Sony WH-1000XM5 review
Eight microphones and two processors, at a hundred and fifty dollars less than the current model.
Over ear wireless noise cancelling headphones using two processors controlling eight microphones, with Auto NC Optimizer, the Integrated Processor V1 and four beamforming microphones for calls.
Check price on AmazonSpecifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cancellation | Two processors controlling eight microphones |
| Optimisation | Auto NC Optimizer |
| Audio processor | Integrated Processor V1 |
| Calls | Four beamforming microphones with precise voice pickup |
| Type | Over ear wireless |
Specifications above come from Sony's published specifications. Treat pricing as approximate, since Amazon pricing moves.
What it does well
- Eight microphones across two processors is still a flagship configuration, and the cancellation performance has not degraded because a newer model exists.
- Auto NC Optimizer adjusts cancellation for your ear shape, glasses and air pressure, which is why performance holds up on a plane where fixed cancellation degrades.
- Four beamforming microphones make it usable for calls, which matters if the same headphones cover focus work and meetings.
- At two hundred and forty eight dollars the price to performance ratio is the best in the flagship class.
Where it falls short
- Speech remains the hard case for any active cancellation, and this is no exception.
- The XM5 does not fold flat in the way older Sony models did, which makes the case bulkier for travel.
- Strong ANC produces a pressure sensation some people find uncomfortable, which is individual rather than a fault.
- Two hundred and fifty dollars is still a lot next to sixty five dollar headphones that remove most of the same low frequency noise.
What owners report
Published owner reports describe the XM5 as the reference point the category is measured against, with comfort over long sessions drawing particular praise. Battery life and call quality are consistently well reported.
The recurring criticism is the non folding design and the case size. Reports comparing it against the newer XM6 describe an incremental improvement rather than a transformation, which is why the XM5 continues to be recommended at its lower price.
Who it suits
- Anyone wanting flagship cancellation at the best price to performance.
- People who use the same headphones for calls and focus.
- Frequent flyers, where Auto NC Optimizer earns its place.
Who should skip it
- Open plan workers whose problem is conversation.
- Travellers who need headphones that fold flat into a small bag.
- Anyone sensitive to ANC pressure.
Alternatives worth considering
A hundred and fifty dollars more for the QN3 processor, which Sony describes as seven times faster than the previous generation. A real improvement, and an incremental one.
Check price on AmazonThe same money for Bose's over ear cancellation with Quiet and Aware modes. Bose and Sony trade the top spot depending on who released last; comfort preference usually decides it.
Check price on AmazonA hundred and sixty dollars less for Sony's lightest ANC headband at 192g, using the same Integrated Processor V1 with dual noise sensor technology. Less cancellation, considerably less weight.
Check price on AmazonCommon questions
XM5 or XM6?
The XM6 has the newer QN3 processor which Sony describes as seven times faster, and reviews describe the improvement as incremental. At a hundred and fifty dollars less, the XM5 is the value choice for anyone who is not determined to have the latest.
Do these help in an open plan office?
Partially. They will remove the air conditioning, the traffic and the hum, and they will not remove the conversation at the next desk. For voices, earplugs or a masking sound played through the headphones is what actually works. Our headphones versus earplugs comparison sets out the difference.
Are they comfortable for a full day?
Over ear designs generally are, and Sony's are consistently well reported for long sessions. The variable is ANC pressure sensation, which some people find tiring. If you have never worn strong active cancellation for hours, that is the thing to test rather than the sound.
Can I use them for calls?
Yes. Four beamforming microphones with voice pickup processing make call quality good, which matters if one pair of headphones covers both meetings and focus work rather than needing two.
What is Auto NC Optimizer?
It measures how the headphones are sitting on your head, including the effect of glasses and hair, and adjusts cancellation to suit, along with compensating for atmospheric pressure. It is the reason performance stays consistent on a plane where fixed cancellation degrades.
Keep reading
- Noise cancelling headphones vs earplugs
- Ear muffs vs earplugs
- White noise machine vs headphones
- Sony WH-1000XM6 review
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones review
- ADHD focus tools
This review draws on published specifications, manufacturer figures and the consensus of verified owner reviews. We have not tested this product ourselves, and we say so rather than implying otherwise. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.