Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones

Pros

• Active noise cancellation effectiveness ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 10 reviews 4.7
  Active noise canceling is widely described as top-tier or class-leading, strongly reducing airplane engines, trains, traffic, and office chatter, with some reviewers noting better handling of higher-frequency sounds than earlier models. Performance depends heavily on seal and fit (glasses gaps and poor positioning can reduce results), and a few sources note certain competitors may outperform it in specific low-frequency attenuation, but overall it remains among the best.
• Microphone quality for calls ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.6
  Call quality is consistently praised as among the best in the category, with multiple reviews describing calls that sound indoor-clean even on noisy streets. A minority report occasional artifacts such as faint white-noise or a slightly hollow/echoey quality in some conditions, but the overall consensus is excellent voice clarity.
• Codec support ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.6
  The XM5 supports SBC and AAC on all major platforms and adds LDAC on compatible devices, providing broadly compatible wireless codec options even without aptX.
• Maximum volume clarity ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.6
  At high listening levels, reviews report strong clarity with minimal distortion and low sound leakage, helping it stay composed near maximum volume. Extremely loud listening can still shorten battery life, but the headset is commonly described as staying clean and controlled when pushed.
• Volume output ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.6
  Volume output is generally more than sufficient, with reviewers noting the headphones play plenty loud. Some users may raise volume for a more visceral experience compared to bassier or louder-feeling predecessors, but overall loudness is not presented as a limiting factor.
• Charging ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.6
  USB-C charging is widely praised for convenience and fast top-ups, with multiple sources citing roughly 3 minutes for around 3 hours of playback and some also noting about 10 minutes for around 5 hours. Full recharge time is commonly reported around a few hours, and fast charging works best with compatible higher-power chargers.
• Sensors ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.6
  Sensors enable auto pause/resume when removing the headphones and other smart behaviors like Speak-to-Chat and auto power-off to save battery. Reviews generally find wear detection reliable, but some report Speak-to-Chat can trigger too easily from small noises or unintended speech.
• Android compatibility ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.6
  Android integration is frequently highlighted with support for features like Google Fast Pair, Find My Device, and LDAC hi-res Bluetooth. Some advanced LDAC tuning may require developer options, and certain spatial/head-tracking features are tied to newer Android versions, but overall Android support is strong.
• Noise isolation (passive) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.6
  Passive isolation is repeatedly described as improved versus prior WH-1000X models, with deeper pads and a stronger seal physically blocking a significant amount of incidental noise even before ANC engages. Several reviews note voices and office sounds are reduced notably from the seal alone, making the overall isolation feel very strong.
• Microphone noise reduction ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.5
  Microphone noise reduction is repeatedly described as very effective at suppressing office hum, traffic, wind, and crowd noise while keeping voice intelligible. Some loud transient sounds (e.g., horns, announcers, clicky keyboards) can still leak through at times, but overall background suppression is a major strength.
• Equalizer customization ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.5
  Sony’s app based EQ allows dramatic reshaping of the XM5’s sound, turning the muddy stock tuning into a more balanced, detailed and energetic signature once set and saved.
• Bluetooth connectivity stability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.5
  Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity is generally stable, and using LDAC around 660kbps offers a good balance of high quality sound and reliable wireless performance, with only the very highest bitrate modes occasionally introducing skips.
• Weight comfort ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.5
  Low weight around 251g reduces fatigue and helps the headphones feel easy to wear for hours.
• Sustainability materials ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.5
  Several reviews mention Sony using recycled and more sustainable materials, including plastics sourced from recycled car parts and more recyclable packaging. The sustainability focus is presented as a plus that does not significantly compromise weight or everyday usability.
• Multi-platform compatibility ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.5
  The XM5 works well across platforms, supporting core ANC, comfort, and multipoint on iOS, Android, and computers, while reserving the highest-bitrate LDAC streaming and some spatial/head-tracking capabilities for compatible Android devices. Some feature tradeoffs also exist between multipoint use and LDAC quality mode.
