Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Anker Soundcore Life Q35

A good pair of active noise cancelling headphones has become necessary and essential for many commuters and travelers. You want to be able to listen to your music or watch a movie without disturbing others or being disturbed by ambient noises. That’s where ANC headphones come in. They help reduce background noises and allow you to focus on what’s important. Both of these wireless headphones have active noise cancellation and so many features that make a comparison interesting. And there’s also the huge price difference that makes the Q35 attractive for those who want noise cancelling headphones on a budget.

In this article, we will compare two popular active noise-cancelling headphones– the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Anker Soundcore Life Q35. We will look at each headphone in terms of active noise cancelling, sound quality, battery life, and design to help you decide on the right pair for you. Below you’ll find the highlights of both ANC headphones followed by a much more extensive comparison.

Product Highlights: Soundcore Q35 vs Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Anker Soundcore Life Q35: Key Factors

Battery Life and Charging

For battery life, both devices will likely deliver enough juice for most consumers. The Anker Soundcore Life Q35 does take the pole position in this category with 40 hours of battery with active noise cancellation enabled. The Sony WH-1000XM5 comes in 2nd place with 30-hour long battery life with ANC enabled. Both Bluetooth devices are charged via USB-C cable which is also included in the box. Neither pair of ANC headphones should struggle to get through a full workday.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 has somewhat closed the quick charging gap with its new iteration. It tops the WH-1000XM4’s quick charging capabilities with a 3-minute charge providing 3 hours of battery life. Charging the Soundcore Q35 wireless headphones for 5 minutes will deliver 4 hours of battery life. Both of these headphones do have the option to be used with a wired connection, which can be helpful to conserve battery life. It should be noted that the long battery life on these two devices can definitely be hampered when using certain features. For example, using the LDAC codec on either device will drain your battery more quickly. DSEE extreme on the WH-1000XM5 is another battery-draining feature. Sony’s WH-1000XM5 does have an auto-off timer that can be adjusted within the Sony Headphones Connect app.

Verdict: Anker Soundcore Life Q35

Connectivity and Features

Both of these wireless Bluetooth devices can also utilize a wired connection with a 3.5mm cable. While the Sony WH-1000XM5 has Bluetooth 5.2, the Anker Soundcore Life Q35 has Bluetooth 5.0. You shouldn’t expect any connection, range, or audio lag issues with either. Hi-res audio support is available on both devices via LDAC support. While LDAC is Sony’s technology, Soundcore devices are one of the few companies that supports it on many of its headphones. SBC and AAC are also supported by both of these wireless headphones. The Anker Soundcore Life Q35 supports NFC pairing. While NFC pairing was available on the WH-1000XM4, it’s a glaring omission here. It may not be the most popular way users connect, but it’s always good to have connectivity options. Both wireless headphones do have Bluetooth multipoint connectivity. This will allow users to connect either headphone to two devices simultaneously.

We’d be remiss not to discuss the app support for both of these headphones. App support is crucial to getting the most out of the many features Bluetooth headphones provide these days. Luckily, Soundcore and have two of the best app companions app for headphones on the consumer audio market. Many popular headphones won’t even allow users to adjust EQ within their app. Each of these two devices has apps that allow you to tweak sound settings, modify ANC, and facilitate updates. The Anker Soundcore Life Q35 uses the Soundcore app, while the WH-1000XM5 can be operated with Sony’s Headphones Connect App. Soundcore has added more features recently like its new Sleep Mode. While the Sony Headphones Connect app has frequent updates, much of the work seems geared at involved features with questionable value. They don’t seem to be willing to take the easy wins like adding custom soundscapes.

A few useful features both have? They both have a temporary transparency mode that’s activated by touching the right ear cup. The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Anker Soundcore Life Q35 also both have wear detection. Popular with many, this feature will automatically stop audio playback when you remove your headphones. Audio will then resume when the headphones are put back on. The XM5 ANC headphones seem to outpace the Q35 with overall features. But it’s questionable how useful all of the features actually are for the average consumer. Features like Auto Noise Cancelling Optimizer are one example. The Auto Noise Cancelling Optimizer sounds great, but the XM5s are already excellent noise cancelling headphones. In the past, those extra ANC features (like location detection) have seemed unnecessary or ineffective. On the other hand, some users may find utility in those features. There are also other audio-related features like DSEE extreme that might add value for those looking for better sound quality.

