Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: Is the Amazon Best-Seller Worth $398?

The Sony WH-1000XM5 has dominated the premium noise-cancelling headphone market since its release, and the numbers back that up: over 28,000 reviews on Amazon with a 4.6-star average rating. That kind of sustained enthusiasm from real buyers is rare in the audio world, where hype often fades fast. But does this headphone genuinely earn its $398 price tag, or are buyers simply riding the momentum of Sony’s brand reputation?

We spent three weeks testing the WH-1000XM5 across daily commutes, long-haul flights, open-plan offices, and late-night listening sessions to find out. Sony claims its eighth-generation noise-cancelling processor and new 30mm carbon-fiber composite drivers deliver the best ANC and audio quality the company has ever put in a wireless headphone. Those are bold claims from a company that already held the crown with the XM4.

In this review, we break down exactly what the XM5 gets right, where it falls short, and whether it deserves the 9.4/10 score our testing ultimately produced. If you are deciding between this and competitors like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Apple AirPods Max, you will find direct comparisons below.

Key Specifications

Design and Build Quality

Sony took a noticeably different direction with the XM5 compared to its predecessor. Gone is the folding hinge design of the XM4, replaced by a sleeker, slimmer headband that uses a stepless adjustment mechanism. The result is a headphone that looks more refined and modern, but it comes with a trade-off: the XM5 does not fold flat, which means the carrying case is larger than before. For frequent travelers who prioritize bag space, this is worth considering.

At 250 grams, the XM5 is roughly 4 grams lighter than the XM4, and the difference is noticeable during extended listening sessions. The synthetic leather earpads are softer and distribute pressure more evenly across the ear. Sony widened the ear cup opening slightly, which accommodates larger ears better than previous generations. During our three-week test, comfort was never an issue even during 6-hour stretches.

Build quality is solid but not without compromise. The plastic construction keeps weight down but does not feel as premium as the aluminum and steel of the Apple AirPods Max. The matte finish resists fingerprints well, though the headband can develop minor scuffs over time. Available in Black and Platinum Silver, both colorways look understated and professional enough for office use.

Real-World Performance

Active Noise Cancellation

The XM5 uses eight microphones paired with Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 and the dedicated QN1 noise-cancelling chip. In practice, this dual-processor approach delivers ANC that is measurably better than the XM4, particularly in the mid-frequency range. Airplane cabin noise, HVAC hum, and the low rumble of trains are reduced to near-silence. Office chatter and keyboard clatter are significantly dampened, though not entirely eliminated — no headphone fully blocks human speech, and anyone claiming otherwise is exaggerating.

Where the XM5 genuinely impressed us was its handling of wind noise. Sony added a dedicated wind-noise reduction structure to the microphones, and it works. During outdoor walks on moderately windy days, ANC remained stable without the distracting buffeting that plagues many competitors. The Auto NC Optimizer adjusts cancellation levels based on your environment and atmospheric pressure, and while it occasionally over-corrects in transitional spaces like train stations, it gets it right about 85% of the time.

Sound Quality

The new 30mm carbon-fiber composite drivers are smaller than the XM4’s 40mm units, but Sony claims the lighter diaphragm responds more precisely across the frequency range. In our testing, the XM5 delivers a sound signature that is slightly warmer than neutral, with a subtle bass emphasis that flatters pop, hip-hop, and electronic music without overwhelming acoustic and classical recordings. The midrange is clear and present — vocals sit forward in the mix without sounding harsh. High frequencies are detailed but smooth, avoiding the sibilance that can fatigue listeners over long sessions.

LDAC codec support means you can stream high-resolution audio over Bluetooth at up to 990 kbps, and the difference compared to standard AAC is audible on well-mastered tracks. The Sony Headphones Connect app offers a 5-band EQ and several presets, giving you meaningful control over the sound profile. DSEE Extreme upscaling does a respectable job of improving compressed audio from streaming services, though it is not a miracle worker on heavily compressed 128kbps files.

Multipoint Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.2 multipoint works reliably across two devices simultaneously. During our testing, we stayed connected to a MacBook Pro and an iPhone at the same time, switching between a video call on the laptop and a phone call without manual re-pairing. The transition takes about 1.5 seconds — not instant, but fast enough that it never disrupted workflow. Pairing new devices is straightforward through NFC tap or the Sony app, and connection stability remained solid up to about 30 feet with one wall in between.

Battery Life

Sony’s claimed 30 hours with ANC active proved accurate in our testing. We measured 28.5 hours at moderate volume (about 60%) with ANC set to maximum — close enough to the spec that real-world usage should comfortably deliver a full work week on a single charge. The quick-charge feature is legitimately impressive: a 3-minute USB-C charge gave us just over 3 hours of playback, which is a lifesaver when you forget to charge the night before a flight. A full charge from empty takes approximately 3.5 hours.

Sony WH-1000XM5 vs the Competition

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is the XM5’s most direct competitor. Bose’s ANC is marginally better at blocking out very low-frequency drone sounds like airplane engines, but the difference is slim enough that most listeners would struggle to distinguish them in a blind test. Where Sony pulls ahead is battery life — 30 hours versus Bose’s 24 — and price. At $398 versus $429, the XM5 saves you $81 while delivering comparable or better performance in nearly every category. Bose does win on portability thanks to its folding design and smaller case.

The Apple AirPods Max occupies a different space entirely. At $549, it costs $201 more than the Sony and delivers shorter battery life (20 hours), greater weight (384g), and no multipoint Bluetooth support outside Apple’s ecosystem. Sound quality is excellent and arguably more neutral than the Sony, and the build quality — aluminum ear cups and stainless steel — is in another league. But for the majority of buyers who are not deep in Apple’s ecosystem or specifically seeking that premium build, the XM5 offers significantly better value.

