The touch controls on the Sony WH-1000XM5 are pretty user-friendly and straightforward. You use the right earcup's touchpad for most things, all with simple gestures. Here's the lowdown on what each does, based on our research and feedback from others who’ve used them.
Volume Control: Swipe up or down on the touchpad to adjust the volume. Swipe up to increase, and swipe down to decrease. It’s quick and easy to manage without messing with your device.
Playback Control: Tap once to play or pause your music. Swipe forward to skip to the next track or swipe backward to go to the previous one. Perfect for when you’re on the go and don’t want to pull out your phone.
Call Handling: A single tap answers an incoming call, and another tap ends it. To reject a call, just press and hold the touchpad for a couple of seconds. It’s great for handling calls without rummaging for your phone.
Voice Assistant Activation: If you want to use voice assistants like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, just touch and hold the touchpad. Super handy for voice commands without needing to grab your phone.
Ambient Sound Control: This is where it gets nifty. Cupping your hand over the right earcup lowers the volume and lets in outside sound. Ideal for catching announcements or having a quick chat without taking off your headphones.
According to our research, folks generally find these touch controls quite responsive and convenient once they get the hang of the gestures. However, there is a bit of a learning curve, especially with the swipe gestures for volume and track changes. Some mentioned they can be a tad too sensitive and might pick up accidental touches from clothing or other objects.
Overall, though, the feedback is positive, with many appreciating the seamless functionality these controls offer. These touch controls, combined with the excellent noise cancellation and sound quality, make the WH-1000XM5 a solid choice. Whether you’re commuting, working, or just lounging at home, they definitely add a nice layer of ease to your listening experience.
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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 Oct 12, 2026.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | Price | Last seen | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| $229.99 | Apr 10, 2025 may have changed | ||
| $230.00 | Oct 12, 2026 | ||
| $248.00 | Sep 26, 2026 | ||
| $274.62 | Sep 27, 2026 | ||
| $314.99 | Sep 26, 2026 |
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The noise cancellation on the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones is pretty impressive. According to the manufacturer, they use two processors and eight microphones to...
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.
