WH-1000XM5 vs AirPods Max vs Momentum 4 vs Bose & more!

[@Sayid.M]

I have the M4 and have absolutely no complains about them. The sound is absolutely amazing and the ANC is surprisingly good considering some negative reviews. I have no problem with comfort either as I use them on 8 hour long flights and sometimes forget they’re on my head. It is perfect for everything that I need it for and it was much cheaper than the Sony. I wouldn’t trade it for the XM5. For me sound quality is the most important factor and nothing beats the M4 in that department.

[@vokso11]

I got the sennheiser momentum 4 , overtime the cushion and the clap became a bit loose therefore very comfortable, the sennheiser has afar superior sound than the sony or bose ! The bass is insane plus 60hrs battery life and great mic for calls. It’s just the best package i just wish noise canceling was Bose / sony level but it’s still top tier. I got two sennheiser, best value !

[@BuenoReviews]

Love the SM4s! I will say, after tweaking the EQs on the XM5s, I actually prefer them over the SM4s but not by much. Glad you dig them and thanks for stopping by!

[@youarijitroy]

Came here to say this, Truly GOD tier package

[@dennisgordon7767]

i clicked here cause i got momentum 4s. Yeah boy we in. So protip that you might know but a guy told me you can actually force the clamping back with your hands by bending the headphones clamp the other way - they are apparently specifically designed to do this to ease the force of the clamping.

[@kguerinoptics]

Dude I loved your reviews back in the day…you have such a great sense of humor. Awesome to have you back!

[@BuenoReviews]

Ah, man. Thank you so much! I really appreciate that!

[@thesamuelnam]

Bro. What you're looking for in a headphone is exactly what I'm looking for. I gave up.. eventually and got airpods pro 2

[@BuenoReviews]

I’ve heard the AirPods Pro 2S are great! It’s hard to find the right one, right?? So many options. Thanks a lot for leaving a comment man. 🙏

[@timmytom4447]

Thanks man. Great vid.

[@BuenoReviews]

@@timmytom4447 aww, thanks so much, dude! Really appreciate that and so happy you liked it! Did it help you decide at all?

[@timmytom4447]

@@BuenoReviewsyes, it confirmed that I do in fact have a decision making disorder. It’s now down to the M4 and XM5. Like you, I’ll bring them both home for a real world test. Thanks Amazon Prime

[@BuenoReviews]

@ haha! Yep. That’s the move! I hope the M4s are comfortable for you! They’re a great deal.

[@kaiming5305]

Top-notch video especially on point for the XM4! One thing I found most reviewers failed to mention which frustrates me the most is the call quality. It's so bad that every caller tells me my call quality sucks, and so I have to speak to the phone directly.

[@BuenoReviews]

Thank you so much! Yah, it’s important! Even though I rarely take calls on headphones, sometimes it happens. And when it does, especially if it’s for work, it has to sound good! Thanks for stopping by!

[@darthvaderitasidius4550]

how much are you tall? btw very good video

[@BuenoReviews]

Thanks for the compliment! I'm 6'3"

[@peterlundskow4061]

I think I will go with the Sennheiser Momentum 4s. Just found your station & like your perspective. I see you have a screen saver from Blade Runner 2049. I just watched it again today. It is by far my favorite Si Fi film in the last 6 years!

[@BuenoReviews]

Dude, I LOVE the new Blade Runner! It’s so good! And glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for the comment. I think you’ll love the SM4s as long as they’re comfortable.

[@dennisgordon7767]

@@BuenoReviews if u guys like blade runner go watch extra content on original (not sure if they made on the follow up) but there is so much about the world building, the history of making it, like hours of content.

[@lavayuki]

I am looking at either the XM4 or the Airpods Max, ANC is the most important as I travel and too many babies on planes to destroy my life, followed by calls as I often take calls with my headphones.

[@BuenoReviews]

@@lavayuki if that’s the case, the XM5s hands down.

[@Tremonti4ever]

I returned the XM5’s and got the XM4’s again because I HATED the “Adaptive ANC”, I want my ANC at 100% at all times when it is on. I LOVE THE WH-1000XM4’s!!! I initially thought that picture behind you was James Hetfield haha

[@BuenoReviews]

It IS Hetfield! Hahahah! And I get it, dude. The auto ANC is actually a nightmare when you’re in an airplane idling and waiting on the tarmac. It literally freaks out. Other than that, I really don’t notice it changing much if at all. The XM4s are great. They have the comfort and the ability to fold. Also, I prefer the white/silver color on the XM4s over the 5s. Enjoy!

