45. Thank you for the very well done videos that we can all understand. Subscribed.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Glad I could help!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

@Curio if only there was a video and an entire section that talked about that 🙃

[@mpj8781]

@Stoutimous, does the ANC still worked during phone calls? I had XM4 before and received a call outside in public area and all the noises seeped in, and when searched I found out that sony called this a feature instead of a fail. I would like to know if XM5 suffer from the same problem.

[@hainguyenthanh5055]

To me I think Q45 sounds better than the XM5

[@zoteck9177]

@@hainguyenthanh5055 no

[@andrewgonzalez9252]

Hey, your extremely professional in every aspect of the production of your videos. Your transitions made it extremely easy to watch and this was very informative. Thank you for your dedication!

[@energyrichflyboy]

Very nice! Thank you! I found that to have the best comparison I would switch when the music is constant. Most everyone switches by the beat and when there is a change in the beat there's usually a music change which may be notes higher or lower or dropping an instrument out or bringing another track in. Great reviews, thanks.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

I get it. I just don't think it will be as accessible for the majority of people. I'm definitely aiming at the broadest audience possible, if that makes sense.

[@mxlunab]

Looking forward to a review of the Seinheiser Momentum 4 and a comparison with the XM5s! Your reviews are very thorough and the only ones that help my indecisive brain get to a conclusion

[@vivekgovekar6342]

I greatly appreciate what you do. I loved the AirPods Pro review and you both have great chemistry. Who knew audio engineers were such cool cats! I love how he reverse engineered in real time how noise canceling worked and immediately commented that there must be mics on there. Awesome deduction and loved to see that happen on camera. Your reviews are a cut above the rest not just for the tech know how but also for your proficiency in making videos and presenting these reviews in an entertaining way! Hats off!

[@Methenavigator]

Thank you very much for your real sound recording! Hope you can make more this kind of videos for the upcoming good headphones😀👍

[@joelariasdiaz6991]

Great video!!!!! I really appreciate all the time effort and resources that you put into making it!!! I think is both helpful and entertaining and great music selection by the way!

[@PiriyaSambandaraksa]

The sennheiser surprised me. I've always regarded the momentum series to be a little too much on the v-shape side. But that eq took it to another level, also the xm5. Now I'm more excited to see how the new Momentum would sound. BTW. I really want to see a review on the Edifier Stax Spirit S3, a planar driver developed by Stax sounds interesting. (But the cans are ugly I just can't bring myself to buy it.)

[@jeanpierremusica]

Thanks for this amazing comparison video! I’m so glad I got the chance to listen to this before making my Headphone purchase. I definitely subscribed to your channel and I’m looking forward to hear some great content from you! keep up the good work! 👍🏻👏🏻

[@courtneyspencer2788]

Very well done and quite useful. I did notice at points that the comparative playback levels seemed a bit uneven (the Sony mic level seemed noticeably louder than the others during the outdoor test, for instance), and this can really skew the perceptual quality but overall, you did an excellent job. Keep it up!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

That was on purpose. That's how loud they are. If I matched audio you wouldn't have learned that some are quieter than the other 😛

[@realTwixPlease]

Expected to have a bit over the top review, was blown away by the amount of details and tests performed and just presenting all so each can formulate their own personal preference. Excellent, congrats! Not a professional and while going through the video I was hoping you would share your own final pick, which you did, and I'm glad I had the exact one in my mind after going through all of the audio samples a couple of times. Subscribed and have a good one!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thank you!

[@shujenka]

Wow. So well made comparison, beyond my best expectations i would say. Thank you very much for such professional approach😊

[@TheUnknown_unknown]

As a fellow sound engineer and enthusiast love your channel and advice - nice one!

[@pourdamghani]

Thanks for the awesome review. It covered all aspects that we need to take into account when buying a new headphone :) I particularly like ANC, microphone and music sample comparisons. I would go for XM5 personally :)

[@ThisIsTechToday]

So glad I could help and make content that you really enjoy! Thanks so much for the super thanks!

[@aniket4488]

Hey i have started working with the bose a while ago and you have done a great job at trying to explain things for a layman i still feel that you have a scope of improvement left , i love the genuinety of your content btw

[@Arisnslll]

I loved the histogram analysis for noise cancellation and overlaying the histograms of all headphones to compare them better... That was just awesome and precise!

