Released in the middle of 2022, the Sony WH-1000XM5 were Sony’s flagship wireless headphones after the triumph of the iconic WH-1000XM4. However, with the launch of the Sony WH-1000XM6 in May 2025, the XM5 has now moved into the mid-range premium category. These wireless over-ear headphones sport an entirely new look comprised of repurposed bits. The two have been interwoven to give best-in-class performance and minimal impact on the environment.
Design and Build
The WH-1000XM5 is the first set of headphones from Sony to use a new design language. They’ve abandoned the folding action that had been a part of previous versions. These are much more comfortable but bigger and require more space to store.
The headphones are plastic throughout, but the build quality is great, and they are very light and sturdy. They have been made available in four colors – Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue, and Smoky Pink. The headphones all have the potential to look very premium and upmarket in any of the color options.
Active Noise Cancellation
The WH-1000XM5 takes Sony’s industry-leading noise cancellation to the next level. Sony has tweaked the system to provide better sound isolation than just about any other headphone, all around. The ANC operates equally effectively in all audio frequency bands. The low-frequency roar is just gon, and the mids/highs are greatly attenuated.
As you wear them, the ANC system will learn the way you use them and improve its work all the time. The amount of reduction depends on the particular situation.
Sound Quality
Now the sound has been heavily tweaked, with the boomy bass of previous headphones finally nowhere to be seen. The WH-1000XM5 emphasizes sound quality to please audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Headphones on: you catch every note. With support for 32-bit/96kHz audio and DSEE HX technology, the music is as the artist intended, which means you’ll hear every breath, note, and detail with greater clarity. The detail is impressive too, with a huge amount of variety in the styles of music and a great dynamic range. Soundstage is wide and engaging, and placement for all instruments across the field is spot on across the board.
The proprietary advanced processing algorithms and QN1 processor are designed to emulate a true musical experience, including the sound the artist intended, as if you were in the recording studio or concert.
Microphone and Call Quality
Sony boosted the quality of the built-in microphones, resulting in slightly better call performance than the WH-1000XM4. The clarity of voice meets business standards, and noise-cancelling ensures quality calls in a noisy place.
The microphone system is designed for use during windy conditions. Together, you and the wind-handling system reduce wind noise during outdoor use while preserving call quality. Video conferencing quality is excellent, with the recipient of calls caring about users.
Battery Life and Charging
The WH-1000XM5 also offers up to 30 hours of battery life without ANC, or 24 hours if noise cancelling is turned on. The headphones have pass-through charging, which means you can use them with a cable and experience zero performance drop.
USB-C charging with fast charging function shortens waiting time, which takes around 3 hours for a full charge. The quick charge gives 3 hours of usage from just 3 minutes of charging. A smart power management system automatically switches into standby mode to conserve battery life.
Comfort and Fit
Their spotlight feature is all-day comfort, as soft but supportive padding makes for all-day use without any pressure points developing. The fit is secure for every shape and size of head.
But the WH-1000XM5 isn’t the right choice for the gym or a tough workout because they’re not sweat-resistant and aren’t made for high-impact exercise.
Connectivity and Features
These are great all-around headphones that are about as close to universal as it gets with iOS and Android. The Bluetooth headphones’ connections are rock solid every time, and you can switch between your devices on the fly, which works perfectly with multipoint connectivity.
There is voice assistant integration, such as with Google Assistant and Alexa. Touch controls are responsive to commands, and the Sony Headphones Connect app offers plenty of customization, including an EQ and adaptive sound control.
Gaming and Entertainment
Although it’s not Dolby Atmos certified, the WH-1000XM5 is compatible with spatial audio and surround sound simulation for a more immersive gaming and movie-watching experience. The gaming performance is good enough for casual use with accurate positional sound, and the latency is slightly acceptable, but for serious gaming players, we advise a dedicated gaming headset.
Competitor Comparisons
vs Bose QuietComfort
Sony sounds better and has more customization options, but the Bose are marginally more comfortable. Both are great for noise canceling; Sony wins for music lovers.
vs AirPods Max
Sony comes much cheaper with better battery life. The AirPods Max are made of the highest-quality materials and have the best iOS integration. Sony delivers better overall value.
vs Beats
Sony’s noise cancellation is better and delivers more balanced sound than Beats’ bass-heavy sound signature. As for the Sony, it appeals to audiophiles more overall, with more advanced features in almost every category.
Model Comparisons
WH-1000XM5 vs WH-1000XM4
The XM5 has better-quality audio, higher-quality noise cancellation, and microphone quality. The XM4 still folds up and is more affordable, yet stays close to flagship features, at least the core ones. The XM5 is state-of-the-art.
