Sony WH-1000XM5 (Black) review 2027

What problem does the Sony WH-1000XM5 solve?

The XM5 is the pair you buy when you want flagship noise cancelling without paying flagship money. It cuts cabin noise by 29 dB in our measurement, which is within 2 dB of the XM6, and it keeps the same call quality and LDAC support as Sony's newer model. At 250 g it stays light on the head, and since the XM6 launched it has regularly sold for $100–$150 below list. The trade-offs are specific: it does not fold, its wind handling is weaker than the XM6, and the earcups mark easily.

How did we score the Sony WH-1000XM5?

Noise cancelling earned 27 of 30 points. We measured attenuation of recorded cabin, train and office noise at the ear simulator, then checked wind handling outdoors. Sound quality took 21 of 25, based on frequency response against a target curve, distortion at volume, and blind listening on the same playlist. Comfort and build scored 12 of 15 across clamp force, weight, heat after two hours, and hinge and case quality. Battery and features scored 13 of 15, covering measured battery with ANC on, multipoint, codecs, call quality, wear detection and app controls. Value added 13 of 15, judged on street price against the field. The total is 8.6.

Where the Sony WH-1000XM5 stands out

The measured cabin noise cut of 29 dB is the headline. It sits within 2 dB of the XM6, so the newer Sony is not dramatically quieter in the situations most people care about. Battery runs 30 hours with ANC on, matching the XM6 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. At 250 g it is lighter than the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless at 293 g and the Anker Soundcore Space One at 265 g. Call quality and LDAC are unchanged from the XM6, and the price gap is the real advantage: $100–$150 below list since the XM6 arrived.

How LDAC and multipoint work

LDAC is a Bluetooth audio codec that carries more data than SBC or AAC, so more of the original recording reaches the headphones. It requires a compatible source device. Multipoint lets the headphones hold a connection to two devices at once, so a call on your phone can interrupt audio from a laptop without repairing. Both are present here, alongside SBC and AAC. The XM5 does not include LC3, which the XM6 lists.

Parts, ports and build

The XM5 lists 30 hours of battery with ANC on, charges over USB-C, and accepts a 3.5 mm wired input. It weighs 250 g and supports SBC, AAC and LDAC. Multipoint is included. The hinge does not fold, which is the clearest physical difference from the XM6 and the Bose QuietComfort Headphones, both of which fold. It was released in May 2022.

How it compares with the tested rivals

Against the Sony WH-1000XM6 at $449.99 and 8.8, the XM5 scores 8.6 and gives up the folding hinge, LC3 and the faster processor with 12 microphones. The XM6 also handles wind better. The XM5 matches the XM6 on 30-hour battery and keeps LDAC and multipoint. Against the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless at $379.95 and 8.9, the XM5 is lighter at 250 g versus 293 g and folds less conveniently, but the Momentum 4 offers aptX and aptX Adaptive plus a 60-hour battery. Against the Bose QuietComfort Headphones at $349 and 8.6, the XM5 has the same score, a longer 30-hour battery versus 24 hours, LDAC instead of SBC and AAC only, and a 3.5 mm input instead of 2.5 mm. The Bose folds; the XM5 does not.

Where the Sony WH-1000XM5 falls short

It does not fold, so the case is bulkier than the XM6, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones or the Anker Soundcore Space One. Wind noise handling is weaker than the XM6, which matters if you take calls outdoors. The earcups mark easily. It also lacks LC3, which the XM6 lists, and it does not offer the aptX or aptX Adaptive codecs found on the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.

Is the Sony WH-1000XM5 good value?

List price is $399.99, but the XM5 has regularly sold for $100–$150 below list since the XM6 launched. That puts it near or below the Bose QuietComfort Headphones at $349 and well under the XM6 at $449.99 and the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless at $379.95. For 8.6 points and 29 dB of cabin noise cut, the street price is the reason it earns 13 of 15 on value.

Who should buy the Sony WH-1000XM5?

Anyone who wants Sony's flagship performance for less. If you do not need a folding hinge and rarely take calls in wind, the XM5 delivers nearly the XM6's cancelling and calls, the same LDAC and multipoint, and a 250 g build for $100–$150 below list.