[@roostersideburns3440]

the m4s are so comfortable for me. maybe having the solo pros on for so long it made me used to it

[@markdomenie5453]

How do you not go crazy from testing all these headphones. I tested 3 and I was already like "wtf am I doing" and I felt like I had to make a choice quick and be done with it.

[@BuenoReviews]

@@markdomenie5453 hahahaha! Man… I DO go crazy. It’s just the way I shop for certain things. When something costs a lot of money and there’s so many options, I want to make sure what I’m getting is the best for me because I despise buyer’s remorse. Buying these headphones is what reignited me to make KZbin videos again. You should see how many running shoes I’ve purchased because my feet are so oddly sized 🤣 Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!

[@markdomenie5453]

@@BuenoReviews hahah yeah I suppose that's why in the end you didn't open the Bose. ooh also with shoes😄

[@Rehfayi]

@@BuenoReviews buyer's remorse is exactly a thing for me

[@BuenoReviews]

@@Rehfayi yep! It’s the worst. That’s why I tend to buy all the options I’m looking at just to make sure I’m getting exactly what I want!

[@danivermel]

Loved this video! Amazing job 👍

[@BuenoReviews]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate that!

[@paritoshkumarpramanick8313]

I am going to return M4 as they produce white noise with anc on and it's mic is not reliable as it can be auto muted in the middle of a google meet. Probably I will go for Sony xm5.

[@BuenoReviews]

That sucks to hear about the auto mute during meetings! I didn’t get that far in my testing since the comfort wasn’t there for me. I think you’ll love the XM5s! Let me know how it goes and thanks for checking out my channel! I really appreciate it 🙏

[@gabrielrodriguez463]

Got the B&Ws, they arrive tomorrow. Hope i like them, and if i dont, i will return them and get the M4. I cannot try headphones at the store, because even if you give me an hour, i still wouldnt be able to comprehend the degree to which they apply to my lifestyle. I would need at least a month, just like dating a girl that interests me, only difference is that the headphones touch me constantly with warmth and always strive to improve my overall mood. In the end, it is an integral part of my daily life. Thanks for the video

[@BuenoReviews]

Hah! Nice! The B&Ws are good.

[@RagnarCrumpets]

Clearly, you need to get laid

[@JustSomeDude31]

I have large ears I think, and i hate it when they touch the driver or the cushion. Wich one of these would you recommend purely for comfort?

[@BuenoReviews]

Purely comfort, I’d get the Sony WHXM4s. But the XM5s still feel really nice. My ears touched both drivers but it didn’t bother me at all. The Bowers were the deepest as well as the AirPod Max. The Bowers were definitely more comfortable to me.

[@JustSomeDude31]

@@BuenoReviews thanks for your input, i hope i can test one of those somewhere close by

[@nadee_troit]

Been using m4 for a while. None of those other big brands can’t beat their sound quality. However their ANC sucks. They might come up with a good solution with the next iteration, Iets hope so😊. Until then, m4 rocks with sound quality and the 50+ battery life

[@BuenoReviews]

I thought the ANC was pretty damn good on the M4s. Granted, I never went on a flight with them. Thanks for the comment!

[@Brenster56]

Out of all these headphones here, which headphones sounds the best and has the best ANC?

[@BuenoReviews]

Best ANC is a tie between XM5 and AirPods Max. Best Sound is a toss up between the Momentum 4, XM5 and AirPods Max. They all do certain things very well, but overall, you can’t go wrong with any of the headphones I listed here. The main thing is which one is comfortable for you.

[@icentuche90]

M4 is not in the same class with the XM5 and Airpod max when it comes to sound. The closest to the M4 is the Airpod max. It just lacks in the bass department and the volume is not as high. But its bass response is clean like the M4 just not enough impact to it. Vocals and instruments separations as well as sound stage are similar on both too. XM5 uses a 30mm speakers and you can tell because the sound stage is small, bass response is not clean. No amount of tuning can save that that facts. Although XM5 got the best ANC also very comfortable

[@dhavald4359]

xm5 sound is no bad. and they are extremely comfortable. I could wear them for 5 hours or more. and ANC is the best. One design defect is that their swivel joint mechanism of cups with headband breaks off eventually.