[@leandrocaboatandossantos8982]

Would love to see your review on Sennheiser Momentum 4. I feel that your review is the most precise and technical of all I have ever seen.. thank you

[@leroidlaglisse1778]

This is the most detailled and complete video on audio devices comparison I've seen ! And I think I finally found the right headphone for me, thanks to you ;)

[@alexandrialenz1492]

This is exactly the video I was looking for. So excellent!! Thank you!

[@wynkoop2000]

Great review and I loved how you wrapped it up!

[@hansmuller1846]

What an exceptionalley well-made review! My Momentum 2 just broke and I need a new pair of headphones. I guess, since sound quality is most important to me, I'll go with its successor, but I'll definitely compare them with the XM5 in person before purchase!

[@willwunsche6940]

Thanks for the comparison as one of the people who requested it for the 700s I really appreciate it!

[@bauxi11]

Wow. Never seen such a profound comparison. Great work, thank you!

[@drdfunk]

I found the momentum audibly more balanced and clear compared to the rest, thank you so much for having such a thorough comparison of the top players headphones. the mic test in a loud environment didn't appear as "controlled" as it could be, but the point of the test came through, so it was very much appreciated :)

[@ThisIsTechToday]

lol, definitely not controlled at all 😂

[@msmith508]

I have the momentum 4s and it’s not even close to how much better they sound compared to the other brands…I also listened to this video with the bathys and still was no contest to my momentum 4s…sennheiser has something far above the rest

[@eliseoac966]

Momentum 4 >>>>>

[@ola2111]

Thank you so much for your amazing reviews! I have purchased the Momento 3 two days ago. I really wanted to have the usb-c connection to my phone and I use tidel, so I'm never worried about the battery because I can plug them and have better audio quality while they charge up! I was looking at the QC45, but the audio quality of the momentum is just at another level and the QC45 don't let you turn off the ANC and I don't want to have the wind blowing in my ears... Plus I have found the Momentum 3 on sale for 190$ and I don't think that I could find something even nearly as quality sound and building construction for that price! Thank you again, your comparisons are top notch and have helped a lot!

[@tgrytting]

Great video! Love the editing as well.

[@yae_ja]

Thank you so much for your super in-depth reviews! I am in-between the Apple AirPods Max and the Sony WH-1000XM5. I have an iPhone so ecosystem is also a worry for me. I started my Googling angled towards the Max, but am now leaning heavily toward the XM5's. I was blown away by the Sennhesier's sound quality but I find everything else lacking since I want to wear these new headphones while traveling and just about and about. Hopefully the 4's are much improved! But again thank you so much for your opinion and all the hard work you put into this video.

[@DHG1078]

I had a hard time with the same 2 choices. I went into a local best buy and played with both for a while. I have an iPhone, and the AirPods max sound way better with Apple Music than any other music streaming service. Both honestly sound great. Both are very comfortable, even the AirPods max despite their weight. The AirPods max are really the only headphones that don’t hurt the top of my head after a while. Long story long, you would be happy with either, but the AirPods max do integrate into the apple ecosystem better and you would get the best out of them if you use Apple Music

[@damiangonzo]

@@DHG1078 bro like thank you so much for your comment I was very worried

[@Seade]

You make the best headphone reviews I have seen by faaaaar! A big thanks to the effort and quality of your work! Keep up the great work and you'll reach a million subscribers in no time!

[@peterkravets]

Nice review, thanks! Glad that someone finally made a decent comparison review with Momentum 3. Though, can’t wait for announced Sennheiser Momentum 4!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, I'm really looking forward to the Momentum 4s!

[@offsightproductionz39]

Man you are like Best Buy of sound! Very well made videos. I watch your videos with the WF 1000XM4 buds. Pleasingly amazing! 👌🏾

[@nishanthsuri3347]

This is the best review ever! Great song selections as well

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

Best channel for this stuff, hands down! Would love to see a comparison of: MW75 Momentum 4 BW PX7 S2 B&O H95

[@ramonestrada8990]

What a Profesional Video.. It's well put together and very Informative. Thank you..!

