Sony WH-1000XM5 (Black) is rated
out of
5 by
664.
Sony WH-1000XM5 (Black)
Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones
£299
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For delivery of in-store only deals, please contact your local store for more details.
Ts&Cs apply - see our delivery page.
Disabled assistance
All products that are available to purchase on the Richer Sounds website can be delivered free to blind, partially sighted or those with a disability. Find out more
Please contact web after sales for more info.
For delivery of in-store only deals, please contact your local store for more details.
Ts&Cs apply - see our delivery page.
For delivery of in-store only deals, please contact your local store for more details.
Ts&Cs apply - see our delivery page.
”Sony's sensational wireless headphones retain their crown for a second year.” ’What Hi-Fi?’ 2023 award-winner.
Simply the best noise-cancellation
If you’re looking for noise-cancelling headphones then why settle for anything less than the best?* The Sony WH-1000XM5 noise cancelling headphones have evolved through generations of award-winning designs. Now featuring four microphones on each earcup, noise isolation has moved to the next level. Ambient sound is captured more accurately than ever and, with Auto NC Optimiser, you get the very best levels of noise cancellation, wherever you’re listening.
*As of January 1, 2022. According to research by Sony Corporation, measured using JEITA-compliant guidelines. In headband-style of wireless noise-cancelling headphones market.
New Integrated Processor V1 for optimal performance
Controlling the eight microphones to their full noise-isolating potential, Sony has developed a sophisticated new processor – the V1. More powerful than ever, the new processor has the power to interpret data with absolute precision, meaning you hear even less of the outside world, without your music being compromised.
Precision-engineered for enhanced clarity and bass
Featuring new, precision-engineered drivers, clarity and bass timing are both improved. The drivers are light and rigid, meaning they’re faster to respond to your music, giving a more up-tempo sound that’s always on the beat. Other Sony sound enhancements include a Fine Sound Resistor for even power distribution and optimised circuitry for reduced background noise.
The best sound - wirelessly
With their LDAC wireless audio system, these Sony Bluetooth headphones are able to receive around three times more detail than ordinary Bluetooth headphones. This means that all your High-Resolution music files are played to perfection, without the need for a cabled connection.
Calls made clearer
The Sony WH1000XM5 doesn’t just deliver best-in-class noise isolation, they also provide industry-leading call quality, too*. Combining four, beamforming microphones with AI-based noise reduction and wind noise reduction, your caller gets to hear you clearer than ever. Whether it’s a crucial business call or specific directions to a friend or colleague, these Sony noise-cancelling headphones pick up every nuance of conversation, making them the best in the business. *As of January 1st, 2022, measured using ETSI guidelines, headband style of wireless headphones' market excluding headset with boom microphone or USB dongle. Call quality excludes impediments related to the mobile device, third party service providers, Internet, network connectivity or environmental conditions.
Adaptive smart features to make life easier
Multiple smart technologies make listening and calling easier than ever. Adaptive Sound Control learns your behaviours and locations and tailors the sound to suit each situation. Speak-to-Chat automatically pauses the music when you start a conversion – such as ordering a coffee – so you don’t have to remove your headphones. When you do remove them, Wearing Detector pauses the music or after a period of time, powers the headphones off.
Twin pairing
For the added convenience, these Sony noise cancelling headphones can be paired with two Bluetooth devices, simultaneously. This means that you can enjoy the highest quality sound from your Hi-Res music player but, when a call comes in on your smartphone, effortlessly switch over.
Google Fast Pair and Swift Pair
Google’s handy new Fast Pair feature lets you easily locate your headphones by a tone sound or checks their last location on Google’s Find My Device app. Swift Pair works with Windows 11 or 10, connecting the headphones to your laptop or PC, quickly and easily.