[@BuenoReviews]

@@dhavald4359 I’ve heard that from another commenter! That’s too bad. I’ve had zero issues but I haven’t traveled with them a lot since I’ve bought them. Only a couple of flights. My biggest gripe is still the headband. They’re definitely not a perfect set of headphones, but they’re damn good. If they could take the comfort of the new ear cups plus the ANC and stick it into an XM4 form factor, that would be such a homerun to me.

[@tk4084]

I bought the sennheiser m4 but the issue I'm having is the stupid volume. I love the sound, but they are so quiet imo, that I need to crank it up to max for it to feel adequate and I'm using the galaxy s23 ultra phone so. I feel like I want to trade em in for the sony xm5s and I'm not very impressed at all with the noise canceling it's kind of trash compared to the xm4s I have.

[@BuenoReviews]

Interesting about the M4s. They were plenty loud for me. The XM4s are great! If they didn’t give me that cabin pressure feeling, I would have chosen those over the XM5s.

[@tk4084]

@BuenoReviews Yeah, man, I'm not sure why. Maybe i got a bad set, but I ended up trading them in for the xm5s yesterday. Worlds apart as for volume and noise cancellation, but I miss the audio quality of the m4s. Guess I can't have it all lol. I have seen some online reviews that had the same problem with volume as I had, but few and far between, it seems. Maybe ill go for B&O or B&W in the future for audio quality.

[@cypark1580]

I have Sony's 1000XM4 model, but after watching this video, I really want to buy the xm5 model...

[@BuenoReviews]

The XM4 is great! I really do love the XM5s though. I’m not sure it’s worth replacing the XM4s with the 5s in my opinion. But I definitely prefer the XM5s when I was looking at both.

[@allancowieLM1]

Haha you didn't even try the Qc45s. I have 2 pairs i wear all day as they are so comfortable they sound good and the anc is great. I had xm3s but didn't like the clamping force, my ears got sweaty and sore real quick i couldn't wear them for any length of time. The Sony's have a baffling muted darker veiled tone with a bit too much brass. You shouldn't have to eq a set when you first get them to get the best sound. Saying that i might try some xm4s or 5s after watching your video. I got Focal bathys recently to try and while great build quality they just sound sterile and too compressed. They need massive eq to sound better too but they lack impact.

[@BuenoReviews]

@@allancowieLM1 I’m so glad you said that about the Bathys! I was looking at those as well, but k couldn’t justify the price. And I totally agree with you that the XM5 should sound good out of the box - they don’t. They can sound amazing after EQ though IMO. hahaha! And yah, I didn’t try the QC45 because I had the other Bose which was their flagship at the time and they didn’t blow me away. That said, I did make another video after this comparing the Bose QC Ultra to the XM5 if you’re curious. I still prefer the XM5. The XM4 are the most comfortable to me out of all of them. I just couldn’t get on board with the cabin pressure feeling I was getting from them. There was never that one Goldilocks pair that was 10/10 on everything for me. Good luck and let me know what you think about the Sony when you get them!

[@LittleBallOfPurr]

I bought 2 pairs of XM4's over a year ago, so I always had some to wear except when showering, I even sleep with one cup on my forehead and the other on the ear. Weirdly, both began suffering from the high pitch scream noise issue on the same day. Regardless, I love them and don't like change, so am considering either buying 2 more XM4's, or, trying the XM5's. Because I'll have the headband on about 15+ hours every single day, your issue with the headband pressure point has worried me. Has it 'broken in' any more in the last 3 weeks for you, or has the issue persisted?

[@BuenoReviews]

Short answer - no. It hasn’t broken in and I still get a pressure point. BUT, I found that if just wear them far back on my head, it never happens. So basically, you’ll have to play around with them. If I were you, I’d buy a pair on Amazon and wear them for awhile. See if it’s something that bothers you or not. I loved the comfort of the XM4s. Tough to beat. But what I get with the XM5s with ANC and transparency quality plus the additional clarity of audio, it’s well worth it. Good luck and thanks for the comment!

