In the world of modern audio technology, it’s increasingly hard to surprise anyone. Yet, every few years, a product comes along that genuinely raises the bar. Sony has managed to do just that with the WH-1000XM5, a successor to the much-loved XM4 model, which for many users had already reached perfection. Sony WH-1000XM5 Review and Comparison to Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Sennheiser Momentum 4, and Apple AirPods Max.
The new generation brings a refreshed design, smarter functions, and—most importantly—even better noise cancellation (ANC). But does this make the XM5 truly the best headphones on the market? And how do they compare to their biggest rivals.
Sony WH-1000XM5 – Unboxing and First Impressions
Opening the box, it’s clear that Sony values minimalism and practicality. Inside, we find the headphones, a compact carrying case, a USB-C charging cable, and an audio cable for wired use. The case is made of sturdy recycled material, fitting Sony’s eco-friendly approach.
The first impression is simple: these headphones look more refined than their predecessors. The matte finish, minimalist shape, and smooth earcups without visible hinges give the XM5s a modern, almost futuristic look. At the same time, they feel solid and well-built, though a bit more delicate than the XM4 due to their lighter design.
The earcups are covered with soft synthetic leather, and the lightweight frame (about 250 g) means they sit comfortably even after hours of use. Sony clearly wanted to create headphones that you can wear all day without fatigue—and they succeeded.
Build Quality and Comfort
The WH-1000XM5 represent a big step forward in ergonomics. The new headband design with a flexible core adjusts more naturally to the shape of your head, and the memory foam ear pads gently adapt to your ears.
Despite the minimalist look, the build quality remains high. The materials feel premium and pleasant to the touch, and the entire structure gives a sense of lightness and balance. One drawback is the lack of a foldable mechanism—unlike the XM4, the new model no longer folds flat, which makes the case slightly larger.
The physical buttons have been limited to the essentials: power, Bluetooth, and noise control mode. Most of the functions are now handled via touch gestures on the right earcup, which—after a short learning curve—turn out to be convenient and intuitive.
In short: Sony has focused on simplicity, comfort, and elegance. The XM5s are headphones you forget you’re even wearing.
Noise Cancellation – Still the Best on the Market
This is where Sony continues to dominate. The WH-1000XM5 introduces a dual-processor system (QN1 + V1) that works with eight microphones, analyzing and filtering ambient sounds in real time. The result? Outstanding silence.
In everyday use, these headphones handle everything from the hum of traffic to airplane engines and the buzz of an office environment. Compared to their main competitors, Sony’s performance is unmatched:
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers a slightly softer and more natural effect, but not as deep in the low frequencies.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 performs well but doesn’t adapt dynamically to changing surroundings.
- Apple AirPods Max offer very high-quality noise cancellation but are heavier and less effective during travel.
The Adaptive Sound Control feature automatically adjusts ANC depending on your activity (e.g., walking, sitting, traveling), while Speak-to-Chat pauses playback when you start speaking. These small details make daily use more seamless.
The verdict? Sony still reigns supreme when it comes to noise cancellation quality and precision.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Review and Comparison – Sound Quality
The sound profile of the WH-1000XM5 continues Sony’s proven formula—balanced, clear, and versatile. The bass is deep and controlled, the mids are warm and pleasant, and the highs are clear but never sharp. It’s the kind of sound that suits almost any genre—from jazz and classical to electronic and pop.
The headphones support the LDAC codec, ensuring high-resolution wireless playback, and are compatible with 360 Reality Audio, Sony’s surround sound system that works with services like Tidal and Deezer.
Compared to the competition:
- Bose tends toward a slightly brighter sound signature, good for podcasts and vocals.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 is ideal for audiophiles who love detailed, natural sound.
- Apple AirPods Max offer rich, spatial sound, especially with Dolby Atmos, but emphasize bass more strongly.
Sony strikes a perfect middle ground—musical but precise, engaging yet fatigue-free.
Functions and Smart Features
The WH-1000XM5 are packed with intelligent solutions. They support Bluetooth 5.2, multipoint connectivity, and voice assistants (Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri). The Sony Headphones Connect app lets you fine-tune every detail—from EQ settings to ANC sensitivity and adaptive profiles.
The headphones also feature auto-pause when removed from your head and fast charging: just 10 minutes gives about 5 hours of playback. The full charge lasts about 30 hours with ANC on and up to 40 hours with it off.
Everything here works smoothly and intuitively. You get the feeling these headphones genuinely adapt to you—not the other way around.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is another strong point. 30 hours with noise cancellation enabled and up to 40 hours with it off easily cover several days of heavy use. Charging is via USB-C, and as mentioned, just a few minutes are enough to get several hours of playback.
Compared to competitors:
- Bose QC Ultra – around 24 hours
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 – up to 60 hours (!), record-breaking
- Apple AirPods Max – around 20 hours
Sony stands between Bose and Sennheiser, offering the best balance between endurance and charging speed.
Weaknesses and Trade-offs
No product is perfect. The main downsides of the WH-1000XM5 are:
- High price – around $350, putting them in the premium category.
- Non-foldable design, less practical for travel.
- No aptX support (LDAC works better on Sony devices).
- Mild sound signature – some listeners might prefer stronger bass or a more energetic profile.
However, these are minor issues in the context of the overall experience.
Comparison with Competitors
On mobile, rotate the screen to see the full table
| Model | Noise Cancelling | Sound | Battery | Weight | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Industry-leading, adaptive | Balanced, warm | 30–40 h | 250 g | Smart functions, best ANC |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra | Natural, strong in midrange | Bright, clear | ~24 h | 260 g | Comfort, natural sound |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 | Solid, slightly weaker than Sony | Very detailed | Up to 60 h | 300 g | Audiophile sound, battery life |
| Apple AirPods Max | Excellent, but heavy | Spatial, rich | ~20 h | 385 g | Design, ecosystem integration |
Each of these models has its strengths, but Sony offers the most balanced and versatile package overall.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Review and Comparison – Final Thoughts
The Sony WH-1000XM5 prove that silence can be just as important as sound. These headphones deliver both — in perfect harmony.
The combination of world-class ANC, great sound, comfort, and smart features makes them one of the most complete audio products available today. Whether you travel, work remotely, or simply love listening to music, the XM5s adapt seamlessly to your lifestyle.
Yes, they’re not cheap. And yes, they no longer fold. But when you put them on, the world truly goes quiet — and for many, that’s priceless.
So, are they still the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market?
Absolutely.
Because with the WH-1000XM5, silence has never sounded this good.
✅ Verdict: ★★★★★ (9.5/10)
Best for: travelers, hybrid workers, and anyone who values peace, comfort, and beautifully balanced sound.
