Is Sony WH-1000XM5 Actually Worth It? (2026 Review)
◆ Top10Scout Editor's Choice 2026
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Sony sent me a pair of the WH-1000XM5 headphones for this review. They didn't pay for my opinion, and they certainly don't get to edit it. These thoughts are 100% my own.*
Quick Verdict: The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones deliver ridiculously good noise cancellation that deletes the outside world. The sound is fantastic after a quick EQ tweak, and call quality is finally top-tier. But the new non-folding design and bigger case are a definite step back for travelers.
## My Unfiltered Sony WH-1000XM5 Review
Let's get one thing straight. Sony’s 1000X line has been the king of noise-canceling headphones for years. Each new version felt like a victory lap. So when the WH-1000XM5 arrived with a radical redesign, the question wasn't just "is it better?" It was "did they mess up a good thing?"
I’ve spent the last four weeks with these headphones glued to my head. I’ve used them on a cross-country flight, in a loud coffee shop trying to write, and during late-night editing sessions in my quiet office. The short answer? No, they didn't mess it up. But they did make some questionable choices.
## Design: A Sleek, But Awkward, Overhaul
The first thing you'll notice is the new look. Sony ditched the old foldable design for a sleeker, more minimalist aesthetic. The XM5s look more modern, less "techy" than the XM4s. The headband is thinner, the joints are silent and smooth, and the whole thing feels lighter on the head.
But here’s the trade-off. They don’t fold up anymore. The earcups swivel flat, but that’s it. This means the new case is significantly larger and flatter than the old one. It takes up a ridiculous amount of space in a backpack. For someone who travels, this is a genuine downgrade. It’s a classic case of form over function.
Comfort, however, is excellent. The synthetic leather earcups are plush and roomy, even for my larger-than-average ears. I wore them for a 5-hour flight without any painful pressure points or sweaty-ear syndrome. They weigh in at 250g, a hair lighter than the 254g XM4s, and you can feel that slight difference over a long day.
## Noise Cancellation: Still the King
This is why you buy Sony headphones. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on the XM5 is, frankly, witchcraft. Sony doubled the number of microphones from four to eight and added a second dedicated processor just for ANC. The result is uncanny silence.
Low-frequency sounds like the drone of an airplane engine or the rumble of a subway car are completely erased. I sat next to a screaming baby on my flight, and while I could still hear faint high-pitched cries, the ANC knocked the volume down by a solid 80%. It was the most peaceful flight I’ve had in years.
The real improvement is with higher-frequency sounds. Office chatter, keyboard clicks, and the hiss of an espresso machine are muted far more effectively than on the older XM4s. The Auto NC Optimizer is supposed to adjust the cancellation based on your environment automatically. It works, but sometimes it feels a bit too aggressive, creating a slight "pressure" feeling when it adjusts. It’s a minor quirk in an otherwise flawless system.
## How Does the Sound Hold Up?
Out of the box, the sound is… fine. It's a bit bass-heavy for my taste, which can make some tracks feel muddy. The new 30mm carbon fiber composite drivers are technically impressive, but the default tuning feels like it's aimed at pleasing bass-heads, not audiophiles.
But then you open the Sony Headphones Connect app. Thank goodness for the equalizer. With a few quick adjustments (I usually use the "Bright" preset and then bump the mids slightly), the sound opens up beautifully. Vocals become crisp and clear, instruments have space to breathe, and the bass tightens up without disappearing.
Once dialed in, these headphones sound spectacular. LDAC codec support over Bluetooth means you get near-wired quality from compatible devices (mostly Android phones). Listening to high-res tracks is a genuine treat. The soundstage isn't massive, but the detail and clarity are superb.
## The App Experience: Necessary, But Crowded
You absolutely need the Sony Headphones Connect app to get the most out of the XM5s. It's where you'll find the custom EQ, control the ANC levels, and access a dozen other features. Some are brilliant, others are gimmicks.
Speak-to-Chat: This feature automatically pauses your music and turns on ambient sound when you start talking. It's incredibly clever when you need to order a coffee. It's also incredibly annoying when you sing along to a song or cough, and your music cuts out. I turned it off after two days.
