Sony XM4 vs XM5 | Which headphones are better? | Mark Ellis Reviews
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- Опубликовано: 18 май 2024
- It’s the noise-cancelling headphone comparison everyone has been waiting for! Who wins in the battle of the Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Sony WH-1000XM4? The XM4s have long been my favourite consumer over-ear noise-cancelling headphones, therefore their replacement have a lot to live up to. Can they do it? Let’s find out…
STUFF IN THIS VIDEO
➡️ Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones: geni.us/BAYYq
➡️ Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones: geni.us/B5zqp
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📺 My full XM5 review: • Sony WH-1000XM5 headph...
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CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
00:49 - Pricing
01:16 - Design and comfort
03:40 - Battery life and controls
04:55 - The case
06:59 - Noise cancelling
08:13 - Sound
11:24 - Call quality
12:00 - Additional features
12:49 - Conclusion
I bought XM4 (240$) and XM5(400$) and used them for a week to compare. I returned XM5 and kept XM4. Big downgrade on package and material quality. Similar sound quality. Slightly better features. Huge difference on price. My opinions.
This comment is priceless. As a consumer you bought both and tested them. Thanks!
what about noise cancelling ?
Thanks - I've choosen - for listening to the highest Quality of music - that's why I need new wireless headphones - decided - will buy the XM4 - THANKS!!!!!
I am getting xm4 ($230) and xm5 ($295). I guess in this scenario Xm5 are better?.
it is not a huge difference in price. you got the xm4s on sale. The price diff is not that big of a jump between the two: 348 to 398. The packaging isnt a big issue either. people complained about the hinges breaking on daily use with xm3/xm4 so sony took the folding. the biggest differencs are also technical audio specs too.
I actually prefer the aesthetic of the XM4! I like that that XM5 is more minimalistic BUT I love the “classic” headphones look of the XM4
XM4 looks kinda boring though, you can't really tell the difference from other brands. Always give props to an innovative design direction
I'm looking for some decent ones and the XM5 ones looks too weird and looks too feminine to me, it also looks likes pipes on your head, I much prefer the XM4 for looks. I'm also looking at the bose quietcomfort 45, I'm leaning more for the Sony XM4's.
@@Joseph3391399 xm4 look like the michellin man ugly ass headphones
@@coolguy1538 "too feminine" ahahwhahababahabaha
Sofia Reyes Go away with ur wokeness
The fact that I watched the whole video says a lot about how wonderfully you explained the differences between the 2 headphones , you really helped ;)
Lovely to hear - thanks!
A curious question: Are there people over eighty years of age who are very elderly people who own and will use modern smart phones???@@MarkEllisReviews
I personally prefer the old design. The comfort is my number one criteria for wireless headphones 🎧 and the xm5 case looks ridiculous huge. I will stick with the xm4‘s until they’ll fall apart.
they shud hav stick to foldable & rotating both side as xm3 & xm4
I tried both of these headphones on and honestly, the xm5s felt like I even had no headphones on, whereas I felt a pressure with the xm4
For those getting xm4 and are complaining about boomy muddy bass try the following
1. Switch to ldac. Turn it on under bluetooth. Ldac should show in the app.
2. Switch off the equaliser and dsee extreme and prioritize sound quality
2. In developer options set the bitrate and bit depth to the exact same as the music streaming. In apple music this is clearly shown. This is very important otherwise there are upscale noises which manifest as muddy bass. So don't set it always to 96/32.
4. Set optimise sound quality(990kbps) in developer options.
5. Wired without external DAC sounds awful. Bluetooth is better. Don't listen to this headphone wired without external DAC.
The bass issue is completely solved for me. The bass is now just a part of music and it's tight and clear. Eq is unnecessary.
Apple Music does something to EQ music and I didn’t like what they did. It made highs harsh and bass boomy in both my car and on my headphones. I’m just sticking with Spotify. That said if you use Spotify shut off track sound leveling. It’ll limit volume to level which will feel like some songs won’t allow you to get enough volume without getting muddy on the Sonys since at higher levels Sony flattens EQ settings.
