How Are They for Calls and Video Meetings?
If you're working from home or take a lot of calls, this is probably a make-or-break feature. The good news? The Sony WH-1000XM5 absolutely nails call quality.
What People Actually Tell You
I've been using these for work calls for months, and I regularly get comments like "you sound really clear today" or "what headset are you using?" That's the kind of feedback that tells you the microphones are working.
The Technical Magic
Sony uses 4 microphones that work together to focus on your voice while filtering out everything else. It's like having a professional microphone setup, but built into headphones.
The coolest part? The AI processing happens in real-time. So if a dog barks, a car goes by, or someone's using a blender in the kitchen, your call participants won't hear it nearly as much.
Real-World Call Performance
Here's how they handle different scenarios:
Quiet home office: Your voice comes through crystal clear
Coffee shop: Background chatter gets filtered out effectively
Outdoors: Wind noise is well-controlled (though not eliminated)
Kids/pets around: Sudden noises get suppressed pretty well
Video Meeting Reality Check
Zoom/Teams: Works instantly, no setup needed
Battery anxiety: Never an issue with 30-hour life
Comfort: You can wear them through back-to-back meetings
Audio switching: Takes calls on your phone while connected to your computer
The Honest Truth
These are legitimately better for calls than most dedicated business headsets I've tried. If you're remote working or taking lots of calls, the call quality alone justifies the price.
We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. How ShopSavvy makes money
How we researched this
Where this comes from: this answer draws on the product's published specifications and the reviews ShopSavvy collected for it, alongside prices from 6 retailers in ShopSavvy's price data, most recently seen Nov 7, 2026.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | Price | Last seen | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| $229.99 | Apr 10, 2025 may have changed | ||
| $230.00 | Nov 7, 2026 | ||
| $248.00 | Sep 26, 2026 may have changed | ||
| $274.62 | Sep 27, 2026 may have changed | ||
| $314.99 | Sep 26, 2026 may have changed |
Considering the Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones?
Here's our "TLDR" Review
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices across tens of thousands of stores, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more.
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
More Answers
If you're still curious about the Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones, here are some other answers you might find interesting:
- Do they fold for easier travel storage?
This is probably the most controversial change Sony made with the XM5. No, they don't fold, and if you travel a lot, this might be a dealbreaker. Sony says...
- How is the sound quality for music compared to the XM4?
This is where things get interesting. Sony basically went back to the drawing board and tuned the Sony WH-1000XM5 for a more "grown-up" sound signature....
- Can I use them with multiple devices at the same time?
Yes\! And this is honestly one of the best features they added. The Sony WH-1000XM5 can connect to two devices simultaneously, which is a game-changer if you...
- Are these comfortable for long listening sessions?
This is the question that matters if you're planning to wear these for work, travel, or long gaming sessions. The good news? Sony really listened to feedback...
- How effective is the noise cancellation compared to other headphones?
Short answer: It's fantastic. The Sony WH-1000XM5's noise cancellation is right up there with the best you can buy. I've tested these against both Bose and...
- How long does the battery last and how long does it take to charge?
You're probably wondering: "Will these headphones actually last through my day?" The answer is yes, and then some. With 30 hours of listening time (noise...
- 🎧 How well do the Sony WH-1000XM5 work for phone calls?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are pretty solid for phone calls. They have some advanced features that really help make your voice clear, even when you're in...
- 🔋 What is the battery life of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have a great battery life that makes them pretty reliable for long use. According to the manufacturer, they can last up to 30...
- 🔇 How effective is the noise cancellation on the Sony WH-1000XM5?
The noise cancellation on the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones is pretty impressive. According to the manufacturer, they use two processors and eight microphones to...
- 🎧 Are the Sony WH-1000XM5 comfortable to wear for long periods?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are pretty comfortable for most people, but it can vary. Our research shows that a lot of folks appreciate the lightweight build...
Alternatives to Consider
If the Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones doesn't quite fit your needs, here are some other options to consider:
Bose QuietComfort 45
The Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones are designed with plush cushioning and lightweight materials, perfect if comfort during long listening sessions is a priority. Many folks report wearing these headphones for hours without discomfort, addressing a common drawback of the Sony WH-1000XM5.
Sennheiser PXC 550-II
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II headphones offer a highly customizable sound profile, allowing folks to tailor their audio experience through the Sennheiser Smart Control app. This feature stands out for those seeking greater control over their listening experience compared to the WH-1000XM5's limited customization options.
Anker Soundcore Life Q30
The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 headphones offer excellent noise cancellation and sound quality at a fraction of the price of the Sony WH-1000XM5. With features like multi-device pairing and impressive battery life, this model is perfect for people looking to save money while still enjoying advanced headphone technology.
