The Independent100
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are phenomenal wireless headphones offering industry-leading sound quality, superb active noise cancellation, and smart features, easily outweighing minor drawbacks like a non-folding design.
Sony WH-1000XM5
12 expert reviews#1 in noise-cancelling headphonesChecked 1 Nov 2026
Quick answer
The Sony WH-1000XM5 has a critic score of 89 out of 100 from 12 professional reviews, and 12 of them recommend it. It ranks #1 of 4 noise-cancelling headphones we score. Critics praise its sound quality and noise cancelling. The most common complaint is price.
Reviews checked 1 Nov 2026
Photo coming
Best overall
Our verdict
Four years on, the XM5 is still among the most praised noise-cancelling headphones: all 12 reviewers who tested it recommend it for its noise cancelling, comfort and battery life. It doesn't fold flat and has no water resistance. Its successor, the XM6, scores about the same.
The catch: Doesn't fold, and no water resistance.
Critic agreement: Medium
Scores run from 79 to 100
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What do critics say about the Sony WH-1000XM5?
TechRadar100
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are top-tier wireless headphones delivering exceptional active noise cancellation and balanced, detailed sound alongside smart features, though they come at a higher price and lack a folding design.
How-To Geek90
The Sony WH-1000XM5 deliver industry-leading noise cancellation and stellar audio quality in a completely redesigned, comfortable package, making them an easy recommendation despite minor drawbacks like a lack of water resistance and a non-folding frame.
SlashGear90
The Sony WH-1000XM5 bring notable improvements in audio clarity, call quality, and active noise cancellation, though the new non-folding design and higher price tag introduce some practical trade-offs for travelers.
Best Products90
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are top-tier wireless headphones offering industry-leading noise cancellation, exceptional comfort, and superb audio quality, cementing their status as a gold standard despite a higher price tag.
Android Central90
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are top-tier over-ear headphones offering exceptional active noise cancellation, balanced sound quality, and great comfort, making them a leading choice despite their high price and lack of aptX support.
CNN Underscored90est.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are top-tier over-ear headphones that elevate an already great design with superb noise cancellation, exceptional comfort, and stellar sound quality, though they command a higher price tag.
Good Housekeeping90est.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones deliver industry-leading noise cancellation and pristine sound quality backed by extensive lab testing and real-world use.
CNET89
The Sony WH-1000XM5 brings a refreshed design, refined sound, and class-leading call quality, keeping them at the top of the noise-canceling headphone category despite a higher price tag.
Business Insider85est.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 remains a top recommendation for most users, praised for offering an exceptional balance of great audio quality, solid noise cancellation, and comfort at a more affordable price than newer flagship models.
The Verge80
The Sony WH-1000XM5 brings a sleek new design, vastly improved call quality, and even better active noise cancellation, though the higher price, bulky case, and non-folding build leave room for mixed feelings.
TechGearLab79
The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers exceptional sound quality, top-tier noise cancellation, and stellar call quality, though it has a shorter battery life and a fit that may not suit smaller heads.
Scores are converted to 0–100. "est." means the outlet gave no number, so we estimated one from its verdict. How we score
What critics praise most
Sound quality12 of 12
Noise cancelling11 of 12
Comfort8 of 12
What critics dislike most
Price8 of 12
Case and folding7 of 12
No water resistance4 of 12
Alternatives
Not sure about the Sony WH-1000XM5?
Common questions
Is the Sony WH-1000XM5 worth it?
Most critics think so: 12 of 12 recommend it. Doesn't fold, and no water resistance.
What do critics dislike about the Sony WH-1000XM5?
Price (8 of 12 reviews), Case and folding (7 of 12 reviews), No water resistance (4 of 12 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Sony WH-1000XM5?
The Sony WH-1000XM6 (critic score 88), newest sony.