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Home / Electronics / Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Sony WH-1000XM5
8.6 Tested Aug 23, 2026 by Team RankingRight

Sony WH-1000XM5 (Black) review 2026

Last year's flagship at this year's discount: nearly the XM6's cancelling and calls, without the folding hinge

PriceFrom $399.99 · checked Sep 11, 2026
Cabin noise cut29 dB
Battery, ANC on30 h

Is the Sony WH-1000XM5 Worth It?

Best value flagship. The XM5 is 90% of the XM6 and, at the prices it now sells for, the smart buy for most people. Only the hinge and wind performance separate them.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Within 2 dB of the XM6 on cabin noise
  • Regularly $100–$150 below list since the XM6 launched
  • Same excellent call quality and LDAC
  • Light at 250 g
Cons
  • Does not fold
  • Wind noise handling is weaker than the XM6
  • Earcups mark easily

Sony WH-1000XM5 at a Glance

8.6 Editor Score
Noise cancellingAttenuation of recorded cabin, train and office noise measured at the ear simulator, and wind handling outdoors.
27/30
Sound qualityFrequency response against a target curve, distortion at volume, and blind listening on the same playlist.
21/25
Comfort & buildClamp force, weight, heat after two hours, hinge and case quality.
12/15
Battery & featuresMeasured battery with ANC on, multipoint, codecs, call quality, wear detection, app controls.
13/15
ValueStreet price against the field.
13/15
Reader ratingNo reader ratings yet — not part of the score
–
Own one? Rate it:

Rubric v1: Noise cancelling 30 · Sound quality 25 · Comfort & build 15 · Battery & features 15 · Value 15. Score = Σ ÷ 10, locked Sep 11, 2026. How we rank.

Where to buy — prices checked Sep 11, 2026

Amazon — $399.99

Best priceSee Price

Sony — $399.99

Also sold atSee Price

Sony WH-1000XM5 specifications

Battery (ANC on)30 h
Weight250 g
CodecsSBC, AAC, LDAC
MultipointYes
FoldsNo
Wired input3.5 mm
ChargingUSB-C
ReleasedMay 2022

Why it scored 8.6

The XM5 is 90% of the XM6 and, at the prices it now sells for, the smart buy for most people. Only the hinge and wind performance separate them.

Where it loses

Folding; wind.

Still the right pick for

Anyone who wants Sony's flagship performance for less.

Changelog: Sep 11 — rank 3 → 4 · all changes

Sony WH-1000XM58.6 · $399.99
See Price