Verdict: Sony XM-1000XM5

Design and Controls

There are some positive things about both of these noise cancelling headphones when it comes to their form and function. Unfortunately, it’s not that close then it’s come to the actual look and feel. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has an updated design that simply looks more attractive. It also has superb build quality with well-built hinges and premium-feeling material. While the ear cups are soft and comfortable, we have seen complaints from some about discomfort. Some have cited the pressure of the ear cups being a little too much with less padding than the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones. This could be an issue for long music-listening sessions depending on your head shape.

We won’t beat up on the design of the Anker Soundcore Life Q35 too much. Especially when you consider the price difference here. It just looks a little dated compared to the more expensive WH-1000XM5. And despite the superiority of the XM5’s build quality, Soundcore’s Q35 ANC headphones don’t feel cheap. Both of these Bluetooth headphones do come with a carrying case. The fact that the two devices can fold also provides some portability. There is no IPX rating for water resistance on either of these headphones.

Control scheme and functionality are a more fair comparison for these two active noise cancelling headphones. With the Sony WH-1000XM5, you’ll get their buttons and touch controls that should be familiar to many at this point. Touch controls are housed on the right ear cup and include phone, playback, and volume control. To skip to the next track, simply swipe forward on the right ear cup. Swiping back will go to the previous track. Swiping up and down on the right ear cup will increase and decrease volume, respectively. You can also pause and play audio by double tapping in the center of the right ear cup. Those same gestures can be used to answer and end phone calls. Activating the voice assistant is done by holding the center of the right ear cups. On the left ear cup of the Sony headphones, you will find a power button and a button to switch between transparency mode and regular active noise cancelling.

In contrast to the WH-1000XM5, the Anker Soundcore Life Q35 has physical controls. You will find three physical buttons on the right ear cup of the headphones. Two of these buttons increase and decrease volume. Users must hold the increase volume button to skip to the next track. Holding the decrease volume button for one second will go to the previous track. The third button on the right ear cup of the headphones is to pause and resume playback. Holding this button for one second will activate the voice assistant in addition to answering and ending phone calls. On the left ear cup, there are two physical buttons. One toggles active noise cancellation on and off. The other is used to pair Bluetooth devices and power the headphones on and off. There is one type of touch control on the Q35.

Just like the WH-1000XM5, holding the Q35’s right ear cup enables transparency mode until your hand is removed. It’s essentially the opposite of active noise cancelling and allows users to hear ambient noises with their headphones on. This is extremely convenient when ambient and environmental noise is needed for safety or social reasons.

Verdict: Sony XM-1000XM5

Which Headphones Have Better Sound Quality?

While the frequency response on both of these over-ear headphones isn’t completely different, there are some clear differences in overall sound quality. Both of them have a bassy sound profile. You’ll have to look elsewhere or utilize the adjustable EQ and EQ presets for a more neutral sound. Most headphones aren’t exactly shying away from this sound profile with extra bass though. For this reason, many will enjoy the default frequency response and be familiar with it.

There are additional sound quality considerations besides frequency response though. While both headphones sound good, the Sony WH-1000XM5 has superior imaging, detail, and overall sound quality. Despite the bass-heavy sound profile, vocals seem to get lost in the mix less than the WH-1000XM4. The upgraded WH-1000XM5 seems better at letting higher frequencies shine. The additional clarity of the treble and midrange frequencies leads to an overall cleaner and more natural sound signature than the WH-1000XM4.

Despite the extra bass in the default sound profile, the Anker Soundcore Life Q35 still have good sound quality. While both movie watching and music listening are enjoyable, their bassy sound can muddy vocals and instruments. This warm and v-shaped EQ is popular for good reason, but it’s not always great for all content. All that said, the Anker Soundcore Life Q35 headphones still have a dynamic and lively sound quality that’s impressive. There’s a huge cost difference between the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Anker Soundcore Life Q35. For those looking for affordable noise cancelling headphones, I’m not sure the drop in sound quality from the XM5 should deter them. We were impressed by the sound quality in our Q35 review and still are. It will be more than sufficient for many and one of the best headphones for bass lovers who want ANC.

The Anker Soundcore Life Q35 also has a few other positives in the sound quality department going for them. Support for the hi-res LDAC codec means higher-quality streaming for Hi-Fi services like Tidal. While the WH-1000XM5 also supports LDAC, it’s relatively rare among even premium active noise cancelling headphones. While available on Android, iPhone users can’t currently utilize LDAC. There’s also the ability to modify sound and adjust EQ within the app for both headphones. It’s helpful that the Soundcore app does have more available EQ presets than the Sony Headphones Connect app. This might be helpful for those who don’t like to spend too much time tinkering with EQ. The WH-1000XM5 also have the Sony Clear Bass feature available in the app specifically for adjusting bass levels.

