Sony WH-1000XM5 Review (2026): Still the Noise-Cancelling King?

Sony's WH-1000XM5 has been one of the most recommended noise-cancelling headphones for a couple of years now, and after several weeks of daily use — commuting, flights, and long work sessions — it's easy to see why.

Who it's for

This is aimed at frequent travelers and commuters who spend real time in loud environments — planes, trains, open offices — and want the best available active noise cancellation in an over-ear design. If you mainly listen at a desk or around the house and don't deal with much ambient noise, a cheaper pair of headphones without flagship ANC will get you most of the listening quality for less money.

What we liked

• Noise cancellation that handles low-frequency drone (planes, trains, HVAC) exceptionally well.
• 30-hour battery life with ANC on, so a full week of commuting rarely needs a charge.
• Multipoint Bluetooth, so switching between a laptop and phone is seamless.

What could be better

• The redesigned hinge-less headband doesn't fold flat, so the carrying case is bulkier than the previous generation.
• Touch controls on the ear cup can be finicky with gloves on.

Key specs, explained

Up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC on is toward the high end for premium ANC headphones, where 20-24 hours is more typical — in practice that's roughly a full work week of commuting on one charge. 48 ohm impedance means these are easy to drive from a phone or laptop directly, without needing a separate headphone amplifier, while still handling volume cleanly at higher listening levels. Multipoint Bluetooth lets the headphones stay connected to two devices at once (say, a laptop and a phone), so audio switches automatically between a video call and an incoming phone call without manually re-pairing.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How does the noise cancellation compare to Bose's flagship headphones? Both are considered top-tier for ANC, with Sony generally rated slightly ahead on low-frequency drone (plane and train noise) and Bose sometimes preferred for overall comfort — the differences are close enough that many buyers choose based on ecosystem or fit preference rather than a clear ANC winner.

Q: Can I use these headphones wired if the battery dies? Yes, they include a 3.5mm audio cable for wired listening when the battery is depleted, though ANC and some features require power and won't function in fully passive wired mode.

Q: Are these good for phone calls, not just music? Yes — Sony's mic and processing setup on the XM5 is specifically tuned for call clarity, including reducing wind and background noise, which was a common complaint about earlier generations.

Should you buy it?

If you want the best all-round ANC headphones for travel and office use, the WH-1000XM5 remains an easy recommendation.

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