Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: Premium ANC, Minor Trade-Offs

Rating: 4.6 / 5.0

Pros

• Excellent active noise cancellation, especially for steady low-frequency noise like engines and air conditioning
• Detailed, warm sound with EQ controls in Sony’s companion app
• Very comfortable for long listening sessions thanks to soft padding and low clamping force
• Clear call quality with multiple microphones and AI-based noise reduction
• Strong battery life of up to around 30 hours with noise cancelling enabled

Cons

• They do not fold inward, making the carrying case less compact than previous Sony models
• Premium price compared with many capable noise-cancelling headphones
• Touch controls can occasionally be triggered accidentally when adjusting the headphones

Key Features

• Industry-leading active noise cancellation with Adaptive Sound Control
• 30mm drivers tuned for rich bass, clear vocals, and smooth treble
• Up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC on, plus quick charging support
• Multipoint Bluetooth pairing for connecting to two devices at once
• LDAC support for higher-quality wireless audio with compatible devices
• Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention modes for hearing conversations without removing the headphones
• 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 for comfort, ANC performance, and everyday versatility. Its non-folding design and high price are real drawbacks, but it is an easy recommendation if those compromises fit your needs.