arkivoAPI
Menu

Headsets and headphones / Compare

Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5

Product A: Sony

WH-1000XM4

86 of 161 known
Change Sony WH-1000XM4

Compare the Sony WH-1000XM5 with

Product B: Sony

WH-1000XM5

88 of 161 known
Change Sony WH-1000XM5

Compare the Sony WH-1000XM4 with

37 of 152 fields differ

Download CSVDownload JSON
  • 26 different values
  • 11 known for one only
  • 50 the same
  • 65 missing for both

Biggest differences

Each bar uses the scale of all 149 headsets and headphones.

  1. Quick chargeA: 5hB: 3hWH-1000XM4 is 2 h higher.
  2. Driver sizeA: 40mmB: 30mmWH-1000XM4 is 10 mm higher.

Weight

0 to 400 g

Headset weight
A254g
B250g

All 161 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

ASony WH-1000XM4
BSony WH-1000XM5

General

4 of 8 differ
Series
1000X1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
1000X4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Explore the 1000X series and maker launch release.
Model numbers
WH-1000XM41Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
YY29541Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Guide cover explicitly identifies the regulatory model.
GTIN / EAN
Not available
Not available
Announced
6 August 20204Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026
12 May 20225Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2022-05-12-Sony-Electronics-Unveils-New-Immersive-Listening-Experience-with-Newest-Industry-leading-1-Noise-Canceling-WH-1000XM5-HeadphonesRead 5 October 2026Dated manufacturer announcement. Its May 20 pre-sale wording is not used as first retail proof.
Status
Not available
Not available
Predecessor
Sony WH-1000XM316Reviewwhathifi.com/news/sony-wh-1000xm4-wireless-headphones-officially-unveiledRead 23 October 2026What Hi-Fi says the WH-1000XM4 replace the WH-1000XM3 and calls the XM3 their predecessor.
Sony WH-1000XM415Reviewengadget.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-160045478.htmlRead 23 October 2026Engadget calls the WH-1000XM5 the follow-up to the WH-1000XM4.16Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Sony-WH-1000XM5-Revised-WH-1000X-headphones-arrive-nearing-the-US-400-mark-with-better-noise-cancellation-more-microphones-and-a-bulkier-design.619279.0.htmlRead 23 October 2026Notebookcheck calls the WH-1000XM5 the new generation of WH-1000X headphones and an upgrade over the WH-1000XM4.
Successor
Sony WH-1000XM517Reviewengadget.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-160045478.htmlRead 23 October 2026Engadget calls the WH-1000XM5 the follow-up to the WH-1000XM4.18Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Sony-WH-1000XM5-Revised-WH-1000X-headphones-arrive-nearing-the-US-400-mark-with-better-noise-cancellation-more-microphones-and-a-bulkier-design.619279.0.htmlRead 23 October 2026Notebookcheck calls the WH-1000XM5 the new generation of WH-1000X headphones and an upgrade over the WH-1000XM4.
Sony WH-1000XM617Reviewwhathifi.com/headphones/sony-wh-1000xm6Read 23 October 2026What Hi-Fi calls the WH-1000XM5 the previous flagship before the WH-1000XM6.
Launch price (US)
$349.994Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026US maker MSRP 349.99 USD. August 6 was announcement/preorder. Actual August retail comes from the retrospective review. Unproved EUR tax scope omitted.
$399.995Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2022-05-12-Sony-Electronics-Unveils-New-Immersive-Listening-Experience-with-Newest-Industry-leading-1-Noise-Canceling-WH-1000XM5-HeadphonesRead 5 October 2026Pricing and availability: US MSRP 399.99.
Launch price (EU)
Not available
Not available
Markets
US4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026
Not available
Colours
Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue, Silent White4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 20265Press releasesony.eu/presscentre/sony-launches-new-limited-edition-wh-1000xm4-silent-whiteRead 5 October 2026April 20, 2021 maker release adds Silent White to Black and Silver. Matching accessories and an extra topcoat are finish changes.6Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm4/buyRead 5 October 2026Current official indexed store identifies Midnight Blue WH1000XM4L.CE7. Other finishes have launch evidence. Direct store body unavailable. Only public official indexed label/image read.
Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue, Smoky Pink8Press releasesony.co.uk/presscentre/sonys-1000x-series-now-available-in-smoky-pinkRead 5 October 2026September 18, 2024 release explicitly distinguishes WH headphones from WF earbuds. WH has Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue and newly available Smoky Pink.
Segment
Music4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026
Music4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Maker music-listening headband headphone category.