[@LittleBallOfPurr]

@@BuenoReviews That's a great point about Amazon, they really are amazing when it comes to returns! Alright, I'm sold, if the ANC is better than the XM4's, I need to give them a try. I remember the first time I turned on the XM4's, first experience of ANC, I looked up to the sky and said "I love you" to the people who designed the technology lol It's genuinely changed my life so much. Thanks so much for the video, really enjoyed it and appreciate your quick and detailed response too!

[@BuenoReviews]

@@LittleBallOfPurr awww, man. Thanks so much! That means the world. 🙏 And please let me know how the XM5s work out for you! I think you’ll love them.

[@LittleBallOfPurr]

@@BuenoReviews Hey, my XM5's arrived today, unfortunately the ANC is worse than any of the XM4's I have, for my particular situation. I live by a main road, the XM4's all block out the road noise, the XM5's do not. They make a good effort but I can hear every single car. (I made sure to check that the Adaptive Sound Control was turned off and tried troubleshooting what I could.) I think that depending what you want them for, perhaps even due to head shape, the XM5's could be a better choice for many. I'm going to return them and stick with my beloved XM4's though.

[@BuenoReviews]

@@LittleBallOfPurr nice! At least you tried them so now you can stop thinking about it. I love them, but I’m also glad Sony is still selling the XM4s as well. Thanks for the feedback!

[@TomPaulmann]

this was super helpful thanks alot

[@BuenoReviews]

You’re welcome! Glad it was useful and thanks so much for the comment!🙏

[@peanutjuice]

I have been watching every. Single. Video on high end ANC headphones lately, because I really want to buy the WH XM5. I think that, after watching this video that decision has been locked in place. I was thinking of buying the black ones, but I might go with the silver ones as I like how they both look but I'd get so annoyed by the finishm in other words thank you for your reviews of all these headphones, it helped a lot!

[@BuenoReviews]

Dude, stoked I could help you out! That means a lot. And yah, I watched so many vids as well. I think you’ll love the XM5s. I still love putting mine on every time.

[@jacobsimm9609]

great video! except from the part where you gave up and discarded the QC45?? Don't really understand how it's fair/equal to the headphones and therefore kinda weakens the overall review in a way, still awesome work though

[@BuenoReviews]

That’s totally fair! I just read/watched countless reviews on KZbin and Reddit talking about the audio quality just not being all that great. So like I said in the video, I didn’t intend to buy all of these - I was obsessing. I didn’t want to introduce amazing comfort and then tackle the idea of sacrificing audio quality to do so. To that, I say I’m sorry. But regardless, thanks for the comment! In hindsight, I probably should have just opened the box and tested them out.

[@karambol5645]

Thx bro you really helped me I bought m4 and as you said m4 was too tight xD Got xm5 and I will stick with them cause I also don't like ANC with cabin pressure effect all the time

[@BuenoReviews]

Nice!! I think you’ll be very happy with them. Thanks for stoping by and leaving a comment!

[@666ofdoom]

Sennheiser momentum 4 good for small heads i want them

[@BuenoReviews]

You’ll love them! Best bang for buck out there

[@James-rc6qq]

firstly, loved the different dynamic you have with being up front about not beind an audio douche and just talking through your thoughts about each pair, in the UK black friday the SM4's are £220 so im strongly considering these

[@BuenoReviews]

Haha! Thanks man! They’re great. Like I said, if they were comfortable for me, I would have now them. But the XM5s are just way better on my head.

[@James-rc6qq]

@@BuenoReviews surely now tho with a £60 price difference atm in the UK its not even a question though? Completely different price brackets

[@BuenoReviews]

@@James-rc6qq if it was me in your shoes and if you have a retailer that has a good return policy (like Amazon), I would buy both and try them out. Then return the one you don’t want to keep. Otherwise, a LOT of people own and love the SM4s.

[@James-rc6qq]

@@BuenoReviews thanks for the help, decisions to be made

[@BuenoReviews]

@@James-rc6qq of course, dude! Glad I could help you

[@HikerNob]

Great comparison video! I have a large head (60.5cm) and have also had issues in the past with headphone comfort due to clamping force, so it's an important factor for me Weird question, but would you mind measuring your head circumference and telling me?