Adaptive Sound Control: This tries to learn your locations (home, office, gym) and automatically switch sound profiles. It's a neat idea, but it was never quite right. I prefer to control my settings manually. It’s the kind of smart feature that isn’t quite smart enough yet.
Multipoint Connection: This, however, is a must-have feature. You can connect the XM5s to two devices at once, like your laptop and phone. It switches seamlessly between a video call on my laptop and an incoming call on my phone. It just works, and it’s a huge quality-of-life improvement for anyone who juggles devices. It's a core part of my home office setup, right alongside my trusty Logitech MX Master 3S: The Unfiltered 2026 Review.
## Call Quality: A Massive Leap Forward
This was the Achilles' heel of previous 1000X models. The XM4s made you sound like you were in a wind tunnel if you dared to take a call outside. I'm happy to report that Sony has finally fixed this.
With four beamforming microphones and an AI-based noise reduction algorithm, the XM5s deliver some of the best call quality I've ever tested on headphones. I took calls while walking down a busy city street, and the person on the other end said they could hear me perfectly, with most of the traffic noise completely filtered out. This alone might be worth the upgrade for remote workers.
## A Head-to-Head Comparison
Words only go so far. Here’s a direct comparison of the key specs against its predecessor and a major rival, the Sennheiser Momentum 4.
Feature
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Noise Cancellation
Exceptional (8 mics, 2 processors)
Excellent (4 mics, 1 processor)
Excellent (Adaptive ANC)
Sound Quality
Excellent (with EQ), 30mm drivers
Excellent, 40mm drivers
Excellent, audiophile-tuned, 42mm drivers
Battery Life (ANC On)
~30 hours
~30 hours
~60 hours
Design
Does not fold, lighter build
Folds into a compact case
Folds flat, not fully compact
Call Quality
Excellent (4 beamforming mics)
Mediocre
Very Good
Weight
250g
254g
293g
Special Features
Auto NC Optimizer, DSEE Extreme
DSEE Extreme, Speak-to-Chat
Smart Pause, Sound Personalization
As you can see, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones - Bluetooth Headset for demolish both Sonys on battery life. But the XM5's combination of elite ANC and stellar call quality keeps it at the top of the pack for me. The choice depends on your priorities.
## What Real Buyers Keep Complaining About
I’m not the only one with opinions. After digging through hundreds of user reviews on Amazon and Reddit, a few complaints pop up again and again.
First, the non-folding design and the bulky case. This is, by far, the most common gripe. Frequent flyers and commuters who loved the XM4's portability feel let down by the new form factor. It's a deal-breaker for some.
Second, the Auto NC Optimizer can be inconsistent. Some users report hearing the ANC shift or change levels unexpectedly, which can be distracting. Others notice a "whooshing" sound as it recalibrates. It seems to work better in consistently noisy environments like a plane than in places with fluctuating noise levels.
Finally, while my review unit feels solid, some early buyers reported creaking sounds from the plastic headband and yokes. This seems to be less of an issue with newer batches, but it's something to be aware of. For a premium-priced product, you expect premium build quality, end of story.
## Who Should Buy the Sony WH-1000XM5?
These headphones are for the person who prioritizes silence above all else. If you're a frequent flyer, an open-office worker, or someone who just needs to block out a noisy home, the ANC is worth every penny.
They're also for the remote worker who spends hours on calls. The improvement in microphone quality is dramatic and makes these a fantastic all-in-one headset for work and play. If you're tired of people saying "what was that?" on your Zoom calls, this is your solution.
## Who Should Skip Them?
If your number one concern is portability, stop right here. The awkward case is a real problem. You might be happier with the older, foldable XM4s (if you can find them) or another brand.
Also, if you're on a tighter budget, the XM5s are a serious investment. The performance is premium, but so is the price tag. And if you want amazing sound without messing with an app, other headphones might suit you better out of the box. For those who need a tough, portable audio solution for the beach or park, something like the Edifier ES60 Bluetooth Speaker is a much more practical choice.
