Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: Premium Noise-Canceling Headphones

Rating: 4.6 / 5.0

Pros

• Excellent active noise cancellation for flights, commuting, and office noise
• Detailed, warm sound with adjustable EQ in the Sony Headphones Connect app
• Very comfortable for long listening sessions thanks to low weight and soft ear pads
• Strong call quality with multiple microphones and AI-based noise reduction
• Long battery life: up to 30 hours with noise canceling enabled
• Useful smart features including multipoint pairing, Speak-to-Chat, and adaptive sound controls

Cons

• Premium price compared with many capable noise-canceling competitors
• The ear cups do not fold inward, making the carrying case less compact than older Sony models
• Default tuning is bass-forward and may require EQ adjustment for neutral-sound fans
• Touch controls can occasionally be triggered accidentally when adjusting the headphones

Key Features

• Industry-leading active noise cancellation with dual processors and multiple microphones
• 30-hour battery life with ANC on, plus quick charging for approximately 3 hours of playback from a 3-minute charge
• Bluetooth multipoint support for connecting to two devices at once
• LDAC support for compatible high-resolution Bluetooth audio devices
• Sony Headphones Connect app with EQ, ambient sound, adaptive control, and firmware updates
• Speak-to-Chat automatically pauses audio when you begin talking
• Lightweight over-ear design with soft-fit synthetic leather ear cushions

Final Verdict

The Sony WH-1000XM5 remains one of the best all-around premium noise-canceling headphones, combining exceptional ANC, comfort, calls, and battery life in a polished package. Its price and non-folding design are real drawbacks, but it is an excellent choice when noise cancellation and daily usability matter most.