Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones offer top-notch noise cancellation, crystal clear call quality, and excellent audio performance, making them a great choice for music enthusiasts and frequent callers. However, issues with touch controls and certain software features might be a deal breaker for some users. If you are looking for an equally powerful but potentially more budget-friendly option, consider the Sony WH-1000XM4 for a similar level of performance without the frustrating touch controls.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | Price | Last seen | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
B bellevuewa.paymore.com | $149.99 | Dec 1, 2024, may have changed | Buy Now |
 Bonanza Sold by Jungleboots's booth | $159.99 | Dec 27, 2024, may have changed | Buy Now |
 Newegg 30-day returns | $206.99 | Apr 21, 2025, may have changed | Buy Now |
 Amazon Sold by Amazon Resale | $220.97 | Apr 18, 2025, may have changed | Buy Now |
 woot! 30-day returns | $227.99 | Dec 1, 2024, may have changed | Buy Now |
Prices are collected from retailer listings; each row shows the date we last saw that price. Return and shipping terms are each store's standard policy from our retailer research (April 2026 to May 2026). Some products and categories have different terms, so check with the store before you buy.
Used & Refurbished
✨ See 10 used & refurbished prices with ShopSavvy ProGet the app →Price history summary
Lowest new price we recorded at major retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, The Home Depot and Lowes) in the last 90 days: $198.00 at Amazon on Oct 10, 2026.
Range over the last 12 months: $198.00 (Amazon, Oct 10, 2026) to $398.00 (Best Buy, Jul 5, 2026). The lowest current offer at these retailers, $228.00 at Best Buy, is 15% above its 90-day low. Based on 55 recorded prices since Oct 16, 2025 for offers sold by these retailers themselves (not marketplace sellers). Summary as of Oct 14, 2026.
Share this chart
Pros
- •Exceptional noise cancellation powered by dual processors and 8 microphones, effectively blocking out jet engines and ambient distractions.
- •Superior sound quality with smooth mids, authentic vocals, and detailed backing—ideal for a range of genres including classical, synth, and pop.
- •Crystal clear call quality thanks to advanced mic technology and beamforming microphones, making hands-free calls seamless.
- •Comfortable for extended wear with lightweight design (just 8.8 ounces) and soft synthetic leather ear cups.
- •Impressive battery life offering up to 30 hours of playback, plus rapid 3-minute quick charging for hours of use.
- •Multipoint Bluetooth connection enables easy switching between devices like phones and laptops.
- •Integrated Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri voice control for convenient hands-free operation.
- •The companion app provides useful sound customization features including DSEE Extreme support.
- •Carrying case and multiple cables included to suit wired or wireless needs.
- •Touch controls for volume and track changes offer modern convenience (though with caveats).
Cons
- •Touch controls are often overly sensitive, unresponsive, or inaccurate, leading to frustrating accidental activations, especially during physical activity.
- •Adaptive noise cancelling can be unreliable, sometimes switching on or off unexpectedly and producing distracting static or white noise sounds.
- •Ambient sound mode can sound tinny and unpleasant, not fully replicating natural hearing when engaged.
- •The fit tends to be tight with limited adjustment, causing discomfort and ear irritation after prolonged use, especially for glasses wearers.
- •Notification sounds for volume and mode changes are intrusive, redundant, and less clear than previous models.
- •Setup and app integration aren’t very intuitive; the Sony app and Bluetooth connection can introduce playback delays or require frequent troubleshooting.
- •Lack of dedicated Windows customization app limits control and causes occasional conflicts with certain apps like Discord.
- •Microphone sometimes picks up background noise during calls despite advances in mic tech.
- •Design lacks foldability, reducing portability compared to previous models.
- •The headphones are priced on the higher side relative to competitors offering similar features.
Bottom Line
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones truly shine in noise cancellation and audio quality, making them an excellent option for audiophiles and frequent callers craving immersive sound and clear conversations. However, the touch controls and software features can quickly sour the experience for users sensitive to glitches and control annoyances. If you want comparable noise cancellation and sound with fewer control frustrations, consider checking out the **Sony WH-1000XM4**, which many users find more reliably comfortable and intuitive. For the highest confidence in noise cancelling and mic clarity, these XM5s are a premium choice but prepare for the occasional tech hiccup.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Professional Reviews
Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones Review: The One to Beat
Sony WH-1000XM5 review: The best wireless noise-canceling headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 review
Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: Great for Casual Listening, But Not for Audiophiles
Common Questions
How is the sound quality of the Sony WH-1000XM5?Published 2 years ago
So, if you're curious about the sound quality of the Sony WH-1000XM5, here's the lowdown. From what we've gathered, these headphones really impress in terms of performance. You'll find the mids are c...
Read full answerHow comfortable are the Sony WH-1000XM5 for long listening sessions?Published 2 years ago
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are pretty comfortable, especially for long listening sessions. Our research indicates they’re designed with comfort in mind. They’ve got these really soft, pressure-rel...
Read full answerWhat is the battery life of the Sony WH-1000XM5?Published 2 years ago
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have a pretty solid battery life. According to the manufacturer's description, you can get up to 30 hours of playtime on a single charge, even with noise-canceling switc...
Read full answerHow does the noise cancellation on the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to previous models?Published 2 years ago
The noise cancellation on the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a step up from the previous models. If you've used the WH-1000XM series before, you already know Sony's really good at this, and the WH-1000XM5 doesn't...
Read full answerCan the Sony WH-1000XM5 connect to multiple devices simultaneously?Published 2 years ago
Yes, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones can connect to multiple devices at once. This is called a multipoint connection. It means you can easily switch between two devices, like a smartphone and a laptop,...
Read full answer📚More About Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones
Discussion
Alternatives to Consider
If the Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones doesn't quite fit your needs, here are some other options to consider:
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are perfect for active folks, featuring a secure fit that stays in place during workouts or jogging. People have praised their lightweight design and comfort, making them an excellent choice for those who need headphones that perform well on the go.
Compare prices →
Apple AirPods Max
The Apple AirPods Max offers superior noise cancellation that is extremely effective in very loud environments. Many folks have found that the Active Noise Cancellation is particularly good at blocking out high-decibel sounds, making it a great option for those frequently in noisy settings.
Compare prices →
Jabra Elite 85h
The Jabra Elite 85h headphones offer customizable sound profiles through their companion app, letting you tweak audio settings to match your personal preference. This flexibility might be preferred by some folks compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5.
ShopSavvy compares prices across thousands of retailers so you always get the best deal. Prices are collected from retailer listings, and each one shows the date we last saw it. Our expert reviews and community discussion help you make informed buying decisions.