Sony’s industry-leading WH-1000X over-ear headphones are back again, and while they look largely similar from the previous model, the WH-1000XM2 offers added features by connecting to Sony’s Headphones Connect app.
As you can see, the Noise-cancelling and Ambient Sound mode now share a single button. That’s also the button that will start the Personal NC Optimizer, which optimizes the noise cancelling features to your ears, so no features have been lost.
More comfortable airplane travel is one of the headline features for the WH-1000X, and thus a new Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing feature has been incorporated. With this, your headphones will take cabin pressure into account when you’re on a flight, restoring quality loss due to atmospheric pressure differences.
We haven’t had a chance to compare this with the previous generation, but given they both seem to use 40mm drivers, the sound should be largely similar. Where they differ, is that the new headphones offer better battery life; with 30 hours wireless playback (40 hours on cable) and a quick charge function that gives 70 mins of battery life from just 10 mins of charging.
Joining the WH-1000XM2, is the WI-1000X. These are behind-the-neck wireless noise-cancelling in-ear headphones that use a hybrid driver unit with BA and 9mm dynamic drivers for quality sound.
A full set of playback controls are on the left side of the neckband so you won’t have to pull out your media player. Like the WH-1000XM2, Noise Cancelling and Ambient Sound modes also share a single button on the right.
In terms of battery life, the WI-1000X operates wirelessly for 10 hours, and via cable for 14, both with noise-cancelling enabled. The headphones are compatible with the Headphones Connect app and also get the Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing feature for in-flight entertainment.
Last but not least, are the WF-1000X truly wireless in-ear headphones. These come in black or gold, with matching carrying cases. They also incorporate noise-cancelling features and have Adaptive Sound Control via the Headphones Connect app.
They only have a battery life of three hours, but the carrying case gives you two full recharges, bringing the total playback time to nine. A full charge takes 1.5 hours, but this too has a quick charge feature which gives you 70 mins of playback for just 15mins of charging.
A single button at the bottom of the right earbud activates noise cancelling. Sony has smartly not tried to include too many controls with these earbuds, so you’ll be doing most of your adjustments via app or on your media player.
The WF-1000X, WI-1000X and WH-1000XM2 will be available in Singapore from Mid-September 2017 onwards for S$349, S$449 and S$549 respectively. Pre-order the WF-1000X, WI-1000X and WH-1000XM2 from 2 –14 September 2017 at Sony Stores Sony Centres, V3 Audio, Connect IT or Stereo Electronics to receive a free Porter International travel pouch worth S$89.