ReviewFinder Wireless Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5

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Sound quality
Noise cancellation
Comfort
Battery life
Connectivity
Durability
Additional features
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20 Verified Hands-On Reviews

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Expert reviews [20]

91
Total expert reviews: 20
  • with a score: 15
  • without a score: 5
Highest score by TechRadar
100
Average score based on 20 reviews
91
Lowest score by Rtings.com
77

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
87
Sony WH-1000XM5 review
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a flagship ANC headphone that offers impressive noise cancellation and high-quality audio. It may have a hefty price tag, but it is worth it for those who prioritize these features.
+ pros
  • Excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) performance, effectively blocking out incidental sound and cancelling noise by around 30dB.
  • Impressive battery life, with over 30 hours of playback with ANC on and over 50 hours with ANC off.
  • Comfortable to wear for extended periods, with soft coating, vegan leatherette materials, and deep padding.
  • Wide range of features, including Find My Device support, ear sensor for music pause, and ambient noise passthrough.
  • High-quality audio, especially for those who prioritize noise cancellation and higher-bitrate Bluetooth audio.
- cons
  • Not suitable for gym use or in rainy climates, as they are not sweat or water-resistant.
  • Bass emphasis may overshadow the midrange and make certain instruments and vocals sound dull, but can be adjusted with equalization.
  • High frequencies are slightly over-emphasized, which can make certain elements in a mix stand out, but can also be adjusted with equalization.
  • Fit of the headphones can affect ANC performance, especially for those who wear glasses.
  • Sony Headphones Connect app requires personal information and data sharing, which may be a concern for some users.
100
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones review
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are highly anticipated due to their predecessors' success, offering excellent noise-cancellation, impressive sound quality, and smart ambient features. However, they have some drawbacks such as a less portable design, lack of water resistance, and a higher price tag without significant upgrades.
+ pros
  • Excellent noise-cancellation and impressive sound quality: The headphones effectively block out external noise and deliver high-quality audio.
  • Smart ambient features and user-friendly app: The headphones have features that allow you to control the ambient sound and customize your listening experience through the app.
  • Comfortable for long listening sessions: The headphones have ample padding and adjustable cups, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
  • Best active noise-cancelling technology: The headphones have advanced noise-cancelling capabilities, effectively blocking out low-frequency sounds and working harder at higher frequencies.
  • Ability to connect to two devices simultaneously: The headphones allow for easy switching between two connected devices.
  • Features in the app to protect your hearing: The app offers features to monitor volume levels and provide recommendations for safe listening.
- cons
  • Less portable and lacks water resistance: The new design of the headphones is not as compact and they are not water-resistant, making them less suitable for travel or outdoor use.
  • More expensive than previous models and no significant upgrade: The headphones are pricier than their predecessors and do not offer a significant improvement in performance or features.
  • Not as sleek as Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700: The design of the headphones may not be as visually appealing as the Bose alternative.
  • Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones offer better sound quality and ANC: The Sennheiser headphones provide superior sound quality and active noise cancellation compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5.
  • Sony WH-CH510 headphones provide decent sound quality at a lower price: The Sony WH-CH510 headphones offer satisfactory sound quality at a more affordable price point.
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Expert consensus

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have received positive reviews for their sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, connectivity, and durability, making them a top choice for users seeking a premium listening experience.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have received positive reviews from experts, particularly for their sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, connectivity, and durability. The headphones are known for their strong and emphasized bass response, making them ideal for bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop.

The sound clarity is exceptional, with a clear and open sound presentation and precise bass. The noise cancellation feature is highly effective, effectively reducing external noise without negatively impacting the audio performance. The headphones offer adjustable noise cancellation settings, allowing users to customize their listening experience.

The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 30 hours with noise cancellation enabled, and quick charging options provide convenience for users on the go. The headphones are comfortable for extended use, with a lightweight design and adaptive sound control. The durability of the headphones is also commendable, with the headband and ear cups showing no signs of wear and tear after a year of daily use.

Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are a top choice for users seeking a premium listening experience in various environments, whether it be for travel, work, or leisure.

Sound quality

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are known for their strong bass response, although it can sometimes overshadow vocals and lead instruments, but they offer exceptional clarity and precision, making them a top choice for bass-heavy genres.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are known for their strong and emphasized bass response, making them ideal for genres like EDM and hip-hop. The bass adds extra thump, rumble, and boom to the sound, providing a satisfying experience for bass lovers. However, the added bass can sometimes muddy and clutter vocals and lead instruments.

