The Sony WH-1000XM5 represents the pinnacle of Sony’s noise-canceling headphone lineup, offering significant refinements over its predecessor, the XM4. With improved ANC, enhanced sound quality, and a sleeker design, these headphones aim to solidify Sony’s position as a leader in premium wireless audio. This review examines whether the upgrades justify the price and how they compare to competitors like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Apple AirPods Max.
Design & Build Quality
Sleeker, Lighter, and More Premium
- Redesigned Headband & Ear Cups: The XM5 adopts a minimalist, modern aesthetic with a slimmer headband and softer ear cushions.
- Lightweight Construction: At 250g, they are lighter than the XM4 (254g) and significantly lighter than the AirPods Max (384g).
- Foldable? No: Unlike the XM4, the XM5 does not fold, which may affect portability for some users.
Improved Comfort for Long Listening Sessions
- Plush Memory Foam Earpads: Redesigned for better pressure distribution, reducing ear fatigue.
- Adjustable Clamping Force: Lighter than the XM4, making them more comfortable for extended wear.
- No IP Rating: Still not officially sweat or water-resistant.
Sound Quality & Performance
Drivers & Audio Technology
- New 30mm Carbon Fiber Drivers: Delivering cleaner bass, richer mids, and more detailed highs than the XM4.
- LDAC & DSEE Extreme: Supports high-resolution audio (via LDAC) and AI-powered upscaling for compressed tracks.
- 360 Reality Audio: Works with supported streaming services (Tidal, Deezer) for immersive spatial sound.
Sound Signature (Balanced with a Warm Tilt)
- Bass: Deep and punchy but well-controlled, avoiding excessive boominess.
- Mids: Clear and natural, with excellent vocal reproduction.
- Highs: Smooth and detailed, though slightly rolled off for fatigue-free listening.
Compared to Competitors
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Bose QC Ultra | AirPods Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bass | Deep, controlled | Balanced, warm | Punchy, dynamic |
| Mids | Natural, detailed | Forward, clear | Slightly recessed |
| Highs | Smooth, detailed | Crisp, airy | Sparkly, bright |
| Soundstage | Moderate | Wide | Widest (with Spatial Audio) |
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) & Transparency Mode
Best-in-Class ANC (Even Better Than XM4)
- Dual Noise Sensor Technology: Uses eight microphones (up from four in XM4) for superior noise detection.
- Auto ANC Optimizer: Adjusts cancellation based on fit, environment, and air pressure (great for flights).
- Outperforms Bose QC Ultra in blocking low-frequency rumbles (airplane engines, traffic).
Transparency Mode (Natural but Not Best-in-Class)
- Speak-to-Chat Feature: Automatically pauses music when speaking (can be turned off).
- Good but Not as Natural as AirPods Max: Slight digital artifacting in noisy environments.
Battery Life & Charging
Excellent Battery Performance
- Up to 30 Hours (ANC On): A slight improvement over the XM4 (30hrs vs. 30hrs, but more efficient).
- Quick Charge: 3 minutes = 3 hours playback (USB-C charging).
- No Wireless Charging: Unlike some competitors (e.g., Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2).
Software & Connectivity
Sony Headphones Connect App (Highly Customizable)
- EQ Adjustments: Fully customizable or use presets (Bass Boost, Bright, etc.).
- Adaptive Sound Control: Automatically adjusts ANC/Ambient Sound based on location.
- Multipoint Bluetooth: Connect to two devices simultaneously (e.g., phone + laptop).
Bluetooth 5.2 & Codec Support
- LDAC, AAC, SBC: LDAC provides near-lossless quality on supported devices.
- Low Latency Mode: Helps with video sync but not ideal for competitive gaming.
Microphone & Call Quality
Clear Voice Pickup (But Not Perfect)
- Four Beamforming Mics: Improved over XM4 but still struggles in very noisy environments.
- Better Than AirPods Max in Wind: Less susceptible to wind noise during calls.
Price & Value
Premium Pricing ($399 MSRP, Often Discounted)
- Pros: Best ANC, great sound, lightweight, long battery life.
- Cons: No folding design, no IP rating, not the best for calls.
Who Should Buy?
- Frequent Travelers: Best ANC for flights and commutes.
- Audiophiles: High-res audio support with LDAC.
- Long Listening Sessions: Comfortable for hours.
Who Should Skip?
- Gym Enthusiasts: No sweat resistance.
- Foldability Needed: XM4 might be better for compact storage.
- Apple Ecosystem Diehards: AirPods Max integrates better.
Final Verdict
The Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Most People
The Sony WH-1000XM5 refines nearly every aspect of its predecessor, offering superior ANC, improved comfort, and excellent sound quality. While the lack of foldability and IP rating may deter some, these are minor trade-offs for what is otherwise the best all-around wireless ANC headphones on the market.
Rating: 9.3/10
✔ Best for: Travelers, audiophiles, long listening sessions.
✖ Not for: Gym use, those needing foldable design, ultra-critical call quality.
Alternatives:
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra ($429): Better comfort, immersive audio, but slightly weaker ANC.
- Apple AirPods Max ($549): Best for Apple users, premium build, but heavy.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 ($379): Better soundstage, but ANC lags behind.
Bottom Line: If you want the best noise cancellation, great sound, and all-day comfort, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is the top choice.