Headphones / WH-1000XM5 vs WH-1000XM4
WH-1000XM5 vs WH-1000XM4
WH-1000XM5
The value pick in the XM line now that the XM6 has launched.
Wins overall by 0.3 points
Quick Verdict
This is a close call. The WH-1000XM5 edges ahead by 0.3 points overall, but the WH-1000XM4 is still an excellent choice — especially if still the budget-friendly gateway into the xm series.
The WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM4 are both closely matched headphones, and the WH-1000XM4 is $80 cheaper than the WH-1000XM5 ($248 vs $328). On call & mic quality, the WH-1000XM5 leads (8.9 vs 8.0/10) — voice clarity and background noise rejection on calls. On features, the WH-1000XM5 leads (9.0 vs 8.3/10) — app ecosystem, multipoint, spatial audio, extras. On noise cancelling, the WH-1000XM5 leads (9.3 vs 8.9/10) — how well ambient noise is blocked. Overall, the WH-1000XM5 scores 8.7/10 across our 10 test categories versus 8.4/10 for the WH-1000XM4, though the gap is close enough that your specific use case should decide it. Below, we break down the full spec sheet, category-by-category scores, and exactly who should buy which one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Spec | WH-1000XM5 | WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $328.00 | $248.00 |
| Release Year | 2022 | 2020 |
| Battery Life (hrs) | 30 | 30 |
| Battery (ANC off) (hrs) | 40✓ | 38 |
| Quick Charge (min for 3hrs) | 3✓ | 5 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Weight (g) | 250✓ | 254 |
| Driver Size (mm) | 30 | 40 |
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Microphones (mics) | 8✓ | 5 |
| Foldable | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | None | None |
| App EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months |
| Colors | Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue | Black, Silver, Midnight Blue |
Category Scores
Battery Life
The WH-1000XM5 is rated for up to 30 hours with ANC on (40 hours with ANC off), while the WH-1000XM4 is rated for up to 30 hours with ANC on (38 hours with ANC off). Quick charge gets the WH-1000XM5 roughly 3 hours of playback from a 3-minute top-up, versus a 5-minute top-up for the WH-1000XM4.
Noise Cancelling
On our noise cancelling score, the WH-1000XM5 rates 9.3/10 versus 8.9/10 for the WH-1000XM4. WH-1000XM5 carries the ANC edge overall in this matchup based on the combined scoring above — see the Scores section for the full category breakdown.
Comfort
The WH-1000XM5 weighs 250g and scores 8.8/10 for comfort; the WH-1000XM4 weighs 254g and scores 8.7/10. Lighter weight generally means less clamp fatigue over multi-hour sessions.
Sound Quality
Sound quality scores: WH-1000XM5 9.1/10, WH-1000XM4 8.8/10. Driver size is 30mm on the WH-1000XM5 versus 40mm on the WH-1000XM4 — larger drivers don't guarantee better sound, but they're one input into tuning.
Calls & Microphone
The WH-1000XM5 uses a 8-microphone array and scores 8.9/10 for calls, while the WH-1000XM4 uses 5 microphones and scores 8.0/10.
Travel
For travel we weight battery life, ANC, and foldability together. The WH-1000XM5 scores 8.7/10 and does not fold flat; the WH-1000XM4 scores 8.6/10 and folds flat.
Gaming
Neither model is a dedicated gaming headset, but relative gaming scores are 7.2/10 for the WH-1000XM5 and 6.8/10 for the WH-1000XM4. For latency-sensitive games, a wired connection is recommended for either.
Best For
Choose the WH-1000XM5 if…
- • You're on calls constantly and need clear mic pickup with background noise rejection.
- • You want the deepest app ecosystem and extra features like spatial audio or multipoint.
- • Noise cancelling is your top priority — the WH-1000XM5 scores 9.3/10 for blocking ambient noise.
- • You care about low latency for gaming or watching video without audio lag.
- • Your main use case is office.
Choose the WH-1000XM4 if…
- • You want the most performance for the lowest price.
- • You want to spend less — it's $80 cheaper.
Pros & Cons
WH-1000XM5
Pros
- +Excellent ANC for the price, especially now discounted
- +Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- +Mature, reliable app ecosystem
- +Strong resale/second-hand value given how common it is
Cons
- −Does not fold flat, bulkier to pack than the XM4
- −Fewer mics than the XM6, so calls are a step behind
- −No wear-detection auto pause improvement over predecessor
WH-1000XM4
Pros
- +Lowest price of any current-gen Sony XM model
- +Still folds flat into a compact case
- +Proven, widely reviewed noise cancelling performance
- +Great value for students and budget travelers
Cons
- −Oldest Bluetooth version of the three XM models
- −Weakest microphone array of the lineup
- −No USB-C wired audio, only 3.5mm
Shop by Need
FAQs
Is the WH-1000XM5 or WH-1000XM4 better overall?+
Based on our 10-category scoring, the WH-1000XM5 comes out ahead overall. See the full breakdown in the scores section above — the right pick still depends on which categories matter most for your use case.
Which has better battery life, the WH-1000XM5 or the WH-1000XM4?+
The WH-1000XM5 lasts longer, rated for up to 30 hours with ANC on versus 30 hours for the WH-1000XM4.
Is the WH-1000XM5 worth the price difference over the WH-1000XM4?+
The WH-1000XM4 is the cheaper option at $248 versus $328. Whether the pricier model is "worth it" depends on how much you value its lead in call & mic quality.
Which is better for travel, the WH-1000XM5 or the WH-1000XM4?+
For travel, we weight battery life, ANC performance, and foldability. The WH-1000XM5 scores higher here (8.7/10).
Which has better noise cancelling?+
The WH-1000XM5 has the stronger ANC, scoring 9.3/10 versus 8.9/10.
Can I use the WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM4 for gaming?+
Both support standard Bluetooth audio, but neither is purpose-built for competitive gaming latency. Between the two, the WH-1000XM5 scores better for gaming use (7.2/10). For latency-critical gaming, a wired connection is recommended for either.
Do the WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM4 support multipoint Bluetooth pairing?+
Yes, the WH-1000XM5 supports multipoint. Yes, the WH-1000XM4 supports multipoint too.
Which is more comfortable for long listening sessions?+
The WH-1000XM5 scores higher on comfort (8.8/10), largely due to clamp force, padding, and weight — the WH-1000XM5 weighs 250g and the WH-1000XM4 weighs 254g.
What's the warranty on the WH-1000XM5 vs the WH-1000XM4?+
The WH-1000XM5 ships with a 12-month warranty; the WH-1000XM4 ships with a 12-month warranty. Always confirm current terms on the manufacturer's site before buying.
Should I wait for the next model instead of buying either of these?+
If either model is more than two years old, a successor may be close — check the "Latest Model" link on each product page. Otherwise, both are current, well-supported options and there's no strong reason to wait.
Cheaper Option
Space One Pro — $129.99
Premium Option
QC Ultra Headphones — $429.00