Long battery life and fast charging
Thanks to the Sony WH-1000XM5’s 30-hour battery life, you can keep going for longer. Switch the noise cancelling facility off and this increases from up to 30 hours to up to 40 hours. If you’re running late and have forgotten to charge them, a quick 3-minute charge is enough for an hour’s playback or, when used with the optional USB-PD charger, 3-hours playback.
New collapsible case for easy storage
Traditional cases for on-ear and over-ear headphones can be bulky, making them awkward to store when you’re using your headphones. The new, collapsible case supplied with these Sony Bluetooth headphones is 40% thinner than before, meaning it takes up much less space in your bag.
For the very best in noise-isolating headphones, you need look no further than the industry-leading Sony WH-1000XM5.
Simply the best noise-cancellation
If you’re looking for noise-cancelling headphones then why settle for anything less than the best?* The Sony WH-1000XM5 noise cancelling headphones have evolved through generations of award-winning designs. Now featuring four microphones on each earcup, noise isolation has moved to the next level. Ambient sound is captured more accurately than ever and, with Auto NC Optimiser, you get the very best levels of noise cancellation, wherever you’re listening.
*As of January 1, 2022. According to research by Sony Corporation, measured using JEITA-compliant guidelines. In headband-style of wireless noise-cancelling headphones market.
New Integrated Processor V1 for optimal performance
Controlling the eight microphones to their full noise-isolating potential, Sony has developed a sophisticated new processor – the V1. More powerful than ever, the new processor has the power to interpret data with absolute precision, meaning you hear even less of the outside world, without your music being compromised.
Precision-engineered for enhanced clarity and bass
Featuring new, precision-engineered drivers, clarity and bass timing are both improved. The drivers are light and rigid, meaning they’re faster to respond to your music, giving a more up-tempo sound that’s always on the beat. Other Sony sound enhancements include a Fine Sound Resistor for even power distribution and optimised circuitry for reduced background noise.
The best sound - wirelessly
With their LDAC wireless audio system, these Sony Bluetooth headphones are able to receive around three times more detail than ordinary Bluetooth headphones. This means that all your High-Resolution music files are played to perfection, without the need for a cabled connection.
Calls made clearer
The Sony WH1000XM5 doesn’t just deliver best-in-class noise isolation, they also provide industry-leading call quality, too*. Combining four, beamforming microphones with AI-based noise reduction and wind noise reduction, your caller gets to hear you clearer than ever. Whether it’s a crucial business call or specific directions to a friend or colleague, these Sony noise-cancelling headphones pick up every nuance of conversation, making them the best in the business. *As of January 1st, 2022, measured using ETSI guidelines, headband style of wireless headphones' market excluding headset with boom microphone or USB dongle. Call quality excludes impediments related to the mobile device, third party service providers, Internet, network connectivity or environmental conditions.
Adaptive smart features to make life easier
Multiple smart technologies make listening and calling easier than ever. Adaptive Sound Control learns your behaviours and locations and tailors the sound to suit each situation. Speak-to-Chat automatically pauses the music when you start a conversion – such as ordering a coffee – so you don’t have to remove your headphones. When you do remove them, Wearing Detector pauses the music or after a period of time, powers the headphones off.
Twin pairing
For the added convenience, these Sony noise cancelling headphones can be paired with two Bluetooth devices, simultaneously. This means that you can enjoy the highest quality sound from your Hi-Res music player but, when a call comes in on your smartphone, effortlessly switch over.
Google Fast Pair and Swift Pair
Google’s handy new Fast Pair feature lets you easily locate your headphones by a tone sound or checks their last location on Google’s Find My Device app. Swift Pair works with Windows 11 or 10, connecting the headphones to your laptop or PC, quickly and easily.
Long battery life and fast charging
Thanks to the Sony WH-1000XM5’s 30-hour battery life, you can keep going for longer. Switch the noise cancelling facility off and this increases from up to 30 hours to up to 40 hours. If you’re running late and have forgotten to charge them, a quick 3-minute charge is enough for an hour’s playback or, when used with the optional USB-PD charger, 3-hours playback.
