Sony has unveiled the latest edition of its WH-1000XM series of noise canceling, over-ear headphones with the WH-1000XM5 set to release in May 2022. The line of over-ears has received industry praise for its compelling performance and relatively low price in comparison to other options on the market. The last version, which debuted in 2020, has competed with the Apple AirPods Max and the Bose 700 for the title of best Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphones available. However, is the newest version of the headphones a must-have for the average consumer and audiophiles alike, or is it an incremental upgrade worth skipping?
Much of the details regarding the WH-1000XM5 launch were known long before the official announcement from Sony. In early 2022, an upgraded model of the headphones was listed on the official Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under a codename, signaling an inevitable public release. Other leaks trickled in, claiming that the upgraded version would include new features and a redesign. Some leaks turned out to be spot-on, while others didn't quite pan out. Regardless, there are some key changes in the WH-1000XM5 that set the headphones apart from the previous WH-1000XM4.
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The most noticeable difference between the WH-1000XM5 and its predecessor is the slightly redesigned form factor. While the previous model appeared clunky and less premium, the design change makes the over-ears look more premium. The appearance resembles the AirPods Max, with a rounded ear cups distinguished by a narrow, more circular stem. The headband also has padding that wraps around the entirety of the band, compared to the previous model, which only
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