Sony

Sony WH-1000XM5

Ranked #17 in Headphones

372 LP on the category ladder what's LP?

A superseded flagship that outlets still rank best overall, which on the street means near-XM6 performance for meaningfully less. Exactly what this lens rewards.

Consolidated from 21 cited sources across 19 outlets

Where the cited sources landed, as we read them

2 enthusiastic sources
10 positive sources
6 mixed sources
1 unconvinced source

See the sources

Flagged as a product to avoid

7 of 16 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.

last-generation with poor repairability and a shorter remaining support window
Flagged 17 October 2026

1 earlier flag predates the point where runs began recording their reasoning, so its grounds were never written down.

last-generation with poor repairability and a shorter remaining support window
Flagged 17 October 2026
The previous flagship, still heavily cross-shopped and pushed by ranking pages, but the expert crown has since moved to the WH-1000XM6, which current guides name for most people. Buying it today means paying last-generation money for a superseded model.
Flagged 17 October 2026
Superseded by the Sony WH-1000XM6, which every tester now ranks above it; buying it today means paying near-flagship money for last generation's ANC and feature set.
Flagged 4 September 2026
The previous generation still sold at near-flagship money while the WH-1000XM6 beats it on ANC, sound and comfort; buy the XM6 instead, or the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless for flagship sound for less.
Flagged 4 September 2026
ANC slightly weaker and battery life lower; price hasn’t dropped enough to justify buying over the XM6.
Flagged 27 July 2026
The predecessor to the XM6, still sold at a premium but lacks the improved ANC and battery life of the newer model. RTINGS rates it lower than the XM6; What Hi-Fi? recommends waiting for the XM6 instead.
Flagged 27 July 2026

Why the boards include products to avoid

Check price

Pros & cons

✓ Industry-leading ANC and natural sound signature
✓ Long battery life praised
✓ Still recommended despite being superseded
✓ Nearly all of the XM6 experience at a discounted previous-generation price
✓ Still listed as a best packable travel headphone

✗ Slightly older model compared to newer flagship
✗ Superseded by its own successor, which current guides name for most people
✗ Superseded by the Sony WH-1000XM6
✗ Carries last generation's ANC and feature set
✗ Still sold at near-flagship pricing despite being the previous model

The sources behind this ranking

We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.

Evidence 13 articles, 7 video reviews and 1 community source

2 enthusiastic sources

SoundGuys Christian Thomas · reviewer · Oct 2025

The microphones of both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM5 are excellent, though they have minor differences. This is not one of those things that should make or break your buying decision simply because they perform so similarly. You may notice that the Sony WH-1000XM5 fares slightly better in windy conditions, but that’s about it. If you would like to hear for yourself — and see how others prefer the mic quality of each set of headphones — then listen using the widgets below.

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SoundGuys Christian Thomas · reviewer · Sept 2025

Today, we’re looking at the most recent update to the company’s flagship active noise canceling (ANC) headphones: the Sony WH-1000XM5. With a complete redesign, this is one of the best ANC headphones on the market — even at an eye-watering $400. We spent a week getting to know the Sony WH-1000XM5 in rainy Vancouver, and we’re happy to share our notes with you.

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10 positive sources

What Hi-Fi? Article · May 2022

Like the WH-1000XM4, the XM5 supports Multipoint, so can be wirelessly paired to two devices at once. Getting a call? They will know which device it's coming from and automatically connect you to it. And you can switch devices at the touch of a button. Calls are clearer than ever, thanks to Sony's Precise Voice Pickup technology. With four beam-forming mics and AI-powered noise-reduction, plus wind-noise reduction, they do a great job of suppressing general noise and any gusts of wind that could threaten to drown you out when trying to use lesser headphones.

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Moon Audio Moon Audio · 45.2K subscribers · Aug 2023

Sure, it's an upgrade, but only relative to what Beats headphones came before the Sony 1000 XM five. They’re still the noise canceling wireless headphone king in our book based on all the previously stated reasons. You can check out our standalone review in the description below for tons of additional information on why they're vastly superior to the competition. It's well worth the extra 50 bucks for better materials, better ANC, much better sound quality, better and more features

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IGN Eric Song · reviewer · Jun 2026

The XM5 is still one of the best noise canceling headphones available, both in terms of audio quality and ANC performance. The XM5 is fitted with custom-designed 30mm drivers, giving it audio fidelity compared to previous models. The earcups provide a great seal for effective passive isolation. On the noise canceling front, the XM5 has been fitted with a second processor and eight total microphones dedicated to filtering out ambient noise.

Read L loveaction alyssa loveaction alyssa · 44.3K subscribers · Feb 2023

the Sony xm5 had the best fitting headband with a sliding mechanism that allowed for a perfect fit. although Sony and Bose were similarly priced, the xm5s provide a better value for the money due to its custom EQ capabilities ,touch controls and adaptive sound control features. so would I actually recommend these headphones? definitely!