[@jacobsimm9609]

if comfort is your no.1 issue then the Bose QC45 will probably suit your needs best, followed by the momentum and then sony. But comforts kinda subjective so try em on if you can

[@BuenoReviews]

I'll have to find a tape measure, but honestly, I'd recommend buying a couple of options at Best Buy or Amazon and trying for yourself. Comfort is extremely subjective. Some say the Momentum 4s are the most comfortable, some hate them. Same goes for all headphones.

[@frostgodx]

keep in mind you can bend certain pair like airpods max they will spread with force and reduce clamp a lot

[@BuenoReviews]

@@frostgodx I tried stretching both the APMs and the SM4s. Left them both on a little rig I made over night. I had them both practically in a straight line. The APM was able to bend out a little but more than the SM4 I'm sure due to the metal frame, but neither got to the point where I wanted it.

[@frostgodx]

@@BuenoReviews I bent mine extremely hard and they really loosened up but I still wasent happy with the outcome either. 💀. I wish the xm5 had the xm4 headband and it would be ultimate. Or you know a dark color that isn’t disgusting with grease

[@MarcusB-5000]

I own the Momentum 4s. I love them but i want to get my hands on tht XM 5s but I'll wait until i find them either on sale or renewed.

[@BuenoReviews]

Keep your eyes peeled on Amazon. They fluctuate in price a lot. I noticed a couple of days ago that they were $329 and now they're back up to $390. Thanks for leaving a comnent!

[@MarcusB-5000]

I have a pair of Sony xb900n. They have a feature that I absolutely love. Google Assistant. My only gripe with them is the ANC is 💩. That's the main reason why I want the XM 5s

[@BuenoReviews]

@@MarcusB-5000 the XM5 ANC is TOUGH to beat, man. Truly. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!

[@stephenknight6562]

The Bose 700 get more comfy after time and the touch controls never fail!

[@BuenoReviews]

It’s all about finding what’s comfortable and what works for you! Glad you found that pair. And thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! 🙏

[@Rehfayi]

I returned the momentum 4 the same reason of comfortability

[@BuenoReviews]

@@Rehfayi it sucks because they’re so good in every other way besides that!

[@Rehfayi]

@@BuenoReviews have you considered the Technics A800? From what I've heard so far from other reviewers their sound quality is great and the ear cups as well. Whats you thought if you have had them before.

[@jacoblowe387]

hows the app for the m4s herd it was buggy

[@BuenoReviews]

I think they’ve ironed everything out with firmware and app iterations. I personally had zero problems with it. The app worked great as well as the multipoint connectivity. In this lineup, the buggiest app I encountered was the Bowers & Wilkins.

[@Locutus709]

Many thanks for your great Test, because the Black Friday is tomorrow and I would like to buy an ANC Headphone, and now a can save money and time 😅👍 thx 😎🖖🎧

[@BuenoReviews]

You’re welcome!! Glad you found it helpful and thanks for the comment!

[@SoniSonjaya0990]

I will go for Sony XM5 also, it is the cheaper headphone in my country (Indonesia) and more popular than other headphones. Also, In my country using XM5 or APM increases prestige more than other brands, even though there are better headphone that both 😅

[@BuenoReviews]

I think you’ll love the XM5s. Great choice!

[@brunodrakenas9575]

Dude, you deserve more subscribers! I got some Stifler vibes from you😄👍🏻

[@BuenoReviews]

Hahahahaha!! Thank you so much! Stifler is hilarious, so that’s a huge compliment 🙏

[@kenguu5480]

yeah this was helpfull. i watched videos was reading tests the last hole week for like 2hr a day for the best anc headphones, to replace my airpods pro. ig ill go to a store tmr and buy myself the xm5

[@BuenoReviews]

So glad you found it helpful! I LOVE my XM5s. Hopefully you feel the same. Just remember that out of the box, they likely won't blow you away untl you mess with the EQ. lmk what you think when you get them and thanks so much for leaving a comment and checking out my channel! 🙏

[@kenguu5480]

@@BuenoReviews bro i bought them 3 hours ago and i am completely in love. i gave it to my mom and she as a „noob“ said that they’re amazing, especially the anc. i’ll test them now but i got so hyped up watching all those reviews that ig i’ll just keep them because i don’t let the „negative points“ win

[@landpro28]

Why bose ultra not considered?

