Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: Still the King of ANC?
After spending 3 months with Sony’s latest flagship headphones, here’s our complete review.
Industry-leading noise cancellation meets Hi-Res audio
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Best-in-class noise cancellation with dual processors
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30-hour battery life with quick charging
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Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity
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Speak-to-Chat and wearing detection
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 represents the fifth generation of their acclaimed noise-cancelling headphones, and they’ve refined nearly every aspect to perfection.
Noise Cancellation Excellence
With two processors controlling 8 microphones, the XM5 delivers unprecedented noise cancellation. The Auto NC Optimizer adjusts noise cancelling based on your wearing conditions and atmospheric pressure.
Superior Sound Quality
The specially designed 30mm driver unit with a carbon fiber composite material delivers exceptional sound quality across the frequency range. LDAC transmits approximately three times more data than conventional Bluetooth for Hi-Res Audio.
Pros
- ✓Industry-leading active noise cancellation
- ✓Exceptional 30-hour battery life
- ✓Incredibly comfortable for all-day wear
- ✓Excellent call quality with AI noise reduction
- ✓Intuitive touch controls and voice assistant
Cons
- ✗Cannot fold for compact storage
- ✗Premium price point at $399
- ✗Touch controls can be oversensitive
- ✗Carrying case is larger than XM4
Our Testing Process
We tested these headphones in various environments: busy cafes, long flights, daily commutes, and home offices. The noise cancellation performance was evaluated against competing models from Bose and Apple.
Sound Quality Deep Dive
The WH-1000XM5 delivers exceptional audio across all genres. Bass is punchy without being overwhelming, mids are clear and present, and highs are crisp without harshness. The LDAC codec support means you get near-lossless audio quality with compatible devices.
Samsung’s most advanced smartphone ever. Features Galaxy AI, titanium frame, and the most versatile camera system in any phone.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in a smartphone. With a built-in S Pen, professional-grade cameras, and Galaxy AI, it’s designed for users who demand the absolute best.
Revolutionary Camera System
The 200MP main sensor captures incredible detail, while the dual telephoto lenses offer 3x and 10x optical zoom. The new ProVisual engine powered by AI enhances every shot.
Galaxy AI Integration
Live Translate enables real-time translation during phone calls. Circle to Search lets you search anything on screen with a simple gesture. Note Assist helps organize and summarize your notes automatically.
