Sony WH-1000XM5 Review

The Sony WH-1000XM5 represents the pinnacle of consumer noise-canceling headphone technology. After extensive testing across multiple environments — busy open offices, airplane cabins, and city streets — we found it consistently outperforms the competition in every meaningful metric.

The noise cancellation is simply breathtaking. Sony's 8 microphone system and dual noise sensor technology creates a near-total barrier between you and the outside world. Airplane engine drone, HVAC systems, and office chatter are reduced to whispers.

Sound quality is tuned for an enjoyable listening experience rather than strict neutrality. Bass is present but controlled, mids are warm and detailed, and highs extend without harshness. The LDAC codec support means Android users can stream at up to 990kbps for near-lossless quality.

Comfort is another strong suit. The 250g weight is evenly distributed, and the plush ear pads remain comfortable over marathon listening sessions. The headband has generous padding but no longer folds flat — a minor but notable regression from the XM4.

Call quality is industry-leading thanks to the 4-microphone system with beamforming technology. Callers consistently report excellent clarity even in noisy environments.

Battery life of 30 hours with ANC enabled is excellent, and the quick charge feature delivers 3 hours of playback from just 3 minutes of charging.