tbh the multipoint on the Sony WH-1000XM5 is pretty solid, but there are some technical trade-offs and budget-friendly ways to get the same experience. iirc, you actually lose LDAC support (the high-res codec) when you enable dual-device connection on most Android devices, which is a bit of a bummer for the price. Here’s some advice from a technical/value perspective: - **The LDAC catch:** If you're an audiophile, keep in mind that multipoint drops you down to AAC or SBC. If you want the best sound for the money, you might actually prefer sticking to a single connection.
- **Value Alternative:** If the XM5 price tag is too steep, the Sony WH-1000XM4 handles multipoint almost identically and is way cheaper now. Even the mid-range Sony WH-CH720N offers multipoint if you're really looking to save.
- **Refurbished deals:** Ngl, I never buy these at full MSRP. Check 'Certified Refurbished' listings. You can often snag them for under $300, which makes the features feel much better for the price, right?
- **Stability Tip:** Use the 'Priority on Stable Connection' setting in the Sony app to minimize those occasional drops when switching between a laptop and phone.

I totally agree with what MarcusHooke said about those random notifications. Tbh it is the main reason I am always a bit nervous when using these for work. I am pretty new to this whole high-end headphone thing, so I was really worried about the connection dropping during a big meeting. Basically, I had a situation last week where I was on a video call on my laptop with my Sony WH-1000XM5 and then my phone just pinged. For a second, the audio cut out completely on the call and I panicked thinking I had lost the whole connection. It came back after a few seconds, but it definitely made me realize that even with expensive tech, you kinda have to be careful. Now I just turn off my phones bluetooth whenever I have something really important to do on the computer just to be safe. Its a bit of a hassle, but I would rather be sure than deal with that ghost audio issue again...

Quickly jumping in here before I head out. In my experience, while the XM5s are great, the real test for multipoint is the reliability during work calls. Tbh, if your basically switching between a phone and a laptop for Zoom, it's usually fine, but you have to watch out for 'ghost' audio inputs where one device steals the connection because of a random notification. If reliability is your absolute top priority and you dont want to risk a drop during an important meeting, I'd say just go with Bose, you can't go wrong with their connection stability. Big brands like them or even Apple usually handle the handoff stuff way better than the cheaper brands. It's basically about the software stability, and those companies have the budget to keep things from crashing when your mid-sentence. Just get any premium pair from a major player if you need that peace of mind for professional stuff.

Helpful thread 👍

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones support multipoint pairing, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices, such as laptops and smartphones. Users generally experience smooth transitions between audio sources, with minimal lag or connection drops. However, some have reported occasional issues, which may be mitigated by firmware updates or resetting the headphones.