[@BuenoReviews]

I didn’t know about them when I posted this, but stay tuned!

[@skimmerrankin]

SEN M4 best sounding 100%

[@BuenoReviews]

I thought so at first too! They’re definitely up there! But once I found the EQ setting for the XM5 I posted, I prefer those. Can’t go wrong with either!

[@sairohan.p4386]

​@@BuenoReviewswhere can I find the EQ settings you posted for the XM5s??

[@BuenoReviews]

@@sairohan.p4386 it’s in the description!

[@harley_gwin]

i love the reviews ❤🎉

[@BuenoReviews]

Thanks, dude! 🙏

[@harley_gwin]

@@BuenoReviews no problemo 🫶

[@jeid3822]

Sorry SENN M4 IS MY BEST SOUNDING AMONG THOSE HEADPHONES AND COMTABLE ASWELL❤😊😮

[@BuenoReviews]

Glad you love them! They’re a fantastic set of headphones. Enjoy!

[@thelizardkingdc]

Nice vid thx

[@BuenoReviews]

Thank you! And you’re welcome! Appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment 🙏

[@marcom.7995]

I like the PX8 over all of these ...

[@BuenoReviews]

The Px8s look sweet! They were just out of my price range. I was afraid to try because I’m sure they’re amazing. How’s the transparency mode? It was trash on the Px7

[@roostersideburns3440]

you have to break the headphones in they will feel bad at first them ypou get used to it

[@BuenoReviews]

I was hoping that was the case, but they’re just too tight

[@roostersideburns3440]

I just got some airpod maxes they feel good to me also@@BuenoReviews

[@BuenoReviews]

If you found this helpful, please consider subscribing! It means the world to me 🙏

[@zombieimpact2790]

Are you going to review the Bose QC Ultra?

[@BuenoReviews]

@@zombieimpact2790 as of now, no. Because I’ve already settled on the XM5s. But maybe I will.

[@zombieimpact2790]

@@BuenoReviews I heard they are better than the Xm5. I'm going to find out today when I go pick them up.

[@BuenoReviews]

@@zombieimpact2790 let me know how they are!

[@zombieimpact2790]

@@BuenoReviews They are amazing. They sound better than the Sony 1000xm5 and Sennheiser momentum 4's. I'm impressed by the instrument separation, mids and deep clean bass. The bass on the Sennheisers is slightly deeper but everything else sounds better on the Bose. I didn't expect this from Bose. The Sennheiser m4's have a decently wide Soundstage but for some reason they sound hollow and they don't sound good for all genres of music. It sounds as if the mids are lacking somewhat even after using the equalizer. I don't know if it is my specific model or what but I'm disappointed by the sound quality. The ANC is also stronger on Bose QC Ultra compared to the Sony's xm5 and Sennheiser m4. I also tried out the new Cypress green Bose QC before I bought the BOSE QC ultra and they sound like garbage but the ANC is great. I think Bose cheaped out on that pair.

[@Johnboy67589]

Watching these types Of videos makes me think people Should try them in store. Think of how many headphones get bought and returned. It must be insane

[@BuenoReviews]

You’re totally right. The issue for me was some of the comfort issues I’d be unaware of until wearing them for more than an hour. Specifically with the SM4s.

[@harley_gwin]

am i too early?

[@beamboy420]

Sony xm5 sounded so shit.. m4 tested so Well When I tried in Best Buy. How can eq save xm5. That’s near impossible , I mean it sounded that shit

[@BuenoReviews]

I agree with you big time. The EQ is absolutely flat out of the box. You’d have to play with the EQ yourself to see. I left my settings in the description. Look it up on Reddit. You’ll find tons of people blown away after they adjust their settings.

[@atesnrllh]

Thank you, but you are speaking very fast, Everybody are note native english speaker.

[@BuenoReviews]

Sorry about that. It’s just the way I talk. Hopefully the closed captions can help you out! Also, if you sign up for a KZbin pro account, you can change the playback speed on videos to be faster or slower. You MIGHT be able to do that even without the pro account. Try clicking on the little gear icon on a video and see if there is a “Playback Speed” option. Regardless, thanks for stopping by!

[@nkwhoa]

Bueno stuff

[@BuenoReviews]

Thank you! 🙏