Over-Ear Headphones
Sennheiser Momentum 5
8.6/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
1 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
Comfort over long sessions — as expected
$399.95at Amazon
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Sony
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony shows why it's the leader of the over-ear pack.
noise cancelling & sound
8.4/ 10
ANCNoise cancelling8.4
0.010.0
At 8.4, its noise cancelling beats 61% of over-ear headphones we've measured.
Measured on 61 of the 238 we've cataloged.
4.2/ 5
SoundMDAQS Overall4.2
1.05.0
A 4.2 puts its audio quality in the top half of over-ear headphones we've measured.
Measured on 44 of the 238 we've cataloged.
See the lab data ↓Frequency response · Isolation · Noise cancelling · Audio quality
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Key specs
Battery Life Wireless
40 hBelow average40 h
11 h100 h
below average for over-ear headphones — based on 156 of 238 we've cataloged.
Charging Method
USB-CMost commonUsb-c89%Micro usb8%Others3%
Usb-c is the most common — on 89% of the 135 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 238).
Bluetooth Version
5.25.028%5.325%5.216%5.411%
5.2 appears on 16% of the 147 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 238).
Connection Type
Wired-3.5mm48%Bluetooth44%Wired-usb-c7%Others2%
Bluetooth appears on 44% of the 239 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 238).
Battery
- Battery Life Wireless
- 40 h
- Charging Method
- USB-C
- Full Charge Minutes
- 180 min
- Battery Life Anc On
- 30 h
- Battery
- Yes
- Fast Charging
- Yes
Connectivity
- Bluetooth Version
- 5.2
- Connection Type
- Bluetooth wireless
- Bluetooth Codec
- AAC, LDAC, SBC
- Multipoint Devices
- 2 devices
- Headphone Jack
- Yes
- USB Charging
- Yes
Design
- Weight
- 250 g
- Color Options
- Black, midnight blue, silver, smoky pink
- Ear Pad Depth
- 41 mm
- Ear Pad Type
- Synthetic leather with memory foam
- Foldable
- No
- Headband Type
- Adjustable over-head
Features
- Spatial Audio
- Yes - 360 Reality Audio
- Companion App
- IOS + Android
- Control Type
- Physical buttons, touch controls, voice assistant
- Eq Customization
- Yes
- Auto Pause
- Yes
- Voice Assistant Support
- Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
Build
- Material Chassis Primary
- Abs plastic with recycled car parts, synthetic leather ear cups
- Sweat Resistance
- No
- Water Resistance
- No
- Material Ear Cups
- Memory foam, vegan leatherette
- Material Headband
- ABS plastic with synthetic leather and memory foam padding
Microphone
- Count
- 8
- Microphone
- Yes
- Wind Noise Reduction
- Yes
- Noise Reduction Type
- AI-powered noise reduction
- Type
- 4 beamforming microphones for calls, multiple ANC microphones
Sound
- Acoustic Design
- Closed-back
- Ambient Mode
- Adjustable level
- Anc Modes
- Off,anc,transparency
- Driver Count
- 1
- Driver Size
- 30 mm
- Driver Type
- Dynamic
- Frequency Response Signature
- V-shaped
- Noise Cancellation Type
- Active
- Passive Isolation
- 31 dB
Identity
- Model Number
- WH-1000XM5
Release
- Date
- May 20, 2022
- Msrp Usd
- 399.99 USD
- Year
- 2022
Lab data
How we test ›Objective measurements from the SoundGuys test lab — overlay other models to see how this one compares.
Sony WH-1000XM5SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve
Measured frequency response (dB relative) against the SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve. When the measurement goes above the dashed line, that frequency is louder than our preference curve, and when it goes below: it's quieter. Use the curve for comparison purposes only, as your taste may vary.
| Frequency (Hz) | Response (dB) |
|---|---|
| 20 | 9.2 |
| 25 | 9.3 |
| 32 | 8.9 |
| 40 | 8.6 |
| 50 | 8.2 |
| 63 | 7.5 |
| 80 | 7.2 |
| 100 | 7.0 |
| 125 | 6.5 |
| 160 | 5.9 |
| 200 | 5.0 |
| 250 | 3.7 |
| 315 | 1.5 |
| 400 | 0.5 |
| 500 | 0.3 |
| 630 | 0.4 |
| 800 | 1.1 |
| 1000 | -0.0 |
| 1250 | 0.5 |
| 1600 | 5.0 |
| 2000 | 6.4 |
| 2500 | 7.8 |
| 3150 | 14.0 |
| 4000 | 12.5 |
| 5000 | 10.2 |
| 6300 | 10.0 |
| 8000 | 8.1 |
| 10000 | 6.9 |
| 12500 | -6.5 |
| 16000 | -8.0 |
| 20000 | -27.1 |
Sony WH-1000XM5
Passive isolation (dB) with ANC off — how much ambient noise the fit blocks on its own. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | -0.6 |
| 26 | -1.7 |
| 33 | -0.0 |
| 41 | 0.1 |
| 52 | 0.0 |
| 65 | -0.6 |
| 82 | -0.8 |
| 103 | -1.3 |
| 130 | -5.1 |
| 163 | -3.0 |
| 205 | -0.1 |
| 259 | 5.0 |
| 325 | 10.8 |
| 410 | 14.1 |
| 516 | 21.8 |
| 613 | 22.8 |
| 772 | 25.0 |
| 972 | 27.7 |
| 1220 | 29.1 |
| 1540 | 34.9 |
| 1940 | 36.3 |
| 2440 | 39.6 |
| 3070 | 33.3 |
| 3870 | 39.1 |
| 4870 | 47.3 |
| 6130 | 49.2 |
| 7720 | 49.0 |
| 9720 | 45.4 |
| 12200 | 39.9 |
| 15400 | 41.4 |
| 19400 | 46.8 |
Sony WH-1000XM5
Total attenuation (dB) with ANC on — passive isolation plus active noise cancelling. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Total attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | 4.9 |
| 26 | 7.6 |
| 33 | 11.3 |
| 41 | 16.4 |
| 52 | 20.7 |
| 65 | 25.6 |
| 82 | 28.4 |
| 103 | 28.0 |
| 130 | 22.9 |
| 163 | 24.5 |
| 205 | 22.5 |
| 259 | 21.9 |
| 325 | 21.4 |
| 410 | 22.9 |
| 516 | 21.1 |
| 613 | 20.1 |
| 772 | 23.2 |
| 972 | 25.9 |
| 1220 | 28.5 |
| 1540 | 29.1 |
| 1940 | 32.0 |
| 2440 | 38.0 |
| 3070 | 32.8 |
| 3870 | 41.7 |
| 4870 | 47.3 |
| 6130 | 46.5 |
| 7720 | 44.2 |
| 9720 | 44.6 |
| 12200 | 37.9 |
| 15400 | 40.2 |
| 19400 | 44.3 |
Sony WH-1000XM5
4.3
3.6
4.1
4.2
Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (1–5), modeled from the measured response. Higher is better across timbre, distortion, and immersiveness — add other models to see where this one lands.
