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sony wh 1000xm5 review

Sony WH 1000XM5 Review

True Score

79
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Mixed Reviews
93
34

Experts

90
6.56k

Consumers

Expert Rankings

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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.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Headphones, Black
SAVE $75
$399.99
$324.99

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…

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

79

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 Time
    3 hours
  • Battery Life
    30 hours
  • Built In Microphone
    Yes
  • Built-In Voice Assistant
    Amazon Alexa
  • Environment/Transparency Mode
    Yes
  • Noise Canceling
    Yes
  • True Wireless
    No
  • Water Resistant
    No
  • Weight
    0.55 pounds
  • Wireless Connectivity
    Bluetooth

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.

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Product Comparison

All Stores

  • Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Headphones, Black
    Save $75
    $399.99
    $324.99

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

    No
  • Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Industry Leading Headphones with Auto Noise Canceling Optimizer, Crystal Clear Hands-Free Calling, and Alexa Voice Control, Black
    $398.00

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

    Yes
  • Sony   WH1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Over the Ear Headphones
    $399.99

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

    Yes

Score Card

E

Expert Score

93

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

90

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

79

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
  • Moon Audio
    C

    Trust Score

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

    Trust Score

    100
    Sony’s WH-1000XM5 improve over their predecessors in small ways that add up. The new design… read more
  • Which?
    D

    Trust Score

    NR
    Sony has been making waves with its popular range of noise-cancelling headphones for years now…. read more
  • Sound Guys
    D

    Trust Score

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

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