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Sony WH 1000XM5 Review

True Score

92
93
34

Experts

46
6,780

Consumers

Expert Rankings

The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers superb audio quality and effective noise cancellation, but the headband can be uncomfortable, and they’re pricey. Overall, they remain a top pick among mid-level ANC headphones.

SAVE $75
$399.99
$324.99

Overview

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a 2022-model high-end wireless headset that boasts active noise cancellation (ANC) for removing background noise. It has an auto-adaptive ANC tech, automatically optimizing sound removal.

Using Bluetooth 5.2, this device pairs with up to two devices at ago. Users can also connect via a detachable 3.5mm cable, although this interface doesn’t support the microphone.

You can find other Bluetooth headsets among the top-rated headphones today.

A rechargeable battery runs for up to 27 hours on a single charge. This unit has a closed design and boasts controls for ANC, volume, music playback, and talk-through.

Users can also choose from various EQ presets and manage other settings via the companion app, and it also supports 360 Reality Audio, providing a virtual 3D soundstage.

However, it’s not waterproof. Read on for details and check out other top-rated over the ear headphones to explore your options.

What Is Not on the Box

What the brand doesn’t always tell you…

our Verdict

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones excel with powerful noise cancellation, exceptional clarity on phone calls, long battery life, and comfortable earcups, but their headband may be too tight for some.

Still, the WH-1000XM5 is a worthy choice for those who prioritize audio fidelity and blocking out ambient noise. Sound quality is strong, with a more neutral balance and flatter frequency response than most competitors. Some find the bass underwhelming.

Fit and finish are high-quality, but some of the controls can be frustrating. The headband isn’t as accommodating as some, and they’re priced on the higher side compared to competitors.

Nonetheless, Sony the WH-1000XM5 has effective noise cancellation in testing and some useful advanced features, great for those seeking a pair of headphones with the latest tech.

True Score

92

Reasons to Buy

  • Superb audio quality
  • Comprehensive noise-canceling performance
  • Excellent, 27+ hour battery life
  • Improved call clarity
  • Fast charging

Reasons to Avoid

  • Headband can become uncomfortable over time
  • Pricey compared to competitors
  • XM5 doesn’t fold up for easy travel

Specifications

Battery Charge Time3 hrs
Battery Life30 hrs
Built In MicrophoneYes
Noise CancelingYes
Transparency ModeYes
True WirelessNo
Voice AssistantAmazon Alexa
Water ResistantNo
Weight0.55 lbs
Wireless ConnectivityBluetooth

All Specs

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Product Comparison

True Score

92
NR
NR
NR
NR

Ranking

#

2

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55

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Market Context

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a 2022-model high-end wireless headset that boasts active noise cancellation (ANC) for removing background noise. It has an auto-adaptive ANC tech,…

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a 2022-model high-end wireless headset that boasts active noise cancellation (ANC) for removing background noise. It has an auto-adaptive ANC tech, automatically optimizing sound removal.

Using Bluetooth 5.2, this device pairs with up to two devices at ago. Users can also connect via a detachable 3.5mm cable, although this interface doesn’t support the microphone.

You can find other Bluetooth headsets among the top-rated headphones today.

A rechargeable battery runs for up to 27 hours on a single charge. This unit has a closed design and boasts controls for ANC, volume, music playback, and talk-through.

Users can also choose from various EQ presets and manage other settings via the companion app, and it also supports 360 Reality Audio, providing a virtual 3D soundstage.

However, it’s not waterproof. Read on for details and check out other top-rated over the ear headphones to explore your options.

Removing up to -29.9 dB of audio, the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless is better for noise cancellation than the Sony WH-1000XM5, which has a -26.74 dB…

Removing up to -29.9 dB of audio, the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless is better for noise cancellation than the Sony WH-1000XM5, which has a -26.74 dB overall attenuation rate. It also supports aptX and aptX HD, providing higher-quality audio over Bluetooth than the XM5, which lacks this tech. On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM5 supports dual-device Bluetooth pairing, unlike the older device.

With a more neutral sound profile, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is better for music than the Sony WH CH710N. It also has an overall attenuation of…

With a more neutral sound profile, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is better for music than the Sony WH CH710N. It also has an overall attenuation of -26.74 dB, canceling out noise much better than the Sony WH CH710N, with its overall attenuation of -13.71 dB. However, the CH710N offers 29.4 hours of battery life, running for longer than the 27 hours of the Sony WH-1000XM5. Check out our Sony WH CH710n review for details.

Although the Sony WH-1000XM5 boasts better noise cancellation against office chatter, the Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless is better at masking low-rumbling noise from an airplane…

Although the Sony WH-1000XM5 boasts better noise cancellation against office chatter, the Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless is better at masking low-rumbling noise from an airplane or vehicle engine. Unlike the Bose model, the Sony device is compatible with 360 Reality Audio, providing a better 3D soundstage.

The microphone on the Sony WH-1000XM5 peaks up the voice better against background noise than its predecessor, the Sony WH-1000XM4. The newer device also has…

The microphone on the Sony WH-1000XM5 peaks up the voice better against background noise than its predecessor, the Sony WH-1000XM4. The newer device also has more effective ANC against office chatter. However, the older device does a better job at removing low-rumbling noises such as vehicle engine sounds. Check out our Sony WH-1000XM4 review to learn more about the previous model.

Battery Charge Time

3 hrs

Battery Life

30 hrs

Built In Microphone

Yes

Noise Canceling

Yes

Transparency Mode

Yes

True Wireless

No

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

93

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

46

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

92

Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews

Expert Score Breakdown

  • Rtings
    A

    Trust Score

    77
    The Sony WH-1000XM5 are satisfactory for neutral sound. They don’t create a very immersive experience… read more

    By:

    Chris Welch
  • Sound Guys
    C

    Trust Score

    86
    The predecessors to the Sony WH-1000XM5 were king of the hill, and this new headphone… read more

    By:

    Simon Lucas
  • Tom’s Guide
    C

    Trust Score

    90
    Sony demonstrates across-the-board expertise in the XM5 with a great-sounding pair of headphones that has… read more

    By:

    Chris Davies
  • Moon Audio
    C

    Trust Score

    90
    I think what I said last year about the XM4 still applies: the XM series… read more

    By:

    Ricky Kovacs
  • GSM Arena
    C

    Trust Score

    NR
    Sony’s ridiculously named WH-1000X series has been a massive success. The original model launched back… read more

    By:

    Andrew Liszewski
  • PC Mag
    D

    Trust Score

    90
    Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones pair top-notch noise cancellation with class-leading audio quality in a comfortable, attractive… read more

    By:

    Moon Audio Staff

Customer Score Breakdown

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