[@ebraheema3295]

I super enjoyed the review was fantastic thank you very much 🌺

[@mrgw98]

I bought the XM4s unfortunately a few weeks before the XM5s released. Purchased them as I needed something wireless trail running and roller blading. I haven't been very impressed with the XM4s due to poor sound quality compared to my older wired Sennheiser headphones. I have also found the swipe guesture to be very problematic and I have difficulty getting it to register my gestures when running or roller blading. Even walking around normally, it seems if my hair even touches the gesture pad area, it will rarely register my gestures. This has forced me to basically give up on them and manually do settings on my phone instead. Because of this, I have been looking into getting new headphones. At the time, I passed up on the Sennheiser Momentum 3s due the Sony XM4s supposedly having a better noise cancellation system for when I go roller skating at a roller rink. Thanks to your review, it seems I'm going to wait until the Momentum 4s come out and either get them or the Momentum 3s depending on which one reviewers, like yourself, say are better. Thanks for this video as it really has been very informative!

[@awayne2]

Awesome review! No one else out there using this type of equipment for their reviews and you do a fantastic job explaining what to listen for and the differences/similarities between headphones. Question - is the ANC turned on during testing? I have a pair of Sony XM3's and the audio is significantly different with and without ANC. Not sure if that's something Sony has addressed with the newer versions, or if any other brands have this "issue". Keep up the great work!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

I keep ANC on because that's how the majority of people will use them. I don't think it makes much sense to adjust settings to "help a headphone win." It should be tested as people normally and practically use it, not in the most ideal conditions to make it possibly perform better. I hope that makes sense! With that said, I don't notice a difference in the XM5. Thanks for the kind words :)

[@zugo-tg7125]

More like no one else out there reviewing has the sheer amount of qualifications he does :p

[@ThisIsTechToday]

@@zugo-tg7125 you're too kind, lol

[@peterg9272]

Great video! Would love to see a comparison of the xm5, px7 S2, and momentum 4. I think the px7 s2 will bring some serious sound quality to the table, perhaps at the expense of anc and call quality.

[@trongatbui967]

Thank you very much for an amazing efford of making this masterpiece comparison video

[@lucaasalberto]

Amazing job! The best comparison videos!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thank you!!

[@jamieknapp]

Dude, incredible channel! So glad you are alive :-)

[@sidharthrs9678]

For all the audio samples you gave, I closed my eyes and listened to it peacefully. IMO, Sony has the best immersive sound and since it ticks almost all the boxes, I would recommend the Sony. Anywhow, thanks a lot for this video and your efforts! :D

[@kjdp8519]

Okay this is the only channel i want to see this kind of audio review. Hope you extend this review on a budget friendly yet competitive pricing headphone like soundcore

[@RidtheXS]

Very thorough and well made video, well done by a fellow audio engineer. When will you review the momentum wireless 4? I am really struggling to find a pair of headphones that sounds good and has good ANC, i hope Momentum 4 will be the answer.

[@RobManser77]

At last someone who talks at a speed where I don’t drift off during the video. 😃 Thank you. Good vid too! I really appreciate the effort required to make it.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Lol, you have no idea how many people complain that I talk too fast. It's a never ending battle.

[@GDunst-oh9mp]

Can´t wait till you compare the Momentum 3 vs the momentum 4!!!! Thank you so sooo much for this amazing video!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

It’s for sure coming in the new year. Trying to do so much right now and the holiday insanity is wild lol

[@MisterNoRng1]

I personally tested all of these and I went for the Momentum 3. Definitely the best sound quality and that’s what most important for me. I don’t really use any ANC, so that wasn’t a big factor for me. And for the buttons, I’ve never had a problem with it and never pressed any wrong buttons. Also the steel frame hasn’t bent yet, so I guess that built quality there is very good. And as last I also like the look of them most for some reason. They’re just different

[@whatsonhermind1768]

Yes! My thoughts are similar. ANC is cool and I do notice how I can focus more and I feel the isolation with the XM4s, however I don't get that sound quality I want

[@sirslime1687]

Senheisers for the win 🥇

[@tungmm]

Momentum3 or Momentum4 better?

[@MisterNoRng1]

@@tungmm haven’t tried the momentum 4. Didn’t even know they existed. Gonna try them soon

[@rezal1623]

@@MisterNoRng1 have you tested it? im curious too

[@lin-z9774]

This was amazing! Thank you tony!