The headphones have a slightly retuned mid and treble range, which helps brighten vocals and lead instruments, but there is a steep roll-off in the upper treble frequencies, resulting in a muted and dark sound. Despite this, the overall clarity of the headphones is exceptional, with a clear and open sound presentation and precise bass.

The headphones excel in delivering notes with unerring precision and timing. They offer a fantastic performance across genres, but users can customize the sound using the companion app's EQ settings if they prefer a different sound signature. Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are considered a leading choice for audio performance, particularly for bass-heavy genres.

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Noise cancellation

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer industry-leading noise cancellation, adjustable settings, excellent sound quality, and a long-lasting battery, making them a top choice for a premium listening experience.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have received high praise for their noise cancellation feature. Experts have consistently rated Sony's noise-canceling technology as some of the best in the industry. The headphones effectively muffle both lower and higher frequencies, including voices and train brakes.

The adaptive ANC system optimizes performance based on the environment, providing an immersive listening experience. The WH-1000XM5 also offers better overall noise attenuation and isolation compared to previous models, physically blocking out incidental sound. The noise cancellation feature is highly effective and a significant improvement over previous iterations.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 allows users to adjust the noise cancellation settings. The Sony Headphones Connect app provides a range of options, including maximum isolation, wind noise reduction, and 20 levels of ambient attenuation. This feature gives users control over the level of noise cancellation based on their preferences and the environment they are in.

When it comes to sound quality, the Sony WH-1000XM5 maintains its high standards even with active noise cancellation enabled. The ANC technology effectively reduces external noise without negatively impacting the audio performance. Users have reported clear, balanced, and immersive sound, allowing them to enjoy their music while effectively blocking out unwanted ambient noise.

In terms of battery life, the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers approximately 30 hours of usage with noise cancellation activated. This long-lasting battery allows for a full day's worth of use, making it suitable for travel, work, or extended listening sessions. It's important to note that battery life may vary depending on usage and settings.

Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones provide highly effective noise cancellation, adjustable settings, excellent sound quality, and a long-lasting battery. These features make them a top choice for users seeking a premium listening experience in various environments, whether it be for travel, work, or leisure.

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Comfort

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are highly regarded for their comfort and suitability for extended periods of use, with features such as long battery life and adaptive sound control enhancing the overall listening experience.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are generally praised for their comfort and suitability for extended periods of use. They are lightweight, weighing approximately 250 grams, making them comfortable to wear for long periods without causing fatigue. The headphones have a comfortable fit and a reliable build, making them suitable for prolonged use or long trips.

One of the key features that contribute to the comfort of the WH-1000XM5 is its long battery life. With up to 30 hours of battery life with Bluetooth and noise-cancelling enabled, and up to 40 hours with noise-cancelling turned off, users can enjoy uninterrupted listening for extended periods.

Additionally, a quick ten-minute charge provides around five hours of battery life, making them convenient for those in a rush.

The WH-1000XM5 also offers adaptive sound control, which adjusts the sound settings based on the user's activity and environment. This feature enhances the listening experience and ensures optimal sound quality in different situations. Another unique feature is the 'Speak-to-Chat' mode, which allows users to hear conversations without taking off their headphones when they start talking.

While the padding on the ear cups and headband has received mixed reviews, with some experts mentioning that it is less cushioned, others have found it comfortable for extended use. The ear cups are deeper and wider, accommodating larger ears, and the memory foam material used on both the headband and ear cups provides ample comfort and a customized fit.

The WH-1000XM5 headphones have some adjustability features to accommodate different head sizes and shapes. The headband is easy to adjust, allowing users to find a comfortable fit. However, some users have reported discomfort with the fit, particularly if they have long hair or wear glasses.

Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are praised for their comfort and suitability for extended use. They offer a lightweight design, long battery life, adaptive sound control, and unique features like 'Speak-to-Chat'. While the padding and fit may vary depending on individual preferences and head shape, the headphones are generally considered comfortable for extended periods of use.

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Battery life

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have a commendable battery life, lasting up to 30 hours with Bluetooth and noise-cancelling enabled, and can be quickly charged for immediate use.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have a commendable battery life, according to expert reviews. With both Bluetooth and noise-cancelling enabled, the headphones can last up to 30 hours on a single charge. This makes them ideal for long flights, road trips, or extended listening sessions without the need for frequent recharging.