New collapsible case for easy storage
Traditional cases for on-ear and over-ear headphones can be bulky, making them awkward to store when you’re using your headphones. The new, collapsible case supplied with these Sony Bluetooth headphones is 40% thinner than before, meaning it takes up much less space in your bag.
For the very best in noise-isolating headphones, you need look no further than the industry-leading Sony WH-1000XM5.
Overview
Cable Length
1.2m
Type
Bluetooth, Wireless, Closed Back, Over Ear, Noise Cancelling
Plug size
3.5mm
Smart Features
Smartphone control
Yes
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Yes
NFC
Yes
General
Manufacturer's Warranty
1 year
Audio
High Resolution Audio
Yes
Sensitivity
102/100 - (NC On/Off) (with cable attached)
Features
Closed back
Yes
Over Ear
Yes
Energy Consumption
Battery Life
Continuous Music Play Back 30/40 Hours (NC Off/On), Continuous Communication Time 24/32 Hours (NC On/Off)
Weight
Weight (KG)
250g
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Gia221 from
Great features, comfortable fitting
I dont even have to take them off when talking to someone
Date published: 2024-04-23
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Swall from
Superb Sound, Terrible Tech
I gave these 3 stars on the retailers website after 6 weeks of use when the headset was still causing me tremendous pain, however after 3 months they are now almost as comfortable as the XM4s. The thin headband still causes strong discomfort at times, but I sometimes think I'm wearing the XM4s and vice versa, so they are almost on a par.
There are a lot of negatives when it comes to the tech, however the sound quality is for the most part so much better than the XM4s, which were already fantastic. The sound is so smooth, for the first few days I found myself rocking from side to side in enjoyment (until the pain of the headband offset this after 30 mins of listening).
Most noticeable is the midrange; vocals sound so much more authentic and detailed, whilst backing vocals really come to the fore, making these ideal for worship music. Most classical music benefits from these headphones as well, with violins in particular sounding natural, whilst piano notes are reproduced cleanly and with full pleasing resonance. However, I was at first concerned with energetic classical music such as Dvorak's Slavonic Dances, which just sounded incredibly flat with the XM5s but was one of the best performing pieces on the XM4s. Yet now that the headphones are burnt in, they almost match the energy of the XM4s. I think the remaining slight discrepancy is due to the greater clarity, as this often removes an artificially exaggerated sense of energetic presence. There are no issues with pace and energy in other types of music, such as rock and pop, as the bass is much tighter with the XM5s (if not as deep). There is also so much more detail revealed by the XM5s in general, which really contributes to synth music from the 80s and 90s, Duran Duran’s “Greatest” album for example being given a new lease of life with these headphones. Oddly, there is no noticeable difference from the XM4s with music by REM and U2, which must have something to do with the recording soundscapes for these artists. But the most noticeable difference I found was in music by Jack Savoretti, which with the XM4s is comparable to a glass of fine wine but with the XM5s is more like a thick glass of port, more rich and full.
Now for the negatives. For the first few days I wanted to smash the headset against the wall and then jump up and down on it, it was causing me so much pain. A saner head had me almost returning them. Thank goodness I didn't, now that they have softened up and I have learnt to mostly ignore the pressure of the heaband. The material of the earcups was also noisy to the point of distraction if I dared to move my head or even clench my jaw at first. Out of the box, it sounded like someone was rustling sweet rappers in my ears. But these issues have now mostly gone.
But the biggest issue of all has not changed one iota. The noise cancelling is adaptive, which is quite simply absolutely rubbish. Move or tilt your head with an extractor fan on, either in the kitchen or when sitting on the toilet, and the noise cancelling loses the ability to cancel the noise of the fan - I've found that if I shake my head it restores it, which is odd to say the least. Or if a motorbike goes by my house (which they very often do on the ringroad I live by), the "noise cancelling" creates a ton of windy static for about 10 seconds that is worse than the actual noise it's trying to cancel. And unlike the XM4s, where you can turn off the adaptive noise cancelling (which I did very early on), the XM5s make it mandatory. Absolutely ridiculous and very arrogant of Sony to no longer offer the choice to their customers.
