An important thing for me is portability and comfort. If I have these gigantic bowling balls around my ears, it isn't the most comfortable for travel. The XM 5s are way too bulky. I don't get the appeal. I bought them last year and took them back. Not worth almost 500 dollars. They feel like cheap plastic. The regular QCs are sleek, compact and ultra comfortable. They also sound great. Good enough for the average person who isn't an audiophile. No need to even buy the QC ultras. Why? It is the same thing you are just paying for a slightly nicer aesthetic for 50 percent more. Just buy the regular ones on sale.
Thanks for the observations! I kept debating on picking up the QC’s to test them but decided against it (I just don’t have the time), so I’m glad you added this.
I've found out that the sound quality of the XM5 can be greatly improved using apps that manages more frequency bands, of course on Android, and even without LDAC. I'm actually pretty happy with them.
Yeah, that’s one thing about the XM5 that I both love and am infuriated by: the headphones can actually do a LOT, sound wise, but the default tuning and settings really undersell these. And most people never really mess with the settings. I wish Sony would take this aspect more seriously. (Also that they’d bring back a wider headband, but one thing at a time…)
Good to note! I don't have a 35 to compare it to, so glad you added this note! By the way, if you really want thumping bass I'd say check out the Sennheiser Momentum 4 (if you're in the market, I mean). "Bass" is definitely their game now!
Great overview. I remember being very unimpressed with the XM5 when it released, after owning the XM1, XM2 and XM4s. But they did improve it and the complete lack of hiss is what sets it apart from other sets I have / tried (Sennheiser Momentum 3, AirPods Max, Focal Bathys). Having prescription glasses, the XM5 are also super comfortable. I have been looking at the Bose, and they are currently down to €329. I’m sure they’re a great option too!
This is awesome you’ve had such a great history! The QCU’s are good, but if you like the XM5, honestly, I don’t know if I see any reason to switch outside of curiosity. I 100% agree with the comfort with glasses, too: they really did that well.
I have the QC Ultra and hesitate to return them for the XM5 because the white noise and the hiss is just too strong and horrible with the QC Ultra ! I don’t know if it will better with the XM5 but I want to wear the headphone without music sometimes and the white noise is not possible for me, even with classical music or a relax piano music you can hear it… And it even worse with the awareness mode.
So, the white noise is pretty common for any ANC headphones, since the way ANC works is to counter whatever sound is coming in, so no noise means it’s just constantly preparing. The only ones I can think of that were dead quiet were the AirPods Max. The other thing to worry about, though, is potentially the cabin pressure effect with quiet environments. Would either the Px7 S2e or Momentum 4’s be options for you? Or would it be better to maybe get a comfortable pair of wired over the ear headphones? (The AKG 702’s are now on sale at Guitar Center for $99, which is a VERY low price for these, but they’re also open back. Don’t know how much that matters.)
Well, I’m very happy about the comfort and ANC with the QC Ultra but the white noise and the hiss… 🤯It’s my first ANC headphones so I don’t know if I take the XM5 if the difference about white noise will be big or not… I don’t really like Apple headphones by the way… My choices were between Bose and Sony…
That’s completely fair. If it’s between those, and if the hissing is the big factor, I think both will give you about the same amount of hissing, at least that’s what it sounds like to me. Sorry for the bad news. :-/
With all the headphones you have, wgat headphones do you daily drive? I’m about to grab the Momentum 4s but I do appreciate the knowledge you have here in headphones.
Honestly, I rotate and have started using stuff for VERY specific uses. But right now: - What I grab when I need something around the house: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e, Master & Dynamic MW65, Apple AirPods Max. - What I keep with me pretty much at all times: Apple AirPods Pro or Meze Alba If you go into my house and look next to my bed, you'll find one of those. As for other cases: - What I travel with: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (It was the XM5 for a while, though) - What I use for work: Sennheiser PC38X, Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red, Koss Porta Pro - At the gym: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (gen 1), SoundPeats Space. - When I go cycling: Shokz Aeropex Clearly, I'm not normal. So don't follow my example. Pick good headphones, good earbuds, and maybe something for the gym. I've actually stopped accepting gear from companies and will be just focusing on using stuff I buy for a longer period of time because I really hate reviews that are just initial observations after a couple of weeks. (Yeah, there's SOME value, but these things have 3 year cycles, and what I'm in love with month 1 and what I keep using 6 months later are often VERY different.) ALL THIS SAID... If I had to pick ONE... Probably the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. I would have said the AirPods Max, but I can't use them on planes: they give me a headache (I have sinus issues). And I would also consider the Px7 S2e, but I need good ANC. If you're wondering why the M4's aren't on this list, in a word: Comfort. It's the most important thing to me, and the ear heat on the M4 is a big problem. It's also why I never warmed up to the Sony XM4. What it offers in sound isn't enough to overcome that + weaker ANC, at least for me.