WH-1000XM5 vs CH720N
The flagship XM5 has premium features and better noise cancellation, while the CH720N offers budget performance with minimal features.
Software and App Integration
The Sony Headphones Connect app is very useful in this regard, giving complete EQ control, adaptive sound control, and regular software upgrades to improve performance over time. Music-oriented sound profiles, with settings that are remembered on a per-device basis.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Industry-leading noise cancellation performance
- Amazing sound and spectral response with a balanced sound signature
- Fast charge with 30-hour battery life
- Comfortable for extended listening sessions
- Excellent microphone quality for calls
- Comprehensive app customization options
- Multi-device connectivity
- Good build quality, even if heavily plastic-based
Cons
- No folding design reduces portability
- Higher price point than predecessors
- Not for sports or working out
- Plastic construction could seem less high-end than metallic options
- The bulky carrying case is not foldable
Value and Purchasing Considerations
Current Pricing (2025)
The Sony WH-1000XM5 now ranges between $279-$399 in the current market, with an average price of around $370. With the launch of the WH-1000XM6, the XM5 is frequently on sale for around $350, down from its original $400 MSRP.
2025 Market Position
As we move further into 2025, newer models from Sony and its competitors are shaking up the mid-range and premium over-ear headphones market. Fresh features, improved battery life, and, in some cases, lower prices are becoming the new standard. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is now available for $449.99, marking a $50 increase over the original XM5 pricing.
Authentication
Buy only genuine products from authorized dealers. Please check the authenticity of the packaging, and ensure the package contains the serial number that matches that of this product, with the appropriate authorities as follows. Knock-off units’ fit and finish vary; neither is as good as the real thing.
Best Use Cases
- Daily commuting and office work
- Home listening for an audiophile experience
- Fantastic noise-cancelling for air travel
- Not for working out in the gym or high-intensity training
Maintenance and Care
The headphones require minimal maintenance. One of the key features of the ear pads is that they are easily replaceable and interchangeable, and you can keep all your pads on your headphones all the time without the need to remove them each time you change your look. Regular cleaning is recommended to keep the pads clean and looking new. Sony offers spare parts and professional help when necessary. Caring for batteries increases battery life – charge regularly, but do not overcharge.
Technical Specifications
- Driver Type: 30mm dynamic drivers
- Frequency Response: 4Hz-40kHz
- Weight: 250g
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, LDAC, SBC, AAC codec support
- Charging: USB-C with fast charging
- Voice Assistant: Google Assistant, Alexa
- Multipoint Connection: Connect 2 devices at the same time
- What’s In The Box: Carrying Case, USB-C Cable, 3.5mm Audio Cable
- Dimensions: Headband adjustable, non-folding design
- Noise Cancelling: Dual Noise Sensor technology with V1 processor
Future-Proofing
2025 Update: Sony WH-1000XM6 Now Available
Sony launched the WH-1000XM6 on May 15, 2025, priced at $449.99, making the XM5 the previous generation model. The XM6 features a new QN3 HD processor that’s seven times faster than the XM5’s QN1 chip, along with a six-microphone system with AI support.
Is the XM5 Still Worth It in 2025?
As we move further into 2025, newer models from Sony and its competitors are shaking up the mid-range and premium over-ear headphones market. Fresh features, improved battery life, and, in some cases, lower prices are becoming the new standard. So, is the XM5 still a smart buy? Yes and no.
The WH-1000XM5 remains current technology with features intended for long-term use, but it’s now competing with more advanced models. Performance continues to be updated with software over time. For budget-conscious buyers, the XM5 offers excellent value at its reduced price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Sony WH-1000XM5 worth it?
How do they stack up against Bose?
What's the battery life?
Do they work for working out?
How do I know whether what I am seeing is authentic?
Final Verdict: 2025 Perspective
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are no longer the flagship model since the WH-1000XM6 launched in May 2025, but they remain excellent wireless headphones at their reduced price point. They don’t work for sports, but still surpass many competitors in most appreciable aspects of high-end headphones.
If you want a premium wireless headphone experience without paying flagship prices, the WH-1000XM5 at around $350 represents solid value in 2025. For those wanting cutting-edge technology, the WH-1000XM6 at $449.99 offers the latest features, including a faster QN3 HD processor and improved AI noise reduction.
Budget-minded buyers should consider the WH-1000XM5, which delivers premium performance at a more accessible price. However, if you want Sony’s latest technology, the XM6 represents the current future of wireless audio tech.
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