Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
When Sony dropped the WH-1000XM5, it wasn’t just a slight refresh — it was a full redesign. But with the WH-1000XM4 still available at a lower price and considered one of the best ANC headphones of its time, the real question is: should you upgrade to the XM5, or stick with the XM4?
Let’s break it down with a deep dive into both models — what’s improved, what’s stayed the same, and who each pair is really for.
Sony WH-1000XM4
“Still a Top Contender”
The WH-1000XM4 has been one of the top picks for premium ANC headphones since its release. It’s sleek, comfortable, and packed with features that still hold up impressively today. For many, it’s still the sweet spot of price and performance.
Where it truly shines is in its noise cancellation, battery life, and smart features like Speak-to-Chat and Adaptive Sound Control. You also get support for multipoint connectivity — something that was missing in many premium headphones before this generation.
It has a more foldable, travel-friendly design compared to the newer XM5, which many commuters still prefer. Sound-wise, it’s balanced with a slight warmth that flatters most genres, and the bass is present without being overpowering.
- Industry-leading ANC (still excellent today)
- 30-hour battery life with USB-C fast charging
- Multipoint Bluetooth connection (2 devices)
- Speak-to-Chat and Adaptive Sound Control
- LDAC high-res audio support
- Foldable design with compact carrying case
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Excellent ANC performance | ❌Design feels a bit dated now |
| ✔️ Great battery life | ❌No auto-adjusting ANC like XM5 |
| ✔️Multipoint connectivity | ❌Lacks newer headband comfort |
| ✔️ Still very competitive pricing | ❌Slightly bulkier than XM5 |
Sony WH-1000XM5
“A Premium Redesign with Better ANC”
The WH-1000XM5 is not just an upgrade — it’s a complete overhaul. With a slimmer, sleeker design and a total of 8 microphones (vs 4 in the XM4), the noise cancellation has taken a noticeable leap forward, especially in environments with mid-to-high frequencies like voices or busy streets.
The audio quality is a bit more neutral and refined, with clearer mids and treble response — great for people who listen to a wide range of genres or do a bit of mixing. The headband is also redesigned for better weight distribution, making it more comfortable for long listening sessions, even if it’s no longer foldable.
It also introduces auto-adjusting ANC, which changes based on your environment, and improved voice pickup for clearer calls — especially useful for hybrid workers or frequent callers.
- Enhanced ANC with 8 microphones and dual processors
- Redesigned for improved comfort and sleek aesthetics
- 30-hour battery life, same as XM4
- Auto ANC adjustment via sensors
- LDAC + DSEE Extreme audio upscaling
- Improved call quality with beamforming mics
So… What’s New?
If you’re coming from the XM4, here’s what the XM5 brings to the table:
- Completely redesigned look — sleek, modern, and minimalist, but no longer foldable.
- Double the microphones (8 total) for more effective ANC and crystal-clear calls.
- Auto-adjusting ANC using ambient sensors and location learning.
- Lighter build with softer earcups and a rebalanced headband for improved comfort.
- Faster charging (3 hours in 3 minutes) with USB Power Delivery support.
- Improved voice pickup with new beamforming microphone array and AI noise rejection.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Best-in-class ANC | ❌Non-foldable design is less travel-friendly |
| ✔️ Superior comfort and lighter weight | ❌Pricier than XM4 |
| ✔️ Improved call clarity | ❌May not be a huge audio upgrade for casual listeners |
| ✔️ Smart auto-adjusting ANC | ❌Minimal difference in battery life |
Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
It depends on what matters most to you.
- Already own the WH-1000XM4? Unless you really need the improved ANC or better call quality, it might be worth sticking with what you have — the XM4 is still excellent.
- Buying fresh? If budget isn’t a major concern and you want the best ANC headphones Sony offers, go for the XM5.
- Frequent traveler or commuter? The foldable XM4 still offers unbeatable value and convenience.
Either way, you’re getting top-tier ANC, excellent sound, and a premium build — it’s just a matter of how much you value the refinements in comfort and mic performance.