Design

1 of 7 differ
Form factor
Over-ear1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Over-ear3Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/specificationsRead 5 October 2026Public indexed official specification cells. Direct CLI fetch returned 403 and browser direct fetch was intermittent. General features: wearing style Over Ear.
Ear cup enclosure
Closed1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Closed3Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/specificationsRead 5 October 2026Public indexed official specification cells. Direct CLI fetch returned 403 and browser direct fetch was intermittent. Headphone type Closed, dynamic.
Wearing style
Headband1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Headband1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Parts and controls, pages 11-12, labels headband and left/right units.
Folding
Flat and inward11Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/feature_4.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact Travel section states swivel and folding structure. Official folded picture shows flat cups and one cup folded inward. No nonexistent guide storage pages cited.
Flat11Reviewwhathifi.com/headphones/wireless-headphones/quick-you-can-save-over-usd120-on-these-five-star-sony-headphones-in-this-limited-time-dealRead 8 October 2026Exact WH-1000XM5 reviewer describes cups folding flat into the carrying case, but not folding into a ball. Flat cup rotation only. This does not transfer the inward hinges of XM4 or XM6.
Swivelling ear cups
Yes11Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/feature_4.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact Travel section states swivel structure. Silent White maker store also describes inward cup rotation for packing.
Yes4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Noiseless design explicitly names seamless swivel.
RGB lighting
Not available
Not available
Lighting zones
Not available
Not available

Drivers and sound

5 of 20 differ
Driver type
Dynamic1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Dynamic3Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/specificationsRead 5 October 2026Public indexed official specification cells. Direct CLI fetch returned 403 and browser direct fetch was intermittent. Headphone type Closed, dynamic.
Driver size
40mm1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 202640 mm dome driver with CCAW voice coil. Stereo channel count does not establish driver count.
30mm3Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/specificationsRead 5 October 2026Public indexed official specification cells. Direct CLI fetch returned 403 and browser direct fetch was intermittent. Driver unit 30 mm.
Drivers per side
Not available
Not available
Diaphragm material
Aluminum-coated LCP2Maker product pagesony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm4/specificationsRead 5 October 2026Exact official indexed specification says aluminium-coated LCP. Direct page body unavailable. No full direct access claimed.
Not available
Magnet
Neodymium1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Neodymium3Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/specificationsRead 5 October 2026Public indexed official specification cells. Direct CLI fetch returned 403 and browser direct fetch was intermittent. Magnet Neodymium.
Frequency response (wired or passive)
Min4 HzMax40 kHz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026JEITA headphone acoustic response 4 Hz to 40 kHz. Not Bluetooth radio or microphone response.
Min4 HzMax40 kHz2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 143: 4 Hz to 40 kHz JEITA, cable connection with power on. Passive acoustic range is not separately proved.
Wireless audio transmission band
Min20 HzMax40 kHz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026A2DP transmission 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 44.1 kHz sampling. LDAC at 96 kHz and 990 kbps supports 20 Hz to 40 kHz. The stored maximum requires those LDAC settings.
Min20 HzMax40 kHz1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Specifications: A2DP transmission range at LDAC 96 kHz and 990 kbps. 44.1 kHz transmission is 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This is not acoustic driver response.
Impedance (passive when specified)
16Ω1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Wired at 1 kHz. Powered impedance 40 ohms. Passive impedance 16 ohms, used here.
16Ω2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 143: cable connection with headset off, 16 ohms at 1 kHz. Powered impedance is 48 ohms.
Sensitivity (passive when specified)
101dB1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Wired at 1 kHz. Powered sensitivity 105 dB/mW. Passive sensitivity 101 dB/mW, used here.
100dB2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 143: headset off, 100 dB/mW. Powered sensitivity is 102 dB/mW.
Sensitivity reference
Per 1 mW1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Per 1 mW2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 143 explicitly publishes dB/mW.
THD (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Max input power
Not available
Not available
Max digital audio sample rate
Not available
Not available
Max digital audio bit depth
Not available
Not available
DAC
Not available
Not available
Personalised sound
Not available
Not available
Onboard EQ
Not available
Yes7Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-71783Read 5 October 2026App section explicitly says custom EQ saves directly to headset. Bluetooth active connection, not claimed for passive cable.
Custom EQ bands
Not available
513Reviewandroidcentral.com/accessories/audio/headphones/sony-wh-1000xm5-reviewRead 8 October 2026Exact WH-1000XM5 review audio/app section explicitly describes a five-band custom equalizer. No preset count is inferred because named factory tunes are not individually enumerated.14Maker product pagesony.com/electronics/support/articles/00286844Read 8 October 2026Readable current maker general EQ guide names five frequency controls plus a separate Clear Bass control, and warns menus vary by model. Exact WH-1000XM5 five-band scope is established by the independent own-model Android Central review. Generic preset list is not transferred.
EQ presets
Not available
Not available
Volume limit
Not available
Not available

