Sony WH-1000XM5 review  
Sony shows why it's the top choice for over-ear headphones.

The main point  
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are the new top choice, following their popular predecessors. They come with new drivers, features, and design, making them stand out in the active noise canceling (ANC) headphone market. They are great for travel and office use.


Product release date  
May 20, 2022  
Price  
$399 USD  
Weight  
250g  
Model Number  
WH-1000XM5  
Waterproof  
No  
Noise isolation  
Yes  

What we like  
- Great ANC performance  
- Excellent microphone  
- App features including custom EQ  
- Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, LDAC, and wired options  
- Bluetooth multipoint  
- Find My Device feature  

What we don't like  
- Price  
- No IP rating  

Our Rating: 8.1  
User Rating: 8  


In the headphone world, Sony is a brand to watch. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the latest model in their noise-canceling headphones line, promising to be one of the best ANC headphones available, even at $400. We tested them for a week in rainy Vancouver and here are our findings.

Who should get the Sony WH-1000XM5?  
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is perfect for people who listen to music in different environments daily, like commuters, office workers, city residents, and students. It's ideal for those on calls and wanting high-quality Bluetooth audio.


The ear cups have soft, comfortable material.

The WH-1000XM5 has many features, and Sony has perfected the basics. There are a few quirks, but they are ambitious headphones. For example, they include popular features from other models, like Find My Device support.

The headphones have a soft finish and vegan leather, making them comfortable for long wear. The ear padding is thick and spacious, accommodating larger ears comfortably.

Weighing 250g, the WH-1000XM5 is light enough to wear for long periods without discomfort. The headband adjusts easily, allowing you to fit them on the fly.

The headband is thinner than earlier models. The ear sensor pauses music when removed, and you can allow outside noise simply by cupping your hand over the right ear cup, avoiding frequent removal during short conversations.

However, these headphones might not be suitable for the gym or in the rain. They come with a caution to avoid moisture, suggesting they are less resistant than older models.

How do you control the Sony WH-1000XM5?  
The main controls remain similar to older models, using a touch panel on the right ear cup. Here are the actions you can perform:

- Swipe up: Volume up  
- Swipe down: Volume down  
- Swipe forward: Next track  
- Swipe back: Previous track  
- Hold (center): Voice assistant  
- Double tap center: Pause/resume  
- Cup hand: Ambient sound passthrough  


On the left ear cup, there is a power button and an ANC mode button. Holding the power button turns them on and starts pairing mode. You can then pair them with your phone or computer.

Pressing the ANC/AMB button cycles through ANC, off, or Ambient sound modes, allowing outside noise.

You can use either Bluetooth or a wired connection. Wired listening requires the headphones to be on for ANC, and turning them off changes the sound significantly.

The right ear has a USB-C port for charging. Unfortunately, this port cannot be used for wired digital playback.

Do you need an amp for better sound?  
No, the listed sensitivity of 100dB/mW ensures that any device can power the headphones easily. While turned on, the specs change to 102dB/mW, but you’ll still be using the internal amplifier.


You can connect to your devices using Bluetooth codecs like LDAC, AAC, and SBC. There is no aptX support, which you would need the older WH-1000XM3 for.

To get the most from your headphones, download the Sony Headphones Connect App (iOS/Android). It is essential for features like ANC optimization, 360 Reality Audio, and custom equalizer settings.

The app does require some personal information for features like Fast Pair, which some may find intrusive. It also asks for ear photos to adjust settings for 360 Reality Audio.

After the latest update, you need the app for the best experience with the spatial audio feature, but it only works on Android version 13 and newer.

In battery tests, the WH-1000XM5 lasted 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC on, slightly better than the advertised 30 hours. With ANC off, the battery life improved significantly to 53 hours and 6 minutes.

You can obtain considerable playback time with minimal charging; just three minutes of charging gives 180 minutes of use. You can also use a 3.5mm cable for direct analog playback if you don’t have a USB-C cable.

The WH-1000XM5 excels in noise cancellation and physically blocks noise well, making it superior to older models. The ANC is very effective, reducing loud background sounds like engines and street noise significantly.

What if the ANC doesn't work well?  
Fit can affect ANC performance. Users have noted that wearing glasses can create gaps that reduce effectiveness. If ANC isn't working well, try adjusting the ear cups for a better fit.

Audio Quality Scores  
The sound quality ratings show the WH-1000XM5 performs well. They are especially tuneful and immersive, but may not be the most user-friendly compared to competitors. 

You might notice some distortion in music, but overall sound is acceptable. You can adjust the EQ settings according to your preferences in the app.

Objective measurements show that the WH-1000XM5 emphasizes bass, which may overwhelm the midrange. This strong bass could dull certain instruments and vocals, so adjustments may be needed for a more balanced sound.

The headphones support LDAC for high-quality Bluetooth listening. Ensure you set the bitrate to 660kbps for the best sound quality. 

Using the headphones without power offers diminished sound quality, but when turned on, they perform very well.

Best EQ settings  
To enjoy the sound comfortably, adjust the “Clear Bass” setting down two notches in the app. Keep adjustments within 6dB for optimal performance.

Call quality is good, thanks to an eight-microphone array that reduces background noise during calls.

If you're interested in what others think about the headphones, please take part in the poll below and check back for results.

Should you buy the Sony WH-1000XM5?  
These headphones are great for the office, travel, or work-from-home setups. While they are a bit pricey, they offer excellent ANC, good sound quality, and modern features like Find My Device support.

While there's no NFC or IP rating, most will find the benefits outweigh these drawbacks.

Sony WH-1000XM5  
ANC performance • Excellent microphone • Useful app features  
MSRP: $399.00  
The leading choice for ANC headphones.

Comparing the WH-1000XM5 with the WH-1000XM4, the new model offers better features and performance, making it worth considering. If you find the WH-1000XM4 at a lower price, it’s still a good choice, but it doesn’t match the newer model in all aspects.

Sony WH-1000XM4  
Great ANC • Sound quality • Connectivity options  
MSRP: $348.00  

How do Bose QuietComfort headphones compare to the WH-1000XM5?  
The WH-1000XM5 offers better noise cancellation and wireless sound performance. The Bose QuietComfort headphones are good but fall behind in these areas.

Bose QuietComfort 45  
Excellent ANC • Good sound  
MSRP: $329.00  

For the best overall performer, the Sony WH-1000XM5 wins out against any competition.

If you’re looking for something more portable, consider Sony's flagship WF-1000XM5 earbuds, which offer great ANC and comfort. They handle moisture well with an IPX4 rating and can last over 8 hours on a charge.

Another option is the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation), ideal for iPhone users, offering excellent sound but limited features with non-Apple devices. 

For Samsung users, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro deliver great sound quality and low-frequency performance.

FAQs about the Sony WH-1000XM5  
What are the benefits of noise-canceling headphones?  
They help you focus and reduce noise in loud environments, minimizing the risk of hearing damage.

Can you sleep with the WH-1000XM5?  
It's not recommended.

How's the sidetone experience during calls?  
It works well!

Do capacitive touch controls work in cold weather?  
Yes, we did not experience any issues.

Are Focal Bathys better ANC headphones?  
Focal Bathys offers better sound quality but at a higher price and may be less effective for everyday use compared to the WH-1000XM5. 

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