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Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: Still the King of ANC?
Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones refine the flagship formula with a sleeker design and improved ANC, but they also lose the foldable hinge and tweak the sound signature. We break down every change from the XM4 to help you decide if the upgrade is worth it.
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The Sony WH-1000XM5 are exceptional noise cancelling headphones that push ANC performance to new heights while delivering a refined, comfortable design. However, the loss of foldability, a warmer sound signature, and a higher price may give some buyers pause. They remain the top choice for frequent travelers and commuters who prioritize silence above all else, but XM4 owners may not find enough reason to upgrade.
How it scores
The good and the annoying
- Best-in-class active noise cancellation, especially for low-frequency sounds like engine rumble
- Very comfortable for long listening sessions with plush synthetic leather earpads
- Excellent battery life at 30 hours with quick charging (3 min charge gives 30 min playback)
- Clear and natural sound with good detail retrieval and a wide soundstage
- Multipoint Bluetooth allows connection to two devices simultaneously
- Non-foldable design makes the carrying case larger and less portable than XM4
- Sound signature is warmer and less exciting than XM4; some may find it too laid-back
- Call quality is improved but still behind competitors like AirPods Max in noisy environments
- Touch controls can be overly sensitive and prone to accidental activation
- No IP rating for water or dust resistance, so not ideal for workouts
Published July 19, 2026 · Reviewed by the Unbiased Advice & Insights editorial team · How we research and score
The Sony WH-1000XM5 represent the latest evolution of Sony's flagship noise cancelling headphones. With a completely redesigned chassis, improved ANC, and refined sound, they aim to hold the crown against rivals like the Bose QuietComfort 45 and Apple AirPods Max. But the changes aren't all positive: the XM5 ditch the foldable hinge of the XM4, and the sound signature has shifted. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors to bring you this in-depth review.
Design and Build Quality
The XM5 adopt a minimalist, modern look with a seamless headband and oval ear cups that swivel flat but do not fold. The build is primarily plastic with a soft-touch coating, which feels premium but is prone to fingerprints. The lack of a folding mechanism means the carrying case is larger and less portable than the XM4's case. On the plus side, the headband is wider and better padded, distributing weight more evenly. The ear cups are deeper and use a softer foam, improving comfort for long sessions. The controls remain similar: touch-sensitive panel on the right cup for playback and volume, plus physical buttons for power and noise cancelling modes. One drawback: the touch controls can be overly sensitive, leading to accidental skips or pauses.
Noise Cancellation Performance
The ANC on the XM5 is the best we have seen in a consumer headphone. Sony uses two processors (QN1 and V1) and eight microphones to cancel noise across a wider frequency range. Low-frequency sounds like airplane hum, bus engines, and air conditioners are almost completely eliminated. Mid-range sounds like chatter are significantly reduced, though not silenced entirely. The adaptive sound control adjusts ANC based on your activity (walking, waiting, traveling) and works well. Compared to the XM4, the XM5 offer a noticeable improvement in cancelling higher-pitched noises and in windy conditions. For commuters and frequent flyers, the XM5 are a dream.
Sound Quality
The XM5 deliver a warm, smooth, and non-fatiguing sound signature. The 30mm drivers produce detailed highs, a natural midrange, and a controlled bass that is present but not overwhelming. The soundstage is wide and airy, with good instrument separation. However, compared to the XM4, the XM5 are less energetic and have a slightly recessed treble. Some listeners may find them too laid-back, especially for genres like rock or electronic. The equalizer in the Sony app can help tweak the sound to your preference. Overall, the XM5 are excellent for critical listening and long sessions, but if you crave excitement, the XM4 or Bose QC45 might be more engaging.
Call Quality
Sony has improved voice pickup with a beamforming microphone array and wind noise reduction. In quiet environments, callers report clear and natural sound. In noisy settings, the headphones do a reasonable job suppressing background noise, but voices can sometimes sound a bit muffled or robotic. The XM5 are good for calls in moderate noise, but they still trail the AirPods Max and Google Pixel Buds Pro in very loud environments. The Speak-to-Chat feature works well, automatically pausing music when you start talking.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life is rated at 30 hours with ANC on, which matches the XM4. A quick 3-minute charge provides 30 minutes of playback. The XM5 support Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint connection to two devices simultaneously, which is seamless for switching between phone and laptop. They also support LDAC for high-resolution audio streaming on Android devices. The USB-C port is used for charging, and there is a 3.5mm jack for wired listening. No wireless charging, but that is rare in this category.
Common Buyer Complaints
The most frequent complaint is the non-foldable design, which makes the case bulky and less travel-friendly. Some users also report that the touch controls are too sensitive, causing accidental commands. A few buyers mention that the sound signature is too warm and lacks sparkle compared to the XM4. Others note that the headphones creak slightly when moving the head, though this is not widespread. Finally, the lack of an IP rating means you should avoid using them in heavy rain or at the gym.
Comparison: XM5 vs XM4
The XM4 are foldable, lighter, and often cheaper. They have a more exciting sound with slightly more treble energy. The XM5 offer superior ANC, better comfort for long wear, improved call quality, and a more modern design. If portability and value matter, the XM4 are still excellent. If you want the best ANC and a refined listening experience, the XM5 are the way to go.
Final Verdict
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are outstanding noise cancelling headphones that excel in almost every area. They are comfortable, sound great, and have best-in-class ANC. The main trade-offs are the larger case and the warmer sound signature. For most people, especially travelers and office workers, the XM5 are a top-tier choice. Check the current price on Amazon to see if they fit your budget.
More guides
See our full buying guides hub and our research and scoring methodology. We compared specifications and verified owner feedback; we did not physically test every product.
Specs that matter
| Driver Size | 30mm |
| Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (ANC on), 40 hours (ANC off) |
| Charging | USB-C, quick charge (3 min for 30 min playback) |
| Weight | 250g (8.8 oz) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 with multipoint support |
You want the absolute best noise cancellation on the market and prioritize comfort and battery life for travel or commuting. You also value a refined, natural sound signature and don't mind the larger carrying case.
You need headphones that fold flat for easy storage, prefer a more exciting or bass-heavy sound, or want a model that can withstand sweat and rain. If you already own the XM4, the upgrades may not justify the cost.
Questions before you buy
Are the Sony WH-1000XM5 worth the upgrade from the XM4?
For most people, the XM4 still offer excellent ANC and sound quality at a lower price. The XM5 improves ANC slightly, has a more comfortable headband, and better call quality, but loses the foldable design. If you need the absolute best ANC and value a sleeker look, the upgrade is worthwhile. Otherwise, the XM4 remain a strong choice.
Do the XM5 work with the Sony Headphones Connect app?
Yes, the XM5 are fully compatible with the Sony Headphones Connect app, which provides an equalizer, adaptive sound control, and firmware updates. The app is intuitive and offers plenty of customization.
Can I use the XM5 wired?
Yes, the headphones come with a 3.5mm audio cable and a USB-C charging cable. You can use them in passive mode with the cable if the battery is dead, but note that ANC and other features require power.
How is the microphone quality for calls?
The XM5 feature eight microphones and advanced beamforming for voice pickup. In quiet environments, call quality is clear and natural. In noisy settings, the headphones do a decent job filtering background noise, but some users report that voices can sound a bit processed. Overall, call quality is good but not class-leading.
Are the XM5 comfortable for glasses wearers?
Yes, the ear cups are deep and padded with soft foam, which accommodates glasses well without creating pressure points. The headband is also well-cushioned. Most users find them comfortable for hours of wear.