[@isacivan1510]

Awesome review like always! Picked up the Sonys XM5s because of you! Plus a THX Onix DAC (idk if it’s recommended) but enjoying so far! I know they’re blutooth headphones but any recommendations when it comes to a wired setup with the XM5s?

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Nice! I actually have that same DAC. I'm honestly not the type to get too caught up in DACs and stuff as most are plenty fine.

[@music_film]

Thank you so much! That helped me a lot !

[@madcatter972]

I'd like to thank you for introducing me to Hannah Parrot. I've just spent my afternoon going on such an amazing journey of different soundscapes on her artist channel on Spotify. I think I'm a bit in love with her music and my lovely new Sennheiser M4s. Looking forward to hearing your assessment of the M4s too!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

She’s astoundingly talented! Her music really moves me deeply in ways that other composers cannot. I’m so glad you are enjoying her music. I’ll share your kind words with her. I know she will really appreciate it! Sennheiser M4 content coming in the new year! Already planning and capturing some tests now. Thanks for watching!

[@duncanwallace7760]

Very comprehensive, thanks. I've always liked Sennheiser so I might wait for the Momentum 4s and see how they shape up.

[@DirtyDanh]

Hey do you have an update on the comparison between the Sennheiser momuntum 3 vs 4? This video was super detailed and awesome keep up the awesome work!

[@jeremiah-qk3zg]

I need that tuning profile for the XM5s, I've been shying away from the because of how bassy they have been sounding.. but damn that eq sounds good the way you have it!

[@Dequiss]

I love the songs you take for the demos! I have the xm4 and I don't really like the sound... I still use more my old QC35... but the xm5 are promising, would they worth it? Thanks for your videos, excellent job!!

[@escalibur8437]

Awesome Comparison. Thanks for your effort. Had the chance to pick up the Momentum 3 for 179€. Guess it's been a steal. Now waiting for them to arrive. Very excited to test them myself. Finally my first pair of Wireless Headphones. Keep it up and stay safe. 🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@nicolasgonzalez5908]

Hello brother, I would like to know what you think about the headphones?

[@escalibur8437]

@@nicolasgonzalez5908 ... Hi. I love'em. So far the best Headphones I own. To be fair up till now it's my first pair in that price category, so the chances were pretty high to rule them all. 😄 On the other hand I didn't compare different headphones in this class. I did a lot of research, gave it a shot & (above all after experimenting with the EQ) was blown away. So I called it a day. It's the usual thing, everybody is different and so are the individual tastes. In the end the best and probably only way is to test it yourself and figure out if it checks your boxes. Definitely worth a try. Have a wonderful Christmas Time, stay safe and take care.

[@nicolasgonzalez5908]

@@escalibur8437 Thank you very much for the reply! I will buy them! Merry Christmas!

[@dearleehannah]

the most helpful headphones review!! can you pls do one comparing the Sony xm5 and the Sennheiser momentum 4? 🙏🏻 would love to hear your thoughts and what you’d choose between the two before making the purchase!

[@Russeljrjs]

Currently waiting for your review on the Momentum 4 vs the Momentum 3 and other headphone.

[@sarahelliott5801]

I’m not done watching the video yet, but if it’s not addressed, I’d like to see a measurement of how audible music is to people sharing the room with you included. Like, if I’m listening to a song, how noticeable it is to people around me. Love these vids!! 🎧

[@eaglerower330]

Best tech review I have seen on KZbin - only addition would have been a solid club/hip hop banger as well as something with some jazz to get a solid range of horns

[@solomonsmith7778]

Just found your chanel today and wow! By far the best audio review on headphones I've heard. Thank you! I would love to see you maybe do a deep dive into each one (or another round up like this) talking about the different technical aspects. For example, I hear the Bose 700s only support Bluetooth 5.0 whereas the Sony's support 5.2 with Bluetooth LE. But I'm not entirely sure what kind of difference that would make in the long run. Just an idea! Again, thanks for the truly excellent content!

[@aimansanusi62]

Great comparisons! I was just wondering if you could do the same thing with the Momentum 4 that will be great!

[@n.iil.s]

Like always… outstanding work 🙌

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks so much! Please share it with others. It seriously helps way more than most realize!

[@orlandotorres8978]

Great job bro aa! Will there be something similar in the segment with the audiotechnica brand that surpasses these?