SoundGuys review
SOUNDGUYS rating
Reviewed byChristian ThomasEditor-at-largeReviewed November 2022
8.6/ 10
Highly recommendedNoise cancelling8.4
Isolation9.8
Comfort & fit8.8
Connectivity9.0
Design7.3
Portability7.5
The verdict
The predecessors to the Sony WH-1000XM5 were king of the hill, and this new headphone takes that crown. With new drivers, features, and design, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is an intriguing set of headphones among the flagship active noise canceling (ANC) devices on the market. It excels in travel or at the office, in particular.
✓Liked: ANC performance, Outstanding microphone, App features, including custom EQ, Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, LDAC, and wired connectivity options
✕Could be better: Price, No IP rating
Owners
How we verify ownersNobody who owns the Sony WH-1000XM5 has written in yet.
Owner notes are not paid for, not solicited from specific owners, and not edited by us. The commission SoundGuys may earn on this page comes from retail links, never from notes.
Own the Sony WH-1000XM5?
Three answers, four quick reads, one sentence nobody tells you before buying. Shown under a pseudonym.
Related comparisons
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Video reviews and comparisons for this product.
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More from the team ›Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
The Sony XM6 must fix this Achilles heel of the WH-1000XM5Sony's flagship headphones have a serious durability problem that can't be ignored.
Adam BirneyManaging EditorWe asked if your Sony WH-1000XM5s have failed: Nearly half of you said yesYou shared your experiences with the Sony XM5 headphones—here’s what we learned.Adam BirneyManaging EditorHow to choose the right headphones for different music genresWhether you listen to EDM, rock, or classical, we have you covered.
Tom TriggsContributorFour years later, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are still my favorite headphonesGo on, save money and get something nice. 
Lil KatzContributorThe Sony XM4C prove we don't need a new headphone model every yearSony's newest headphones aren't new at all, and that's kind of the point.Adam BirneyManaging EditorI didn’t love the Sony 1000X The Collexion until I tried this settingSometimes the best upgrade is already hiding in the app.
Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterClip-on earbuds fixed my biggest issue with open-earsClip-on earbuds offer a secure fit, better sound, and zero pressure.
Brady SnyderContributorI ditched my AirPods Pro 3 for Sony's WF-1000XM6 and only lasted a weekI thought the more expensive earbuds would win. I was wrong.Dave CarrVideo Producer/Writer3 headphones I would buy instead of the AirPods Max 2These premium headphones deliver class-leading ANC, longer battery life, and more flexibility for less money.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterSony somehow made the name of its new headphones even worseNobody knows what it means, but it's provocative.Adam BirneyManaging EditorI've reviewed headphones for over a decade: Here are 5 things I wish they did differentlyHeadphone companies: help me help youChristian ThomasEditor-at-large5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027Here's where things are headed.Christian ThomasEditor-at-large
Adam BirneyManaging EditorWe asked if your Sony WH-1000XM5s have failed: Nearly half of you said yesYou shared your experiences with the Sony XM5 headphones—here’s what we learned.Adam BirneyManaging EditorHow to choose the right headphones for different music genresWhether you listen to EDM, rock, or classical, we have you covered.Tom TriggsContributorFour years later, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are still my favorite headphonesGo on, save money and get something nice. Lil KatzContributorThe Sony XM4C prove we don't need a new headphone model every yearSony's newest headphones aren't new at all, and that's kind of the point.Adam BirneyManaging EditorI didn’t love the Sony 1000X The Collexion until I tried this settingSometimes the best upgrade is already hiding in the app.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterClip-on earbuds fixed my biggest issue with open-earsClip-on earbuds offer a secure fit, better sound, and zero pressure.Brady SnyderContributorI ditched my AirPods Pro 3 for Sony's WF-1000XM6 and only lasted a weekI thought the more expensive earbuds would win. I was wrong.Dave CarrVideo Producer/Writer3 headphones I would buy instead of the AirPods Max 2These premium headphones deliver class-leading ANC, longer battery life, and more flexibility for less money.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterSony somehow made the name of its new headphones even worseNobody knows what it means, but it's provocative.Adam BirneyManaging EditorI've reviewed headphones for over a decade: Here are 5 things I wish they did differentlyHeadphone companies: help me help youChristian ThomasEditor-at-large5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027Here's where things are headed.Christian ThomasEditor-at-largeMore Over-Ear Headphones
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