Review: Sony WH-1000XM5 — Are These Still the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones in 2025?
Intorduction
When it comes to premium wireless headphones with top-tier noise cancelling, the Sony WH-1000XM5 has been a go-to pick for many.
First launched in mid-2022, this model brought meaningful upgrades over its predecessor and still holds up extremely well in 2025. In this review I’ll walk through build, sound, features, pros & cons — and ultimately whether they’re worth buying now.
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What You Get (Specifications & Highlights) - Sony WH-1000XM5
Over-ear closed-back design, weighing approximately 8.82 oz (~250 g) per Sony specs.
Bluetooth 5.2, support for SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs.
Up to 30 hours battery life with ANC on; up to 40 hours with ANC off.
A major focus on active noise cancelling (ANC), with advanced microphones and processors built-in.
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Build & Comfort (Sony WH-1000XM5)
Sony trimmed the weight and revamped the design for the XM5. Many reviews highlight the comfort improvements — lighter, fewer pressure issues — making them ideal for long listening sessions.
However: they don’t fold fully. This means storage and portability take a small hit compared to older models.
Verdict on build/comfort: Excellent for comfort, materials are good though not ultra-premium, portability slightly compromised.
Sound Quality & Noise Cancelling (Sony WH-1000XM5)
Sound – The WH-1000XM5 delivers fun yet detailed audio. Bass is punchy, treble is clean, and the overall tonal signature leans toward enjoyable listening rather than ultra-flat.
Noise cancelling (ANC) – This is the standout. Reviews say the XM5 rivals the best in class for cutting out ambient and office noise.
Verdict on sound/ANC: Among the top in its class. If you travel, commute, or work in noisy environments, these are a strong pick.
Features & Usability - Sony WH-1000XM5
- App support: via Sony Headphones Connect app, you can tweak EQ, enable “Speak-to-Chat” mode, manage multipoint connectivity.
- Good battery life and fast charging (a few minutes charge gives you hours of play).
- Comfortable for everyday use, good for calls and streaming.
- Minor niggle: since they don’t fold fully, the case is a bit bulkier for travel.
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Pros & Cons
Pros:
Top-tier ANC performance
Great comfort for extended wear
Strong overall sound quality
Excellent feature set including app control and codec support
Cons:
- Premium price — you’re paying for flagship features
- Doesn’t fold flat — less convenient for some travel bags
- Slight build compromise at the hinges vs some rivals
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🚀 Claim 75% Off NowShould You Buy?
If you’re looking for one of the best all-round wireless headphones and you travel or work in noisy places — yes, absolutely the WH-1000XM5 are still a top choice in 2025.
But if your budget is tighter, or portability is ultra-critical (folding, smaller case), you might consider older generation (XM4) or alternatives at lower cost.
Final Thoughts about Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are a strong value for what they deliver: comfort, sound, features, and class-leading ANC. They may not reinvent the wheel from the XM4, but they refine things nicely and stand up well even as newer models enter market. If you want premium headphones with minimal compromise, they deserve serious attention.
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FAQ
Q: Do they fold?
A: No, the ear-cups rotate flat but the headband doesn’t collapse fully—so the carrying case is a bit larger.
Q: Are they good for gaming or movie use?
A: Yes, but if gaming is your main use-case you’ll want to check latency and microphone performance specific to your console/PC.
Q: Is the sound signature neutral?
A: It’s more “fun” than flat — if you prefer completely neutral tones for studio work you may look at other models.