Bottom line up front: The Sony WH-1000XM5 remains one of the best wireless headphones you can buy in 2025. With class-leading active noise cancellation, outstanding sound quality, and excellent call performance, it earns its premium price — though it does have a few meaningful trade-offs worth knowing.
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Overview & Key Specs
Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones have been out for a few years now, but they continue to hold their own against newer competition from Bose, Apple, and a growing number of budget challengers. We tested them across three months of real-world use: on long-haul flights, in busy open-plan offices, during commutes, and at home.
Key specifications include 30 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, dual chip processing for improved noise cancellation, and eight microphones for call clarity. They support Sony's LDAC codec for high-resolution audio streaming and connect via Bluetooth 5.2.
Noise Cancellation Performance
This is where the XM5 genuinely excels. The dual noise sensor technology and two processors work together to suppress a very wide range of ambient sounds — from low-frequency airplane engine rumble to mid-range HVAC noise and moderate conversation in open offices.
In our testing, it consistently outperformed the Bose QuietComfort 45 at blocking low-frequency noise (planes, trains), though the Bose edge ahead slightly for blocking human speech. For most users, the Sony's ANC will be more than adequate for everyday use.
Sound Quality
Out of the box, the XM5 delivers a warm, well-balanced sound signature with enhanced bass presence. The soundstage is reasonably wide for a closed-back headphone, and the imaging is surprisingly accurate — instruments feel properly placed. Using the Sony Headphones Connect app, you have extensive EQ controls to tune to your preference.
LDAC support means that when paired with a compatible source (many Android phones, Sony's own Walkmans), you get noticeably improved detail retrieval compared to standard AAC or SBC. The difference is subtle but real on well-mastered recordings.
Comfort & Build Quality
Here's where opinions start to diverge. The XM5 switched to a unibody headband design compared to its predecessor — it's sleeker, but it's also non-folding. For daily commuters who want to throw headphones into a bag, this is a meaningful downgrade from the XM4. The carrying case is also thinner and offers less protection.
That said, the soft fabric ear cushions and reduced clamping force make extended wear sessions very comfortable. We wore these for 4–5 hour stretches with no discomfort, which isn't something we can say for all competitors.
Battery Life
Sony rates the XM5 at 30 hours with ANC enabled, and our real-world testing came in at about 28–31 hours depending on volume and ANC intensity. Quick Charge via USB-C gives you roughly 3 hours of playback from a 3-minute charge, which is genuinely useful. Battery life is class-leading and one of the XM5's strongest features.
Call Quality
The XM5 uses four beamforming microphones and Sony's bone conduction sensor to accurately capture your voice while filtering background noise. In our tests, call recipients consistently reported cleaner, more intelligible voice audio compared to the Bose QC45 and Apple AirPods Max. This is a notable improvement over the XM4 and a key reason frequent callers should consider upgrading.
Verdict & Who Should Buy
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the best all-around wireless headphone for most people who prioritize noise cancellation, sound quality, and call performance. It loses a point for the non-folding design and occasionally aggressive ANC auto-adjustments, but these are minor complaints for most users.
Buy the XM5 if: You fly or commute regularly, work in noisy environments, and want excellent sound quality for music and podcasts.
Consider alternatives if: You need folding headphones for portability, or if you primarily use them for calls in very loud environments where the Bose QC45 has a slight edge.