[@StarbuckSocialist]

Really great review, new sub. Which headphones would you recomend me in your personal experience or taste, even if they're not in this video? I'm interested in the Sennheiser's type of headphones (price, heavy built, no matter the weight or pressure, audio firm and multi platform friendly)

[@owner150]

I love your tests! Do you plan to do new one with momentum 4? cause I dont know which one i should buy xm5 or mom 4 :) looking forward for your test! :D

[@theappaffair]

Such a detailed comparison, thanks for this amazing video man 👍

[@alexwong1120]

Can't wait for your comparison video with Sennheiser Momentum 4! 😝

[@omikurita]

Hi there, I'm a new sub, love your content. Definitely stands out from the rest. I'm expecting the XM5's today after considering all of the options you provided. My question is, are you able to share your EQ settings form the XM5's?

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks so much! Yes, they're available for channel members KZbin.com/thisistechtoday/join 😊

[@alannathompson2587]

This is what you call an actual review! So detailed!… I can spend my money now with much confidence that I know what I’m getting into! Thank you so much!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Glad I could help!

[@mpj8781]

I had Sony XM4 before but I returned it since when I received a phone call, the ANC stopped and all the outside noise seeped in. Sony called this a feature, and I disliked that. Is this problem solved in XM5? Do I hear the surroundings in the headphone while I am receiving calls or on Zoom meeting?

[@VeitLehmann]

This was an awesome review, thanks so much for putting so much effort into this! I tested most of those headphones in stores (not the AirPods Max, but including the Momentum 4, PX7 S2 and PX7 last generation, and briefly the Technics EAH-A800) and compared them against my current PXC 550. I completely share your opinion and can tell that your sound samples match with what I heard. For me as someone who puts sound and comfort first but also needs good call/conference performance and ANC, it was a really close call between the PX7 S2, the Momentum 4 and the Momentum 3. The Momentum 4 sound similar to the Momentum 3 (and even to my PXC 550 in my custom Director sound setting), but the PX7 S2 sound equally good but different. All others were far, far behind in terms of sound quality. - Momentum 4: awesome tidy, clean, deep yet exact bass, slightly forward mids, clear treble, very good soundstage, lots of detail - Momentum 3: very similar, more focus on mid bass, slightly forward mids, in High End Sound Tuning slightly more neutral mids, clear treble, great soundstage, lots of detail, even more in HEST - PXC 550 with custom EQ: very nice, deep bass (bass shy without tuning), slightly forward mids, good but sometimes sibilant treble, good soundstage, quite some detail - PX7 S2: good amount of bass, but less sub bass, more mid and upper bass, very neutral mids, maybe slightly recessed, great treble, great soundstage, lots of detail - PX7 last generation: overall great, balanced and detailed, but can sound really harsh and sibilant in the treble region - EAH-A800: overall great but slightly recessed mids and can be wooly and sloppy in bass, lacks sub bass, but has great soundstage and detail - WH-1000XM4: very dark by default, overpowering bass bleeding into the mids, scooped in upper mids/lower treble, narrow and in your head, lacks detail - WH-1000XM5: very dark by default as well, same overpowering bass, slightly less punch than XM4, good midrange, lacks sparkle in upper treble, still narrow and in your head, lacks detail - Bose (any): overall balanced, but lacks punch in the bass, strange coloring in mids and treble which can't be fixed, narrow soundstage, lacks detail So for me it was tough to decide between the PX7 S2 and the Momentum 4, and I also considered the Momentum 3, but went with the Momentum 4 in the end because of features, ANC and price (although I like the other two options a lot better for their design and build quality). They'll arrive very soon and I can't wait to go in depth and see how much of an improvement they are compared to my PXC 550 in day to day use.