Fortunately, the Sony WH-1000XM5 has improved upon the XM4’s subpar performance for voice calls. Both the WH-1000XM4 and Soundcore Q35 now have good enough call quality for zoom or voice calls. Outdoor phone calls will always be less than ideal for over-ear headphones. Both ANC headphones can do a solid job isolating your voice from things like wind noise or traffic.

Verdict: Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Anker Soundcore Life Q35: Which Has Better Active Noise Cancelling?

A search for the best headphones for some users means active noise cancelling is the highest priority. Despite the many features of both active noise cancelling headphones, it wouldn’t matter if ANC performance was subpar. We’ve got some good news. Both wireless headphones deliver in the active noise cancelling department. While the Anker Soundcore Life Q35 have good noise cancellation, they’re outdone by the Sony WH-1000XM5. The Sony WH-1000XM5 are simply excellent noise cancelling headphones. Is their active noise cancellation $300 dollars better? Maybe for heavy commuters and travelers really looking to reduce unwanted noise. Other users will decide exactly what kind of performance they need out of ANC headphones.

The Anker Soundcore Life Q35 has objectively good active noise cancellation capabilities. They’re arguably amazing ANC headphones when you factor in the affordable price. ANC on the Q35s utilizes two microphones and allows for multiple noise cancellation modes. Outdoor, Indoor, and Transport are the three available active noise cancelling modes designed to deal with different types of environmental noises. The Anker Soundcore Life Q35 is pretty effective for noise cancellation of low frequencies like the rumble of an air conditioner. Even without audio playing, there will be a noticeable reduction in background noise. They even stand up well to other background noise like train engines or chatter that commuters may have to deal with. With the Anker Soundcore Life Q35, your just more likely to need low to moderate volumes during music listening to completely block some unwanted noise. Price-wise, the Soundcore Q35 has become even more affordable since its release. There aren’t really many good substitutes around $100, which they can usually be bought for. The Anker Soundcore Life Q35 are truly the best active noise cancelling headphones for budget shoppers looking for value.

While we have great things to say about the Q35 noise reduction capabilities, Sony’s WH-1000XM5 is simply better. The Sony WH-1000XM5 are class-leading active noise cancelling headphones that outperform the Q35s for all frequencies. Music listening at even low volumes will always help ANC headphones block more unwanted noise. Putting the WH-1000XM5 on with nothing playing still provides impressive noise cancellation. Sony has definitely improved on the Sony WH-1000XM4, especially for background noise at higher frequencies. It’s easily the best active noise cancelling I’ve experienced for reducing ambient noises like chatter in a coffee shop. , The Sony WH-1000XM5 will provide superior active noise cancelling whether you’re dealing with air conditioners, airplane engines, or a busy office. But it’s also almost regularly $300 more than the Q35, which is an important consideration for those on a budget. If money is no object or noise cancellation is your top priority, go with the Sony WH-1000XM5. Their currently our top pick for the best active noise cancelling headphones on the market.

Verdict: Sony WH-1000XM5

Conclusion: Anker Soundcore Life Q35 & Sony WH-1000XM5 Comparison

As you can see, we love both of these active noise cancelling headphones. From their bassy sound profile to their long battery life, these ANC headphones have some similarities. But the more expensive price of the WH-1000XM5 really shows in the design, sound quality, ANC performance, and many features it provides. Does the Anker Soundcore Life Q35 provide enough value to compete? For many, I believe they will. With the Q35, you have to consider that buyers are still getting good active noise cancelling and saving $300. It becomes a harder value proposition to ignore when you add longer battery life, great app support, connectivity options, and LDAC support. As long as you are clear about the pros and cons of these two ANC headphones, I’m not sure you can go wrong.

It’s hard not to recommend the Sony WH-1000XM4 to those in search of alternatives. While the WH-1000XM5 is an upgrade, the XM4 still provides premium active noise cancelling at a now-reduced price. The Bose QuietComfort 45 is priced similarly when compared with the WH-1000XM4. Some may also prefer the more neutral sound of Bose noise cancelling headphones. Unfortunately, the Bose Music app is inferior in multiple ways.

FAQs: Anker Soundcore Life Q35 vs Sony WH-1000XM5