Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

The Sony WH-1000XM5 had the impossible task of following up the WH-1000XM4, a pair of headphones widely regarded as the best noise-canceling cans on the planet. Sony chose not to play it safe, introducing a radical redesign and new internal components. But does different mean better? At a premium price point of nearly $400, expectations are sky-high.

A Controversial Redesign

The first thing you notice is the look. Gone is the segmented, clickable headband of the XM4s. The XM5 features a smooth, "noiseless" sliding stem design that looks undeniably more modern and elegant. The earcups are slightly larger and padded with a soft-fit leatherette that feels luxurious against the skin.

However, this design comes with a significant compromise: the headphones no longer fold up. They only fold flat. This results in a carrying case that is noticeably larger and takes up more space in a backpack. Frequent travelers who prized the compactness of the XM4s might find this a dealbreaker.

Comfort, however, is improved. The clamping force is slightly reduced, and the new headband distributes weight more evenly. We wore these for an 8-hour flight and experienced zero fatigue or "hot spots" on the crown of the head.

Noise Cancellation: Silence Redefined

Just when we thought ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) couldn't get much better, Sony proved us wrong. The XM5 utilizes eight microphones (four on each cup) controlled by two processors (the V1 and the QN1). The result is a dramatic improvement in silencing high-frequency noise.

Previous models excelled at drowning out the low rumble of airplane engines. The XM5s do that effortlessly, but they also mute voices, crying babies, and clattering keyboards significantly better than the competition. The "Auto NC Optimizer" automatically adjusts the cancellation based on your environment (e.g., atmospheric pressure on a plane) and how you are wearing the headphones (glasses, hair style).

Sound Quality

Sony moved from 40mm drivers in the XM4 to new 30mm carbon fiber composite drivers in the XM5. A smaller driver usually sounds like a downgrade, but here it offers tighter, more precise control. The bass is less boomy than the XM4s, offering a faster, punchier low-end that doesn't bleed into the mids.

The sound signature is typically Sony: fun, energetic, and slightly warm. Vocals are lush and detailed. Listening to complex acoustic tracks reveals excellent instrument separation. The LDAC codec support ensures high-resolution audio streaming for Android users, delivering near-wired quality over Bluetooth.

Call Quality and Connectivity

Call quality was an Achilles heel of the XM series for years. The XM5 finally fixes it. Using beamforming microphones and AI-based noise reduction tech, the headphones isolate your voice remarkably well. Even in a windy street or a noisy coffee shop, callers on the other end reported clear, crisp audio.

Multipoint connection allows you to pair two devices simultaneously. You can be watching a video on your laptop and automatically switch to your phone when a call comes in. The transition is seamless and works perfectly across Android, iOS, and Windows.

Battery and Features

Battery life remains at a solid 30 hours with ANC on, and 40 hours with it off. While not class-leading (Sennheiser offers 60 hours), it is sufficient for almost any use case. The fast charging is impressive: 3 minutes of charge gives you 3 hours of playback.

Features like "Speak-to-Chat" (pausing music when you talk) and "Quick Attention" (holding your hand over the right cup to let sound in) return and are as useful as ever.

Final Thoughts

The Sony WH-1000XM5 matches or beats its predecessor in performance, sound, and call quality. The noise cancellation is truly in a league of its own. The decision really comes down to the design.

If you need headphones that fold up small for travel, you might want to hunt down a pair of XM4s while they are still available. But if you want the absolute best silence money can buy and a modern aesthetic, the XM5 is the undisputed king of the hill.