Our Take
The WH-1000XM5 is Sony's flagship noise-cancelling headphone, aimed at commuters, frequent flyers and anyone who wants near-silence on demand. Sitting at the premium end of the market alongside Bose's QuietComfort Ultra, it pairs class-leading ANC with genuinely good sound. This Smoky Pink finish adds a softer alternative to the usual black or silver options.
Key Features
Eight microphones plus dual processors (V1 and QN1 chips) working together for active noise cancellation
Up to 30 hours battery life with ANC switched on, plus quick charging for a few hours of playback from a short top-up
Personalised Spatial Audio with head-tracking, tuned to your own ear shape via the Sony Headphones Connect app
Multipoint Bluetooth connection so you can pair to two devices at once, such as a laptop and phone
Speak-to-chat automatically pauses playback and lowers volume when you start talking
Touch controls on the right earcup for volume, playback and calls
Our Verdict
A strong pick for anyone prioritising noise cancellation and comfort over ultimate portability, especially regular travellers. If you want the smallest possible carry case or are on a tighter budget, cheaper ANC headphones from Sony's own range or rivals like Sennheiser may suit better.