QC ULTRA is best. Thin headband on xm5, caused headaches in 30 minutes of wear. Ultra is incredible comfortable and great sound quality. Also love the Soundcore Space One. Easily comparable in terms of quality, comfort and sound for $100
I haven’t tried the Space One yet. I have the Q30 and Q45’s. Do you know how it compares to those? (I was tempted to get it for testing, but just don’t have the bandwidth.)
I am pretty sensitive and use the xm5 for 5 hours consecutive and had no headache. They are soft. My head is big. They are not perfect but neither the iPhone is.
I’ve done videos on all of those, plus comparisons, and the answer is, “it very much depends”. In short: - travel and ANC: XM4 - comfort and sound: Px7 - Sound and battery: M4 They all have their ups and downs.
@NorbReviews that's for responding! If you had to go for one mainly for studying, purposes so I'll have it on for long periods of the day, which one would you get? I'll be getting whichever you say this afternoon, just really wanna get the best for my money. Thanks
If you need it for studying and want quiet, I’d say XM4 or M4. The XM4 is also very durable and has great tech. The Px7’s ANC is very weak, which is why I’m not recommending it, but it’s also the one that has, at least for me, the least ear heat and the most enjoyable sound. The M4 may be the best general purpose: great battery, decent enough ANC, and great sound. You’re not going to go wrong with any of these. If I had to pick one, for me, I’d do the Px7 because of the ear heat.
I bought the QC, they didn't last 10 days: no sound at all. Now I'm with the XM5. Maybe they don't outperform the Bose but as per experience Sony never let me down in durability.
Not yet. I’m traveling at the moment and don’t have them on me, but that’s one of the first videos I’ll be making. The biggest thing for the M4 is that the headphones are actually pretty close to the Harman target for the upper ranges. It’s the lower stuff - ~300Hz and under - that is boosted. In the video above; the second part actually talks about how to develop your own EQ settings because it talks about the principles. Find the frequency response graph for the M4 and use that to guide how much a specific range should be moved up or down. For my own settings, I haven’t looked at them in a while, so I can’t remember the tuning I used, but my advice is just to drop the bass some and maybe drop ~6kHz a little or boost around 3-4kHz some: there’s a weird ledge there that makes these sound more harsh than they need to. I hope this helps!
For my work, I picked up a Logitech / Blue Yeti for just under $100 and it was one of the best things I did. (Seriously, it might have saved my job.) I also had an extra mic arm, but it isn't necessary, since it comes with a great stand. As for the dogs, Zoom is good about noise rejection, and the Yeti allows you to change the pick-up pattern, so that helps, plus the software you download for it is great for tuning your voice some. For my videos, I use the Shure MV7. I've used it for work before, and it works just fine, but I find the Yeti software better for that specific use.
I really wanted to get the Bose QC Ultra, but with the shape of my head, it was giving me head pain after 30 mins. Which left me with either the XM4s or the XM5s, decided to try the XM5s (30 day no question asked return available) so far I'm enjoying it. Most important features were comfort, and NC for me personally and the XM5s seem to provide it.
Comfort is *ALWAYS* my number one concern. I don’t care how good headphones sound, if I can’t wear them, I can’t enjoy them. Sorry you had to experience what you did, but glad the XM5 suits you!
To me aesthetic is very important too. And how bulky they look. The Ultras to me, are the best looking out of all of them. This design in my opinion is really elegant and nice. And, they are comfort champs too which is a big plus. Great video ! 📹
Hi there. Great review. I own them both and been using them moderately for over a year. I travel a lot and my opinion is that your analysis is very good. I agree with most of it although I feel that my XM5 is slightly more comfortable. The ear cups on my Ultra feels too loose and I gotta keep adjusting them from time to time. Both sound amazing but different. I prefer the XM5’s soundstage. The Ultras immersive sound is fantastic with certain types of music only. Other than that it’s quite average. The Sony is dead silent in an office setting but Bose is better overall with noise cancelling. This is my experience with having and using both these headphones.