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Gadget Flow Arthur · reviewer

The most noticeable structural change is the return of foldable hinges. The XM5 did not fold inward, which made its carrying case larger than many users liked. With the XM6, Sony brings back inward folding earcups, making the headphones more compact when packed. For frequent travelers, this alone is a practical improvement.

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Audiophile ON Audiophile On · reviewer · Jul 2025

However, after the extensive testing done for this review, there is no doubt that the XM5 is indeed the better headphone, and with its release, Sony has extended its run at the top. It’s probably the best all-around headphones on the market right now and the best noise-canceling headphones.

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SaveDelete Guides Article

The **Sony WH-1000XM5** remains the best overall headphone with its industry-leading ANC, natural sound signature, and 30-hour battery. For Apple users, the **AirPods Pro 3** offer the best earbuds experience with seamless ecosystem integration and clinical-grade hearing features.

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CentralSound Jonathan Diamond · reviewer

Using the right parts built for your exact model helps avoid the kind of problems that come from trying to force something that doesn’t fit right. That’s often how small cracks start to grow into full breaks.

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Pcmag Juhi Wadia · reviewer

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the kind of headphones that make everything else feel like background noise. At 27% off, it’s premium peace and quiet without the premium price. You must get them.

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Medium Article

The WH-1000XM5 sounds amazing.

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6 mixed sources

Seriously Into Audio Since 1974 Article

The Sony WH-1000XM5 over-ear Bluetooth® wireless noise-canceling headphones deliver exceptional sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable, lightweight fit with adjustable cups. Some reviewers noted the ear cup controls can be tricky to master and the Headphones Connect app may perform inconsistently when managing multiple devices.

Read T The Verge The Verge · 3.5M subscribers · May 2022

Sony’s new WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling headphones are the company’s most advanced to date — but also the most expensive at $400. For that money, you get a fresh design, upgraded sound, better active noise cancellation than ever, and improved voice call quality. But they're very similar to the 1000XM4s, giving Sony fans little reason to upgrade.

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Medium Article

It is not waterproof, it is not designed for physical activity, and its lack of a fold-flat design makes casual pocket-storage impractical. The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are the right product for that use case.

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GYMCADDY GYMCADDY · 175K subscribers · May 2022

Now I will admit, we got the Sony WH-1000XM5’s much earlier than I expected. I wasn’t expecting these headphones for another 8 to 12 months. Now even though the 1000XM5’s block out more noise, they sound a little better, and they have better feeling leatherette… their redesigned body has brought us all the way back to square one.

Watch S r/SonyHeadphones u/Redsuns562 · owner

Sony WH-1000XM5: Overpriced and Underwhelming for Sony’s Reputation

Read thread C CPN Global CPN Global · 11.9K subscribers · Aug 2026

Buy the XM5 if you don't wear glasses every day and want the best battery life possible. These are exactly the aspects in which the XM5 shine. But don't buy the XM5 if, first of all, you wear glasses like me, or if your ears or skin sweat easily. Also, don't buy them if you need something that folds very compactly into a travel bag

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1 unconvinced source

C CEONTHEMAKING dutchdekkers · owner · May 2024

I bought the WH-1000XM5, and returned them. I was not impressed. Tried Bose as well, and JBL. Now have a much cheaper JLAB coming. From my speaker experience, watching your review, I recognize both the mic and the noise cancelling performance, and it seems to me the ULT is outperforming (to my ears) the WH-1000XM5.

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2 stance not read sources

V Vilagai Article Read 6

6 Months Later 6 Months Later · 299K subscribers · Feb 2024

The noise cancellation on these is pretty comparable to the noise cancellation on a pair of Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones, which I've also reviewed. One part of the noise cancellation experience on these buds that has significantly been improved is wind noise.

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Frequently asked questions

It ranks #17 of 28 on our headphones tier list, in C tier. That placement draws on 21 cited sources across 19 outlets.

1 of the 19 sources with a clear view is critical of it: CEONTHEMAKING. Slightly older model compared to newer flagship. Superseded by its own successor, which current guides name for most people. Superseded by the Sony WH-1000XM6. Carries last generation's ANC and feature set. Still sold at near-flagship pricing despite being the previous model.

On our headphones board, Sony WH-1000XM6 ranks #1 (S tier) ahead of Sony WH-1000XM5 at #17 (C tier). Sony WH-1000XM6: ZDNet's best premium headphone and superb in every review, but Headphonesty's owner-report red flags for Sony's reliability keep it out of the top tier under this lens.

On our headphones board, Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless ranks #4 (A tier) ahead of Sony WH-1000XM5 at #17 (C tier). Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: Superseded but still a mainstream recommendation with the longest proven field record of any wireless pick here. The Momentum 5 is the better purchase today.