• Noise cancellation adjustability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.4
  Noise control offers multiple modes (ANC, Ambient/Transparency, Off) with app-driven optimization and adaptive/location-aware behavior. Reviews mention fine-tuning awareness through step-like ambient mixing and optimizer behavior, though some describe the main ANC strength as more automatic than a straightforward manual intensity slider, while still providing meaningful control of how much outside sound is let in.
• Included accessories ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.4
  Included accessories typically cover essentials: a protective carrying case, a USB charging cable (often USB-A to USB-C), and a 3.5mm analog audio cable. Reviews generally consider the bundle practical for travel and for switching between wireless and wired listening without extra purchases.
• LDAC ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 4.4
  Support for LDAC alongside AAC and SBC enables high bitrate Bluetooth listening, with 660kbps delivering an excellent blend of fidelity and stability, while the highest bitrate mode may occasionally hiccup in tougher wireless conditions.
• Multipoint connectivity reliability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 4.4
  Multipoint is widely reported to work well for two-device use (phone plus laptop), with smooth switching and broad usefulness for work and commuting. A key limitation noted is that enabling multipoint may require giving up LDAC high-bitrate streaming at the same time, forcing a choice between best codec and dual connections.
• Sound quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 4.4
  Across reviews, overall sound is described as very enjoyable and lively, with several outlets calling it refined for a consumer ANC tuning, but multiple reviewers also say the stock tuning can sound muffled or overly colored until you EQ it. With app EQ (and features like DSEE/LDAC on compatible devices), the XM5 can become punchy, dynamic, and detailed, though technicalities like depth and separation still trail more audiophile-leaning competitors.
• Transparency mode quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 4.4
  Transparency/Ambient mode is generally considered natural and useful, with adjustable levels that can range from subtle passthrough to noticeably amplified outside sound. Quick Attention (palm over cup) and Speak-to-Chat are frequently highlighted as convenient, though Speak-to-Chat can be overly sensitive for some users.
• Touch control responsiveness ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 4.3
  Touch gestures are generally described as responsive and convenient for volume/track control and quick ambient access, with some reviewers praising improvements over earlier models. Others report occasional mis-reads (wrong gesture detected) and that features like Speak-to-Chat can be too sensitive, so usability ranges from excellent to slightly finicky depending on user and settings.
• Design and Aesthetics ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.3
  The XM5 redesign is widely described as sleeker and more minimalist, with a slimmer headband and smoother lines that some reviewers find more modern and aerodynamic. Others feel the materials look or feel less premium than earlier models, and the flat-only folding affects how bulky it appears both on-head and in the carrying case.
• Button control usability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.3
  Clearly separated hardware buttons on the left ear cup manage power, pairing, and ANC modes, keeping basic controls intuitive even when you cannot see the headset.
• Comfort during long use ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 9 reviews 4.3
  Many reviewers find long-session comfort excellent thanks to light weight, soft padding, and generally mild pressure, with reports of wearing them for many hours (including full flights). Comfort can vary by head size: some report the fit is too large for smaller heads or narrow faces, and others note heat and sweat buildup from the sealing materials or shallow cup space for certain ears.
• Carry case quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.3
  The included case is generally described as protective and premium-feeling with organized storage for cables, but its size is also criticized because the headphones only fold flat. Some reviews note refinements like a flatter shape and better compartments, while still acknowledging it can take up more space than prior-generation cases.
• Preset EQ profile quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.3
  Preset EQ profiles are frequently described as effective, with options like Bass Boost, Vocal, and Excited producing clearly audible changes rather than subtle tweaks. They work well as quick one-tap tuning choices and as starting points before manual EQ adjustments.
• Voice assistant integration ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.3
  Voice assistant use is supported through touch/hold gestures and, in some setups, hands-free wake word support for popular assistants. Reviews highlight it as a practical convenience for calls, playback control, and quick requests without pulling out the phone.
• Headband adjustability ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.3
  Headband sizing uses a smooth, stepless slider instead of clicky notches, allowing fine adjustments in silence. The tradeoff is there are no fixed positions to remember, so fit is adjusted by feel each time.
• App ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 4.2
  The Sony Sound Connect app is central for managing the XM5, giving access to EQ, ANC optimization, spatial audio and firmware updates, but it also requests substantial personal and location data that some users may find intrusive.