@@HeathRS well I’ve been debating on getting the xm4 only because I heard the bass isn’t good and I don’t like the sound of that I love to hear loud music and my question is if I get them and I do the shut off Track sound leveling what does that mean does that mean I’ll hear my music better and bass or what pls help cuz I’m really I’m debating if I should waste 349 bucks for the xm4 cuz I’m tired of using the wired earphones and buying new ones all the time cuz they break if it’s to loud after a while and cuz i like loud bass so I’ll would like your help with my decision.
@@Frankie2bummy Did you get the xm4, do you like the bass? Personally I listen A LOT edm type music so bass needs to be there. I ordered the xb910N but still wondering if I should have gone with the premium.
@@teboxi I did get them actually and the bass is not so good I wish there was more bass
@@teboxi the sound is pretty good but the bass not so much
I just got the XM4. I like the way they fold flat along with the discount on the older model
I have been using XM4 for over a year. I’m using it for business meetings at least 2-4 hours a day from Monday to Friday. Sometimes I can be on the phone for 6-8 hours a day. It is fantastic.
The XM 5 is basically what the xm4 should have been without the software bugs currently but what I liked was that the headset was lighter and the touch surface on the headphone was more responsive but $400 is asking a lot for something that could have been done on the older model
have the software bugs been fixed?
I'm also curious if tge bugs have been fixed?
which one has the software bugs? Xm4 or Xm5?
Brilliant job very thorough and detailed, very easy to follow and you answered exactly what I wanted to know. Not overly complicated, but covered everything one should know when in the market for a new set of headphones. Don't have either at the moment, but was seriously contemplating the XM4's due to the price drop and am now convinced the XM5's would be my way to go. Thank you
No problem - thanks for such a lovely comment!
I found the XM5's have some nice QOL improvements with the firmware such as being faster to connect as well as that the 'mode' button can be customised to not include one mode but also the XM5's actually remember the mode it was in while the XM4's will always go back to ANC when you turn them on.
that's good to know, seems like I will be waiting for the XM5s to go on a sale then
No worrys, just bought the xm4's.. they are really nice. :)
I still use my xm2 (bought Q3 2017)
My main usage is during long flights (also for sleeping in nc mode only) and short flights (watch a movie or listen to music).
Best purchase, perfect sound, can keep them up complete flight, noise cancelling does a perfect job, headset is really compact.
Due to their design change I was even thinking to just buy a pair of xm4’s. (Size it takes in my carry on is important).
But i see i even can find new XM3 today, so i still have time.
Maybe next gen will have back compact design.
But if my xm2 die tomorrow i directly order xm4 even if the price is equal to xm5.
Rockin' the XM3s. I love the way they sound and I can wear them for hours on end. Battery life is incredible. I talk on the phone with them sometimes and I have no issues with it.
I was hesitating between the 2, i went for the XM4. Thanks for your very useful review.
I've stumbled across your channel while watching XM4 videos and I must say your videos are pretty well done!
I've owned a pair of XM3's since they were first introduced and I still use them around the house, but I updated to the XM5's for travel. The noise cancelling and microphone quality are noticeably improved, particularly at the high frequency range.
That said, I agree the case size went in the wrong direction. Since I use a slim travel bag the XM3's case (which appears to be identical to the XM4's) never fit well, so I strapped it to the outside of my bag. I continue that strategy with the XM5's. Not that I was expecting any great leaps in portability but I suspect that because Apple got away with such a bulky design for their Airpods Pro it took the pressure off Sony in that regard.
I hear what you are saying about the reduced padding on the XM5's but I honestly cannot perceive any reduction in comfort after a month of use. The entire line from XM3 to XM5 are all great headphones so purchase the version that fits your budget, or stick with you existing model if you're waiting for the next technological leap. It's tough to go wrong with any model.
do you hear a noticeable difference in the sound quality between the xm3 and the xm5? i also have the xm3 and want to buy new headphones, the xm5 just seems to be the overall winner in the midrange price segment. would you say its worth it (apart from the anc and mic quality)?
@@overexplainer151 The sound quality is improved but I would not make the switch for that reason alone as the xm3s are still excellent. However, the ability to pair with more than a single device in addition to the noise cancelling improvements made it a worthwhile upgrade.
Excellent review! Straight to the point and clear!
Great review, been watching several and this is the most clear and well made, thanks
That means a lot - thanks!
A great and fair review Mark, thanks. I still love my XM4s and do not feel any need to upgrade.
Good to hear!