Spatial audio

2 of 3 differ
Spatial audio support
Sony 360 Reality Audio4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026360 Reality Audio requires compatible services and content. No Dolby/DTS licence or head tracking inferred.
360 Reality Audio2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 107: app-supported 360 Reality Audio ear analysis and playback on supported services. Not a bundled paid licence.
Spatial audio licence included
Not available
Not available
Head tracking
Not available
Yes7Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-71783Read 5 October 2026App section: spatial audio head tracking after software update, Android 13 or later. Not original launch firmware.

Noise cancelling

3 of 10 differ
Active noise cancelling
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026
Yes4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Advanced noise cancelling section.
ANC type
Not available
Hybrid4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Manual pages 11-12 identify both internal and external ANC microphones.
ANC microphones
44Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026Two Dual Noise Sensor microphones per cup. Four ANC microphones across the headset. Shared voice roles do not create extra capsules.
84Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Multi Noise Sensor technology: four per cup, eight controlled ANC microphones total.
Adaptive ANC
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Page 118 automatic noise-control adjustment by behaviour recognition, Adaptive Sound Control. No automatic ear-fit calibration inferred.
Yes4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Auto NC Optimizer adapts cancellation to fit and environment.
ANC levels
Not available
Not available
ANC attenuation (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Transparency mode
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026
Yes4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Speak-to-Chat and NC/AMB ambient playback sections.
Adjustable transparency
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Ambient sound adjusted in the app. Quick Attention is a temporary gesture, not another ANC strength level.
Yes4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Manual page 107 explicitly supports adjusting Ambient Sound Mode.
Conversation detection
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Speak-to-Chat detects speech and pauses music. Separate from manual Quick Attention.
Yes4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Speak-to-Chat: starts ambient mode and pauses music when the wearer speaks.
Wind noise reduction
Not available
Yes4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Advanced call quality: physical wind noise reduction structure around voice microphones.

Measured

4 of 21 differ
Frequency response notes
The measured response has a bass emphasis compared with the SoundGuys preference curve. The review compares noise attenuation across frequencies and identifies strong low-frequency ANC. No graph peak is used as a band-average dB value.8Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm4-review-38011Read 5 October 2026SoundGuys exact-model lab measurements. Firmware and codec not stated. Qualitative bass comparison only. No MDAQS score converted to dB.
Bass and treble are emphasized relative to the source target. The midrange from 300 Hz to 1050 Hz is lower.7Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-71783Read 5 October 2026Objective measurement section uses B&K 5128 artificial head and source target. No numerical bass/treble error is inferred from the plot.
Bass amount
Not available
Not available
Treble amount
Not available
Not available
Deviation from target
Not available
Not available
Consistency between fittings
Not available
Not available
Harmonic distortion
Not available
Not available
Sound leakage
Not available
Not available
Measured noise isolation
Not available
Not available
Noise isolation (measured, best)
Not available
Not available
Passive isolation (measured)
Not available
Not available
Mic quality notes
Recorded microphone samples show usable speech pickup with mixed results in background noise. Earlier preproduction and later samples are not assigned a shared firmware or codec.8Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm4-review-38011Read 5 October 2026Recorded speech demos inspected. The original 19 h 59 min battery result used preproduction hardware and is omitted. Public numeric latency, THD, clamping, leakage and weighed mass not found.
Speech samples reject background noise in office, street and wind conditions.7Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-71783Read 5 October 2026Automated recorded-speech samples in ideal, office, street and wind conditions. No numeric SNR inferred.
Mic low-frequency extension
Not available
Not available
Mic high-frequency extension
Not available
Not available
Mic speech-to-noise ratio
Not available
Not available
Measured latency
Not available
Not available
Bluetooth latency (measured, worst)
Not available
Not available
2.4 GHz latency (measured, worst)
Not available
Not available
Measured battery life
ASony WH-1000XM4
Not available
BSony WH-1000XM5
ConnectionANCHours (h)
BluetoothYes31.88
BluetoothNo53.1
Source7Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-71783Read 5 October 2026Standard continuous playback test: ANC on 31 h 53 min, off 53 h 6 min. Bluetooth codec, firmware and unit colour unspecified. Current method peaks music at 75 dB SPL, linked /how-we-test/. Unknown lighting omitted. Different volume/settings explain why off runtime exceeds maker AAC 40 h. No numerical result transferred to other Sony models.
Battery life (measured, max)
Not available
53.1h
Clamping force
Not available
Not available
Weight (measured)
Not available
Not available

