Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: Premium Over-Ear ANC Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
The Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers class-leading active noise cancellation with 30-hour battery life, comfortable all-day wear, and excellent audio quality through LDAC codec. Sony Connect multipoint pairing lets you switch between phone and Mac instantly. The best over-ear headphones for cross-platform users.
In This Review
🔍 How We Tested
We wore the WH-1000XM5 for 8-hour work sessions for four weeks, on flights, subway commutes, and in open offices. We compared ANC performance directly against the AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort 45.
Design & Comfort
The WH-1000XM5 is a sleek over-ear headphone with a matte plastic headband and protein leather ear cushions. At 250g it is one of the lighter over-ear headphones. The ear cups have a large contact area that distributes clamping force well, and many users (including our testers) can wear them comfortably for 6+ hours without significant ear fatigue.
Note that the WH-1000XM5 does not fold flat for travel — it collapses to a smaller size but not flat like the XM4. The included case is slim but does not accommodate accessories well. This is a meaningful regression from the previous generation.
Pros
- Best low-frequency ANC of any headphone tested
- 30-hour battery with ANC on
- LDAC codec for lossless Bluetooth audio (Android)
- Multipoint: connect to 2 devices simultaneously
- Speak-to-Chat pauses music when you talk
- USB-C charging — 3 min charge = 3 hrs use
Cons
- Does not fold flat — worse for travel than XM4
- Case is slim but tight
- No aptX support (only LDAC and AAC)
- Touch controls can be accidentally triggered
- Some mid-range roll-off compared to wired listening
Active Noise Cancellation
The XM5 uses eight microphones and Sony's Integrated Processor V1 to deliver industry-leading low-frequency ANC. On flights, the engine rumble and fuselage vibration virtually disappear. In open offices with HVAC and keyboard noise, the XM5 creates a remarkably quiet listening bubble. For low-frequency noise specifically (trains, planes, AC), the XM5 is the best option available.
Compared to AirPods Pro 2: the XM5 wins on low-frequency ANC (airplane rumble); the AirPods Pro 2 win on high-frequency ANC (voices, sharp sounds) and Transparency mode quality. For travel, the XM5 is the better ANC headphone.
Sound Quality
The WH-1000XM5 features 30mm carbon fiber composite drivers and supports LDAC (990 kbps) for near-lossless audio over Bluetooth with compatible Android devices. The tuning leans slightly warm with elevated bass, though the Sony Headphones Connect app lets you customize EQ significantly. With LDAC on, instrumental music, jazz, and classical recordings sound excellent.
On Apple devices, LDAC is not available (iOS/macOS do not support LDAC) — you get AAC at up to 256 kbps, which is still quite good but not the full potential of the headphones.
Battery Life
Sony rates the WH-1000XM5 at 30 hours with ANC on and 40 hours with ANC off. In our testing we saw 28–30 hours with ANC active at moderate volume. The Quick Charge feature delivers 3 hours of playback from a 3-minute USB-C charge. A full charge takes about 3.5 hours.
Features
Speak-to-Chat automatically pauses music and enables Transparency mode when the XM5 detects you speaking. Quick Attention lets you cup your hand over the right ear cup for instant passthrough. Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices simultaneously, switching seamlessly between them.
Final Verdict
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the best over-ear ANC headphone for cross-platform users or anyone prioritizing long battery life and low-frequency noise cancellation. If you primarily use iPhone and Mac, the AirPods Pro 2 offers comparable ANC in a more convenient in-ear package. If you use Android, want 30-hour battery, or fly frequently, the XM5 is the better choice.
Where to Buy the Sony WH-1000XM5
Frequently Asked Questions
WH-1000XM5 vs AirPods Pro 2 — which should I buy?
Buy the WH-1000XM5 if: you use Android, want 30-hour battery, fly frequently, or prefer over-ear comfort. Buy the AirPods Pro 2 if: you primarily use Apple devices, want earbuds (not over-ear), prefer Transparency mode, or need seamless multi-device Apple integration.
Does the XM5 work well with Mac?
Yes. Pair over Bluetooth (the Connection button on the left ear cup) and it works perfectly for calls, music, and video. Sony Headphones Connect app is Mac-compatible for EQ and settings. Note: LDAC is not supported on macOS — you will use AAC, which still sounds excellent.
WH-1000XM5 vs WH-1000XM4 — should I upgrade?
The XM5 has better ANC, lighter weight, improved call quality (8 mics vs. 4), and USB-C. The XM4 folds flat for easier travel. If you do not own the XM4, buy the XM5. If you already own the XM4, the upgrade is marginal unless call quality is important to you.
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