• Detachable cable convenience ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.2
  A detachable 3.5mm analog cable is included, enabling easy wired listening and quick cable replacement. This also provides a fallback when the battery is low, though best wired sound is generally reported when the headset is powered on.
• USB-C ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.2
  USB-C is used for charging and fast-charging support is frequently mentioned, but multiple reviews note the port does not provide wired digital audio playback. Users wanting wired listening rely on the 3.5mm analog jack instead.
• Midrange clarity ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.2
  Midrange presence varies with tuning: out of the box, mids can sound a bit recessed or masked by bass, but EQ or vocal-forward presets can bring vocals and guitars forward with pleasing punch and texture. Low mids may still get slightly congested on bass-heavy tracks, depending on fit and EQ choices.
• Clamping force comfort ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 4.2
  Clamping force is often described as mild and glasses-friendly, balancing stability and comfort, but not everyone agrees: some reviewers perceive a snugger or slightly stronger clamp than previous generations. The tighter fit can improve seal and ANC, but can also contribute to pressure or ear fatigue for narrower faces over time.
• Bass performance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.1
  Bass is typically strong and fun with clear mid-bass impact, but can lean toward mid-bass bloat and occasionally muddy the low mids. Some reviewers want deeper sub-bass rumble, while others praise improved definition and tighter control versus earlier models, especially after EQ.
• Battery ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 9 reviews 4.1
  Battery life is commonly cited around 30 hours with ANC on and roughly 40 hours with ANC off, while lab-style testing in at least one review measured roughly 31h53 with ANC on and over 53h with ANC off. Other testing experiences report closer to 25 hours in real-world use, suggesting battery can vary meaningfully by volume, features, and conditions, though it generally lasts a full day.
• Find My ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.1
  Integration with Android’s Find My Device helps locate misplaced headphones, though enabling it requires agreeing to some additional location and data sharing.
• Treble clarity ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.0
  Treble is generally clearer than prior generations and can sound bright and detailed, adding air and sparkle, but some reviewers note an upper-treble roll-off or a tendency toward fatigue when pushed forward with EQ. In dense mixes, clarity can drop and vocals may be masked by bass and bright synths, making the treble feel less consistently clean than the best rivals.
• Spatial audio ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.0
  Supports Sony spatial processing (360 Reality Audio) with app setup that can involve ear-shape analysis and, on some newer Android devices, additional head-tracking style features. The experience depends on compatible apps/services and often requires app permissions and configuration to get the most benefit.
• Software/setup simplicity ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 3.9
  Getting the most from the XM5 requires using Sony’s app and, on Android, sometimes digging into developer options to tune LDAC, so setup is straightforward for basics but more involved for advanced features and privacy conscious users.
• Ear cup padding quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 3.9
  Earpads are commonly described as soft and seal well, contributing to strong isolation and comfort, with enough space for many larger ears. Downsides reported include shallow depth for some ears (touching inner fabric), pad compression over time, and increased heat/sweat buildup from tighter-sealing or rubberized materials depending on the finish.
• Wired connection sound quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 3.9
  Analog wired listening via 3.5mm is supported and can sound close to wireless performance when the headphones are powered on (allowing processing such as ANC). In passive wired mode (power off), multiple reviews say it sounds noticeably less premium, so powered-on wired or wireless is preferred for best results.
• Soundstage width ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 3.8
  Soundstage impressions are mixed: some reviewers call it spacious or wide for an ANC headphone, especially with 360 Reality Audio enabled, while others describe it as relatively intimate and 2D compared with key competitors. Overall it presents solid width for casual listening, but depth and holography are not universally praised.
• Smudge resistance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 3.8
  Smudge behavior varies by finish: multiple reviews praise the matte look for hiding fingerprints, while others note soft-touch or rubberized surfaces can make grease and sweat marks stand out more. In practice, it ranges from fairly fingerprint-resistant to noticeably smudge-prone depending on handling and environment.
• Build quality ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 3.7
  Overall build is often described as solid enough for daily use and impressively lightweight, but several reviewers say it can feel less premium than predecessors at the price. The biggest recurring concern is long-term durability around the hinge area, which affects perceived sturdiness even when the rest of the frame feels fine.