I love the sound from the xm4 and xm5. The problem for me though is the sizing, they are just that bit to big for my head, the band doesn't rest on top of my head. Frustrating.
The size of the case is more of an issue with people who will primarily use them while traveling like on a plane moreover than someone daily commute. My XM4 are almost never in the case anymore, if I where to travel (plane) I’d certainly look for an xm5 discount . However on a long haul flight I don’t think even with the XM4 that I could wear them without eventually becoming painful , so I will almost certainly take the wh4 or maybe a potential airpod pro 2 with their smaller case . Long haul , load of luggage case size matters.
I think that the size when in the case is a big deal, I'm gonna get the XM4's rather than the 5's because I will travel a lot with them. Really great comparison, thanks for the video.
Snagged the XM4s during prime day for after watching this and a few more reviews. 220 USD before tax during prime day. First set of over ear ANC headphones, always just used earbuds, and I’m loving them. The level of noise cancellation is pretty astonishing coming from the earbud market. Even earbuds with ANC and a proper seal don’t even come close. I’m also super happy with the sound profile on everything I’ve listened to. Little bit of hip hop, hardcore, pop punk, and most everything in between. Very happy with my decision. thanks for the review!
I have been a big fan since the xm3s and it took me a while, until they went on sale to get the xm5s. What bothers me the most is the case and that they don't fold. For some reason I really love the look of the old design as well. I used to be the only one on the subway rocking these until people finally started to realize how awesome they are. Now I love to see most people wearing the xm4s. The non portable issue has me wanting to go back to the 4s but I guess we will see.
Great review. I've just bought the xm4's and couldn't be happier with them. Smaller case and 100 quid cheaper.
I tried the XM5 but returned them because they had a lot of bugs and issues. They seem slightly more neutral than the XM4 sonically which is good and I liked the new design overall. I may purchase again if they go on sale. I had really noisy creaking XM4 issues but was able to fix by spraying silicone lubricant into the hinges. Now they are quiet again like new headphones.
Thank you so much for mentioning how you fixed the creaking. I’m in the same boat, not because I disliked the XM5’s but I wasn’t a fan of the silver color anymore. There’s XM4’s on sale and I don’t see it as a big downgrade at all. Save some money and now I can possibly fix that creaking issue if it pops up (my OG had creaking and I had to sadly return them).
Is Sony gonna release Sony wh-1000xm5 earbuds
@@antes4586 Yes, but they will be called SONY WTF-42069XZM5v2.0R2023
Same for me
@@PushyPawn hahahaha
Thank you!! I have the xm3 and am looking to upgrade as my xm3s have started creeking pretty bad. Looking forward to the new pair.
I own a pair of surface headphones 2 and Sony xm4 (employee provided). I like the sound and noise cancellation quality better for the xm4. I loathe the buttons though. I love the design and buttons of the surface headphones better, too bad they don’t sound as great. So I find myself going back and forth.
Thanks!
You pretty much confirmed my suspicions. Better, but not enough :)
I do notice the light squeak, specially with glasses and the high frequencies seeping in. Not big issues for me.
The custom button, i just use to flip ANC, so no difference there
The new case and not folding is just a big no for me.
I've just bought the XM4 due to the complains about the "adaptive" sound cancellation. Some people say it is not a great feature on XM5. Also, the confort on the top of the head seens to be an issue.
Thanks! My XM4s are arriving from Amazon today. Got a great Prime Day deal and it’s reassuring that they will certainly meet all my needs for quite some time to come. Good video!
How much of a discount did you get for Prime Day?
@@balla2828 I wish I remembered! But, I have to share that I ended up returning the Sony’s and chose the Apple Air Pod Pros 2. I’ve been very very happy with those. I’m deep into the Apple ecosystem so that is likely a big reason I enjoy them. Both good products though!
@@larryhessmusic so you wanted ear buds as opposed to over-the-head headphones?
@@balla2828 The over the ear headphones are fantastic... probably the best solution for noise canceling, especially on airplanes. I am traveling more these days. But, they are simply bigger to deal with than ear buds, which you can put the case in your pocket, easy peasy. Ease of lightweight traveling became my personal decision point. And, for the Apple ecosystem, as good as the over the ear headphones from Apple are, they are great, but HUGE and heavier, it seems.