Short answer: it depends on a lot of factors (codecs, what you’re listening to, etc), but it is VERY good and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Long answer: M4 vs XM5 - th-cam.com/video/zXpoDTAm-UY/w-d-xo.html M4 vs QC Ultra - th-cam.com/video/7hUENgInEbk/w-d-xo.html
I love my APMs, but they don’t. I’ve tested them side by side with others at this price bracket. They’re fantastic, mind you, and again, I love them, but both Bose’s QC Ultra and Sony’s XM5 are better. (Not by a lot, though, so it’s not like it’s a huge difference.)
@ just went and checked some other TH-cam reviewers and most have said the ANC on the Apple headphones is better than the ultra so must just be your opinion.
![Best Premium Headphones 2024 [Tested & Compared!] - AirPods Max vs Bose vs Sony vs Sennheiser..](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/l5qootmFQx0/mqdefault.jpg)
![Best Premium Headphones 2024 [Tested & Compared!] - AirPods Max vs Bose vs Sony vs Sennheiser..](/img/tr.png)
An important thing for me is portability and comfort. If I have these gigantic bowling balls around my ears, it isn't the most comfortable for travel. The XM 5s are way too bulky. I don't get the appeal. I bought them last year and took them back. Not worth almost 500 dollars. They feel like cheap plastic. The regular QCs are sleek, compact and ultra comfortable. They also sound great. Good enough for the average person who isn't an audiophile. No need to even buy the QC ultras. Why? It is the same thing you are just paying for a slightly nicer aesthetic for 50 percent more. Just buy the regular ones on sale.
Thanks for the observations! I kept debating on picking up the QC’s to test them but decided against it (I just don’t have the time), so I’m glad you added this.
Thank you for your review. Ordering QC right now because of your video
Thank you for the kind words, and I hope you enjoy them!
Excellent review with lots of useful info. Thank you!
Thank you, and glad it was useful!
I've found out that the sound quality of the XM5 can be greatly improved using apps that manages more frequency bands, of course on Android, and even without LDAC. I'm actually pretty happy with them.
Yeah, that’s one thing about the XM5 that I both love and am infuriated by: the headphones can actually do a LOT, sound wise, but the default tuning and settings really undersell these. And most people never really mess with the settings. I wish Sony would take this aspect more seriously. (Also that they’d bring back a wider headband, but one thing at a time…)
Base and overall volume is so low compared to qc35 ii from my short experience? It’s nice to have a bit of thumping bass when you’re in the mood.
Good to note! I don't have a 35 to compare it to, so glad you added this note!
By the way, if you really want thumping bass I'd say check out the Sennheiser Momentum 4 (if you're in the market, I mean). "Bass" is definitely their game now!
Great overview. I remember being very unimpressed with the XM5 when it released, after owning the XM1, XM2 and XM4s. But they did improve it and the complete lack of hiss is what sets it apart from other sets I have / tried (Sennheiser Momentum 3, AirPods Max, Focal Bathys). Having prescription glasses, the XM5 are also super comfortable. I have been looking at the Bose, and they are currently down to €329. I’m sure they’re a great option too!
This is awesome you’ve had such a great history! The QCU’s are good, but if you like the XM5, honestly, I don’t know if I see any reason to switch outside of curiosity. I 100% agree with the comfort with glasses, too: they really did that well.
I have the QC Ultra and hesitate to return them for the XM5 because the white noise and the hiss is just too strong and horrible with the QC Ultra ! I don’t know if it will better with the XM5 but I want to wear the headphone without music sometimes and the white noise is not possible for me, even with classical music or a relax piano music you can hear it… And it even worse with the awareness mode.
So, the white noise is pretty common for any ANC headphones, since the way ANC works is to counter whatever sound is coming in, so no noise means it’s just constantly preparing.
The only ones I can think of that were dead quiet were the AirPods Max.
The other thing to worry about, though, is potentially the cabin pressure effect with quiet environments.
Would either the Px7 S2e or Momentum 4’s be options for you? Or would it be better to maybe get a comfortable pair of wired over the ear headphones? (The AKG 702’s are now on sale at Guitar Center for $99, which is a VERY low price for these, but they’re also open back. Don’t know how much that matters.)
Well, I’m very happy about the comfort and ANC with the QC Ultra but the white noise and the hiss… 🤯It’s my first ANC headphones so I don’t know if I take the XM5 if the difference about white noise will be big or not… I don’t really like Apple headphones by the way… My choices were between Bose and Sony…
That’s completely fair. If it’s between those, and if the hissing is the big factor, I think both will give you about the same amount of hissing, at least that’s what it sounds like to me. Sorry for the bad news. :-/
With all the headphones you have, wgat headphones do you daily drive? I’m about to grab the Momentum 4s but I do appreciate the knowledge you have here in headphones.