Microphone

4 of 16 differ
Microphone
Built-in1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Built-in1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Parts and controls, pages 11-12, identifies integrated voice/call microphone.
Microphone element
MEMS1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Not available
Microphone pickup pattern
Omnidirectional1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Omnidirectional2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 88 and 91 call chapters explicitly state omnidirectional microphones.
Voice microphones
54Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026Precise Voice Pickup uses five physical headset microphones for calls and Speak-to-Chat. Separate from the four ANC microphones.
44Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Advanced call quality: four beamforming microphones for voice, distinct from eight ANC mics.
Total microphones
Not available
Not available
Mic frequency response
Min50Max8,000Hz1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Effective microphone range 50 Hz to 8 kHz. MEMS omnidirectional microphones.
Not available
Mic sensitivity
Not available
Not available
Mic signal-to-noise
Not available
Not available
Mic sample rate
Not available
Not available
Mic noise reduction
DSP4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly names advanced audio signal processing for Precise Voice Pickup. DSP, without an AI claim. DSEE Edge AI is music restoration.
AI4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Advanced call quality: AI-trained speech noise reduction algorithm.
Flip to mute
Not available
Not available
Mute button
Not available
Not available
Mute indicator
Not available
Not available
Sidetone
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Call and assistant chapters explicitly feed microphone pickup to the listener. Adjustable sidetone intensity not proved.
Yes2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 89 and 92: wearer voice heard via headset microphones during a call.
Adjustable sidetone
Not available
Not available
Foam microphone windscreen
Not available
Not available

Connectivity

2 of 20 differ
Audio connections
Analog, Bluetooth1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
Analog, Bluetooth1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Bluetooth setup chapters for Android, iPhone, Windows and Mac. Analog playback added separately only where the guide proves it.2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 64 and 143-144: headphone cable and Bluetooth audio. No USB audio.
Analog source plugs
3.5 mm TRS1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug. 3.5 mm TRS, not a TRRS voice cable. Included OFC cable approximately 1.2 m.
3.5 mm TRS3Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/specificationsRead 5 October 2026Public indexed official specification cells. Direct CLI fetch returned 403 and browser direct fetch was intermittent. Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug. Passive stereo TRS cable, not TRRS microphone cable.
Cable connector on headset
3.5 mm1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
3.5 mm2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 64 headphone cable input jack and connection diagram. Standard stereo mini plug is confirmed by maker specifications.
Longest included cable
1.2m1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
1.2m2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 9 package list: approximately 1.2 m headphone cable and 0.2 m USB cable.
Headset USB plug or port
USB-C1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
USB-C1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Parts and controls, pages 11-12, USB Type-C charging port.
Audio over USB-C cable
No8Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm4-review-38011Read 5 October 2026Review identifies USB-C charging and analog wired playback. Guide page 20 disables playback while connected to USB, confirming charging-only operation.
No1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Charging, pages 18-19: music playback and Bluetooth operations cannot be performed while connected to USB power. The USB port is for charging.
Passive wired listening
Yes2Maker product pagesony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm4/specificationsRead 5 October 2026Official specification explicitly supports passive operation. Full Help Guide confirms listening while powered off.
Yes2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 64 explicitly allows music when the headset is off. Built-in mic is unavailable through the supplied cable, which uses the phone mic.
Wireless receiver
Not available
Not available
Wireless receiver connector
Not available
Not available
Wireless range (claimed)
10m1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Approximate line-of-sight range 10 m. No indoor range guarantee.
10m1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Specifications: approximate 10 m line-of-sight. Obstacles and host conditions affect range.
Bluetooth
5.01Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
5.21Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Specifications chapter, communication system: Bluetooth 5.2.
Bluetooth codecs
SBC, AAC, LDAC1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
SBC, AAC, LDAC1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Specifications chapter: exact supported A2DP codecs, not Bluetooth version capabilities.
LE Audio
Not available
Not available
Auracast
Not available
Not available
Bluetooth multipoint
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Two concurrent Bluetooth devices with Connect to 2 devices enabled. Page 137 excludes LDAC in this mode. No concurrent analog and Bluetooth playback.
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Connecting the headset to 2 devices simultaneously chapter. Streams switch, rather than mix.
Multipoint devices
23Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026
21Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Connecting the headset to 2 devices simultaneously chapter, two Bluetooth source devices.
Paired devices remembered
83Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Up to eight remembered devices. A ninth pairing replaces the oldest. Two active connections are a separate count.
81Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Android pairing, page 29: up to eight paired devices. The oldest registration is replaced when another is paired.
Mixes 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio
Not available
Not available
Fast pairing
Google Fast Pair4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly names Google Fast Pair.
Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Fast Pair and Swift Pair dedicated sections.
Base station
Not available
Not available

