Sony WH-1000XM5 Versus AirPods Pro 2 for ANC

Bohlin on 22/10/2022 - 12:39
Last edited 24/10/2022 - 13:22 by 1 other user

Howdy,

I'm looking for high-end ANC to cancel out general noise such as chatter, sewing machines, TV noise, and traffic. I'm willing to spend about $400, and have mostly narrowed down the search to the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the AirPods Pro 2.

I'm definitely not an audiophile, and I've never spent this much on earbuds/headphones so I was looking for some guidance. I'm willing to take a little bit of a hit to the sound quality to opt for better noise cancellation, as it's a higher priority for me.

Which would offer the best general ANC? In addition, I would hope to use the option I go for across both my phone, laptop, and gaming consoles. Would these solutions still offer ANC without the use of their dedicated app/OS? I do have an iPhone for AirPods compatibility.

Thanks so much for any help or advice - navigating expensive audio equipment is very daunting for someone who has always opted for budget solutions to date.

Electrical & Electronics Apple Bluetooth Earphones Earphones Headphones Sony

Comments

  • Hybroid on 22/10/2022 - 12:42
    +4

    As much as I love AirPods Pro for daily use, obviously the XM5 full-earcups will have better ANC. It's not even a question.

    • Bohlin on 22/10/2022 - 12:45

      That's what I was curious about - I've heard lots of praise for the airpod pros, but always doubted the amount of ANC that a in-ear seal can give versus a physical cup. Thanks for the input!

      • Hybroid on 22/10/2022 - 12:50
        +1

        Don’t get me wrong, AirPods Pro noise cancellation is excellent and they’re fantastic for daily commuting, office, round about town etc. Also the convenience, quick pairing, mic audio and portability.

        But they’re not going to compare to full earcup headphones. If ANC is your top priority then that’s the way to go. There’s a Sony Headphones app on iPhone to control & tweak settings but you don’t have to use it. Generally setup once and leave it alone is recommended.

  • Bohlin on 22/10/2022 - 12:50

    To add to this discussion, would it be worth going for the WH-1000XM4 over the XM5 to prioritise ANC? Are the later generation versions really worse at ANC?

  • carimakan on 22/10/2022 - 14:11

    With the $400 budget, I’d go for Sony or B&O (you could find discount). They do good balance between high and lows frequency. If a bit more budget Focal, etc.
    If you listen to jazz, vocal, country, oldies then consider Bose. If you’re in EDM, rock, r&b, you know when the lows are important then maybe Beats, though it’s not my favourite. Just personal choice, of each headphones sound profile is different - which sound nice to you.

    But you’d get the idea, spending hundreds and above, you’d wanna go for brands that specialise in making headset/audio/speakers.

    Apple does not specialise in making audio sound stuff. If you’d already have plenty of apple stuff and want to stick within eco-system for seamless convenience, then stick with apple. If you want qualify headphones, go for affordable Sony or audio brands. It’s not even a question, actually.

    • harshbdmmaster718 on 22/10/2022 - 15:49

      "If a bit more budget Focal, etc."

      I have seen the $1000+ Focal headphone deal here on ozbargain, but where does it say it has ANC? I have searched and Focal does not make ANC headphones.

      • plmko on 22/10/2022 - 17:26

        Not sure where you're looking, they're on the website.

        • harshbdmmaster718 on 22/10/2022 - 17:40

          Ok I found them they are called Bathys. Never heard of them before they must be new.
          I was looking at Listen Wireless and Listen Professional which I thought were the only wireless models.

    • ValuexHunter on 25/10/2022 - 17:24

      Beats ANC is bad.

  • Axelstrife on 22/10/2022 - 14:29

    Ive not had the XM5 but i have owned the XM4 which i returned due to comfort and currently own the Airpods pro 1 and 2 and Bose QC45.
    I can say without a doubt the XM4 has the best ANC of them all, the Airpods are not even close to the XM4 or my current QC45 so if the XM5 are at least as good as the XM4 then definitely go for them.

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 22/10/2022 - 14:29

    What is your purpose for ANC though?

    Strangely, for me, if I just want noise blocked so I can hear myself think - I just put into my ears disposable plugs.

    If listening to music, podcast etc, then over the ear headphones generally do better than in-ear buds. Of course, size and convenience can also be a factor.

  • websterp on 22/10/2022 - 14:29

    Wonder why you aren't considering Bose QC45 also as Bose QC and Sony 1000XM usually go head to head when it comes to ANC

    • plmko on 22/10/2022 - 17:29

      Bose hasn't been competitive since Sony's M2, from M3 onwards they've been behind. However Bose are lighter and have less clamping force so it's a matter of preference on certain aspects.

  • Drakesy on 22/10/2022 - 17:06
    +1

    I wouldn't really be cross shopping over ears vs in ears they're for two different purposes imho.

    If you walk around with them or do exercise then naturally in ears are the best option
    if you're at home sitting down, in a plane or in the office then over ears are the best option

    Either way you'll get great noise cancelling.

  • wh007 on 20/12/2022 - 10:37

    Any specials on Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones (last minute Christmas shopping?)

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join