I compared both of them today at Best Buy and found that the sound quality and noise cancellation is very similar. I much preferred the ear cushion of the XM4 since it felt deeper and more cushiony. If I were to buy one of the today it would be the XM4.
You can however simply buy replacement earbuds for the XM5 if that's the only real turn off. Not saying to go with one or the other, just pointing out a solution.
@@mojipsxxm3 > both
I believe the folding issue is made due to the XM4's/XM3's past vulnerability of the horizontal hinge being extremely fragile and breaking within a year for many users, I myself have tried to warranty this issue only to be quoted 220 dollars for something that cost me 300 and when I declined I still had to pay 80 dollars in transport and treatment, (I was not informed of these expenses, not to mention in my country these things are always free, by LAW)
it seems the only way to fix this as well is purchase the plastic hinge piece for 30 dollars from others who get them from donor parts or steals them from the factories, currently there is no options of purchasing reinforced or improved versions of this part as well which saddens me greatly. I do not want to be a consumer, especially on a product category that can and should last 30 years.
in conclusions id say the xm4 is likely the superior option with only that issue being a thing to consider, amazing product but warranty wont cover the most common wear and tear issue claiming you broke it.
Been wanting to upgrade headphones… just ordered some XM4s so I’m pumped
On the ball again Mark. Have just ordered a pair of XM4s have been after these for a while but could not justify the price especially as i already have the sony buds xm4s which are excellent. So glad i watched your video.
Happy to help!
I don’t usually comment under review videos, but wow this review was perfect! thank you so much now I'm looking forward to buying the xm4 that currently has a discount so it's a win-win :)
Amazing review as always. Now, I will probably sell my XM4s and get the XM5. I agree with you on the sound. I prefer the extra bass. But, I do suffer from neck pain, and I live in a city where they honk more than they breath, and also next to a supermarket's warehouse with the beeping of tracks in reverse all day... So the lighter weight and the even better ANC (especially in the high pitch sounds) are ideal for me. Thank you!! It is worth mentioning that I will be selling them in my home country which has stupidly high taxes, and buying the XM5s in the US. So there will be no price difference in the end :D
Which has the better bass? I'm thinking of getting the XM4 or XM5.
@@vijzon3223 Xm4 has slightly better bass
Thanks so much for the video!
Thanks for the interesting and unbiased video. I own both the xm4 and xm5. My usage is probably not typical of most users. I was perfectly happy with the xm4's and them the xm5's appeared. after a few months I bought the xm5's and was pleased but a bit underwhelmed. I had clocked up about 10.000hrs of use with the xm4 and already replaced the cushions due to wear. So far after about 4000 hrs of usage of the xm5's I think they beat the xm4's in every aspect that matters top me. More comfortable, better sound and call quality. The only thing the xm4 does better is in it's Bluetooth range.
My xm5s have developed a random touch pad problem which I hope to fix after I strip them down. As a consequence I find myself switching to the mx4's. Here is the thing that probably makes me different from the average use. I only use them at home and connected to my laptop for signal source, also connected to phone for calls. I typically continuously wear the for 8-12 hrs daily. Touch functions such as stc or pause/play (that is unreliable on the laptop), I don't use or any of the "features". Both models are great ANC phones but I would not rate either (or any other BT phones I have tried) for sound quality. I would rate it as good compared to other competing headphones but just passable compared to decent wired headphones. Yes I know that is not the intended audience for BT ANC headphones. If all you want to do is listen to stuff then get the xm4's, if taking and making calls is important get the xm5's.
For travelling I am going to check out Sony's xm earbuds which makes the folding issue obsolete for me.
I bought both recently and was looking for decent bass for hardcore music and was pleased with the XM4 so I returned the XM5 due to the sound not given enough Bass. Note I use the Aux cable for my sound still rock the iPod classic. And yes the XM4 still packs a bass bump
4:25 I actually prefer the custom button on the xm4s compared to the NC/Ambient on the xm5s, because of the simple fact that you can set the custom button to the NC/Ambient sound mode on the xm4s. I believe the button is default set to Siri/Google Assistant/Alexa upon unboxing, but you can access these already by holding one finger on the right headphone (touchpad), while also having your ambient/NC button on custom. This I prefer because noise cancelling can prove to be uncomfortable in certain situations, and personally when I'm at home, I prefer to use ambient sound mode most of the time because of this. Being able to switch between the two with the simple press of a button while having the other options available on a different function seems to be the most convenient option.
just got the xm5 recently and i love it so much!! ive never owned the previous older models before so i decided to get the latest one. I love the new design and it feels very comfortable wearing it.
