Sony - WH-1000XM5

Thanks very much for this detailed writeup! I reached many of the same conclusions about the XM5s that you wrote above. There were also other things that I liked more about the XM3s and XM4s. One is their slightly wider, flatter headband that was more comfortable for me to wear on an extended basis. I also preferred how the XM3/XM4 earcups attached to the frame. They felt and looked more solid to me as well as permitting those headphones to be folded down. Finally, I think the mechanical design of the XM3/XM4 earcup attachment just leads to a stronger, more modern, and more pleasing visual aesthetic in my eyes. The XM5s just look a bit more fragile and retro to my eyes.

For me, the xm5 was  a step below the ultras. This was because I wear glasses and the thinner pads can't block noise as well, for me. The ultras has been excellent.  I heard the xm6 is better than the xm5, but they still have a thinish ear pads. 

I bought a pair of Sony XM5s on my flight to US. I kept using them for a month at work, the headband dug into my skull. Even though I knew the AirPods Max would be way too expensive, I ordered them to just try and see if that price was justified. Only when I compared the same songs on the same music service I realized how good the APM sounded. To me their sound signature is high-end. They somehow manage to keep vocals bright and bass punchy at the same time. The Sony XM5s despite being top-of-the-line at the time sounded muddy. Through a strange series of events, I don't have those with me anymore. I now have Bose 700 NC. I got these for calls. They sound like butt for music. I can't afford APMs anymore. APMs may be expensive, but there is nothing in that price range that sounds this good, and has such elegant design.

At the time XM5s were the #1 NC headphones in the world. APM's lack of cross-compatibility with Windows and Android bothered me so I went on a quest to find great sounding over-ears other than APMs. In the end, it came down to the fact that for me, nothing beats the default sound signature of APMs. Right now I have XM5 earbuds. Even though they are much more expensive than Beats Fit Pro, I prefer how the latter sound. And they have the added advantage of being compatible with some Android features. I am yet to see a single over-ear headphone that looks good being worn, except APMs. Does that even matter for a headphone? It does to me.

I have had five pairs in two years. Each one has had similar issue. The right side goes out or there is popping sounds. These are not made for heavy use and the same failure over and over shows that to me. I use them for long periods of time and they cant hold up. I am tired of having them replaced over and over again for the same issue.

I love my XM4’s. I upgraded to the XM5’s and the hinge broke within a month. I’ve tried Bose quiet comfort but they amplify certain sounds. When I wash dishes the sound of silverware clinking comes through. I wear my xm4’s 24x7, even while sleeping. I’m really hard on things and they have held up great for years.

5 improved the ANC and call quality though. 6 seem to be a little more durable than 5,so let's hope the next iteration will be the big Sony's comeback.

I used to have these and upgraded recently to XM5s - both models are just amazing, I never want to take them off. I wear them to the shops lol.

Sound wise I can't tell the difference tbh. I think the battery life is a little better, and the cups have a different material that makes them feel a bit more "snug" against your head.

The XM5s suck. They were markedly worse than the XM4s and the XM6s blow them out of the water

I'm going to say no based on the following selection of headphones that I own: Dynamic: Verite Open, Focal Elegia, Beyerdynamic T5/3rd generation and HD650, Planar: DCA E3, DCA Noire, Hifiman HE1000 Stealth, Audeze LCD-2f. IEMs: FiiO FH7s, Westone Mach 40; earbuds: Galaxy Buds Pro 2, Galaxy Buds Pro 3, Jabra Elite Active 8, Sennheiser True Momentum 4, Bose QC II, Bose QC Ultra and ANC headphones Bose NC700, Bose QC Ultra, Sony XM5 and B&W Px8.

To be clear no "wired" headphone has ANC capabilities but almost all bluetooth headphones have wired abilities. Your pick for best in show ANC should come down to XM6 (stay away from the hinge issue with the XM5 unless you get the three year warranty), or the Bose QC Ultra. Step in price would be the Airpod MAX. And I think that studies have shown that for blocking out upper range noise (like crying) the XM6 is the best headphone although the differences are quite modest between it the Bose and the Apple.

My Sony WH-1000XM5 3 years and are still going strong, fall asleep with them nearly everyday.