Honestly, I rotate and have started using stuff for VERY specific uses. But right now:
- What I grab when I need something around the house: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e, Master & Dynamic MW65, Apple AirPods Max.
- What I keep with me pretty much at all times: Apple AirPods Pro or Meze Alba
If you go into my house and look next to my bed, you'll find one of those.
As for other cases:
- What I travel with: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (It was the XM5 for a while, though)
- What I use for work: Sennheiser PC38X, Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red, Koss Porta Pro
- At the gym: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (gen 1), SoundPeats Space.
- When I go cycling: Shokz Aeropex
Clearly, I'm not normal. So don't follow my example. Pick good headphones, good earbuds, and maybe something for the gym.
I've actually stopped accepting gear from companies and will be just focusing on using stuff I buy for a longer period of time because I really hate reviews that are just initial observations after a couple of weeks. (Yeah, there's SOME value, but these things have 3 year cycles, and what I'm in love with month 1 and what I keep using 6 months later are often VERY different.)
ALL THIS SAID... If I had to pick ONE... Probably the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. I would have said the AirPods Max, but I can't use them on planes: they give me a headache (I have sinus issues). And I would also consider the Px7 S2e, but I need good ANC.
If you're wondering why the M4's aren't on this list, in a word: Comfort. It's the most important thing to me, and the ear heat on the M4 is a big problem. It's also why I never warmed up to the Sony XM4. What it offers in sound isn't enough to overcome that + weaker ANC, at least for me.
QC ULTRA is best. Thin headband on xm5, caused headaches in 30 minutes of wear. Ultra is incredible comfortable and great sound quality. Also love the Soundcore Space One. Easily comparable in terms of quality, comfort and sound for $100
I haven’t tried the Space One yet. I have the Q30 and Q45’s. Do you know how it compares to those? (I was tempted to get it for testing, but just don’t have the bandwidth.)
I am pretty sensitive and use the xm5 for 5 hours consecutive and had no headache. They are soft. My head is big. They are not perfect but neither the iPhone is.
Which is headphones would you go for? Px7, xm4 or senheiser momentum 4?
I’ve done videos on all of those, plus comparisons, and the answer is, “it very much depends”.
In short:
- travel and ANC: XM4
- comfort and sound: Px7
- Sound and battery: M4
They all have their ups and downs.
@NorbReviews that's for responding! If you had to go for one mainly for studying, purposes so I'll have it on for long periods of the day, which one would you get? I'll be getting whichever you say this afternoon, just really wanna get the best for my money.
Thanks
If you need it for studying and want quiet, I’d say XM4 or M4. The XM4 is also very durable and has great tech. The Px7’s ANC is very weak, which is why I’m not recommending it, but it’s also the one that has, at least for me, the least ear heat and the most enjoyable sound. The M4 may be the best general purpose: great battery, decent enough ANC, and great sound.
You’re not going to go wrong with any of these. If I had to pick one, for me, I’d do the Px7 because of the ear heat.
is there a big sound difference between the Bose QuietComfort Ultra versus the Bose QuietComfort, cause I hear many different things
I haven’t used the QC yet so I can’t say, but maybe someone else can chime in.
Quietcomforts have noticable channel imbalance. Get the ultra instead
I bought the QC, they didn't last 10 days: no sound at all. Now I'm with the XM5. Maybe they don't outperform the Bose but as per experience Sony never let me down in durability.
I’ve honestly been shocked at how good the XM5 have been despite how light they are and how they feel.
Would you mind making a short video updating the XM5's eq settings? Just if you've found any other eq that might sound better or anything extra.
I got you, fam:
Sony WH-1000XM5: Best Equalizer Settings for YOU + Fine Tuning the EQ (Tutorial)
th-cam.com/video/JqPn_S0nJ4s/w-d-xo.html
@@NorbReviewsHi! For momentum 4 u have eq settings?
Not yet. I’m traveling at the moment and don’t have them on me, but that’s one of the first videos I’ll be making.
The biggest thing for the M4 is that the headphones are actually pretty close to the Harman target for the upper ranges. It’s the lower stuff - ~300Hz and under - that is boosted.
In the video above; the second part actually talks about how to develop your own EQ settings because it talks about the principles. Find the frequency response graph for the M4 and use that to guide how much a specific range should be moved up or down.
