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The Sony WH-1000XM2 is a complex headset with lots of smart features and an impressive, customizable noise-cancelling function. They have NFC, Google Assistant support and hands-free calling and a companion app that lets you control and adjust all the available features. They have a top-notch sound quality, balanced and without distortion.
The WH-1000XM2 headphones from Sony are among the best wireless and noise-cancelling headphones on the market. They are a top-end product, along with tough competitors such as Bose and their popular QC35 model. Some say they are even better than the QC, in almost all aspects: noise-cancelling efficiency, design and construction quality and sound. Comfort is the only aspect in which Bose still seems to surpass them.
Sony developed the WH-1000XM2 as an upgrade to their MDR-1000X.
The WH1000XM2 are over ear and closed back. They come in black and gold.
Here are the main specifications:
These headphones are pretty similar in design to their predecessors, the MDR-1000X. The comfort level is also about the same. The padding on the earpieces is improved, so they won’t bother you if you keep them on for a long time. The faux leather on the ear pads and the headband cushioning are comfortable enough, although we find the Bose QC35 to be superior in that regard. Although Sony claims they are over-ear headphones, some might find them a bit too small to be included in the circumaural category.
The WH1000XM2 are smart headphones, with a lot of features. They have NFC and Bluetooth connectivity and a complex and customizable noise-cancelling function. The function has atmospheric pressure optimizing for when you are using the headphones on a high altitude (for when you are on a plane for instance). From the Sony app, which is compatible with Android and iOS devices, you can enable the Adaptive Sound Control option, which adjusts the noise-cancelling to your needs. The feature detects whether you are sitting or walking and tweaks the NC function accordingly. The app lets you control much more than that: the EQ settings, ambient sound, sound position control or the virtual surround modes.
All the controls of the headphones are on the right ear cup and they are touch based. Although it might be cool and useful for some people to adjust the volume by swiping up or down, others still prefer the solid, sturdy feel of an actual physical button. With the same touch control you can also switch the songs or activate the playback function.
When it comes to the most important aspect, which is sound quality, these headphones made a real good impression in our testing. They offer a balanced sound, with articulate highs and a generous bass. What we did notice though is that they are a bit genre biased and not everything sounds equally good through them. Female vocals tend to be a bit dull and more on the low side, with a bit too much bass and not enough live presence. However, they do sound extremely well, perhaps better than the QC35, although, it is also a matter of taste.
The S-Master HX audio amplifier has an important role as well when it comes to volume and sound quality, by reducing the distortion.
One other useful feature, also included in the previous model, is the Quick Attention. With this feature you can simply cover the ear cup with your hand and the volume reduces so that you can speak to someone without taking your headphones off. When you take your hand away, the volume increases back to its previous level.
The WH-1000XM2 allow hands-free calling and work with Google Assistant.
The battery life has also improved. The headphones will now last for up to 38 hours in playback mode, with the noise cancelling off and up to 30 hours with it on. In waiting mode, with the NC disabled, they can go up to 200 hours. The headphones come with quick charging. If you charge them for 10 minutes, you’ll get 70 more minutes of music. The battery is non replaceable and it takes 4 hours to fully charge.
The WH-1000 XM2 go for approximately $350. You can buy them from the official website or on Amazon.
Contact: https://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/select-system.pl?DIRECTOR=CONTACT
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The official Sony website has an extensive Customer Support section. Once you select your product, you can download manuals, drivers and software, get information on how to acquire replacement parts, you can use the How to & Troubleshooting section and more.
Our editorial staff evaluates products and services independently, but Best Review Guide may earn money when you click on links. Read our advertising disclosure.
By: Hailey | Last updated January 23, 2021 