Same! These are my first high end headphones and I absolutely love them. I about to buy the MX4, then 2 weeks later the MX5's were announced so it was a no brainer for me: I pre-ordered.
I LIVE in them. I love them, even though I have all apple products and was advised against buying the Sony's over the Apple Pro Max. I regret nothing.
@@prilailiu the price difference just isn’t worth it at all imo. The ANC is fantastic on the 4s, they’re comfortable and I was able to pick the 4s up for $100 less than their current msrp.
@@dabulls1g I agree with you (: but I had already money for the m4 before the price drop and I might as well get the latest edition. I do not regret getting the m5, but I agree that the m4’s are a better deal!
@@dabulls1g for me the deal breaker is both price and design, I absolutely despise the new "modern" look.
do they have ANC problems i have read about the auto adjustment ANC which can be annoying
Great review. Straightforward but thorough and to the point.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Was really disappointed in the comfort of the XM5. I did the same as many of you where I compared Bose nc700, XM4, QC45 and XM5. I went into it fully expecting to have a clear winner with the xm5 but after 1 day (roughly 8-9 hours) of use and a headache it was a non starter regardless of how much better the call quality and ANC is. XM4 still seems to be the best for my personal use as of now. Hopefully Sony does a redesign soon!
I did a lot of reading of user reviews, and tested both for noise cancelling in the shop. I decided to buy the XM4s. A LOT of users are saying the XM5 noise cancelling is too clever, so at times there are lags of strength and changes. When the XM5s are in the ideal situation, they do have the best cancellation, but when things are changing people prefer the constant amount of blocking on the XM4. The XM4 partially uses white noise, which I personally like. I had to choose between the XM4 and BOSE QC45s in the end, and it was a really hard decision. The QC45 have excellent basic buttons, are lighter, and very comfortable. For people with smaller heads the QC45 may feeel a bit loose. But in the end I felt the noise cancelling in an average office/shop environment was a tiny bit better on the XM4s, but it was a 50/50 call to choose between these two. Again, many users really like the XM4s.
i have a small head and the xm 4s fall off my head; i hoped to bose comfort 45 but you re saying they re even bigger?:( what alternatives do you recommend for me if the xm 4’s are too big?
Yes the Bose QC45s were definitely looser when I tried them. You may have to try other brands, but unfortunately Sony and Bose are the best. There are other Bose models you could try. Good luck😀@@stefaniaandreea8793
This is the third review you've posted this comment in, and yet you seem to be the only person bringing up this issue. I have sensory issues and noise cancelling is massively important so, if true, this would drive me insane. Can you please provide some other references so I can see if this is really a problem? I need headphones to wear out in the city where cancelling is optimal even in loud dynamic environments.
Just gotta say the contrast for Breathe Again on Airpods vs something with real sound like DT 770s is so amazing 🤩
Super helpful! Thank you for sharing!
Pleasure!
This was an excellent review
Thanks Mark, Coming from my beloved but now quite beat up XM3's that have kept me in good stead, I was thinking to jump up two model's to the XM5s but somethign seemed off about them and I'm so glad I watched your review. Definitely going to stick to the XM4s model!
My need for high quality noice cancelling headphones came about concurrently with the announcement of XM5. I bought XM4 and not because of the price difference! And despite the fact that I kind of prefer the XM5s look.
Thank you very much, I have just ordered the XM4.
Good choice!
Bro I had to pause a minute in, to say your voice/audio quality is spot on!! got a sub from me!
Nice - thanks!
I'll chime in, as someone who has owned both for a while. The XM4 has really muddy bass - I disagree that it's refined :( The XM5 aren't terribly dynamic, but they are one of the more natural sounding Bluetooth headphones I've tried. I think the XM5 are the better headphone unless you travel a lot and want something that packs down easier. But as you pointed out, audibly, it's a difference you notice when you have both and switch back and forth. In isolation, they're both great.