If you turn off the noise-cancelling feature, you can even extend the battery life to around 40 hours, which is impressive.

In terms of charging, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have a total charging time of approximately three-and-a-half hours. This means that you can quickly recharge them overnight or during a break, ensuring that they are ready for use when you need them.

One standout feature of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones is their quick charging capabilities. With just a ten-minute charge, you can enjoy up to five hours of battery life, which is perfect for those times when you need a quick boost. Additionally, if you have a USB PD charger, you can get three hours of playback from just three minutes of charging.

This is incredibly convenient for users who are always on the go and don't have much time to wait for their headphones to charge.

Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer a solid battery life that can cater to various use cases. Whether you're a frequent traveler, a music enthusiast, or someone who needs quick charging options, these headphones provide a reliable and convenient solution.

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Connectivity

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer a wireless range of 10 meters, multi-device pairing, and convenient connectivity options, making them a versatile choice for users.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have a wireless range of about 10 meters, allowing users to comfortably move around within a 10-meter radius from the audio source without losing the Bluetooth connection. They are compatible with Bluetooth-enabled devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, and support multi-device pairing, allowing users to stay connected to their smartphone and PC simultaneously.

However, it's important to note that while using the dual device functionality, users won't be able to stream music wirelessly using the LDAC codec. The headphones do not support NFC pairing, but offer other modern features like Find My Device support in Android for easy pairing and device tracking.

Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones provide a stable connection, efficient data transfer, and convenient connectivity options for various use cases.

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Durability

Expert reviews indicate that the Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones are durable and able to withstand daily use without significant wear and tear.

Based on expert reviews, the Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones are considered to be durable. The headband, made of high-tech plastic, has been praised for its ability to withstand twisting and contorting without snapping. After a year of daily use, there were no marks or chips on the surface, and the rubber on the top headband remained intact.

The ear cups also showed no signs of cracking or breaking. These findings suggest that the headphones are built to last and can withstand regular use without significant wear and tear. However, it is important to handle any electronic device with care to ensure its longevity. Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are considered to be durable and suitable for daily use.

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Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all wireless headphones.

Rank Change Price Headphones
IGN
Tom's Guide
What Hi-Fi
Digital Trends
WIRED
CNET
Wirecutter
PCMag
T3
Rtings.com
1
- $298
Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have received positive reviews for their sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, connectivity, and durability, making them a top choice for users seeking a premium listening experience.
1
1
1
1
1
2
3
5
7
-
2
- $329
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have received positive reviews for their sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, and connectivity, making them a recommended choice for those seeking a versatile and enjoyable listening experience.
4
3
5
2
2
1
-
3
1
1
3
- $400
Apple AirPods Max
The Apple AirPods Max receive positive reviews for their sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, and connectivity, making them a top choice for an outstanding audio experience.
8
9
6
3
5
7
-
9
8
-
4
- $229
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are highly praised for their sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, connectivity, and durability, making them a recommended choice for music enthusiasts who value strong bass and treble, effective noise cancellation, comfort for extended use, and durability for various activities.
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-
-
-
3
11
-
2
3
-
Show all rows
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Highest recommended wireless headphones this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. wireless headphones below are at the top of our ranking this December.

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Sony WH-1000XM5 (this item) Bose QuietComfort Ultra Apple AirPods Max Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Reviews
In comparison:
Sony WH-1000XM5 rank #1 out of 208. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.8
Great
Reviews
In comparison:
Bose QuietComfort Ultra rank #2 out of 208.
Go to rankings
7.4
Good
Reviews
In comparison:
Apple AirPods Max rank #3 out of 208. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.1
Great
Reviews
We don't yet have enough review information for Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Price
Price
Price
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have received positive reviews for their sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, connectivity, and durability, making them a top choice for users seeking a premium listening experience. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have received positive reviews for their sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, and connectivity, making them a recommended choice for those seeking a versatile and enjoyable listening experience. The Apple AirPods Max receive positive reviews for their sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, and connectivity, making them a top choice for an outstanding audio experience. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are highly praised for their sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, connectivity, and durability, making them a recommended choice for music enthusiasts who value strong bass and treble, effective noise cancellation, comfort for extended use, and durability for various activities.
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