Headphones
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: Reigning ANC Champion

Sony's flagship wireless headphones set a new bar for noise cancellation, comfort, and audio quality.

TechPulse EditorMay 12, 20261 views
Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: Reigning ANC Champion
TechPulse Score
4.6/ 5
Excellent

Pros

  • Class-leading noise cancellation
  • Incredibly comfortable for long sessions
  • Excellent call quality
  • 30-hour battery life

Cons

  • No longer foldable
  • Plastic build feels less premium
  • Expensive vs competitors

Specifications

Drivers30mm carbon fiber composite
Battery30 hours (ANC on)
ChargingUSB-C, 3 min = 3 hours playback
CodecsLDAC, AAC, SBC
Weight250g
Bluetooth5.2 with Multipoint

Gallery

Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: Reigning ANC Champion 1
Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: Reigning ANC Champion 2

Full Review

The New ANC Benchmark

Sony has somehow improved on what was already best-in-class noise cancellation. The dual-processor system with 8 microphones quietly erases office chatter, plane engines, and city noise. Walking through New York during rush hour felt eerily silent.

Sound Quality

The new 30mm carbon fiber drivers deliver a warm, balanced signature that's slightly less bass-heavy than the XM4. Audiophiles will appreciate the LDAC support and the extensive EQ options in the Sony Headphones app.

Verdict

The XM5 is the new king of premium ANC headphones. Only the Bose QC Ultra Headphones come close.

wireless
anc
over-ear
audiophile

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