View offers: whf.cm/BestWirelessHeadphones2022
Sony WH-1000XM5
£349
Sony’s noise-cancelling technology has consistently wowed us in recent years, and once again, the WH-1000XM5 deliver among the best in the business.
After focusing on low-frequency noise in previous models, this time Sony has attempted to improve noise cancellation further up the frequency range in the XM5. While they have the same processor as the WF-1000XM4 wireless earbuds, Sony has upped the mics used on the XM5 to eight and improved the tech responsible for identifying noise. And once again Sony generally impresses on this front. They are among the class leaders when it comes to isolating us from constant drones such as from trains or planes, but surprisingly, aren’t quite as consistent as the previous gen when dealing with variable sounds such as general traffic noise.
The XM5 possess all the elements that have made the previous generations class-leaders at the money, including their effortlessly musical sound. But this latest generation manages to deliver even greater clarity and a more open presentation. It’s actually quite a jump.
With low frequencies, the XM5 also display a newfound precision, making even their WH-1000XM4 predecessors sound a little thick in the lower mids and bass. The new headphones expose greater detail and can differentiate between notes more easily. Higher up the frequency range these Sonys continue to extract more information
