Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony dared a radical design change with the WH-1000XM5. Gone is the thick headband and foldable system of the XM4, replaced by slimmer, more elegant lines. The cylindrical headband connects to the earcups via a simple swivel stem, giving a decidedly modern and refined look. The Sony logo is now discreet, almost invisible. This aesthetic overhaul divides opinion: some appreciate the sleekness, others miss the ability to fold the headphones for transport. The WH-1000XM5 no longer folds, it simply lays flat. Result? The fabric carrying case is bulkier than the XM4's, making the headphones less practical for already loaded bags.

Material-wise, Sony opts for recycled plastic with a soft-touch matte finish. The featherweight 250 grams is impressive, especially compared to Apple's 386g AirPods Max. The synthetic leather earcups perfectly envelop the ears without clamping, ensuring remarkable comfort even after several hours of listening. The padded headband distributes pressure well across the skull, avoiding the neck pain common with other premium models.

Controls are intuitive: full touch surface on the right earcup for volume, tracks, and Quick Attention mode (place your hand to hear outside). Two physical buttons on the left earcup manage power and ANC/Transparent switching. No standard 3.5mm jack, Sony provides a 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable for wired listening.

The V1 processor joins the HD QN1 to propel ANC to an unprecedented level. The 8 microphones (versus 5 on the XM4) constantly analyze the sound environment for optimal attenuation. On a crowded Paris metro, silence becomes almost total. Voices, announcements, and train rumbling disappear like magic. Even high frequencies, traditionally difficult to eliminate, are effectively reduced.

The Sony Headphones Connect app offers exhaustive customization: full equalizer, adaptive sound control based on position (sitting, standing, moving), customizable geographic zones, adjustable ambient mode. Speak-to-Chat mode detects your voice and automatically pauses to facilitate conversations. Practical but sometimes too sensitive.

The WH-1000XM5 sound divides critics. The new 30mm drivers (versus 40mm on the XM4) in carbon fiber offer a bass-heavy, immersive signature. Bass initially dominates the spectrum, relegating mids and highs to the background. Fortunately, the app's equalizer allows rebalancing all this. Once adjusted, the rendering becomes exceptional: spacious soundstage, precise instrumental separation, clear and detailed voices.

On tracks like Rage Against the Machine's "Bullet in the Head," Tim Commerford's bass line hits hard without crushing the saturated guitars. Jeff Buckley's "Grace" reveals all its complexity with strings, chorus guitar, and harmonized vocals perfectly balanced. Podcast lovers will appreciate the warm mids and punchy voices.

Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint allows connecting two devices simultaneously. Excellent for switching between smartphone and computer without manipulation. LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs ensure optimal audio quality depending on the source. The advertised 30h battery life (ANC on) is easily verified: a single charge for a week of intensive use. Without ANC, Sony promises 40h. Fast USB-C charging offers 3h of listening in just 15 minutes.

Call quality represents a real leap forward. The 8 microphones remarkably isolate the user's voice, even in noisy environments. Calls on the street, station, or café: your caller hears you clearly, without ambient noise. It's one of the best systems on the market, even surpassing the XM6 according to some tests.

Against the Bose QC45 (slightly lighter and more comfortable), the Sony wins on sound and ANC. Against the Sennheiser Momentum 4 (60h battery!), the Sony dominates on ANC and calls. Against the AirPods Max (exceptional sound), the Sony wins on battery, weight, and price. The WH-1000XM5 represents the best overall compromise in the premium segment.