Overview

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a wireless over-ear headphone with noise cancelling that Sony rates as industry-leading. Two processors control an eight-microphone array for noise cancelling that continuously adjusts to your environment, so background noise fades whether you're on a flight, in an office, or walking a busy street.

A 30mm driver with LDAC support delivers a balanced, detailed sound, and the redesigned frame trades the older folding hinge for a stepless slider and swivelling earcups that let it lie flat. With the newer WH-1000XM6 now in the lineup, the XM5 has settled into a more accessible price point while keeping the same core noise cancelling performance that made it a flagship.

Touch sensor controls handle playback, calls, and noise cancelling settings, and Speak-to-Chat automatically pauses your music and lets ambient sound in the moment you start talking, so you never have to touch the headphones to have a quick conversation.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

The XM5 is still a strong buy for anyone who wants class-leading noise cancellation and call quality without paying flagship prices for the newest model. It pairs Sony's HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 with the Integrated Processor V1 to run eight noise cancelling microphones, while the newer WH-1000XM6 moves to the QN3, which Sony rates as seven times faster than the QN1.

More Info

Why the Sony WH-1000XM5 Stands Out

Dual-Processor Noise Cancellation

Two processors work with an eight-microphone system and an Auto NC Optimizer that adjusts to how you're wearing them and to changes in air pressure on a flight, so the noise cancelling stays consistent as conditions change.

Quick Attention and Speak-to-Chat

Cover the right earcup to instantly let ambient sound in for a quick conversation, or let Speak-to-Chat do it automatically the moment you start speaking.

Hi-Res Wireless with LDAC

Supports the LDAC codec alongside SBC and AAC, transmitting significantly more data than standard Bluetooth for a more detailed listening experience from compatible sources.

Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life

Rated for up to 30 hours of playback with noise cancelling on, or up to 40 hours with it off, plus a quick charge that delivers 3 hours of playback from just 3 minutes of charging with an optional USB-PD compatible AC adapter.

Multipoint Connection

Stay paired to a laptop and a smartphone at the same time, with automatic switching for incoming calls.

Redesigned Flat-Fold Build

The XM5 moved away from the WH-1000XM4's folding hinge to a noiseless design with a stepless headband slider and swivelling earcups, so the headphones lie flat and collapse into their soft carrying case.

Voice Assistant Support

Say "Hey Google" or "Alexa" to reach your voice assistant hands-free for music, notifications, and reminders, and even adjust noise cancelling by voice.

Buyer's Guide

Who It's For

• Frequent flyers and commuters: who want industry-recognized noise cancellation at a lower price than Sony's newest flagship.
• Remote professionals: who need reliable all-day comfort and clear call quality for video conferencing.
• Hi-res listeners: who want LDAC support and detailed sound without the bulk of a wired setup.

How It Compares

The Sony WH-1000XM6 brings back a folding hinge along with the newer QN3 processor for buyers who want the latest generation. For a lighter, more affordable option that still carries Sony's noise cancelling pedigree, the Sony WH-CH720N is worth a look, though it steps down from the XM5's flagship-level ANC and call quality.