To be honest, premium headphones are not cheap, and the Sony WH-1000XM5 is certainly not a bargain. So when I got my hands on a pair, I put them through the ringer: work, flights, gym sessions, late-night Netflix, loud cafés, and calm mornings.
After a month of real-world use, here’s my honest opinion on whether they live up to the hype—and whether they’re worth the money.
First Impressions: Clean, Lightweight, and Premium Feel
The WH-1000XM5 exudes high-end quality right out of the box. The design is simple but elegant, and they’re surprisingly light. The redesigned smaller headband and supple leather earcups are a considerable improvement over previous generations.
If you’re going to be wearing headphones for hours on end, comfort is essential — and these delivered.
Let’s Talk About Noise Canceling—It’s Next Level.
This is when Sony demonstrates its true capabilities.
I’ve tried Bose, Apple, and other brands, but nothing compares to the noise cancellation on the WH-1000XM5. These block out everything, even jet engines, loud coffee shop talk, and ambient noise at home. It’s unsettling in the greatest manner conceivable.
Perfect for:
- Remote work
- Traveling
- Studying
Simply getting some peace and quiet.
Sound Quality: Rich, Balanced, and Surprisingly Clear Over Bluetooth
The sound quality is as expected from Sony: clear, detailed, and immersive. You’ll discover depths in your music that you hadn’t recognized before.
It isn’t as bass-heavy as Beats, but it packs a punch when needed. With support for LDAC and Hi-Res Audio, you’ll get the greatest wireless sound imaginable—especially if you’re using Android.
Battery Life: Solid as Advertised
Sony claims 30 hours, which is fairly true. I was able to get through an entire workweek (plus a few exercises) on one charge.
And, yes, the quick charge feature works. 3 minutes of charging equals around 3 hours of use. Lifesaver.
Smart features that I actually used (and liked).
Speak-to-Chat: Music pauses when you talk (which is cool, but sometimes too sensitive).
Adaptive Sound: Adjusts noise cancellation based on your location (home, strolling, traveling, etc.).
The touch controls are super responsive.
Auto Pause takes a second to kick in, but it works nicely.
The Not-So-Great Stuff (Because No Product is Perfect)
Let’s keep it real:
- They are costly. You pay for quality, but they are an investment.
- There is no water resistance. Not suitable for strenuous exercise or rain.
- Consider upgrading the microphone for better calls. It’s fine, but not great in loud environments.
Still, none of these were deal breakers for me.
So, is the Sony WH-1000XM5 worth it?
Here’s the thing: If you only need “decent headphones,” they are probably overkill.
However, if you value music quality, comfort, silence, and smart features, as well as headphones that will last a long time, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is an excellent choice.
They’re the type of equipment you buy once and don’t worry about upgrading for a long time.
Overall rating: 9.5/10.
What I adored:
Unreal noise cancellation.
Excellent audio quality
Premium design
Longer battery life
Smart and beneficial features
❌ What I Didn’t
Pricey
There is no water resistance
The mic is simply okay.
Final Thoughts: Should You Purchase the Sony WH-1000XM5?
After a full month of real-world use, the Sony WH-1000XM5 has lived up to the expectations. These headphones are not only high-quality but also functional. Whether you’re working from home, flying across the country, or simply trying to avoid distractions, they provide superior noise cancellation, clear and immersive sound, and all-day comfort.
Yes, they are pricey. However, if you’re seeking for the best wireless noise-cancelling headphones available in 2025, the WH-1000XM5 is a wise choice. They’re jam-packed with helpful features, have a good battery life, and feel like a product that will last years rather than months.
Bottom line? If all you want are decent headphones, these may be overkill. However, if you value sound quality, peace and quiet, and long-term value, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is well worth the price.
Overall score: 9.5/10 — Easily one of the greatest headphones available right now.