Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear Review

The safe choice for noise cancellation, but don't expect to be wowed. Great ANC, average everything else, and a hinge that might quit on you.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the headphones you buy when you want to check the 'best noise-canceling' box without thinking about it. They're the default choice for a reason: the ANC is famously good, they're comfy for long sessions, and Sony's feature set is deep. But here's the one thing to know: they're not the best at anything else. Our data shows they're solidly average across sound, mic quality, and battery life, landing in the 48th to 50th percentile for most metrics. They're the safe, reliable pick, not the exciting one.

What surprised us was how middle-of-the-road the performance is across the board. For a headphone with such a legendary reputation, our database shows its sound quality, ANC, and mic performance are all ranked around the 48th to 49th percentile. That means they're good, but they're not class-leading. The one standout is social proof—they're in the 84th percentile there, which tells you everyone's buying them on reputation alone. The actual tech inside is competent, not revolutionary.

At around $278, they're a decent value if your top priority is noise cancellation from a trusted brand. But you're absolutely paying a 'Sony tax.' There are competitors at this price that offer better sound or a more durable build. It's worth it only if ANC is your non-negotiable king.

You're really choosing between the Sony XM5, the Bose QuietComfort, and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4. The Bose QC has slightly better comfort and ANC, but often costs more. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 beats the Sony on sound quality and battery life in our tests, but its ANC isn't quite as strong. The Apple AirPods Max are in a different (heavier, more expensive) league. If you want the best ANC and don't care about folding, the Sony is your pick. If you want better sound or a sturdier hinge, look at Sennheiser.

If you're a sound quality snob or you need headphones that can survive being tossed in a bag for years, skip these. Go get the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 for better audio or something from a brand known for tank-like build quality.

We recommend the Sony WH-1000XM5, but with a big caveat. Buy them if noise-canceling is your single most important feature and you want the peace of mind that comes with the most popular option. They're the comfortable, feature-rich default. However, if you prioritize sound quality, long-term durability, or just want the best value, there are better and more interesting choices on the market. Get the extended warranty.