Unlike the Sony WH-1000XM4 vs. WH-1000XM3 contest, the Sony WH-1000XM5 vs. WH-1000XM4 face-off involves differences in hardware. The XM5 has an all-new 30-millimeter driver, which when paired with the previous-gen model's Integrated Processor V1 and other upgrades has support for High-Resolution Audio — with and without wires. The XM5 also benefit from LDAC and DSEE Extreme restoration that upscales digital music files in real time. Sony WH-1000XM5 vs. WH-1000XM4: Noise cancellation and other features Connecting the headset to both a music player and a smartphone / mobile phone (multipoint connection) If the headset is not used for a long time, the charging indicator (red) may not immediately light up when charging. Please wait a moment until the indicator lights up. If the headset detects a problem while charging due to the following causes, the charging indicator (red) flashes. In this case, charge once again within the charging temperature range. If the problem persists, consult your nearest Sony dealer.

The grey headphones have gold accents around the top microphone ports. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

It's time to once again transform Sony’s excellent wireless noise-cancelling headphones. Treat yourself and add an extra layer of protection to those award winning headphones and fully customise them without compromising the stylish look and feel of the Sony WH1000XM4. The case is clearly different, though. With the WH-1000XM5, it’s obvious where the headphones are supposed to sit, whereas with the WH-1000XM4 case you have to contort the headset to stow them away. But what’s probably more noteworthy about the WH-1000XM5 case is that when you have your headphones out, the material bends in a way that flattens it out and saves space. Sony WH-1000XM5 vs. WH-1000XM4: Sound quality Using the app you can personalise the noise-cancelling to take into account hair, glasses and other things that effect the seal of the ear cups, while a pressure optimiser that can determine whether you are on the ground or in the air helps when flying versus just the commute. By default, music resumes playing 30 seconds after your conversation ends in Speak-to-Chat mode. This timeframe can be customized using the Sony | Headphones Connect app. They are also some of the lightest and most comfortable headphones you can buy, matching the long-term wearing comfort of the Bose QC35 II.

If the headset is not used for a long time, the rechargeable battery usage hours may be reduced. However, the battery life will improve after a few charges and discharges. If you store the headset for a long time, charge the battery once every 6 months to avoid over-discharge. Like the WH-1000XM4, the XM5 supports Multipoint, so can be wirelessly paired to two devices at once. Getting a call? They will know which device it's coming from and automatically connect you to it. And you can switch devices at the touch of a button. And for anyone else, the XM4 are sure to drop even further in price. This is still a stellar pair of headphones that arguably feel more premium than the XM5, so keep a look out for a bargain. If you already own a pair there's no need to rush out and upgrade straight away.Sony claims up to 40 hours of battery life for the WH-1000XM5, which is 10 hours more than for the XM4. But that's without ANC activated, so for argument's sake the XM5 and XM4 battery life is the same 30 hours. The Headphones Connect app has a full equaliser and options for customising noise-cancelling, controls and activating the DSEE Extreme sound enhancer. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian Call quality is average. Note that unlike most rivals, the WF-1000XM4 are often available at a discount on their RRP, so it’s worth shopping around. The 'Custom' button has now been relabelled 'NC/Ambient', but remains in the same place. It's likely Sony made this decision based on how people have been using the button.

The WH-1000XM4 were already great-sounding headphones, so it seemed like there wasn't much Sony could improve on. But when listening to the same song, "Stay" by Alessia Cara and Zedd, we were surprised by how the WH-1000XM5 upped the ante. The XM4's Adaptive Sound Control also makes a welcome return, with upgrades in tow. Adaptive Sound Control automatically adjusts the sound output depending on your situation – so it will detect if you are in a quiet meadow or a busy city street, for example, and tweak the audio accordingly. This is more advanced than the version found on the XM4, which relies on you running Sony’s NC Optimiser after you have changed surroundings to make sure you are getting the best noise-cancelling possible. There are four ways to pair the headphones – Google’s Fast Pair or via a single tap with an NFC tag for instant pairing with an Android phone, using the Sony Headphones Connect app for Android or the iPhone and iPad, and manual pairing the old-fashioned way by holding down a button.They are not neutral, with a default sound that is more mid-bass heavy than some competitors, but they produce well-controlled, deep and full bass, warm mids and sparkling high notes. Unlike many rivals, they have a full equaliser in the app to customise the sound to your liking, as well as music enhancement systems such as Sony’s DSEE Extreme upscale audio to revive tones lost because of compression at the expense of battery life. Touch controls make a return from the last generation and remain a shining example of how to implement them successfully. Doubling tapping the outer surface of the right earcup plays or pauses your audio while holding your finger to the touch sensor for two seconds engages your voice assistant of choice. Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri are all supported. The XM4 look a bit bulkier and clumsier by comparison. But the more rugged approach might appeal to anyone not wanting to bring a carry case along for every journey.