[@rougueone7126]

Hey, how are the Momentum's, hope you are enjoying it :)

[@VeitLehmann]

​@@rougueone7126 I enjoy them very much! The sound improvement over the PXC 550 is a lot bigger than I expected! Considerably more detail, instrument separation, imaging, soundstage, substance and treble clarity, and less sibilance and upper mids shoutiness. The mids can be ever so slightly boxy around 1k however - this is something that the PX7 S2 didn't have. But those didn't do as well in other areas, like mid bass/lower mids. The M4's sub bass boost is perfect for outside. Sometimes I dial the mids back by 2-3db to get rid of the boxiness in the very (!) rare cases it shows. At home, I sometimes reduce the bass a little and boost the treble slightly for a brighter overall sound. The app EQ is very gentle, you won't get strange resonances with extreme settings, but I only need slight adjustments sometimes. On my mac, I can improve the sound even more with a more powerful EQ which works very well. I do the same with my Beyerdynamic DT 880, and both sound more linear after EQ, but still completely different. I enjoy both for different music and applications while I always preferred the DT 880 over the PXC 550 at home. The ANC is good, they reduce road noise very well, but chatter not so much, only slightly better than my old headphones. The comfort was better on the PXC 550 for me, even though their earpads were smaller and more cramped for my ears. But the earcups on the M4 are shallower so my ears slightly touch the drivers. It's not overly annoying but I always feel they're there and have to readjust them sometimes. I like that I didn't lose any features that I got used to with my PXC 550: The touch gestures work well and pretty much the same. I actually use the pinch/zoom ANC adjustment sometimes. I use double-tap to transparency all the time, and also the mute switch in conference calls when I'm walking around in my home. However, the app startup is annoyingly slow, and the software still has some bugs, but no dealbreakers. Like it doesn't always auto-connect to both my Mac and my Android phone. Sometimes I wonder If I'd had a smoother experience with the PX7 S2, but all in all, I love my M4!

[@rougueone7126]

@@VeitLehmann Great review man, enjoyed reading it, might as well put them up in my top 3 now. I was really wondering whether there's a difference in sound quality wired vs wireless?

[@VeitLehmann]

​@@rougueone7126 Wow, I'm feeling honored! :) Well, I think the difference between my headphones comes mostly down to construction, like open-back vs. closed-back, the drivers, earcups, earpads etc. In my opinion, frequency response, earcup resonance, driver response, seal and so on have a far bigger influence on the sound of headphones than the compression loss of bluetooth, especially when the source material is already lossy. I am pretty sensitive to frequency response peaks and dips and detail, but I don't think I'm an audiophile and I can only hear sounds up to 16kHz or so. Still, I think the whole debate of AptX vs LDAC vs AAC is overblown, and in this class there's even hardly any difference to lossless transmission. Yes, I hear the difference when using SBC (on the Mac, the PXC 550 used this because of missing AAC support), but I can hardly hear any difference when using the Momentum 4 wireless on my Mac (AAC) or wired via USB (lossless). You only have to consider that $400 bluetooth ANC headphones would probably be comparable to $150 wired headphones sound quality wise, because with the former, you're also paying for a whole lot of tech and engineering on top.

[@ZEIM-wz5wv]

Thanks again for an amazing video!

[@RheaGo12]

Had to comment to say this is easiest the best way to make sure no one skips the add in the middle lol! Thanks for the video

[@SLPCaires]

your sound device reviews are THE BEST.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thank you!!

[@reason0808]

Great vid. One thing that stops me buying the xm5 is the ear cup depth - my ears hit the soft fabric whenever I put them on and I can’t imagine keeping them on like that. Weirdly the 700s didn’t seem to have that issue for me. Though the 700s are also just shy of my ideal with that relatively atrocious mic quality (wanted them for video conference calls). Maybe the 700s future upgrade will fix it all.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

The AirPods Max are pretty comfy if ear depth is important to you!

[@Medz1100]

I found that also. AirPods Max have the largest ear cups and my ears fit better in those than the XM5's.

[@ang3l0fd34th3217]

Wow, wicked cool! That's a lot works to do! Really well done, i amazed 😮👏!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thank you so much!

[@watermelon1221]

what a well put together video. subbed

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thank you! Lots of hard work put into it for sure. Please share it with others!

[@JoeNokers]

In order to prevent bluetooth headphones from going into their hands free mode you need to disable their microphone input under "Change system sounds" menu within windows.