Latency

None of 2 known
Low latency mode
Not available
Not available
Claimed latency
Not available
Not available

Compatibility

2 of 3 differ
Compatible platforms
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026
Android, iOS, Windows, macOS1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Individual Bluetooth setup chapters explicitly name Android, iPhone, Windows and Mac. No console path inferred.
Connection per platform
ASony WH-1000XM4
PlatformConnectionMicrophone works
WindowsBluetoothYes
macOSBluetoothYes
AndroidBluetoothYes
iOSBluetoothYes
Source3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Exact Android, iPhone, Windows 10/8.1 and Mac pairing chapters. Computer calls use HFP/HSP input/output. No console route inferred from jack availability.
BSony WH-1000XM5
PlatformConnectionMicrophone works
AndroidBluetoothYes
iOSBluetoothYes
WindowsBluetoothYes
macOSBluetoothYes
Source10Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Exact YY2954 guide. Android and iPhone pairing/call chapters and printed pages 38, 42, 45 and 95 computer calling. Windows/Mac voice requires HFP/HSP and compatible application input/output selection, not the A2DP music endpoint. No analog voice or console support inferred.
Official licence
Not available
Not available

Battery and charging

6 of 13 differ
Battery capacity
Not available
Not available
Swappable battery
No3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Page 132 requires Sony dealer replacement of the built-in battery. No user hot-swapping.
No10Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Charging chapter printed page 19 directs battery replacement to the nearest Sony dealer. It is not a battery exchanged during normal operation.
Batteries included
Not available
Not available
Claimed battery life
ASony WH-1000XM4
ConnectionANCCodecHours (h)
BluetoothYesAAC30
BluetoothNoAAC38
BluetoothYesSBC30
BluetoothNoSBC38
BluetoothYesLDAC24
BluetoothNoLDAC30
AnalogYesNot available22
AnalogNoNot available36
Source3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Printed pages 21 to 22 document music playback after a full charge. With DSEE Extreme and Speak-to-Chat off, AAC and SBC each allow up to 30 hours with ANC on or 38 hours with ANC and Ambient Sound Mode off. LDAC allows 24 hours with ANC on or 30 hours with both noise-control modes off. The separate rows preserve each named codec. Powered analog playback allows 22 hours with ANC on or 36 hours with both noise-control modes off. Volume is unspecified. Standby and calling durations are excluded. DSEE-enabled estimates are lower and are not mixed with these rows.
BSony WH-1000XM5
ConnectionANCHours (h)
BluetoothYes30
BluetoothNo40
AnalogYes28
AnalogNo38
Source2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 20 table visually checked. Bluetooth rows are AAC music playback, ANC on 30 h and ANC/ambient off 40 h. LDAC 26/36 h and SBC 28/38 h are omitted because the table cannot distinguish codecs. Analog powered playback is ANC on 28 h and ANC/ambient off 38 h. Page 21 notes EQ, DSEE Extreme and other features shorten runtime.
Battery life (claimed, max)
38h
40h
Battery life with ANC (claimed)
30h
30h
Battery life without ANC (claimed)
38h
40h
Charging port
USB-C1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026
USB-C1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Charging, pages 18-19: supplied USB-A to USB-C cable.
Full charge time
180min1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Approximately three hours using a 1.5 A adapter. Separate from the ten-minute quick-charge claim.
210min1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Charging, pages 18-19: approximate time explicitly defined as empty battery to full capacity. Hours converted to minutes.
Quick charge time
10min4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026
3min2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 20: 3 minutes using USB PD charger with 9 V/2.3 A or more output.
Quick charge playback
5h4Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2020-08-06-Sony-Electronics-Launches-the-Next-Generation-of-Industry-Leading-Noise-Canceling-with-WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026Maker launch pairs ten-minute charging with up to five hours of wireless playback.
3h2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 20: approximately 3 h from 3 min at 25-35 C using USB PD 9 V/2.3 A or more. Ordinary USB charging gives about 1 h from 3 min.
Use while charging
No3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Page 20 disables all operations, including music, while connected to USB charging power.
No1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Charging, pages 18-19: connecting USB power turns the headset off and prevents music playback. Passive cable use is not claimed here.
Charging dock or stand
Not available
Not available