What I Like
World-beating noise cancellation that silences almost everything
Vastly improved microphone quality for crystal-clear calls
Lightweight and extremely comfortable for all-day wear
Excellent, detailed sound (once you use the EQ)
Seamless multipoint connectivity between two devices
What Needs Work
The non-folding design is a huge step back for portability
The carrying case is bulky and inconvenient
Default sound profile is too bass-heavy for my taste
"Smart" features like Speak-to-Chat can be more annoying than helpful
Are the Sony WH-1000XM5 worth upgrading from the XM4?
If you take a lot of calls, yes. The microphone improvement is massive. The noise cancellation is also a noticeable step up, especially for voices and higher-pitched sounds. But if you primarily value portability and the XM4s still work well, the upgrade is less compelling due to the XM5's non-folding design.
Top-down view of the white Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones on a purple surface next to a smartphone and notebook.
Can you use the Sony WH-1000XM5 for working out?
I wouldn't. They have no official IP rating for water or sweat resistance. While they're light, they aren't designed for vigorous activity and could be damaged by moisture. They're fine for a walk, but for the gym, you should get a pair of dedicated sport earbuds.
Sony WH-1000XM5 product photo - studio shot
How do the XM5s compare to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones?
It's a very close race. The XM5s have slightly better call quality and, in my opinion, a more customizable sound via the app's EQ. The Bose QC Ultras have a more compact folding design and some find their ANC slightly more comfortable (less "ear suck"). It really comes down to personal preference on design and sound signature.
Can I use these headphones with a wired connection?
Yes. The XM5s come with a 3.5mm audio cable. You can use them wired, even when the battery is dead. However, you can only get the best audio quality and use features like ANC and EQ when the headphones are powered on.
Close-up of Sony WH-1000XM5 features and details
Is the battery life really 30 hours with ANC on?
Yes, my testing confirmed this. I got just over 29 hours of continuous playback with ANC on and the volume at around 60%. With ANC off, you can push it closer to 40 hours. The quick-charge feature is also legit; a 3-minute charge gave me well over 2 hours of listening time.
Edifier ES60 Bluetooth Speaker, Portable with Stereo Pairing, IP66 Dustproof & Waterproof
My Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones - Bluetooth Headset for
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Natalie Voss
Kitchen & Home Tech Reviewer Natalie is a former culinary school instructor turned product reviewer. She combines professional kitchen experience wit...
💬 Community Insights — What readers are saying about Sony WH-1000XM5
Curated from reader submissions and community discussions
🧑💼Carlos M.3 weeks ago👍 1
A comprehensive analysis. My experience largely aligns with yours. Pros: Unmatched ANC, superior audio clarity over the XM4s. Cons: The new design feels less premium and doesn't fold, a significant drawback for frequent travelers vs the Bose QC Ultra.
👩K. Marsh4 hours ago👍 4
Ive been meaning to post an update. I bought these for my husband about three months ago for his commute. He still raves about them, says the battery life after 3 months of daily use is still fantastic and the comfort is a lifesaver on the train.
✂️Manny_shaves3 days ago👍 22
Good review, but you didn't mention how it performs on the neck area. I've got sensitive skin and most foils cause irritation after a few days. Wondering if this is a good upgrade vs the Braun Series 7 for a daily shave?
👨👧Dave_the_dad2 hours ago👍 9
Thanks for the review, they look great but that price is steep. My son wants them for college to use with his laptop and phone. Does it really switch between the two easily or is it a big hassle? Dont want to spend this much if its not going to work simply.
🧔Jake_R2 months ago👍 16
yeah teh multipoint is seamless it just works. he can be watching a lecture on his laptop and if his phone rings it switches over automatically. its one of the best features tbh.
A comprehensive analysis. My experience largely aligns with yours. Pros: Unmatched ANC, superior audio clarity over the XM4s. Cons: The new design feels less premium and doesn't fold, a significant drawback for frequent travelers vs the Bose QC Ultra.