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Sony WH-1000XM5Editor's Choice1 / 17
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony shows why it's the leader of the over-ear pack.

Current price · Amazon US
$198
Check Price on Amazon

Price last checked 23h ago

noise cancelling & sound
8.4/ 10
ANCNoise cancelling
8.4
0.010.0

At 8.4, its noise cancelling beats 62% of over-ear headphones we've measured.

Measured on 58 of the 239 we've cataloged.

4.2/ 5
SoundMDAQS Overall
4.2
1.05.0

A 4.2 puts its audio quality in the top half of over-ear headphones we've measured.

Measured on 43 of the 239 we've cataloged.

See the lab data ↓Frequency response · Isolation · Noise cancelling · Audio quality

Key specs

Battery Life Wireless
40 hBelow average
40 h
11 h100 h

below average for over-ear headphones — based on 156 of 239 we've cataloged.

Charging Method
USB-CMost common
Usb-c88%Micro usb9%Others3%

Usb-c is the most common — on 88% of the 138 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 239).

Bluetooth Version
5.2
5.029%5.326%5.216%5.411%

5.2 appears on 16% of the 147 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 239).

Connection Type
Wired-3.5mm48%Bluetooth44%Wired-usb-c7%Others2%

Bluetooth appears on 44% of the 239 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 239).

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.

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0 of 4 overlay slots used
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.-20-100+10+20201001k10k20k

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.

Sony WH-1000XM5: frequency response, as measured in the SoundGuys lab. Frequency in hertz.
Frequency (Hz)Response (dB)
209.2
259.3
328.9
408.6
508.2
637.5
807.2
1007.0
1256.5
1605.9
2005.0
2503.7
3151.5
4000.5
5000.3
6300.4
8001.1
1000-0.0
12500.5
16005.0
20006.4
25007.8
315014.0
400012.5
500010.2
630010.0
80008.1
100006.9
12500-6.5
16000-8.0
20000-27.1

SoundGuys review

Read the full review ›
SOUNDGUYS rating
8.6/ 10
Highly recommended
Christian Thomas
Reviewed byChristian ThomasEditor-at-largeReviewed November 2022
Noise 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.

✓What we like
✓ANC performance
✓Outstanding microphone
✓App features, including custom EQ
✓Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, LDAC, and wired connectivity options
✓Bluetooth multipoint
✓Find My Device enabled
✕What could be better
✕Price
✕No IP rating
Read the full SoundGuys review →

Features & Opinions

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 BirneyAdam 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 BirneyAdam BirneyManaging EditorHow to choose the right headphones for different music genresWhether you listen to EDM, rock, or classical, we have you covered.Tom TriggsTom TriggsContributorFour years later, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are still my favorite headphonesGo on, save money and get something nice. Lil KatzLil KatzContributorI didn’t love the Sony 1000X The Collexion until I tried this settingSometimes the best upgrade is already hiding in the app.Dave CarrDave CarrVideo Producer/WriterClip-on earbuds fixed my biggest issue with open-earsClip-on earbuds offer a secure fit, better sound, and zero pressure.Brady SnyderBrady 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 CarrDave 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 CarrDave CarrVideo Producer/WriterSony somehow made the name of its new headphones even worseNobody knows what it means, but it's provocative.Adam BirneyAdam BirneyManaging EditorWired headphones are making a comeback: Here's whyIt's about time wired earbuds and headphones had their redemption moment.Lil KatzLil KatzContributorI've reviewed headphones for over a decade: Here are 5 things I wish they did differentlyHeadphone companies: help me help youChristian ThomasChristian ThomasEditor-at-large5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027Here's where things are headed.Christian ThomasChristian ThomasEditor-at-large

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