The Sony WH-1000XM5 has been the king of wireless noise-canceling headphones for years. But in 2026, with newer competitors on the market, are they still worth your $399? We tested them for three weeks to find out.
The Quick Verdict
If you want the best noise cancellation, great sound, and all-day comfort, the WH-1000XM5 is still one of the safest buys you can make. They're not perfect — the case is bulky, and the multipoint connection can be glitchy — but no other pair balances so many things this well.
Design & Comfort
The XM5 feels noticeably lighter than the XM4, and the new headband design distributes pressure more evenly. After wearing them for 6-hour work sessions, we never felt the hot-spot discomfort that plagues many over-ear headphones.
The ear cups are generously padded with soft protein leather, and the swivel design lets them fold flat for storage. One downside: the included carrying case is bigger than most, so they take up more bag space.
Sound Quality
Sony tuned the XM5 with a slightly warmer, more bass-forward signature than the XM4. Bass is deep but never bloated, vocals sit clearly in the midrange, and treble is detailed without being harsh. Whether you're listening to lo-fi, classical, or hip-hop, they adapt well.
Supporting both LDAC and AAC means you get high-resolution audio on Android and solid quality on iPhone. The 3.5mm wired option is a bonus for flights and gym use.
Noise Cancellation (The Star Feature)
This is where the XM5 still leads. Two processors and eight microphones work together to cancel everything from airplane rumble to office air-conditioner hum. In our tests, they silenced café chatter almost completely — better than the Bose QC Ultra, which left more midrange voices.
Adaptive Sound Control automatically adjusts based on your activity, and Speak-to-Chat pauses your music when you start talking — a small feature that's surprisingly useful.
Battery Life
30 hours with ANC on. We got about 28 hours in real use, which is enough for two weeks of commutes or four long-haul flights. A 3-minute quick charge gives you 3 hours of playback when you're in a rush.
What We Don't Like
- Bulky case: Harder to slip into a jacket pocket
- Multipoint hiccups: Switching between laptop and phone occasionally glitches
- No ANC slider button: You have to tap through modes instead of one physical switch
Who Should Buy Them?
Yes, buy if: You travel often, work in a noisy office, or want the best ANC money can buy.
Skip if: You need ultra-portable headphones (look at the WF-1000XM5 earbuds), or you're deep in the Apple ecosystem (AirPods Max integrates better).
On a Budget? Consider the EarFun Tune Pro
If $399 is too steep for you, the EarFun Tune Pro delivers solid noise cancellation and 45-hour battery life at just $69.99 — about one-fifth the price. It's not as refined as the Sony, but for the money it's one of the best values in ANC headphones right now. Currently 32% off on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
The Sony WH-1000XM5 isn't flashy, but it does everything well. In a market full of "almost great" headphones, they're the pair we recommend to anyone who asks for a safe, reliable, all-around choice. At $399 they're not cheap, but the build quality and performance justify the price for most people.
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