Our Take
Sony's flagship noise-cancelling headphones, aimed at frequent flyers, commuters and hybrid workers who want the quietest possible listening experience. The WH-1000XM5 sits at the premium end of the wireless headphone market, going up against the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and refines Sony's previous XM4 design with a lighter build and updated processing rather than a radical overhaul.
Key Features
Two processors (V1 chip plus HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1) handling ANC and audio separately
Eight microphones used for noise cancellation and call pickup
Up to 30 hours battery life with ANC switched on, with quick charging for a few hours' use from a short top-up
Personalised Spatial Audio that adapts sound based on your ear shape via the Sony Headphones Connect app
Multipoint pairing to connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously
Touch-sensitive controls on the right ear cup for playback, calls and ambient sound toggling
Our Verdict
A strong buy for anyone prioritising noise cancellation and comfort over a compact carry case, particularly regular travellers. If you want IP-rated durability, a folding design, or a lower price, it's worth comparing against Bose's QuietComfort Ultra or Sony's own older XM4 model.