EXCELLENT review and presentation. Very helpful. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Ok going with xm4s. Thank you for the video
I found out that the noise cancelling is what makes the XM4's have the high pitch noise whenever the "Noise Cancelling" option is turned on. Mine come from the Right side. I also have a sort of popping noise also coming from them before they start to make high pitch noise. So, if you have it turned off (the Noise Cancelling), the high-pitched noise will go away completely. Probably a software update they could push out to make it go away, but if it's a manufacturing problem/in-house, then you might want to call them and ask for a refund or a replacement since that's all they're advertised for, their "Noise Cancelling". Which if it's not working as it's intended, that's probably a big No-no.
Great comparison!!! I will go with my XM4 and Quiet Comfort. No reason to switch.
Bought my XM3s in March 2019 & they are still going strong to this day. I use them everyday at work in the outdoor weather. Honestly love them. XM4s will be my upgrade when the day comes to lay my 3s to rest.
Do you exercise with your headphones on? How do they take the sweat?
I had a choice of buying the XM4 or XM5. The difference was around AUD100. I went for the XM5s. Love the design, NC is better than my Bose 25 and without the cabin pressure , voice is crystal clear for meetings on Teams, connectivity is excellent with seamless dual connections.
Initially, I was worried about the foam touching my ear as the cups aren't as deep as my Bose but it's still comfortable enough for me to wear these for hrs on end. The sound quality is great with firm bass and the build quality surprising sturdy when you consider how light these are.
The box is a bit bigger than my son's XM4 but not a deal beaker for me.
How are the hinges on xm5? I never liked bendable hinges on xm3 or xm4 since they tend to break with time. With unbendable hinge on xm5 is it strong enough to avoid any breakage in future with higher use? i am fine with space that it takes. To be honest headphone are always big brother of ear phones both on matter of space and quality of sound.
Congratulations for the video! My question is, about the touch-control which I am "afraid" of... can I put them on and go to bed? or the touch-control will go crasy? If that is the case, is there a way to cancel it maybe?
I think I will stay with XM5. Sound of both are excellent and, if you just hear music to relax during work or traveling I think the difference is too small to consider. By other side, I make a lot of calls for friends, have classes or work stuff, so, for this point I pick the XM5, the call quality for me is very important, as I stay for hours during my weeks talking to people. And thank you very much for the video. Is the first I watch from your channel and I really enjoyed the quality of your material. Best whishes from Brazil, Mark.
Hey Leonardo did you use xm5 for 7 months already? I wanted to know how is it with isolation over the time? I checked some used xm5s and there was no clamping force anymore comparing to xm4 used ones.
I've heard some people complaining that the ANC will reduce itself arbitrarily if it deems that things "aren't loud enough", is this an issue?
great review on XM 5s
Cant wait! I am getting my xm4 today!!
How? Satisfied?
the lower claimed clamping force of the XM5s would skew my decision. I own the XM3s and it took a bit to get used to, but I tried some QC35s and those were simply a bit more comfortable over longer periods of time. The XM4s apparently came with more clamping force so I passed on those. The new QC45s no longer allow one to turn off noise canceling, so that puts them out of the running for me as well.
I've had a quick look ( at 1am ) at a couple of videos like this because today I bought a pair of XM4's, from Argos UK for £279. I very nearly spent the extra money on XM5's but my previous experience told me it wouldn't be worth it. I've had them on ( and listened to lots of different music on YT Music, Tidal and watched a few videos ) since around 6:30pm, it's now almost 2am and bedtime. I'm happy with them :)
Great to hear!
_listening to this with my XM4’s on_
Still got the XM5’s arriving tomorrow
04:33 The "Custom" button on the XM4 literally does the same thing (switching b/w ANC, Ambient Sound & Ambient Sound off), AND, allows to change the functionality in the app for this button. Not sure if you can change it on the XM5. So IMO, the one on the XM4 makes more sense
Realy helpful for me before consider which one worth it
Hi Mark, Thanks for the detailed comparison, I was also searching if XM4 or XM5 can be used for Video Editing as well, XM is bassyl I guess and Sennheiser gives original sound. But still I found XM listed as a headphone that can be used for Audio Editing/ Video Editing.
What is your verdict on Using a "wireless" Sony XM4 or XM5 for video editing or using Sennheiser (wired) HD300 Pro or HD400 Pro or HD599 Special Edition?
