Sony WH-1000XM5 Review - Best Noise Cancelling Headphones 2025

Sony WH-1000XM5 Review

The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Money Can Buy

⭐ 4.7/5
Updated: January 2025

Quick Summary

The Sony WH-1000XM5 represents the pinnacle of noise-cancelling headphone technology, delivering exceptional audio quality and industry-leading active noise cancellation. With improved comfort and battery life, these headphones are perfect for travelers, commuters, and audiophiles alike.


Pros

  • Exceptional noise cancellation
  • Premium build quality
  • 30-hour battery life
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Comfortable for long sessions

Cons

  • Premium price point
  • Non-foldable design
  • Touch controls can be sensitive
  • Limited customization options

Rating Breakdown

Sound Quality
4.7/5
Noise Cancellation
4.8/5
Comfort
4.5/5
Battery Life
4.6/5
Build Quality
4.4/5
Value for Money
4.0/5

Product Specifications

Driver Size 30mm
Frequency Response 4Hz - 40kHz
Impedance 48 ohms
Weight 250g
Battery Life 30 hours
Charging Time 3 hours
Bluetooth Version 5.2
Codecs SBC, AAC, LDAC

Detailed Review

Design and Build Quality

The Sony WH-1000XM5 represents a significant design departure from its predecessor. Gone is the foldable design, replaced by a sleeker, more modern aesthetic that prioritizes comfort and style. The headphones feature a premium matte finish available in black and silver, with soft-touch materials that feel luxurious to the touch.

The build quality is exceptional, with a perfect balance of durability and lightweight construction. At 250 grams, these headphones are comfortable for extended listening sessions, and the improved padding on the headband and ear cups ensures a secure yet comfortable fit.

Sound Quality and Performance

Sony has once again raised the bar for wireless headphone audio quality. The WH-1000XM5 delivers rich, detailed sound with excellent clarity across all frequencies. The bass is punchy without being overwhelming, the mids are clear and present, and the highs are crisp without being harsh.

Key audio features include:

Noise Cancellation

The active noise cancellation on the WH-1000XM5 is simply outstanding. Sony's industry-leading ANC technology effectively blocks out ambient noise, making these headphones perfect for flights, commutes, or any noisy environment. The improvement over the previous generation is noticeable, with better handling of mid-frequency sounds.

Battery Life and Charging

With up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, the WH-1000XM5 offers exceptional endurance. Quick charging provides 3 hours of playback from just 3 minutes of charging, making these headphones incredibly convenient for daily use.

Where to Buy - Price Comparison

Best Deal
Amazon
$399.99
$349.99
Save $50
Buy Now
Best Buy
$369.99
Buy Now
Sony Direct
$399.99
Buy Now
Target
$399.99
$359.99
Save $40
Buy Now

Final Verdict

4.7/5

The Sony WH-1000XM5 sets a new standard for premium wireless headphones. With exceptional noise cancellation, superb sound quality, and impressive battery life, these headphones justify their premium price point.

Get the Best Deal

Affiliate Disclosure

ReviewedList.com may earn a commission when you purchase through links on our site. This helps support our work and allows us to continue providing honest, unbiased reviews. Our editorial content is not influenced by affiliate partnerships.