Sony’s WH-1000XM5 picks up where the hugely popular XM4 left off. The design is new, the noise cancelling is even better, and the sound is as rich and detailed as ever.
- Best-in-class noise cancelling
- Light and comfortable for hours
- Around 30 hours of battery life
- Excellent call quality
- Ear cups no longer fold up
- Pricier than the previous model
Design & build
The XM5 is lighter than before and the soft, synthetic leather ear pads spread the pressure evenly, so you can wear them on a long flight without discomfort. The ear cups swivel flat, but they no longer fold inward, so the case is bigger than before.
Sound quality
Noise cancelling is the best we have tested: engine rumble and office chatter simply fade away. The sound is warm and punchy with plenty of detail, and you can fine-tune it with the equaliser in the Sony app.
Features
Battery life is around 30 hours with noise cancelling on, and a short charge gives you several hours of playback. Multipoint lets you stay connected to your phone and laptop at the same time, and the microphones make calls sound clear even outdoors.
Our verdict
For commuters and frequent travellers, the WH-1000XM5 is the noise-cancelling headphone to beat.
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Prices checked October 2026 and may change. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.