For Android users, the decision is straightforward: the XM5 is the better buy over both competitors, thanks to LDAC support, multipoint, and the best battery life of the three.

Who Should Buy the Sony WH-1000XM5

• Frequent travelers and commuters — The combination of class-leading ANC, 30-hour battery life, and a 3-minute quick charge makes these ideal for flights, trains, and daily commutes where you need reliable silence on demand.
• Remote and hybrid workers — Multipoint connectivity lets you stay on a laptop video call while remaining reachable on your phone, and the microphone quality is good enough for professional meetings without a dedicated headset.
• Android users seeking hi-res audio — LDAC support at up to 990 kbps means you can take full advantage of lossless and high-resolution streaming from services like Tidal, Amazon Music HD, and Apple Music.
• Comfort-first listeners — At 250g with plush earpads and even clamping pressure, these are among the most comfortable over-ear headphones available for all-day wear.
• Buyers who want proven reliability — Over 28,000 Amazon reviews at 4.6 stars is not luck. This is a mature product backed by consistent real-world satisfaction from a very large sample size.

Who Should Skip the Sony WH-1000XM5

• Portability-obsessed travelers — The non-folding design means the carrying case is bulky compared to the Bose QC Ultra. If bag space is at an absolute premium, the Bose is a better fit.
• Audiophiles seeking flat, reference-grade tuning — The XM5 has a slightly warm sound signature that flatters most genres, but it is not a flat studio monitor. If critical listening accuracy matters more than convenience, wired open-back headphones will serve you better.
• Budget-conscious buyers — At $398, these are firmly in the premium tier. If you need solid ANC for under $200, the Sony WH-1000XM4 (often discounted below $230) or the Sony ULT Wear deliver good value at lower price points.
• Gym and workout users — These are not sweat-resistant or water-resistant. For exercise, a dedicated pair of sport earbuds is the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Sony WH-1000XM5 worth upgrading to from the XM4?

If your XM4 is still working well, the upgrade is incremental rather than transformative. The XM5 offers improved ANC (especially in mid-frequency and wind noise), a lighter and more comfortable design, and better call quality. However, the core experience — great sound, great ANC, great battery life — is similar. We would recommend upgrading if your XM4 is showing its age or if improved call quality and comfort are priorities. If your XM4 still feels great on your head, you can comfortably wait another generation.

How does the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra?

These two are closer in performance than ever. The Bose QC Ultra edges ahead slightly in raw noise cancellation at very low frequencies and offers a folding design for better portability. The Sony XM5 wins on battery life (30 vs 24 hours), price ($398 vs $429), and hi-res audio support via LDAC. Sound quality is subjective, but the Sony is warmer while the Bose is slightly more V-shaped with emphasized bass and treble. For most buyers, the Sony delivers better overall value, but the Bose is a strong alternative if portability and maximum ANC are your top priorities.

Can you use the Sony WH-1000XM5 for phone calls?

Yes, and call quality is a noticeable improvement over the XM4. Sony’s Precise Voice Pickup technology uses four beamforming microphones combined with AI-based noise reduction to isolate your voice from background sound. In our testing, colleagues on the other end of calls rated voice clarity as “good to very good” in quiet environments and “acceptable” in moderately noisy settings like coffee shops. It is not quite as good as a dedicated Bluetooth headset like the Jabra Evolve2 75, but it handles most everyday call scenarios well enough that you do not need a separate device.

Does the Sony WH-1000XM5 support lossless audio?

Over Bluetooth, the XM5 supports LDAC at up to 990 kbps, which is the highest-quality wireless audio codec widely available on Android devices. This is not technically lossless (true lossless requires a wired connection), but it is close enough that most listeners cannot distinguish it from a wired connection. For true lossless playback, you can connect the XM5 via the included 3.5mm cable or USB-C cable, both of which bypass Bluetooth entirely and deliver bit-perfect audio from compatible sources.

Our Verdict

Score: 9.4/10

The Sony WH-1000XM5 earns its reputation as the benchmark wireless noise-cancelling headphone. At $398, it delivers a combination of class-leading ANC, 30-hour battery life, excellent sound quality with LDAC support, reliable multipoint connectivity, and outstanding comfort that no single competitor matches across every category. The 28,000+ Amazon reviews averaging 4.6 stars reflect genuine, sustained satisfaction from a massive user base — this is not a product coasting on marketing.

Its shortcomings are real but narrow: the non-folding design hurts portability, the plastic build lacks the premium feel of pricier alternatives, and the warm sound signature will not satisfy purists seeking flat accuracy. None of these flaws are dealbreakers for the target audience. For commuters, remote workers, travelers, and anyone who wants the best all-around wireless headphone experience without paying $429 or $549 for competitors that deliver less in key areas, the XM5 remains the headphone to beat. Sony did not reinvent the wheel here — they refined it to near-perfection.

Pros:

• Industry-leading ANC with excellent wind noise handling
• 30-hour battery life with a genuinely useful 3-minute quick charge
• Lightweight, comfortable design suitable for all-day wear
• LDAC support for high-resolution wireless audio
• Reliable multipoint Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity
• Strong value at $398 compared to key competitors

Cons:

• Non-folding design results in a bulkier carrying case
• Plastic construction feels less premium than the price suggests
• Warm sound signature may not suit listeners who prefer neutral tuning
• No IP rating for sweat or water resistance