Sony WH-1000XM5

The XM5 scores in the 98th percentile for both ANC and microphone quality, making it the absolute best right now for blocking noise and taking calls. Sound and battery are strong but not class-leading, and the plastic build is a disappointing 35th percentile. It's an incredible value near $250, but skip it if you need premium materials or studio-grade audio.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 lands in the 98th percentile for noise cancellation and microphone quality in our database. That means it's practically best-in-class for blocking out everything from airplane drone to coffee shop chatter, and your voice comes through crystal clear on calls even in noisy environments. Connectivity is just as strong, thanks to Bluetooth 5.2 and seamless multipoint support. But while ANC and calls are top-tier, the overall package isn't flawless, the all-plastic build feels a step down from competitors, and sound quality hovers in 'solidly good' territory rather than spectacular.

We put the XM5 through its paces with everything from long workdays to crowded commutes. The 30mm dynamic drivers with LDAC deliver well-above-average audio, but audiophiles chasing the absolute best fidelity might find it a touch too processed. Comfort is a genuine highlight: at 249g, these are light and disappear on your head for hours, though the shallow ear cups can get warm. Battery life lands at 73rd percentile, 30 hours with a handy quick charge that gives you 3 hours of juice from just 3 minutes on a USB-PD adapter. That's plenty for all-day use, but a few rivals now stretch to 40+ hours.

ANC is where the XM5 absolutely flexes. Eight microphones and dual processors chew up ambient noise with surgical precision, landing in the 98th percentile. In real terms, that means engine rumble, keyboard clatter, and even nearby conversations get significantly muted. Put these on and the world just gets quieter. Call quality is equally impressive: with the same multi-mic array and Sony's Precise Voice Pickup, this headset scored a perfect 100/100 for calls in our testing. You'll sound like you're in a quiet room even when you're not.

Sound quality sits at the 78th percentile, comfortably above average but not challenging the Sennheiser Momentum 4 or Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 for raw detail. The 30mm drivers with 48Ω impedance produce a warm, energetic signature with punchy bass that makes pop and hip-hop fun, though purists may want more neutrality. LDAC support means high-res audio over Bluetooth is possible, and the EQ in Sony's app can tweak things to taste. Gaming performance is a surprise win at 90/100, low latency and spatial cues work well. But the weakest link is studio use, where the tuned-for-fun sound and ANC-induced pressure can't match open-back monitoring headphones.

Finding the real price on these is a bit of a treasure hunt. We saw listings from $230 all the way to $27,990, which, needless to say, don't pay that. At the low end around $230-$300, the XM5 offers incredible value for the ANC and call quality you're getting, significantly undercutting the original $350 MSRP. The safe bet is to check a few major retailers and grab one when it dips near $250. If you see a price with five digits, just laugh and move on.

Stack the XM5 against its closest rivals and a clear trade-off emerges. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 gives you a polished metal build and richer, more neutral sound that lands a solid step above Sony's 78th percentile audio, and its 60-hour battery blows the XM5's 30-hour out of the water. But the Momentum 4's ANC isn't quite as potent, and its call quality falls short of Sony's pristine 100/100 score. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 delivers a premium build and articulate sound that audiophiles will adore, again at the cost of weaker ANC and a higher price. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra matches or slightly edges the Sony in comfort and spatial audio tricks, but its microphone performance doesn't hit the same heights. Bottom line: if calls and absolute noise cancellation are your top priorities, the XM5 still leads the pack.

If your main use is studio monitoring or critical music production, look elsewhere. The XM5 scored just 66/100 for studio use, the tuned, bass-forward sound and ANC processing color the audio in ways you can't fully dial out. Build quality is another reason to pass, at the 35th percentile this all-plastic design feels notably less premium than the Sennheiser Momentum 4 or Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3. So if a tank-like build and flat, reference sound matter more than top-shelf noise cancelling, you'll be happier spending your cash on those alternatives.

Sony's WH-1000XM5 remains the benchmark for noise cancellation and hands-free calling. Our data shows it sits at the very top for ANC and mic quality, and it's light enough to wear all day. That makes it an easy pick for remote workers, frequent flyers, or anyone who values quiet and clarity above everything else. Just know that you're sacrificing some build quality and outright sound fidelity compared to the competition. If you can live with a plastic body and are okay with good-but-not-stellar audio, buy these when you spot a deal around $250, and you'll be thrilled.