Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: Premium ANC Done Right

Rating: 4.6 / 5.0

Pros

• Excellent active noise cancellation, especially for low-frequency travel and office noise
• Detailed, warm sound with useful EQ controls in the Sony Headphones Connect app
• Very comfortable for long listening sessions thanks to soft padding and low clamping force
• Clear call quality aided by multiple microphones and AI-based noise reduction
• Strong battery life of up to around 30 hours with noise cancellation enabled
• Multipoint Bluetooth lets you stay connected to two devices at once

Cons

• The non-folding design is less compact for travel than the previous WH-1000XM4
• Premium pricing makes them harder to justify when discounted competitors are available
• Touch controls can occasionally be triggered accidentally
• Sound is bass-forward by default and may need EQ adjustment for neutral-sound fans

Key Features

• Industry-leading active noise cancellation with dual processors and multiple microphones
• 30-hour battery life with ANC on, plus quick charging support
• Bluetooth multipoint connection for two devices
• Adaptive Sound Control that adjusts settings based on activity and location
• Speak-to-Chat pauses audio when you begin talking
• LDAC high-resolution wireless audio support on compatible Android devices
• Sony Headphones Connect app with EQ, ambient sound, and personalization settings

Final Verdict

The Sony WH-1000XM5 remains one of the best premium wireless noise-cancelling headphones, combining outstanding ANC, comfort, battery life, and flexible sound customization. Its high price and non-folding frame are real drawbacks, but it is an excellent buy when its feature set matches your priorities.