Sony WH-1000XM5 Review 2026: Worth €350? (Score 4.6/5)

The Sony WH-1000XM5 hardly needs an introduction. For years, Sony has set the standard for wireless noise-cancelling headphones, and with the XM5 they have proven it once again. After months of daily use — from busy trains to quiet home offices — we share our comprehensive verdict. With a final score of 4.6 out of 5, this is still one of the best headphones you can buy.

Design and build quality

Sony has opted for a sleeker, more minimalist design compared to its predecessor. The headband is slimmer and the ear cushions are slightly larger, resulting in a lighter and more comfortable fit. At just 250 grams, you barely notice you're wearing them, even after hours of listening.

The materials feel high-quality with a combination of synthetic leather and soft foam. The headphones are fully foldable, making transport easier. The included hard case provides excellent protection on the go.

Pros:

• Outstanding comfort, even during extended use
• Lightweight at just 250 grams
• Sleek, modern design
• Foldable with included hard case

Cons:

• All-plastic construction feels less premium than the price suggests
• Ear cushions are not easily replaceable

Performance and speed

The Bluetooth 5.3 connection is rock-solid and the multipoint feature lets you seamlessly switch between two devices — for example, your laptop and smartphone. The LDAC codec enables hi-res audio streaming, provided you have a compatible source device.

The Sony Headphones Connect app offers extensive customisation options: from EQ settings to fine-tuning the noise cancelling based on your environment. Speak-to-Chat automatically pauses your music when you start talking, which works surprisingly well in practice.

Pros:

• Stable Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint
• LDAC for hi-res audio
• Feature-rich app with EQ and ANC adjustments
• Speak-to-Chat works reliably

Cons:

• No aptX support

Sound quality

This is where the true strength of the XM5 lies. The 30 mm carbon fibre drivers deliver a warm, detailed, and wide soundstage. Bass is tight and deep without being overpowering, the midrange is clear, and vocals sound natural. The highs are detailed without being harsh.

The noise cancelling is class-leading. Sony's Integrated Processor V1 combined with eight microphones filters ambient noise exceptionally well. Whether you're on a plane, working in a busy office, or walking along a busy road — the XM5 creates a cocoon of silence. The transparency mode is equally excellent and lets ambient sound through in a natural way.

Phone calls are handled well thanks to the beam-forming microphones and AI-based noise suppression. Your conversation partner hears you clearly, even in windy conditions.

Pros:

• Warm, detailed, and wide soundstage
• Class-leading noise cancelling
• Natural transparency mode
• Excellent call quality

Cons:

• Audiophile listeners may miss some detail in the highs
• No 2.5 mm balanced headphone jack

Battery life

Sony promises 30 hours of listening with noise cancelling enabled, and in practice we came close. At average volume with active ANC, we consistently achieved 27-28 hours. Without ANC, this rises to over 35 hours. Quick charging is a lifesaver: 3 minutes of charging provides 3 hours of listening time. A full charge via USB-C takes about 3.5 hours.

Pros:

• Excellent 30-hour battery life (with ANC)
• Super-fast charging (3 minutes = 3 hours)
• USB-C charging

Cons:

• No wireless charging

Who is the Sony WH-1000XM5 for?

The XM5 is perfect for commuters who want peace and quiet on public transport, remote workers who want to block out household noise, and music lovers who want quality sound without a cable. It's also an ideal companion for frequent travellers thanks to the lightweight design and excellent noise cancelling.

Conclusion

The Sony WH-1000XM5 has been the go-to recommendation for wireless noise-cancelling headphones for years, and for good reason. The combination of excellent sound, industry-leading ANC, fantastic comfort, and long battery life makes it nearly unbeatable. Only the all-plastic build and the lack of aptX keep it from a perfect score.

Category	Score
Design and build quality	8.5 / 10
Sound quality	9.5 / 10
Noise cancelling	9.5 / 10
Battery life	9.0 / 10
Features and app	9.0 / 10
Value for money	8.5 / 10
Overall score	4.6 / 5

Alternatives

Want to compare? Check out these alternatives:

• Apple AirPods Max — Premium aluminium design with excellent sound quality and seamless integration with Apple devices. More expensive, but ideal for the Apple ecosystem.
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra — The eternal rival with comparable noise cancelling and a slightly warmer sound signature. Also offers Immersive Audio for a spatial effect.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sony WH-1000XM5 suitable for sports?

The XM5 is not designed for intensive sports. They are not sweat-resistant and the over-ear design may shift during vigorous movement. For sports, we recommend in-ear alternatives.

Can I connect the Sony WH-1000XM5 to two devices at the same time?

Yes, thanks to the multipoint feature you can connect the XM5 to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. This lets you seamlessly switch between your laptop and phone, for example.

Does the noise cancelling work without music?

Yes, you can activate noise cancelling without playing music. This is handy when you simply want silence in a noisy environment, for example while working or travelling.