Product Review · Noise-Cancelling Headphones · #7 Ranked
Sony WH-1000XM5
Premium ANC headphones with 8 mics and multipoint · Reviewed by Katie · amazon.com live, Sept 24 2026
Why it scored a 79
The Sony WH-1000XM5 still packs strong features at 87: two processors running 8 microphones, Auto NC Optimizer, 4 beamforming call mics, multipoint and a quick charge that turns 3 minutes into 3 hours. At $298.00, $101.99 off list, value lands at 80. What keeps it at 79 is reliability at 76, since owner reviews report cracks near the headband slider, and satisfaction at 84 from a 4.2-star average across 20,136 ratings. The design also does not fold, so the case is bulky. It is a strong performer with a durability question mark.
What you're getting
- Two processors control 8 microphones for noise cancelling
- Auto NC Optimizer adjusts to fit and environment
- Integrated Processor V1 for sound and ANC
- 4 beamforming microphones for calls
- Up to 30 hours of battery; 3-minute charge gives 3 hours
- Multipoint connection and touch controls
- Carry case included, 48-ohm impedance
- Limitation: cups swivel flat but do not fold, so the case is bulky
ViperScore breakdown
At a glance
- 8 ANC mics
- 30-hour battery
- Multipoint
- Price$298.00
- TierPremium ANC headphones with 8 mics and multipoint
- Category rank#7 of 10
Should you buy the Sony WH-1000XM5?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 suits buyers who want flagship Sony cancellation and call quality at a lower price than the newer model. At $298.00 it ranks #7 of 10 in our Noise-Cancelling Headphones category. The Sony WH-1000XM6 adds a folding design and the QN3 processor for $160.00 more. If long-term durability worries you, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones costs $49.01 less and scores higher on reliability.
Where it earns its score
- Strong cancellation hardware. Two processors and 8 microphones, with Auto NC Optimizer tuning for your fit and surroundings.
- Quick charge. 3 minutes on the charger gives 3 hours of playback.
- Multipoint. It switches between two devices without re-pairing.
- Big discount. At $298.00 it sits $101.99 under its $399.99 list and $160.00 under the Sony WH-1000XM6.
What to know first
- Warranty is the lowest factor at 55, Reliability next at 76. Sony covers it for 1 year in the US, and owner reviews report cracks around the headband slider.
- Does not fold. The cups swivel flat but the frame does not collapse, so the case takes more bag space than the Sony WH-1000XM6's.
- 4.2 stars. 20,136 ratings average 4.2, which puts satisfaction at 84, below both Soundcore pairs.
Our verdict
The Sony WH-1000XM5 scores 79, a Fair Buy that ranks #7 in our Noise-Cancelling Headphones category, with Features (87) and Quality (84) leading and Reliability (76) trailing. Buy it at $298.00 if you want Sony's cancellation and calls for less than the XM6. For a pair with a stronger durability record, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones scores 82 at $248.99.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Questions buyers ask
Does the Sony WH-1000XM5 fold?
No. The ear cups swivel flat, but the headband does not fold inward.
Does the Sony WH-1000XM5 have multipoint?
Yes. It can connect to two devices and switch between them.
How long does the Sony WH-1000XM5 battery last?
Up to 30 hours, and a 3-minute charge gives about 3 hours of playback.
Ready to check it out?
Sony WH-1000XM5 · ViperScore 79 · Fair Buy · $298.00
How the other 9 noise-cancelling headphones scored
82Bose QuietComfort Headphones
81Soundcore Life Q30
81Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)
80Soundcore Space One
80Beats Studio Pro
80Sony WH-1000XM6
79Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
78Sonos Ace
77Sennheiser Momentum 4
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