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Sony’s WH-1000XM line has dominated wireless noise-canceling headphones for years with its reputation for great sound, industry-leading ANC (active noise cancellation), and comfort. When Sony upgraded the blisteringly hot WH-1000XM4 with the WH-1000XM5 in 2022, critics and fans couldn’t help but question just how much better they really were, particularly when it comes to sound.
But how do you compare them to each other? Is XM5 a revolutionary jump over XM4, or is it more of an evolution? In this article, we are going to be comparing their sound quality, i.e., bass output, clarity, soundstage, ANC effect on sound, and codec support, so that you can make your own choice of what is best for you.
Design Impacts on Sound
Before diving into the specifics, let it be noted that sound performance is impacted by design modifications. WH-1000XM5 headphones get a complete redesign from the XM4s. The folding hinge mechanism is no longer present; Sony has instead chosen something more modern and minimalist with the fixed headband.
Though portability is the most significant effect of the redesign, it also subtly affects acoustics. XM5’s fresh frame and material result in a barely noticeable, tighter seal, one that excludes ambient noise slightly more and directs it more effectively into your ears.
Driver Technology
The WH-1000XM4 employs 40mm dynamic drivers, and the WH-1000XM5 cuts that in half to 30mm drivers. That would otherwise have sounded like a backward step—the smaller drivers would in theory, create smaller bass. Sony re-engineered those 30mm drivers with a dome made of carbon fiber composite that is extremely light but extremely stiff, which rigidifies the drivers and makes them more responsive, especially towards the top end of the frequency range.
The result? The WH-1000XM5s are a more nuanced and precise treble, with the result of fixing one of the small complaints against the XM4s, which at times sounded a bit warm or muffled at the trebles.
Sound Signature: XM4 vs. XM5
1. Bass Response
The WH-1000XM4 has punchy and lively, but warm bass that Sony fans adore. A slight boost on the bass of tracks like EDM, hip-hop, and pop sounds terrific. The boost overpowers mid-range detail occasionally.
The WH-1000XM5 appears more neutral. There is bass and full bass but tighter and less boomy. Greater definition of the bass enables one to readily differentiate between instruments like kick drums and bass guitars.
- Verdict: If you are a fan of a more dynamic, booming bass, then the XM4 is your choice. But if you want more control and definition of the bass, the XM5 is a winner.
2. Mids (Vocals and Instruments)
XM4 mids are tucked in a bit and are typical of consumer tuning. I.e., vocals or midrange instruments become overpowered by the bass and treble at times.
The XM5 is an improvement over this range with smoother and more forward mids. Vocals become more discernible, and acoustic instruments sound like themselves. This is most evident in jazz, classical, or acoustic music, where mid-clarity is absolutely paramount.
- Verdict: WH-1000XM5 beats XM4 in treble with more vocal definition and instrumental finesse.
3. Highs (Treble)
Treble response in XM5 is highly tuned. XM4’s outdated treble rolls off or artificially sounds just barely, trading harshness for detail. It short-changes upper harmonics, cymbals, and high-hats for some semblance of shimmer.
The XM5 accomplishes this by adding and extending treble, which starts to open up the music’s sound as well as add more airiness to it. Not only is this accomplished in order to offer more clarity, but it also aids in offering a broader and more expansive soundstage.
- Verdict: The WH-1000XM5 well surpasses the XM4 when it comes to treble extension as well as treble accuracy.
Soundstage and Imaging
Both being closed-back ‘phones (and thus compressing their natural soundstage to open-backs), the XM5 is also more open-sounding and airy than the previous one. Both Sony’s newly designed drivers and new tuning also better make instrument separation and stereo imaging clear-cut, with listeners being able to more easily pick out sounds within a mix.
The XM4 is more forward and closer in its soundstage which some will find desirable on vocal-forward music or podcasting.
- Verdict: Should you want a wide, layered soundstage, the XM5 makes a good upgrade.
Codec Support and High-Resolution Audio
XM4 and XM5 both have support for LDAC, Sony’s proprietary high-res Bluetooth codec, AAC, and SBC. That is, both are capable of sending effectively lossless sound through Bluetooth with proper hardware and high-res files.
However, the XM5’s new driver and redesigned DAC/amp circuitry allow it to get more out of LDAC’s capability, with the added level of sophistication from hi-res content.
Sony’s AI audio upscaling technology that uses compressed-down sound files and opens them up so they’ll sound improved is also present in both headsets. Both can do this as well as the other and are basically the same on each set of headphones.
- Verdict: Codec support tie, but XM5 benefits more from LDAC because of hardware.
Customization and EQ Tuning
The headphones, both through the Sony Headphones Connect app, support adaptive sound modes, ambient sound settings, and EQ customizable to your preference. What that really translates to is that you can change the EQ if you don’t like the default.
- Verdict: Both the headphones are on level terms here.
That alone, the XM5 begins on a cleaner, reference-style foundation that’s easier to key into analysis or heavy bass sound signatures. The XM4, beginning on its warmer foundation, may require slightly more adjusting for those in pursuit of neutrality.
- Verdict: XM5 is an easier home to begin messing with.
In Summary: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs WH-1000XM5 Sound Quality
| Feature | WH-1000XM4 | WH-1000XM5 |
| Bass | Warm, punchy, slightly boomy | Tight, controlled, balanced |
| Mids | Slightly recessed | Forward and detailed |
| Treble | Smooth but rolled off | Airy, extended, detailed |
| Soundstage | Intimate and focused | Spacious and immersive |
| Imaging | Good | Excellent |
| High-res Audio | Very good | Outstanding with LDAC |
Final Verdict: Which Sounds Better
WH-1000XM5 is an audiophile upgrade over the WH-1000XM4 in nearly every way. Sure, XM4 is a hugely popular headphone—especially for bass heads who enjoy robust rhythm and warm, singable sound—the XM5 provides:
- More treble extension and definition
- Cleaner, clearer midrange
- Smoother, more controlled bass
- More expansive, greater soundstage
- More clarity playing high-res tracks back.
All else being equal, however, the WH-1000XM4 remains something special and perhaps even still the first choice of those who want a more “fun” and more bassy sound signature.
Which One to Buy?
If you prioritize sound quality the most, and you’re happy to spend a bit more money, the WH-1000XM5 is what you should purchase. It is more refined, more revealing, and pretty much audiophile-quality wireless headphones.
All of that aside, however, if you can get a good price on the WH-1000XM4, it’s great and does well enough with its ANC on a value basis—especially if you like listening to warmer-sounding, bass-oriented sound.
- Sony WH-1000xm4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones More Powerful Audio Than Predecessor WH-1000XM3