The rest of the tech is just bad. The touch controls, unlike the XM4s, are terrible. Most of the time they are unresponsive, which means you can no longer swiftly turn down the volume when, say, YouTube switches to noisy adverts, leaving you with deafening sound until you manage to slowly bring the volume down. I’ve never been a fan of touch controls, they cause so many issues when your arm accidentally brushes them, so hopefully Sony will incorporate physical controls on future models, as many other manufacturers have already learnt to do.
The command sounds are more intrusive than the XM4s. You now get a double blip instead of a single blip when changing volume - why we need a blip at all when we can already hear the volume is changing is beyond me. At least the “low power” notification is now much shorter, so that you don't miss 5 seconds of dialogue during a film. But where it would be useful and non-intrusive to have dialogue, now there isn't any; you get the same notification sound for Bluetooth connection as you do for switching the device on or off. However I do like the soft orange charge-light compared to the red light on the XM4s (a small detail but one I appreciate).
The headphone sensors are still next to useless for pausing playback when you remove the headphones, just as inconsistent as they are on the XM4s. Sometimes they pause, sometimes they don't, but if you pause before taking them off they ALWAYS start again, which means that the only effective way to pause if you're away from the sound source is to turn off the power.
It would be nice if Sony could produce an audiophile's pair of headphones that strips out most of the tech and just focuses on the sound, because that's what they are brilliant at. I love the sound of these headphones and it seems to be improving all the time, I just wish the headset didn't get in the way of my enjoyment of it. So I find myself alternating between the XM4s and XM5s depending on the circumstances, which is a nice luxury to have but not ideal.
Date published: 2024-04-23
Rated 3 out of
5
by
MrItalian from
Better than XM3 but not as good on noise canceling
I've got the XM5 because my current XM3 are on their "last legs".
Since I skiped one generation, I was expecting the XM5 to be amazing - unfortunately they are not. I am disapointed with the noise canceling.
The sound quality is good but not amazing either.
Overall, knwoing what I know now I am not sure I would get the XM5 again and perhaps would consider another brand (Bose QC Ultra).
Date published: 2024-04-23
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jer1972 from
Great set of headphones
I bought these headphones 1 month ago from Richer Sounds in Manchester and have been super happy. I travel a lot and the noise cancelling function and overall sound quality is fantastic.
Date published: 2024-04-23
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Yond142 from
Amazing headphones Wh-1000xm5
Had these a few weeks ago and the sound is vibrant and crystal clear. Previous non Sony brand didn't give the depth, bass or features that these have.
Comfortable to wear, easy to pair and dedicated app allows many options including a graphic equaliser with custom settings for you to save.
Would recommend these to anyone and the reviews and awards do them justice.
I have heard new sounds in songs I like that I never new existed.
Date published: 2024-04-22
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Brilliant Headphones
WH-1000XM5 replaced my old Bose phones and the difference in sound quality is very noticeable.
Date published: 2024-04-21
Rated 5 out of
5
by
PeterB15 from
Magnificent sounding headphones
Wow, the sound these produce is absolutely fantastic. My music tastes range from classical to rock/pop and they can cope with these with easy. The stereo sound stage is very stable and detailed. So far the noise cancelling is amazing. The touch controls work very well and are easy to use. They are also very comfortable.
Date published: 2024-04-21
Rated 4 out of
5
by
BL10 from
Really good but could have been great!!!
Great design, great noise canceling, lightweight and comfortable. For the downsides the sound is good but not great and the ear pads are way less comfortable than the previous model. This being said I will keep my Sony's XM5 as they are a really good pair of headphones great for traveling and a walks in any busy and loud environment .
Date published: 2024-04-20
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