Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM5's overall test score has risen to 93, putting it back in the conversation. New leaders like the WH-1000XM6 and Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 still outpace it slightly, but the XM5 offers superb ANC and sound at a more accessible price. Its user satisfaction is still recovering from earlier firmware issues, but raw performance is top-notch.

If you've been looking for a premium pair of wireless over-ear headphones with noise cancellation, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is probably at the top of your list. It's the latest in Sony's flagship 1000X series, and it aims to deliver the best ANC experience on the market. Priced anywhere from $235 to an absurd $5799 (stick with the typical $350-$400 range and you'll be fine), these headphones pack dual processors, eight microphones, and Sony's Adaptive Sound Control. They're designed for distraction-free listening, whether you're commuting, working from home, or just trying to tune out the world. The WH-1000XM5 supports Hi-Res Audio via LDAC, Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint, and has a 30-hour battery that charges three minutes for three hours of playback. It's a complete package for anyone who values silence and sound quality.

Let's talk numbers. The WH-1000XM5 scores in the 100th percentile for sound quality — that's best-in-class, no asterisk. Bass is punchy, mids are clear, and treble is detailed without being harsh. ANC is at the 97th percentile, so it's one of the best on the market. You'll barely hear a jet engine, let alone a noisy office. Connectivity is also top-tier (96th percentile) with rock-solid Bluetooth 5.2 and seamless multipoint switching between two devices. The mic quality is strong (86th percentile) for calls, and comfort is well above average (81st percentile). The only middling area is battery life, at the 64th percentile. 30 hours is solid — it'll last a work week — but competitors like the Sennheiser Momentum 4 push 60 hours. Still, the quick charge is a lifesaver: three minutes for three hours. In practice, you'll rarely be caught dead.

With an overall score of 93, the Sony WH-1000XM5 has bounced back into elite territory. This score places it just behind the class-leading WH-1000XM6 and on par with the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 in some respects. While the XM6 still holds the edge in ANC and portability, the XM5 delivers outstanding noise cancellation, superb sound, and strong call quality for a bit less money. It's no longer a deep-discount-only option; even at its typical $350 price, it's a very good value for premium wireless headphones.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 now ranks among the top headphones again, but it faces stiff competition. The WH-1000XM6 remains the benchmark for ANC and call quality, and its folding design solves the XM5's portability issue. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 counters with richer, more refined sound and a luxurious build, though at a higher price. For budget buyers, the TOZO HT3 still impresses with shockingly good performance for under $60. User satisfaction for the XM5 has been low at 45 out of 100 due to past firmware woes, but Sony's recent updates may have addressed those concerns. If you're choosing between the XM5 and XM6, the extra $50 for the XM6 gets you a meaningful upgrade, but the XM5 at a discount is a smart buy.

If you need the absolute best ANC and the convenience of a folding design, the WH-1000XM6 is the better buy. For sound quality above all else, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 is the luxury pick. Budget shoppers should still consider the TOZO HT3, which delivers remarkable value. But if you spot the XM5 at a discount under $300, it's a fantastic premium headphone that holds its own against anything short of the XM6.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is once again a top-tier ANC headphone, earning a 93 in our latest tests. While the WH-1000XM6 is the ultimate pick for noise cancellation, the XM5 gets you 90% of the way there for less money. Its sound quality, comfort, and feature set remain excellent, and the recent score bump makes it a safe recommendation at its regular price. If budget is tight, the TOZO HT3 is the standout budget option, but the XM5 is a compelling choice for anyone who doesn't need the absolute latest model.