⚡ Editor's Choice 2024
Sony · WH-1000XM5

The Benchmark in Noise Cancellation

Industry-leading noise cancellation powered by two processors and eight microphones. Crystal-clear call quality, 30-hour battery life, and legendary Sony sound in an ultra-lightweight design.

★★★★★
4.8
/ 5  ·  2,847 reviews
🎧 Active NC
🔋 30h Battery
📶 BT 5.2
🎙️ Multipoint
🌊 Hi-Res Audio
$248.00
$300
Save $52
🚚 Free 2-Day Shipping & 30-Day Returns — In Stock
SONY L R
Black
40%
More Noise Cancellation vs XM4
30h
Battery Life (ANC On)
3 min
Quick Charge for 3 Hours
8
Built-in Microphones
Why It's the Best

Engineered for Excellence

Every detail designed for the most demanding listeners — from commuters to audiophiles.

🤫
Industry-Leading ANC
Dual processors and 8 microphones create the most effective noise cancellation ever in Sony headphones — blocks traffic, airplane noise, and office chatter with unprecedented precision.
🎵
Hi-Res Audio Certified
30mm carbon fiber drivers deliver rich highs, clear mids and punchy bass. LDAC codec streams 3× more data than standard Bluetooth for near-lossless quality.
📞
Crystal-Clear Calls
4 beamforming microphones with AI-powered wind noise reduction. Your voice always comes through clearly, even in noisy environments or outdoors.
⚡
30-Hour Battery
All-day and beyond. Just 3 minutes of charging gives you 3 hours of listening. USB-C quick charge is standard — no proprietary cables.
🔗
Multipoint Connection
Connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. Seamlessly switch between your laptop and phone without ever manually disconnecting.
🧬
Adaptive Sound Control
The Sony Headphones Connect app intelligently adjusts noise cancellation and ambient sound based on your detected activity — walking, transit, or sitting still.
🌬️
Wind Noise Reduction
Newly designed windscreen in each mic capsule dramatically reduces wind interference during calls, outperforming the XM4 in outdoor environments.
🦋
Ultra-Light Comfort
250g of precisely distributed weight with ultra-soft synthetic leather ear pads and 10-point pressure-reducing design for fatigue-free wearing all day.
🎚️
360 Reality Audio
Personalized spatial sound using your ear shape measurements. Works with compatible streaming services like Amazon Music Unlimited for an immersive concert experience.
Technical Details

Full Specifications

Every technical detail you need to know before buying.

Audio
Driver Size30mm Carbon Fiber
Frequency Response4 Hz – 40,000 Hz
Sensitivity102 dB/mW
Impedance48 Ω
Codec SupportSBC, AAC, LDAC
Hi-Res CertifiedYes (wired & wireless)
360 Reality AudioSupported
Noise Cancellation
ANC ProcessorsDual (QN1 + QN1e)
Microphones (ANC)8 mics total
Call Microphones4 beamforming mics
Adaptive SoundYes (app-based)
Speak-to-ChatYes
Wind Noise ReductionEnhanced vs XM4
Connectivity
Bluetooth Version5.2
Bluetooth RangeUp to 30m (10m reliable)
MultipointYes (2 devices)
ProfilesHFP, HSP, A2DP, AVRCP
NFCNo
3.5mm JackYes (wired mode)
Battery & Physical
Battery (ANC On)30 hours
Battery (ANC Off)40 hours
Charging PortUSB-C
Quick Charge3 min → 3 hrs
Weight250g
Colors AvailableBlack, Platinum Silver, Navy
FoldableNo (flat fold only)
IP RatingNone (not water resistant)
Honest Assessment

Pros & Cons

A balanced look at what the WH-1000XM5 gets right — and where it falls short.