[@whatsonhermind1768]

Thank you thank you thank you!!! :) This is by far one of the most in depth - and cute- videos comparing headphones. I loved you running to test the bluetooth connectivity feature - soooo funny heehee I recently purchased the sony xm4s - and honestly I was a bit underwhelmed. I think it was because the xm4s focus on ANC rather than prioritizing sound quality. I wanted to feel like I had surround sound or was at a concert with the headphones I had on. One of my personal priorities is not ANC. I also like to walk around outside a lot. I noticed the wind was pretty bad with the xm4s - also with the speak to chat feature - it get activating and pausing my music. I downloaded the app and adjusted the EQs - however I was still unimpressed. ANYONE ELSE HAVE THESE ISSUES?? 😂 😂 I think I'll be exchanging them for the sennheiser momentum 3s. Thank you again

[@Scott__C]

Nice review of all these headphones, thanks! If only there was a. pair of wireless, noise cancelling Sony MDR-7506 headphones, I'd be all over those!

[@SusilVignesh]

Man you have put a hella lot of effort in making the video.. Thanks and now iam able to choose what to buy... I want the microphones to be good also with good features so iam going with Sony.. i was confused between bose and sony though.

[@rimanshudhapodkar1805]

Can we please have one video of momentum 4 and other headphones comparison?? I am struggling to decide between XM5 and momentum 4 : (

[@UnforgivingEnd]

This is probably one of THE BEST Wireless Headphone comparisons I've seen so far. Huge props!

[@egawe]

Damn man, Im listening to your review and I ended up just saving your songs to my spotify, great choices. :D

[@senalweerasekara]

I previously used the JBLE55BT which sounds pretty crispy. Not bass heavy at all, I think they lack a little bit of bass. Coming to the sony XM5 the biggest thing I noticed was how bass heavy these are. When watching movies or tv series I like the bass heavy ness of the sony, but I prefer the crispy sharp sounds of the JBLs. for example when there's a quiet forest scene with the JBLs you'd hear details like wind and small bug/animal sounds. with sony it seems a bit silent. Another thing is that the passive noise isolation is pretty good to the point it was weird for me to talk during games. By the way you can use ANC / Transaprency etc modes while using the 3.5mm cable. And I know for the sound thing people would say use the EQ. Yes the EQ works but I usually don't wanna bother with the EQ because I used this with multiple devices and when I'm using the cable then I'll have to use a different EQ. So I wouldn't get consistent sound with different devices. Not saying these are bad. I love em. Just sharing the experience and maybe something to expect if you are also buying.

[@therealfinisher]

For me the music sound quality on the momentum is at most the nearest to the original.. all in one Apple did a good job. Thank you for your comparison.. very nice video!

[@idjunaidy]

Thanks for your review! I just bought the xm5 🥳😍

[@prakashkhanalvlogs7160]

Best channel i found 🔥 thank you

[@Alexander_g2g]

can you recommend headphones that give the most realistic and true audio (in ears or over ears, doesn't matter if they have a cable but the price should be low). Sometimes I just wanna hear how it really is without my personal sound preferences. Also questioning, if I listen to this video my headphones will influence what I hear, so I actually can not that if I would like a pair more than my currents; are my thoughts right?

[@user-vk9zg4wf4l]

Thank you for this video. As momentum 4 is released now, could you please compare between Airpods Max, momentum 4, and xm5? Ty!😊

[@kimdemby]

I’m in the market for a pair of headphones and came across your video. This is the coolest testing I’ve heard and I enjoy listening to it. I’m not an audiophile and most of this is brand new to me. I have Apple earbuds and that’s my experience with sound. Even though I love Apple, I wouldn’t buy their headphones because I have a hard time believing they are the best at that price. Sony is popular, but is it the best? I have been looking at the B&W Px7 S2 and hope to hear a review. Those are popular too, but are they that great? I don’t know, everyone seems to say they are, I’d like to hear a comparison from you.

[@CharlxtteOlivia]

Thanks for your hard work for the production of your high quality videos. I find them very detailed and funny 😆. Literally everything I wanna know and beyond about those product comparisons🫡. Your music choice is tasteful 😜

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it! I've definitely curated the songs greatly, so it's nice to hear that you like them. Please share it with others. It helps a lot.

[@MisterRhul]

Momentum 3 High End is consistely the best one. Just lack some warmth in funky musics, but that's a small price. I think I had this sensation only because all others just go fat in bass, not especially accurate.

[@MrJ.31]

Bro I would LOVE to see you do a custom eq comparison between Sony XM5 and Sennheiser Momentum 4

[@letsplayblis1115]

One of the greatest reviewers of all time. Thank you for all of you and you're teams hard work.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thank you so much!