In-depth review
Sony WH-1000XM5 Review (2026)
In-depth research review of the Sony WH-1000XM5: ANC performance, sound quality, comfort, battery life, and who should buy it.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Flagship ANC with superb sound and multipoint.
Our verdict
The WH-1000XM5 remains the most complete noise-cancelling headphone you can buy. Its adaptive ANC leads the class, sound quality is excellent with LDAC, and multipoint plus 30-hour battery cover real daily use. The main compromises are the non-folding design and touch controls that can misbehave in rain. For most buyers, this is the default recommendation.
What we like
- Class-leading adaptive noise cancelling
- Excellent, detailed sound with LDAC support
- Multipoint connections for two devices
What to watch out for
- Does not fold flat for travel
- Touch controls can be finicky in rain
- Premium price
Who it is for
Commuters, frequent flyers, and office workers who want the strongest ANC with top-tier sound and are willing to pay flagship prices.
Noise cancelling
The XM5 uses eight microphones and two processors to drive its adaptive ANC, which adjusts to ambient noise and even atmospheric pressure. Published reviews consistently rank it at or near the top for low-frequency reduction on planes and trains. Wind noise handling is improved over the previous generation but remains a relative weakness outdoors.
Sound quality and comfort
Sound is detailed and well-balanced with LDAC enabled on Android; iPhone users are limited to AAC, which still sounds very good. The redesigned headband distributes the 250 g weight well, though the earcups no longer fold flat, which matters for travel packing. Clamping force is moderate and most reviewers report multi-hour comfort.
Battery and features
30 hours with ANC on is class-competitive, and quick charge returns hours of playback from minutes plugged in. Multipoint connects two devices simultaneously, and the companion app offers a full EQ, speak-to-chat, and adaptive sound control. Touch controls work well indoors but can trigger accidentally in rain.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Noise cancelling is consistently rated among the best
- Comfortable, lightweight fit for long flights
- Strong battery life across years of use
Common complaints
- A recurring minority report the headband hinge cracking after months of use
- Sony often treats hinge breaks as physical damage, not a warranty defect
- The non-folding design makes the case bulky
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Battery life
- 30 hours (ANC on)
- Weight
- 250 g
- Codecs
- LDAC, AAC, SBC
- Multipoint
- Yes, two devices
- Charging
- USB-C, quick charge
Also consider
Bose QuietComfort 45
Legendary comfort with effortless noise cancelling.
- Battery life: 24 hours (ANC on)
- Weight: 240 g
Anker Soundcore Space Q45
Flagship features and marathon battery for far less.
- Battery life: 50 hours (ANC on)
- Weight: 264 g
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Does the WH-1000XM5 fold flat?
No. The earcups swivel but do not fold flat like the Bose QC45, so the included case is bulkier than some competitors.
Is LDAC worth it on the XM5?
On Android devices that support LDAC, it delivers audibly better detail than AAC or SBC. iPhone users cannot use LDAC, which narrows the XM5's advantage over AAC-only competitors.
How is the microphone for calls?
Good for the category: four beamforming microphones with AI noise reduction. Fine for office calls, but dedicated headsets still win in very noisy environments.