Introduction#
Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones represent the latest evolution in the company’s already impressive noise-canceling lineup. As the successor to the highly-acclaimed WH-1000XM4, these headphones come with high expectations and an equally premium price tag. We’ve spent three weeks testing these headphones in various environments to determine if they’re worth the investment.
Quick Verdict#
Review Summary
Pros
- Exceptional noise cancellation
- Detailed, balanced sound signature
- Comfortable for extended listening
- Impressive call quality
- Intuitive touch controls
Cons
- Premium price point
- No water resistance rating
- Cannot fold flat
- Some sound leakage at high volumes
Verdict
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones set a new industry standard for noise cancellation and sound quality, justifying their premium price for serious music lovers and frequent travelers.
Design and Comfort#
The WH-1000XM5 features a completely redesigned body compared to its predecessor. Sony has opted for a more streamlined, minimalist approach with a thinner headband and larger earcups that create a more comfortable seal around the ears.
The synthetic leather earpads are plush and breathable, making them comfortable for extended listening sessions. During our testing, we wore them for 6+ hour stretches with minimal discomfort—a significant improvement over the previous generation.
One notable design change is that these headphones no longer fold inward. Instead, they come with a larger carrying case that may be less convenient for travelers with limited bag space.
Noise Cancellation Performance#
Sony has equipped the WH-1000XM5 with eight microphones (up from four in the previous model) and two processors dedicated to noise cancellation. The result is nothing short of impressive.
In our testing:
- On flights: Nearly eliminated engine noise completely
- In coffee shops: Reduced background chatter to barely perceptible levels
- On subway/trains: Significantly reduced rumbling and screeching sounds
- In open offices: Effectively silenced keyboard clicking and conversation
The noise cancellation adapts automatically to your environment, but you can also customize it through the Sony Headphones Connect app.
Sound Quality#
The WH-1000XM5 features new 30mm drivers (smaller than the 40mm drivers in the XM4) but delivers a more refined sound signature. The audio profile is well-balanced with clear mids, detailed highs, and controlled bass that doesn’t overwhelm.
The headphones support LDAC codec for high-resolution audio when paired with compatible devices, as well as DSEE Extreme upscaling for standard quality streams.
When listening to orchestral pieces, we could clearly distinguish individual instruments with excellent separation. For bass-heavy tracks, the low-end remains punchy without muddying the overall sound.
Battery Life and Charging#
Sony claims 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled, which aligned with our testing results. We achieved approximately 28-31 hours of playback at moderate volume levels.
Quick charging is excellent, providing 3 hours of playback from just a 3-minute charge. A full charge takes approximately 3 hours via USB-C.
Call Quality#
With eight microphones and AI noise reduction algorithms, call quality is exceptional. In our tests, callers could hear us clearly even in noisy environments like busy streets and coffee shops.
Additional Features#
- Speak-to-Chat: Automatically pauses music when you start speaking
- Multipoint Connection: Connect to two devices simultaneously
- Wear Detection: Automatically pauses when headphones are removed
- Customizable EQ: Fine-tune audio through the Sony app
- 360 Reality Audio: Spatial audio support for compatible music services
Value and Conclusion#
At $398, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are a premium investment. However, for frequent travelers, commuters, or anyone who values top-tier noise cancellation and excellent sound quality, they represent the best overall package currently available.
While competitors like Bose and Apple offer compelling alternatives at similar price points, Sony’s combination of noise cancellation technology, sound quality, and feature set make the WH-1000XM5 our top recommendation in the premium wireless headphone category.
Where to Buy#
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are available from various retailers, but we’ve found Amazon typically offers the best combination of price, fast shipping, and easy returns.