I used to have a pair of the XM3, which were great but I ended up selling them recently as I got to a point where I didn’t use them much anymore as I found using AirPods Pro more comfortable. Just recently I was gifted a pair of the XM5 and have found them to be quite a big step up over the XM3, especially when it comes to comfort. The XM3 were comfortable but I found after about an hour I’d start to feel the pressure on the top of my head from the headband. I don’t get this at all with the XM5. They’re so light you barely feel them on your head. On a rather random side note, I usually favour the black colour over the white/cream colour but in the case of the XM5 I actually prefer the cream colour (which I have) as it actually has a slight texture to it that the black doesn’t have and it adds a slightly better tactile feel. It also hides fingerprints etc a lot better.
I find my XM5 excellent for the function of unwinding in a busy household so that I can be asleep by 7pm to get up for work at 3am. For this purpose the extra comfort supersedes compatibility. After all, inst the primary function of noise-canceling headphones to unwind? I find the XM4 to be to clunky.
The XM5s are around £299 on Amazon UK right now with the XM4s being £248. Has my eyes on xm4 for ages and have not long realised XM5s are a thing. I like the design and the price difference being £40 now is much less than the difference before, so may get some XM5s instead. Would like to compare side by side maybe in a shop first though
which ones were better in your opinion
@@jenesais I think the case and portability are better on the XM4s and are much better for carrying round considering they’re wireless headphones. As for design, I slightly prefer t here XM5s but not by much. The XM4s were reduced to £215 this Black Friday, which made a more significant price gap. At that range, I think the XM4s are the way to go, but depends on the price
@@euanjones7117 thank you, I think I'll get the xm4s
Should I buy the xm5 or the xm4 model? They both cost the same here and I want an overall good headphone for music/studying/gaming/general use.
I also want something that is more durable, something that lasts longer. I also don't really travel much. But I do really like ANC/Transparency.
Very good video 🔥🔥 also quick question I'm looking to upgrade to Sony headphones really soon I currently have the bose qc35s ll what do u think would be better than them out of the xm4 or xm5 baring in mind I love alot of bass in my headphones
Great video as always! Which set is louder & bassier? The XM4s?
The XM4 start to make a loud feedback noise when noise cancelling is on. This starts to happen about a year of use. Has someone experienced this with the XM5s? Every noise cancelling headphones I had start to show problems with noise cancelling after a year of use. Whether it be loud feedback noise or noise cancelling stopping working at all. This happened with different brands and different types of headphones.
Awesome video! Are the ear cushions the same size? I'm thinking about purchasing them but I wanted to swap my mesh earcups over
Thanks! Roughly the same, but I have no idea how that would translate to swapping ear cups, I'm afraid!
good review, thank you)
Thank you for the information. I like the design of the Sony XM4 better. Think i will purchase the 4.
I’m very undecided between these two headphones. I love the feel of the xm4 feels snug against my head. I tried on the xm5 in store but because they had been bent out of shape couldn’t get a proper feel for comfort.
Get XM4 … not much difference… and wait for XM6 when they upgrade the QE1 chip … main chip inside the headphones
To me xm4 is clamping my head, if worn for 10 hours a day I get a migraine.
So far I've only tried them in the store but xm5 feel so much lighter and softer
XM5 is clear
Which one is better for bigger heads? Love the new silver color on the XM5s!
Still torn between grabbing a sweet deal on the Max or a sweet deal on those XM4s! Just got an apple tv (apple got me by the neck and wallet rn) and BOI my air pods pro had a whole new lease of life! Headphones for commuting and a few abroad trips is what I need but apple are always so enticing😂 Great vid Mark! Enjoying the regular content alot mate
Thank you!
The only thing I don't like about my xm4's is that phone calls seem to enhance noise around me for the person on the other end of the call, I also carry my bose 700s which are amazing for calls
See I'm trying to find my first one I keep going through the XM4 for XM5 it still don't know which one I want but the XM4 has my blues that I like
What if the difference is only £50 would you still pick the XM4?
Does the built in EQ work over aux and with Bluetooth not in use?
Great comparison! I upgraded my XM4 to XM5 recently, what I would disagree with is the comfort, for me the XM5 is miles ahead, the XM5 'squishier' foam actually is more comfortable acting like pillows whereas the XM4 foam would clamp and heat up. I found I didn't want to take off my XM5, but had to take regular breaks on the XM4. It's like they took the comfort element of Bose and combined it with the exciting sound of Sony. I just knew I had to upgrade. Travel case and foldability I'm not fussed as I'm using mostly at home, sound wise the XM4 does have more bass punch, but if that's your thing then just tweak EQ on XM5. What will Sony do next.....
