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Sony WH-1000XM2 · Photo source

Sony WH-1000XM2
Photo 1 of 25

Sony WH-1000XM2 · Photo source

Sony · WH headphones

WH-1000XM2

Released September 2017

Second-generation 1000X over-ear headphones with longer battery life, pressure-aware noise cancelling and app controls.

Model history · 2 models, 2016–2017
  1. 2016MDR-1000XCompare
  2. 2017WH-1000XM2
Type
Over-ear
Noise cancelling
Yes
Battery
30 h
With case
–
Best codec
LDAC
Weight
275 g

What reviewers say

Reviewers praise the effective noise cancelling, comfortable fit and detailed sound with substantial bass. SoundGuys found the default tuning too bass-heavy and the earcups warm after prolonged use; What Hi-Fi? found the touch controls inconsistent.

From soundguys.com and whathifi.com

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Sound

Type
Over-ear
Noise cancelling
Yes
Transparency mode
Yes
Driver size
40 mm
Back
Closed
Bluetooth codecs
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and LDAC
Drivers
40 mm dome-type drivers with aluminium-coated liquid crystal polymer diaphragms, CCAW voice coils and neodymium magnets; 4 Hz to 40 kHz wired frequency response
Noise cancelling detail
Dual Noise Sensor technology, Personal NC Optimiser and Atmospheric Pressure Optimising; Adaptive Sound Control and adjustable Ambient Sound Mode through the app; Quick Attention passes outside sound through while a hand covers the right earcup
Audio features
LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC over Bluetooth; DSEE HX upscaling, S-Master HX amplification, equaliser and surround modes in Sony Headphones Connect; NFC pairing

Battery

Listening time (maker's claim)
Up to 30 hours
Battery life detail
Up to 30 hours with noise cancelling on or 38 hours off; up to 40 hours of standby with noise cancelling on or 200 hours off; full charge in about four hours
Fast charging
Ten minutes of charging gives up to 70 minutes of playback

Design

Weight
275 g
Bluetooth
4.1
Headphone cable
Yes
Controls
Right earcup touch panel for playback, calls and volume; separate power and noise cancelling/ambient buttons
Fit and ear tips
Circumaural ear cushions; swivelling earcups fold into the supplied carrying case
Works with
Bluetooth A2DP, AVRCP, HFP and HSP; Sony Headphones Connect app for noise cancelling and sound controls; detachable 3.5 mm cable supports listening with the headphones switched off; Micro-USB charges the battery
Colours
Black, Champagne Gold
In the box
Headphones, carrying case, 1.5 m headphone cable, USB cable and in-flight plug adaptor

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Up to 30 hours of playback with noise cancelling on
  • LDAC and aptX HD Bluetooth codecs plus passive playback through a cable
  • Pressure optimisation and adjustable ambient sound through Sony's app

Cons

  • Micro-USB takes about four hours for a full charge
  • No audio playback over USB
  • Touch controls have no tactile markers

Closest rivals

Model
TypeNoise cancellingBatteryWith caseBest codecWeightReleased
BeatsStudio3 Wireless
Over-earYes22 h–AAC–Oct 2017
BoseQuietComfort 35 II
Over-earYes20 h–AAC–Sept 2017
SonyWH-1000XM3
Over-earYes30 h–LDAC255 gSept 2018

Previous model: MDR-1000X. Newer model: WH-1000XM3.

Sources

  1. sony.co.uk/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000…
  2. sony.mediaroom.com/2017-08-31-Sony-Electronics-Adds-Three-New-Wireless-Noise-Ca…
  3. sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/201709/17-0905

Photo: sony.jp

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