✅ Advantages
  • ✅Best-in-class active noise cancellation in 2024 — better than Bose QC45 in most environments
  • ✅Exceptional call quality with 4 beamforming mics and AI wind noise reduction
  • ✅LDAC support for near-lossless Hi-Res audio over Bluetooth
  • ✅30-hour battery with rapid 3-min quick charge for 3 hours of playtime
  • ✅Extremely comfortable — ultra-soft ear pads and lightweight design (250g)
  • ✅Multipoint Bluetooth connection — stay connected to phone and laptop simultaneously
  • ✅USB-C charging — universal and convenient, no proprietary cable required
  • ✅Powerful Headphones Connect app with extensive EQ and listening mode customization
  • ✅Speak-to-Chat pauses music automatically when you start talking
  • ✅Adaptive Sound Control adjusts noise cancellation based on your detected activity
❌ Disadvantages
  • ❌Cannot fold flat — less compact for travel compared to XM4 or Bose QC45
  • ❌No IP water resistance rating — not ideal for workouts or use in rain
  • ❌No NFC pairing — must pair manually via Bluetooth settings
  • ❌Ear cups can rotate but don't lay flat — slightly bulky carrying case
  • ❌Premium price point ($349–399) may be hard to justify vs. XM4 at similar quality
  • ❌LDAC codec causes some battery life reduction compared to AAC/SBC
  • ❌Touch controls can be overly sensitive — accidental skips happen
  • ❌ANC performance is slightly reduced in very low-frequency rumble vs. Bose 700
Our Verdict

How It Scores

Rated across 5 critical categories by our expert panel.

Sound Quality
9.2
Noise Cancellation
9.7
Comfort
9.1
Battery Life
9.0
Value
8.4
9.3

Editors' Choice — Best Noise-Canceling Headphones

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the clearest recommendation in premium wireless headphones. Its noise cancellation is unmatched, comfort is exceptional, and audio quality satisfies both casual listeners and audiophiles. The lack of foldability and water resistance are real trade-offs, but for commuters, travelers, and home/office listeners — this is the one to get.

Head-to-Head

vs. the Competition

How does the XM5 stack up against its biggest rivals?

Feature Sony WH-1000XM5 $248 Bose QC45 $279 Bose QC Ultra $379 Apple AirPods Max $549 Sony WH-1000XM4 $248
ANC Performance 🏆 Best Excellent Excellent Excellent Very Good
Sound Quality 🏆 Top 2 Good Very Good 🏆 Best Very Good
Battery (ANC On) 30h 24h 24h 20h 30h
Quick Charge 3 min → 3h 15 min → 2.5h 15 min → 2.5h None 10 min → 5h
Multipoint BT ✓ Yes ✓ Yes ✓ Yes Limited ✓ Yes
Codec (Hi-Res) LDAC SBC / AAC SBC / AAC / aptX AAC LDAC
Weight 250g 238g 254g 385g 254g
Foldable ✗ No (flat fold) ✓ Yes ✓ Yes ✗ No ✓ Yes
Water Resistance None None None None None
USB-C Charging ✓ Yes ✓ Yes ✓ Yes ✓ Yes ✓ Yes
Call Quality 🏆 Best Good Very Good Very Good Very Good
App Support Excellent Good Good iOS Only Excellent
Price $348 $248 $379 $549 $248
Overall Rating 9.3 / 10 8.4 / 10 8.8 / 10 8.9 / 10 9.0 / 10
Customer Reviews