Controls

0 of 6 differ
Controls
Buttons, Touch3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026
Buttons, Touch2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 11-12 power and NC/AMB buttons and touch panel.
Volume control
Touch3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026
Touch2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 1-2 and control chapter: swipe up/down on touch panel. Active Bluetooth control only.
Game and chat mix
Not available
Not available
Remappable controls
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Page 118 allows assigning the CUSTOM button. Assistant assignment replaces its noise-control function.
Yes10Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Printed page 72: NC/AMB button double/triple presses can be assigned to Quick Access through Sound Connect. Pages 98-102 allow voice-assistant touch-panel assignment. Service, language and region requirements apply.
Wear detection
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Page 118 and launch release identify a proximity sensor that pauses/resumes playback on removal/replacement.
Yes2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 15-17 and 107: wearing sensor pauses/resumes playback and can power off after removal.
Voice assistant
Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Google app, Siri3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Pages 108-117 Google Assistant, Alexa, Android Google app and iPhone Siri. Device, app and region restrictions apply. Google app/Siri use touch hold, without wake words. Assistant assignment can exclude other routes.
Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Google app, Siri1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Guide pages 97-106: Google Assistant and Alexa use configured headset integration, Google app on Android/Siri on iPhone use held touch sensor, not Hey Siri wake phrase. Assistant/app compatibility depends on region and smartphone. Current Sony Google Assistant support restricts headset integration to Android, not iOS.

Comfort and build

1 of 11 differ
Headband type
Padded8Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm4-review-38011Read 5 October 2026Review explicitly describes headband padding and pressure at the crown.
Padded7Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-71783Read 5 October 2026Usage section explicitly discusses padding on the headband.
Headband material
Not available
Not available
Frame material
Not available
Not available
Ear cup material
Not available
Not available
Ear pad material
Low-rebound urethane foam12Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/feature_3.htmlRead 5 October 2026Comfort section specifies low-rebound urethane in the pads. This is cushion fill. Generic pleather wording does not establish the covering of a named part.
Soft fit leather4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026All day comfort section uses maker wording Soft fit leather. Whole frame composition not inferred.
Replaceable ear pads
Yes14Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/articles/00302783Read 8 October 2026The current maker replacement guide explicitly uses WH-1000XM4 as its example and gives model-specific installation directions. The headphones must be turned off before replacement. This is ear-pad replacement, not battery service.
Yes9Maker product pagesony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/articles/00282460Read 8 October 2026Exact Sony article 00282460, modified November 21, 2024. Public indexed maker article was read in full. Direct requests were unavailable. Sony recommends authorized service but expressly provides a customer replacement procedure with approved replacement pads and disassembling tool.
Ear pad attachment
Clip14Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/articles/00302783Read 8 October 2026The guide identifies six claws that secure each WH-1000XM4 ear-pad frame to the headphone housing. Replacement pads attach by pressing these clips into place.
Clip9Maker product pagesony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/articles/00282460Read 8 October 2026Six claws hold each pad plate. Install by aligning two pegs and clicking all six claws into the hooks.
Ear pad opening
Not available
Not available
Ear tips included
Not available
Not available
Dust and water rating
Not available
Not available
User-replaceable parts
Ear pads14Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/articles/00302783Read 8 October 2026The maker documents normal removal and installation of WH-1000XM4 ear pads. No battery or internal electronic part is included.
Ear pads9Maker product pagesony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/articles/00282460Read 8 October 2026Only ear pads are covered by this maker-authorized customer procedure. Battery dealer service is not user replacement.