Well, people have different heads and ears. So it makes sense why comfort is subjective.
@@froglover3145 that’s right. Which is why I started the sentence with ‘for me’.
Hey I am planning for a pair, what would you say about sound signature, XM5 > XM4?
@@dhruvpatel6604 both have that fun Sony 'wide' soundstage, for me because the XM5 are more comfortable/spacious around the ears , the soundstage appears even wider (if that makes sense). It is noticeable that the XM4 have stronger bass (and I do love bass), but overall the XM5 are just more enjoyable in sound - the increased comfort allows you to 'enjoy' them more over the XM4. It's a no brainer imo.
Xm5 is not more comfortable to me. It has thinner pad and shallower earcups so my ears touch the inside so that my ears get soar after 30 min. I dont have giant ears. So i had to return xm5 and stayed with xm4.
Thanks for soo goood review. I just bought xm4 from Amazon prime day. 😁
I still have my xm3. Love it. Noise cancelling is the best.
My xm5 DOES creak on my head. So much so I went back to xm3. Have new soft fabric earcups coming that hopefully fix the xm5 issue.
I went to store today to buy xm4 and until I arrived at the store I did not even know there was an xm5. Tried both and found the xm5 way softer, alot more comfy and seemed to have more room for my ear. Notice cancellation was slightly better on the xm5 in the very noisy store. I purchased the xm5 due to the much better comfort and now am watching a review!
I used my xm4s to sleep as I am a very light sleeper, and when I saw the xm5s, I quickly bought them with the intention to sleep, so comfort was my 1st priority. I tried sleeping with the xm5s and when I woke up the foam seemed to have been flattened and made the headphones really uncomfortable which is a really concerning. The next day I decided to return the xm5s because in 2yrs of using the xm4s I never had any issues, a real waste of money in my opinion as at the moment the xm4s are a lot cheaper and in my opinion A LOT better.
@@Fili288 nose qc 45 would be more comfortable to sleep with than Sony, no?
Yeah same I tried on both and xm5 is more comfy but many ppl in comment said xm4 is more comfy. Idk…
I think it's so interesting preferences. I think xm4s are the best looking headphones on the market
I mostly listen to New Age music I have the XM4 would you recommend upgrading to XM5? Thanks again
I have XM4’s now but before these I had XM3’s and I personally think my 3’s had better noise cancelling than my 4’s
I have listened to sound tests between the XM4 and 5 and the 5 have more depth of sound while the 4 seems more compressed and less expanded
I have the XM4, 5, Max and some others. The only reason to buy the M5 is the voice quality for phone calls. Otherwise, I feel the XM4 is better built and much better value. By the way, I find the XM5 is too warm to wear for very long. If you have Apple stuff, skip both and buy the Max or stick with your AirPod pros if you do not mind ear buds. If you own Bose, stick with those - not perfect but they are really good and reliable. I also love the fit, feel, build and sound of the Bang & Olufsen HX model. Finally, if someone wants to add a better needed feature, it would be weather resistance on the over ear headphones. They should be made to wear in all sorts of environments. The only offering I know of is from Jabra, but I think they fall short in other ways. As for noise cancelling, all of these do a good enough job.
Great input, Bruce - thanks!
2:20 As an XM4 owner, I’ve literally never even thought about how it creaks and stuff when you put it on your head until now so I don’t see how its an issue at all tbh
I can get the XM4's but without the creaking?
That justifies the extra cost 100%.
The creaking almost made me destroy them a couple of times.
I bought the xm5's on release day and sold them on facebook marketplace about 3-4 weeks later because they were just uncomfortable to me. That cylinder for a cushion was not comfortable at all.
Great review from a year ago, I watched it at the time I think but now in 2024 I need to replace my over ear headphones and I like the look of the XM4s and they have a good percentage on Which, and are a bit cheaper too. I don't really like the look of Apple's Air Pods Max, or the reports of there weight and definitely don't like the price. (But I do love my Apple AirPods Pro 2 ear buds). I will try out the tracks you mentioned when my XM4 arrives.