They are closely matched: Sony WH-1000XM4 scores 84/100 and Sony WH-1000XM5 scores 83/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 point. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.
Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Sony WH-1000XM5 leads Sony WH-1000XM4 overall by 10 points (92 vs 82 out of 100).
- Sony WH-1000XM5 stands out on Wireless Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.2, Comfort & Build Weight: 250 g.
- Best value: Sony WH-1000XM4 (from $349) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Sony WH-1000XM5 leads overall
Sony WH-1000XM5
92
Sony WH-1000XM4
82
Why it stands out
- Wireless Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.2
- Comfort & Build Weight: 250 g
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is a pair of premium wireless over-ear headphones designed for consumers seeking top-tier noise cancellation and audio performance. Serving as a refined successor to the popular XM3, this model focuses on iterative performance and usability upgrades for daily commuters and travelers.
Best for Commuters and travelers prioritizing high-quality noise isolationBest for Users looking for a polished upgrade to the older XM3 model
Pros
- Refined performance and design updates over the predecessor
- Excellent reputation for active noise cancellation and sound isolation
Cons
- Confusing and highly convoluted product naming convention
Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a pair of over-ear wireless noise-canceling headphones engineered by Sony Group. Designed primarily for commuters and audio enthusiasts, they emphasize heavy environmental noise reduction and deep integration with a companion settings application.
Best for Isolating against ambient noise in busy environments or during travelBest for Users who prefer tweaking their audio experience using detailed software control
Pros
- Highly effective active noise cancellation that ranks among the best in its category
- Feature-rich companion app that allows for extensive user customization
Cons
- Physical design adjustments that some users and reviewers find less favorable than previous versions
- Out-of-the-box sound profile that may require manual equalization to correct tuning preferences
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony WH-1000XM5
Physical Comparison
Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D
Sony WH-1000XM4Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM4 is 4 g (2%) heavier than Sony WH-1000XM5.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5 comparison
Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sony WH-1000XM5 are compared side by side above across every spec in the headphones category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 84/100 for Sony WH-1000XM4 and 83/100 for Sony WH-1000XM5.
At launch, Sony WH-1000XM4 was the more affordable option ($349) versus Sony WH-1000XM5 ($399). Weigh that against the overall scores (84/100 vs 83/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.
It's close — Sony WH-1000XM4 (84/100) and Sony WH-1000XM5 (83/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.