What Buyers Say

4.8
★★★★★
2,847 reviews
5 ★
2,164
4 ★
427
3 ★
142
2 ★
57
1 ★
57
MK
Marcus K.
Verified Purchase · May 2024
✓ Verified
★★★★★
"The ANC is genuinely magic"
I commute daily by subway and these headphones block out the noise almost completely. I tested them side-by-side with my old Bose QC35 and the difference is night and day. Call quality surprised me most — colleagues say I sound like I'm in a quiet room even when I'm on the street.
Daily commuter ANC lover Upgraded from QC35
SR
Sarah R.
Verified Purchase · April 2024
✓ Verified
★★★★★
"30 hours and it just keeps going"
I used these for an 11-hour flight, wore them in the airport for 3 more hours, and still had charge left. The comfort is incredible — I forgot I was wearing them. The only thing I wish they had is foldability like the XM4, but the sound quality upgrade is worth it.
Frequent flyer Long-haul traveler Battery life fan
DL
Daniel L.
Verified Purchase · March 2024
✓ Verified
★★★★☆
"Best headphones I've owned — minor gripes"
Sound quality with LDAC enabled is incredible — closest I've heard to wired quality from wireless cans. My only gripes: touch controls are too sensitive and they don't fold compact enough for my backpack. But for sound and ANC? Nothing comes close at this price.
Audiophile LDAC user Work from home
AT
Aisha T.
Verified Purchase · June 2024
✓ Verified
★★★★★
"Turned my open office into a private studio"
Works from an open-plan office. These headphones cut out keyboard clatter, HVAC noise, phone chatter — everything. Productivity has genuinely increased because I can reach a deep focus state faster. The Adaptive Sound feature is smart enough to switch modes when I get up for coffee.
Office worker Deep focus Adaptive Sound fan
JM
James M.
Verified Purchase · February 2024
✓ Verified
★★★★★
"Switched from AirPods Max — no regrets"
At half the price of AirPods Max, these genuinely compete on ANC and come out ahead on battery. The AirPods are slightly better for Apple-specific features (Spatial Audio, Hey Siri handoff) but for a cross-platform daily driver, XM5 wins decisively. Also 135g lighter — your neck will thank you.
Switched from AirPods Max Cross-platform user
PW
Priya W.
Verified Purchase · July 2024
✓ Verified
★★★★☆
"Almost perfect — just needs water resistance"
Superb in every way but one: no IP rating. I had a minor scare in light rain. The sound, ANC, and comfort are unbeatable. The app is excellent with granular EQ control. I'm keeping them, but Sony should add even just IPX4 in the next model. Would be 5 stars with it.
Would upgrade to IPX4 App power user
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before purchasing.

Is the WH-1000XM5 better than the XM4?
+
Yes and no — it depends on your priorities. The XM5 has significantly better noise cancellation (new dual processors + 8 mics vs 4 mics), improved call quality, a more comfortable fit, and slightly better midrange clarity. However, the XM4 can fold completely flat (better portability), costs ~$100 less, and was still among the best ANC headphones made. If you travel frequently and care about the absolute best ANC, get the XM5. If budget and portability matter more, the XM4 remains excellent.
Can I use them while charging?
+
Yes. You can use the WH-1000XM5 while it charges via USB-C. If you run out of battery, you can also use them passively with the included 3.5mm audio cable — though ANC will not work in wired mode without power.
Do they work with Google Assistant and Alexa?
+
Yes. The WH-1000XM5 has a dedicated button that can be assigned to either Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa in the Sony Headphones Connect app. It also supports hands-free "Hey Google" and "Alexa" voice activation without pressing any button.
Is LDAC worth enabling? Does it drain battery faster?
+
LDAC transmits up to 990 kbps vs standard Bluetooth's 328 kbps — so the audio quality improvement is real and noticeable with high-bitrate source files and a compatible streaming service (Amazon Music Unlimited, Tidal HiFi, etc.). However, it does increase power consumption slightly, reducing battery life by approximately 2-3 hours and may cause more connection drops in congested wireless environments. For casual listening, AAC is more stable. For focused listening sessions with high-res content, LDAC is outstanding.
How does the ANC compare to Bose QuietComfort Ultra?
+
In most real-world tests, the Sony WH-1000XM5 edges out the Bose QC Ultra for overall noise cancellation effectiveness — particularly for mid-to-high frequency noise (voices, keyboard sounds, HVAC hum). The Bose QC Ultra has a slight edge in handling very low-frequency rumble (like aircraft drone). The QC Ultra also has better spatial audio (Bose Immersive Audio) and is slightly more natural-sounding, but costs $30 more. For pure ANC, Sony is #1. For sound stage and spatial feel, Bose is arguably better.
What's in the box?
+
The WH-1000XM5 comes with: the headphones, a premium hard-shell carrying case, a USB-C charging cable (USB-A to USB-C), a 3.5mm audio cable for wired use, and a documentation booklet. Notably, the case is slightly larger than the XM4's case due to the non-folding design.
Are they comfortable for glasses wearers?
+
Generally yes. The XM5 ear cups are large and deep with soft synthetic leather pads, which accommodate most glasses frames without excessive pressure. However, very thick glasses arms can create a small gap that slightly reduces ANC effectiveness and causes minor discomfort over long sessions. Sony has improved the softness and depth of the ear pads specifically for glasses compatibility compared to the XM4.
Sony WH-1000XM5
$248.00 $300
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