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Home/ Compare/ Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Headphone

Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM4 and XM5 are closely matched, but the XM4 edges ahead for power users who need NFC pairing, Dolby Atmos support, and a foldable design for portability, while running on a faster charge time. The XM5 counters with longer battery life, newer Bluetooth connectivity, and a lighter build with more microphones for improved call quality — making it the better daily commuter headphone for 2023 and beyond. Sony WH-1000XM4: Foldable design makes it significantly more portable and travel-friendly than the XM5; Supports NFC pairing and Dolby Atmos for a faster, more immersive audio setup; Higher sound pressure level and larger driver unit deliver more powerful, room-filling audio. Sony WH-1000XM5: Longer battery life ensures fewer interruptions during extended listening sessions or travel; Lighter weight with more microphones provides superior comfort and clearer hands-free call quality; Newer Bluetooth version and tangle-free cable offer a more modern, refined everyday experience.

Editorial Verdict

We pick the Sony WH-1000XM4

The Sony WH-1000XM4 and XM5 are closely matched, but the XM4 edges ahead for power users who need NFC pairing, Dolby Atmos support, and a foldable design for portability, while running on a faster charge time. The XM5 counters with longer battery life, newer Bluetooth connectivity, and a lighter build with more microphones for improved call quality — making it the better daily commuter headphone for 2023 and beyond. Sony WH-1000XM4: Foldable design makes it significantly more portable and travel-friendly than the XM5; Supports NFC pairing and Dolby Atmos for a faster, more immersive audio setup; Higher sound pressure level and larger driver unit deliver more powerful, room-filling audio. Sony WH-1000XM5: Longer battery life ensures fewer interruptions during extended listening sessions or travel; Lighter weight with more microphones provides superior comfort and clearer hands-free call quality; Newer Bluetooth version and tangle-free cable offer a more modern, refined everyday experience.

Where each one wins

Where each one wins

Scored across the categories that matter most for headphone.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Sony WH-1000XM5

Sound Pressure Level

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4
Son105 dB/mW
Son102 dB/mW

Impedance

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4
Son16 Ohms
Son48 Ohms

Driver Unit

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4
Son40 mm
Son30 mm

Folding

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4
SonYes
SonNo

Charge Time

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4
Son3 hours
Son3.5 hours

Mute Function

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4
SonYes
SonNo

Dolby Atmos

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4
SonYes
SonNo

Nfc Pairing

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM4
SonYes
SonNo

Battery Life Hours

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Son30 hours
Son40 hours

Bluetooth

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Son5
Son5.2

Weight

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Son254 g
Son250 g

Mic Count

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Son5
Son8

Tangle Free Cable

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
SonNo
SonYes

Battery Power

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Son1100 mAh
Son1200 mAh

Release Date

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5
Son20200806
Son20220512
Detailed comparison

Spec by spec

Winner cells highlighted. Sorted by significance — decisive specs first.

Specification
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sound Pressure Level
105 dB/mW
102 dB/mW
Impedance
16 Ohms
48 Ohms
Driver Unit
40 mm
30 mm
Folding
Yes
No
Charge Time
3 hours
3.5 hours
Mute Function
Yes
No
Dolby Atmos
Yes
No
Nfc Pairing
Yes
No
Battery Life Hours
30 hours
40 hours
Bluetooth
5
5.2
Weight
254 g
250 g
Mic Count
5
8
Tangle Free Cable
No
Yes
Battery Power
1100 mAh
1200 mAh
Release Date
20200806
20220512
Deeper dives

Read the full reviews

For the complete test methodology, photo galleries and long-term verdict — see each individual review.

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