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.

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.

Sony XM5/XM6 have good mic but the hinge weakness worries me. Bose CQ45/Bose QC Ultra are very comfy but their mic while okay for WFH it does not work for open plan office as they pick up chatter very easily. I ended up getting an AKG N9 which also comes with a Usb dongle

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.

Right now, the best noise-canceling headphones on the market are the Sony WH-1000XM6. I personally have the Sony XM5, and they have good ANC, but the improvement from XM4 to XM5 was rather small. However, the improvement from the XM5 to XM6 is very noticeable. (I haven't tried them yet, but it is possible to test them in stores.) The AirPods Max are about on par with the XM5 but are heavier (making them hard to wear for longer periods) and more expensive due to Apple's aluminum. However, soon there will be AirPods Max 2, but we don't know how the noise cancellation will be. I think the Bose Ultra are somewhere between the XM5 and XM6; I have tried them in stores As for prices (may differ from where you live ) Airpods max around 550€ Sony xm6 400€ you can already get the xm5 for under 250€ I think but pls dont buy those bacause there have been many cases where the hinge breaks even after only a month so better go with the sony mx4 at that point

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.