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8.4
Sony
Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones
$179.99across 17 retailers
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.
Model: WH1000XM5/LColor: Midnight BlueUPC: 27242923911
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$318.00 at AnthropologieWhere to Buy
Prices last updated: April 19th 2026 8:07 am
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 handree 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 inute 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 handree 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
Praised
great sound11%
long battery life12%
comfortable to wear10%
ANC is excellent8%
Criticized
poor controls7%
screen too small3%
difficulty with touch controls7%
not intuitive in setup5%
charging time is long3%
Customer Ratings
4.218,533 reviews
5
70%
4
10%
3
6%
2
4%
1
10%
Based on 18,533 reviews from Amazon
Professional Reviews
Sony WH-1000XM5 review
whathifi.com·What Hi-Fi?
Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: Great for Casual Listening, But Not for Audiophiles
theabsolutesound.com·Tom Martin
Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones Review: The One to Beat
cnet.com·David Carnoy·3 years ago
Sony WH-1000XM5 review: The best wireless noise-canceling headphones
techradar.com·Gerald Lynch·3 years ago
Common Questions
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 answer📚More About Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones
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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
Why: Better for Active Use
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
From $364.61
Why: Superior Noise Cancellation in Loud Environments
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
Why: Enhanced Customization for Audio Preferences
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.
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