For my own settings, I haven’t looked at them in a while, so I can’t remember the tuning I used, but my advice is just to drop the bass some and maybe drop ~6kHz a little or boost around 3-4kHz some: there’s a weird ledge there that makes these sound more harsh than they need to.
I hope this helps!
@@NorbReviews great ! thanks from Hong Kong
I have the QC and very much satisfied...
Awesome!
How about these two vs Momentum 4? I'm trying to decide between these three but having a hard time lol
As luck would have it…
Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs Sony XM5: Not Just Sound vs Silence
th-cam.com/video/zXpoDTAm-UY/w-d-xo.html
And also…
QuietComfort Ultra vs Momentum 4: Do NOT waste money on the WRONG ONE!
th-cam.com/video/7hUENgInEbk/w-d-xo.html
@@NorbReviews thanks🤟
As someone who's had all 3, the QC ultra has been my favorite, Sennheiser M4 second, and XM5 least favorite
Nice review mate
Thank you, and thanks for watching!
For zoom which ones do you recommend?
TBH, a separate mic, if you can. But both have sounded good enough with people I work with. (I’m on Zoom all day long.)
@ which mic do you use? I have two dogs, so sometimes can be noisy
For my work, I picked up a Logitech / Blue Yeti for just under $100 and it was one of the best things I did. (Seriously, it might have saved my job.) I also had an extra mic arm, but it isn't necessary, since it comes with a great stand. As for the dogs, Zoom is good about noise rejection, and the Yeti allows you to change the pick-up pattern, so that helps, plus the software you download for it is great for tuning your voice some.
For my videos, I use the Shure MV7. I've used it for work before, and it works just fine, but I find the Yeti software better for that specific use.
How's the sony ult for music and movies?
Haven’t tried them, but hopefully another commenter can chime in.
I just ordered Bose QC yesterday
Enjoy them!
I really wanted to get the Bose QC Ultra, but with the shape of my head, it was giving me head pain after 30 mins. Which left me with either the XM4s or the XM5s, decided to try the XM5s (30 day no question asked return available) so far I'm enjoying it. Most important features were comfort, and NC for me personally and the XM5s seem to provide it.
Comfort is *ALWAYS* my number one concern. I don’t care how good headphones sound, if I can’t wear them, I can’t enjoy them. Sorry you had to experience what you did, but glad the XM5 suits you!
To me aesthetic is very important too. And how bulky they look. The Ultras to me, are the best looking out of all of them. This design in my opinion is really elegant and nice. And, they are comfort champs too which is a big plus. Great video ! 📹
Also, any change durability wise? Changing color or anything like that?
I haven’t seen any negative changes with color or durability. They definitely do look good: I like that they don’t look bulky but are still spacious!
Hi there. Great review. I own them both and been using them moderately for over a year. I travel a lot and my opinion is that your analysis is very good. I agree with most of it although I feel that my XM5 is slightly more comfortable. The ear cups on my Ultra feels too loose and I gotta keep adjusting them from time to time. Both sound amazing but different. I prefer the XM5’s soundstage. The Ultras immersive sound is fantastic with certain types of music only. Other than that it’s quite average. The Sony is dead silent in an office setting but Bose is better overall with noise cancelling. This is my experience with having and using both these headphones.
Thank you for watching, your kind works and your feedback! It’s always good to have a fuller picture!
I got my qc ultras
Great choice!
Creaking shit. Had to return 7!!! (seven!!!) pairs. No more QC Ultras.
B&W Px8 or B&O Beoplay H95 and H100 are much better choice.
I mean, they’re also much more expensive… I’ll toss in the Focal Bathys, which have been great for me.
I totally agree with you in this video. Everything you said here is true. But is the momentum 4 better in terms of sound ?
Short answer: it depends on a lot of factors (codecs, what you’re listening to, etc), but it is VERY good and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Long answer:
M4 vs XM5 - th-cam.com/video/zXpoDTAm-UY/w-d-xo.html
M4 vs QC Ultra - th-cam.com/video/7hUENgInEbk/w-d-xo.html
Apple AirPod max have the best noise cancelling in the industry
I love my APMs, but they don’t. I’ve tested them side by side with others at this price bracket. They’re fantastic, mind you, and again, I love them, but both Bose’s QC Ultra and Sony’s XM5 are better. (Not by a lot, though, so it’s not like it’s a huge difference.)
@ just went and checked some other TH-cam reviewers and most have said the ANC on the Apple headphones is better than the ultra so must just be your opinion.
Must be.