Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony's flagship over-ear ANC headphones with excellent noise cancellation and call quality.
Last updated: Oct 26, 2026 · Released 2022
So... Should I Buy It?
No universal yes or no — here's who it fits and who should look elsewhere.
Consider buying it if
- Frequent travelers
- Office workers on back-to-back calls
- Listeners wanting strong ANC with good call quality
Consider skipping it if
- Those wanting maximum portability
- Neutral-sound purists
- Budget buyers
The Quick Take
The XM5 are a superb travel and office companion — class-leading ANC, great call quality, and all-day comfort. If compactness matters, the older XM4 may suit you better.
Pros
- Outstanding adaptive noise cancellation
- Excellent call clarity for an ANC headphone
- Comfortable for long sessions
- LDAC support for higher-quality streaming
Cons
- Less foldable than the previous generation
- Case is larger and less travel-friendly
- Sound is bass-forward, not neutral
Key Specifications
| Type | Over-ear |
| Active noise cancellation | Yes (8 mics, adaptive) |
| Battery life | 30h ANC |
| Charging | USB-C (3 min = 3h) |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) |
| Weight | Approx. 250 g |
| Folding | No (fixed headband) |
| Microphones | 8 microphones |
Common Complaints
Recurring drawbacks shoppers mention about this product. These are compiled from publicly available research, not our own testing.
- Can't fold compactly like the XM4
- Headband creak on some units
- ANC slightly weaker in very windy conditions
In Depth
The WH-1000XM5 refine Sony's already-strong formula with improved ANC, better microphones for calls, and a lighter, more modern design. They're a top all-rounder for travel and office use. Based on publicly available specifications and owner-reported feedback; not independently lab-tested by us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How good is the noise cancellation?
Outstanding — they use 8 microphones with adaptive ANC that is class-leading.
How long is the battery life?
Up to 30 hours with active noise cancellation on.
How fast does USB-C charging work?
A 3-minute charge gives roughly 3 hours of playback.
Which audio codecs are supported?
SBC, AAC, and LDAC for higher-quality streaming.
Can they connect to two devices at once?
Yes, they support multipoint with two devices simultaneously.
Are they good for phone calls?
Yes, call clarity is excellent for an ANC headphone.
Are there any portability downsides?
They're less foldable than the previous XM4 generation, and the case is larger and less travel-friendly.
What Owners Say
Community reviews written by site visitors who own this product. They're separate from our research verdict above and don't change it.
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You May Also Be Considering
Other products worth a look in the same space.
For iPhone owners, the AirPods Pro 2 are the easiest premium-ANC earbud to live with — great noise cancellation, superb transparency, and effortless integration. Look elsewhere if you're not in Apple's ecosystem.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are an excellent choice for users who prioritize top-tier noise cancellation and long-term comfort. They are best suited for travelers and professionals who want a premium, feature-rich listening experience.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is an excellent choice for travelers and office workers who prioritize top-tier noise cancellation and comfort. It remains a highly competitive option for those who prefer a foldable design over newer, non-folding models.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless suits listeners who want up to 60-hour battery life (with ANC) and Sennheiser's Signature Sound tuning more than class-leading noise cancellation. A comfortable daily driver for music and calls — not a universal yes/no, since ANC performance is a key trade-off.
The AirPods Max 2 are a premium choice for Apple users who prioritize build quality, seamless ecosystem integration, and high-end noise cancellation. They are a significant investment that may not offer the same value for those outside the Apple ecosystem or those sensitive to weight.
Popular Comparisons
Side-by-side breakdowns involving this product.
Where to Buy
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