Sony WH-1000XM5 — Editorial Review
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the long-running benchmark for wireless noise-cancelling headphones — a comfortable, feature-loaded flagship whose ANC and call performance still lead the class years after launch.
Featured Video Review
Class-leading ANC and all-day comfort
What Hi-Fi? and The Absolute Sound note the XM5 pairs Sony's Integrated Processor V1 with an eight-microphone array for some of the strongest noise cancellation available, especially against the constant drones of planes and trains. Battery life runs around 30 hours with ANC on, a three-minute quick charge yields about three hours, and the lightweight design with soft earcups stays comfortable for long sessions. Call quality and the companion EQ app round out the package. In SoundGuys' "3 Years Later" review — featured above — it's revisited to see how the flagship holds up.
Honest cons
- Dark default tuning. Out of the box the sound is bass-forward and benefits from EQ in Sony's app.
- No fold-flat hinges. The XM5 dropped the folding design of the XM4, so the case is larger.
- Plastic hinge durability. Some owners report the hinges feeling frail over time.
- Fit can be tight for smaller heads during very long wear.
Where these headphones fit
- Frequent flyers and commuters who want best-in-class noise cancellation.
- Work-from-anywhere users who take a lot of calls.
- Listeners happy to EQ to taste via the Sony app.
- Not a fold-into-a-pocket travel design or a flat-reference studio monitor.
Sources & Citations
- What Hi-Fi?, "Sony WH-1000XM5 review," whathifi.com (accessed 2026-05-26)
- The Absolute Sound, "The Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones Review," theabsolutesound.com (accessed 2026-05-26)
Last verified: 2026-05-26