Software

0 of 3 differ
Companion app
Sony | Sound Connect7Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm4/software/00269130Read 5 October 2026Exact supported-software page names current Sound Connect. The older manual Headphones Connect name is historical.
Sony | Sound Connect1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026App chapter page 107. Headphones Connect was renamed Sound Connect in October 2024, as shown on the current guide landing page or maker product page.
App platforms
Android, iOS3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Manual Apple App Store and Google Play installation instructions. Current Sound Connect name sourced separately.
Android, iOS1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Installing the app chapter: Google Play and Apple App Store smartphone apps.
User firmware updates
Yes3Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026App capabilities page 107: update headset software.

Dimensions and weight

1 of 2 differ
Headset weight
254g(9 oz)1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Maker approximate headset weight 254 g. SoundGuys 251 g metadata belongs to a preproduction sample and does not prove a measured retail weight.
250g(8.8 oz)1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Specifications: approximate published mass. Detachable cable inclusion is not stated in this guide.
Headset dimensions
Not available
Not available

Certifications

0 of 3 differ
Hi-Res Audio
Hi-Res Audio, Hi-Res Audio Wireless10Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4Read 5 October 2026Exact original product displays Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless logos. SBC/AAC do not inherit 40 kHz transmission. Wireless range retains LDAC conditions. Documented NFC cannot be represented in this headset schema.
Hi-Res Audio, Hi-Res Audio Wireless4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5Read 5 October 2026Enjoy High-Resolution Audio with and without wires section explicitly names both certifications. LDAC conditions apply.
Communication certifications
Not available
Not available
FCC ID
Not available
Not available
Other certifications
Not available
Not available

In the box

2 of 3 differ
In the box
WH-1000XM4 headphones, USB-A to USB-C charging cable, Headphone cable, Carrying case, Airplane plug adapter, Documentation1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-1000XM4/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact Japanese accessory table. Silent White has matching white accessories with the same functions. No AC adapter inherited from another region.
Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset, USB Type-C cable (USB-A to USB-C), Headphone cable, Carrying case2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 9: WH-1000XM5 case bundle only. WH-1000XM5SA carrying-pouch bundle is excluded.
Cables included
ASony WH-1000XM4
TypeLength (m)Count
USB-A to USB-C charging cable0.21
3.5 mm stereo headphone cable1.21
Source13Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm4/v1/en/print.pdfRead 8 October 2026Printed page 9 lists one USB-A to USB-C cable approximately 20 cm long and one headphone cable approximately 1.2 m long. These are the supplied cables. The existing 1.2 m longest-cable value remains valid.
BSony WH-1000XM5
TypeLength (m)Count
USB-A to USB-C charging cable0.21
Headphone cable1.21
Source2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 9: one cable of each named type, approximate maker lengths. Exact XM5 case bundle.
Carrying case
Hard15Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/sony/wh-1000xm4-wirelessRead 8 October 2026The exact original WH-1000XM4 Travel verdict explicitly identifies its hard carrying case. The maker guide confirms that this case is supplied. No optional replacement case or WH-1000XM4C accessory is used.
Hard12Reviewwhathifi.com/headphones/wireless-headphones/sony-xm6-too-pricey-their-five-star-predecessors-are-half-price-right-nowRead 8 October 2026Explicit usual original WH-1000XM5 rigid hard case. The later XM5SA package includes a soft case and is excluded from this reference package. No accessory bought separately is counted.

Warranty

None of 1 known
Manufacturer warranty (source market)
Not available
Not available

Both are also in the API. Back to all headsets and headphones.