Mixed Reviews and Market Position

Since their release, the Sony XM5s have received a variety of reviews, with some praising their advancements and others expressing concerns, especially given the continued availability of the XM4s. The fact that users can still purchase the older model makes it difficult to justify the new XM5s for some.

Pricing

With the introduction of the XM5s, prices for the XM4s have significantly dropped. For example, in the UK, the XM4s can be found for around £260, while the XM5s retail for £379/$399. For budget-conscious consumers, this price gap may influence their choice.

Design and Comfort

The XM5s feature a modernized design that appeals to many users. While they may appear larger, they are almost the same size as the XM4s, with slightly larger ear cups. Notably, the XM5s are exceptionally lightweight, making them comfortable for extended wear.

Comparatively, the XM4s offer more padding on both the ear cups and headband, resulting in a more comfortable fit for longer periods. While the XM5s are not uncomfortable, the reduction in padding is noticeable.

Controls and Battery Life

Both models boast a battery life of 30 hours with noise cancellation activated. The XM5s offer an extended battery life of up to 40 hours when noise cancellation is turned off. Both headphones also feature impressive standby time.

In terms of controls, the XM5s have renamed the 'Custom' button from the XM4s to 'NC/Ambient,' clarifying its function. However, the touch-sensitive controls remain a contentious feature.

The Case Controversy

One significant drawback of the XM5s is their case size. Due to the headphones not folding, the case is considerably larger than that of the XM4s. While Sony attempted to include a folding mechanism in the case, it does not function as effectively as one would hope.

Noise-Cancelling Performance

The XM4s were already renowned for their noise-cancelling capabilities, and the XM5s have improved on this front. During testing, it became clear that the XM5s effectively dampen sound across various frequencies, providing an even quieter listening experience.

Ambient mode has also seen slight enhancements, although it still falls short compared to the transparency mode offered by competitors.

Sound Quality Analysis

Sound quality is another crucial aspect where expectations were high for the XM5s. While the XM4s are celebrated for their audio performance, the XM5s exhibit distinct differences in sound profile. For instance, the mid-range frequencies on the XM5s are more pronounced, which some listeners may prefer.

In various tracks tested, the XM4s offered a more dynamic sound, while the XM5s provided a flatter profile that may appeal to different listening preferences.

Calling Capabilities

The call quality of the XM4s has been a common point of criticism, but the XM5s show improvement in this area. Testing indicated that the sound quality during calls was significantly better on the XM5s, although the Ambient mode could still use refinement for clearer self-monitoring.

Additional Features

When it comes to extra features, both models are closely matched. They support auto-pause and resume functionality and can connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. Additionally, both are compatible with Sony’s LDAC for high-resolution audio streaming.