TechSpan
Our take
WH-1000XM5 is still the over-ear we tell most people to buy when they want to make a noisy room smaller. The noise cancelling is the feature you feel in the first ten seconds on a plane or in a cafe. Music quality is clean rather than thumpy, which is what we want for podcasts and work playlists.
Comfort is the second test, and Sony passes it. After a long call the clamp is present but not punishing. If you wear glasses, take a minute to adjust the cups — a small habit that prevents hot spots.
The fold is the compromise versus older XM models. The case is chunkier in a backpack. We still take that trade for the ANC. If pocketability matters more than silence, look at earbuds instead.
Quick facts
- Best for
- Planes, offices, long listening
- Why we like it
- ANC, comfort, app EQ
- Watch-out
- Cups do not fold as compactly as older Sonys
- Updated
- August 2026
Pros
- Class-leading ANC for most rooms
- Comfortable past two hours
- App makes EQ easy
Cons
- Case is larger
- Not the most 'fun' V-shaped sound stock
Verdict
The default noise-cancelling headset. Buy earbuds only if packing size is the whole problem.
