Looking for the ultimate noise-cancelling headphones in 2025? Our Sony WH-1000XM5 Review dives into why these sleek, high-performance cans are getting so much buzz and for good reason. They’re packed with features that make everyday listening feel truly magical.
Whether you’re a music lover, a frequent flyer, a remote worker, or someone who just loves zoning out in style, this review will walk you through everything you need to know about Sony’s latest masterpiece.
First Impressions: A Clean, Futuristic Redesign
The moment you unbox the WH-1000XM5, you’ll notice one thing: these headphones look different from previous models.
Sony has moved away from the slightly bulky look of the XM4 and introduced a smoother, cleaner silhouette. The headphones are slimmer, lighter, and feel more premium in hand, perfect for modern minimalists.
The earcups now have soft-fit synthetic leather, which feels buttery smooth against your skin. Combined with the flexible headband, they’re designed for long listening sessions.
Another cool touch? Eco-conscious packaging. Sony ditched the plastic and went all-in on recyclable, sustainable materials. Major win.
Mind-Blowing Noise Cancellation: Zone Out Like Never Before
Let’s get to what everyone’s here for — noise cancellation. And let me tell you: this is where the XM5 shines.
With eight microphones and Sony’s new Integrated Processor V1 working alongside the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1, these headphones don’t just reduce background noise, they eliminate it.
Whether you’re on a plane, in a coffee shop, or at a noisy office, the WH-1000XM5 creates a bubble of pure silence around you. The improvement over the XM4 is subtle but noticeable, especially with higher-pitched and mid-frequency sounds.
Real-life test:
I wore them while working in a busy cafe, and the moment ANC kicked in, the chatter, espresso machines, and clinking cups disappeared.
Sound Quality: Detailed, Balanced, and Beautiful
The XM5s aren’t just great at blocking noise, they also sound incredible.
You get ultra-high-res wireless audio with support for LDAC and DSEE Extreme. The 30mm drivers deliver clear mids, tight bass, and sparkling highs, giving every song or podcast the life it deserves.
Whether you’re bumping lo-fi beats, orchestral soundtracks, or your favorite podcast, the XM5s strike a perfect balance: warm and rich, yet precise and never overwhelming.
Bonus: They also support 360 Reality Audio, giving you a surround sound experience, great for immersive music or movie watching.
Comfort That Lasts All Day
If you’ve ever worn headphones that made your ears ache after an hour… you’ll appreciate the ultra-soft earcups on the Sony WH-1000XM5.
The headband applies just enough pressure to stay secure without squeezing, and the new leather material is both soft and breathable. I wore them for 6+ hours straight — no discomfort, no sweat, no “headphone fatigue.”
This makes them perfect for remote work, gaming sessions, travel, or binge-watching Netflix.
Battery Life & Fast Charging: Always Ready When You Are
Battery life is a big deal, and Sony nailed it again with the WH-1000XM5.
You get:
- 30 hours of playback with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) on
- Up to 40 hours without ANC
And here’s the best part:
Forgot to charge? You only need 3 minutes to get 3 hours of playback with fast charging via USB-C. It’s a lifesaver for travelers or office warriors on tight schedules.
No more low-battery anxiety.
Smart Features That Just Make Sense
Sony packed in smart features that actually help, not just tech for the sake of it.
Here are the standouts:
- Speak-to-Chat: Start talking, and the music pauses automatically so you can chat. (Yes, it’s that smooth.)
- Adaptive Sound Control: Adjusts ANC based on your environment and even recognizes your routine (like walking, waiting, commuting).
- Touch Controls: Swipe to skip, pause, adjust volume — all with intuitive gestures.
- Multipoint Bluetooth: Connect to two devices at once (like your phone and laptop) and switch seamlessly.
Real-life benefit? You can watch YouTube on your laptop and instantly take a call from your phone — no fiddling with Bluetooth settings.
Call Quality: Crystal Clear Conversations
Working from home? Taking calls on the go? The Sony WH-1000XM5 won’t let you down.
Sony upgraded the microphone system with:
- 4 beamforming mics
- Voice pickup technology
- Noise rejection powered by AI algorithms
Even in noisy settings (like outside or while walking), your voice comes through loud and clear. People won’t even notice you’re using wireless headphones.
WH-1000XM5 vs WH-1000XM4: Should You Upgrade?
Already own the WH-1000XM4? Here’s how the XM5 stacks up:
| Feature | WH-1000XM4 | WH-1000XM5 |
| Noise Cancellation | Excellent | Even Better (8 Mics + Dual Processors) |
| Sound Quality | Great | More Balanced & Detailed |
| Design | Foldable, classic | Sleeker, non-foldable |
| Comfort | Very good | Upgraded padding & materials |
| Mic Quality | Good | Much improved |
| Smart Features | Yes | Same + Better AI Adaptivity |
Should you upgrade?
- If you value better ANC, more comfort, or clearer call quality — YES.
- If you’re happy with the XM4 and prefer foldable headphones, you’re still good.
Pros & Cons
Here’s the honest breakdown:
Pros:
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- Gorgeous sound quality
- Super comfortable for long hours
- Smart features that actually help
- Great call performance
- Long battery life + quick charge
Cons:
- Premium price tag
- Doesn’t fold like the XM4
- No aptX codec support (if that matters to you)
Final Verdict: Worth It? 100% Yes
If you’re serious about sound and silence, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is easily one of the best headphones you can buy in 2025.
Whether you’re traveling, working, relaxing, or just vibing out, they deliver premium sound, next-level noise cancelling, and smart features that feel like magic.
FAQs About the Sony WH-1000XM5
Q: Are Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones good for flying?
A: Absolutely. The ANC cancels engine noise like a champ.
Q: Can I wear them at the gym?
A: They’re comfy and stable, but not sweatproof. For workouts, consider sportier earbuds.
Q: How do they compare to Bose 700 or AirPods Max?
A: The XM5 wins in noise cancelling, matches sound quality, and beats both in battery life.
Q: Do they work with iPhones and Android?
A: Yes, perfectly. LDAC is best with Android, but iPhone users still get great quality via AAC.
