Customer Ratings & Reviews
- Model:
- WH1000XM5/L
- SKU:
- 10095959
Rating by feature
- Sound Quality
Rating 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Battery Life
Rating 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Connectivity
Rating 4.7 out of 5 stars
to a friend
Sony WH1000XV5 Review - Black
||Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Excellent headphones for a long hual flight or any other "active" activity requiring headphones. Very comfortable, with excellent sound. Very light. Easy to pair. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is the black color has major fingerprint issues. Feels like the OLD Apple notebooks or the IBM Thinkpads from wayback. Should have bought silver.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi HansH, Thank you so much for your honest review. We are glad to hear that you are enjoying your WH1000XM5 headphones! Thank you for choosing Sony! -Carl
Sony Really Let Me Down With These
||Posted . Owned for 1.5 years when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Let me start by saying that I really wanted to like these headphones. As someone who purchased the WH-1000XM2 headphones back in 2017, I was really looking forward to all the upgrades that the XM5 would provide. The upgrades were there, but so too were the problems as well. Let us begin. Pros: Excellent sound, fantastic noise canceling, very comfortable to wear, felt like a premium product to hold, lightweight, and I was a fan of the beige color. I would use these when traveling throughout NYC and commuting to work. The noise cancellation was so good that when standing on the subway platform and waiting for an oncoming train -- if I closed my eyes -- I could forget that I was on a busy platform while listening to my music. Cons: A few months after buying them, there came an issue where the sound would go out for 10-20 seconds at a time. It would happen randomly when walking, sitting, on a bus, or wherever. It didn't matter what type of audio I listened to, be it music or podcasts. It got to the point that I just stopped using the headphones altogether. I'm not sure if this issue is a cold-weather thing, as I began to notice beginning in October of last year when the temperature started to drop (interestingly, I purchased these headphones in December of '22, and there were no problems during that winter). Nevertheless, I went back to using the XM2s. Yes, I've gone back to using the same headphones that I thought would have been retired by now, but the XM5s were inconsistent with maintaining their audio. I'm so disappointed with these headphones and Sony. Perhaps I had a defective product, but for something that's nearly $400, constantly losing sound at any place at any time is incredibly frustrating. So, in the end, despite the excellent sound quality (when it would work) and noise cancellation, I can't in good conscience recommend anyone buy these headphones based on my experience with them. Again, I've had no problems with the XM2s, and they're almost 8 years old at this point. Sony, please get your act together because this was such a letdown.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Oaktown,
Thank you for reaching out to us with your concern. While we're glad that you like most of the features, we are sorry to hear that you are experiencing issues with your WH-1000XM5 disconnecting from your device randomly. We have taken note of your issues. We'd love to troubleshoot the issue and make this a better experience for you. In the meantime, please make sure that the headphones has the latest software updates (via the Sony Sound Connect app) as this will help improve the overall performance of the WH-1000XM5.
In some cases, such as when you wear the headphones over a cap, a scarf, hair, etc., the sensors may not detect that you are wearing them and may turn them off. Be sure to set the earpads over the ears. Also, check the proximity sensor. If the proximity sensor part inside the left unit housing gets fogged up, or if there are water droplets on it due to condensation or humidity (from changing temperatures or sweat, for example), the Wearing Detection function may not work properly. If this happens, leave the proximity sensor part facing up until the moisture disappears. Please note that the WH-1000XM5 model is designed to function optimally between the temperatures of 0°C and 40°C (32 °F to 104 °F). Although it can and will function beyond this temperature range, performance may be impaired.
If the connection is unstable, such as when producing only intermittent sound, switch the sound quality mode to Prioritize Stable Connection. If the behavior continues, restore the unit to factory default. Doing so may resolve the issue. To reset the headphones, follow the steps from the link below.
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/contents/TP1000541012.html
If the issue persists, a separate article is available if there is no sound, or sound is only heard from one side of the headphones on this link here: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/articles/00204552
If this does not resolve the problem, please let us know so we can turn your experience around. You may send us an email at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:
Name:
Best Buy Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number
We value your feedback and aim to restore your trust in Sony.
Sincerely,
Jess
A travel must-have.
||Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I love these headphones! I travel for work sooooo much. I used to travel with my airpod pro's, but they would die so quickly. These literally last forever, they are super comfortable, and they block out a ton of sound. I highly recommend these.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi JanisD,
Awesome! We're glad to hear that you love your new Sony headphones. We appreciate the positive feedback regarding the sound quality and comfortable design of the headphones. Thank you for choosing Sony!
-David
Very Comfortable, Super Good Sound Quality
||Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Honestly I've been wanting a pair of these for years. They have a great battery life, block out sound really well and are great for gaming, listening to music and even making music as well. The only thing thats a bit steep is the price point, but if they're on sale def buy a pair
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Peyton, Amazing! We're thrilled to hear that you like the battery life, and audio quality. The WH-1000XM5 headphones have 2 processors that control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation and exceptional call quality. With a newly developed 30mm driver, DSEE – Extreme and Hi-Res audio support they provide awe-inspiring audio quality. Our Voice Pickup Technology uses 4 microphones that are calibrated to only pick up your voice, resulting in crystal clear calls. The automatic Speak to Chat feature will stop your music once you start talking and let in the ambient sound. With up to 30 hours of battery life and a quick charge feature. The new lightweight WH-1000XM5 headphones provide all day comfort in an elegant design. Thanks for choosing Sony. Erin
Satisfying Upgrade
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Finally decided to get some actual headphones and upgrade from from airpods and I do not regret it. Sound quality is very good and after comfortable to wear. Would highly recommend if you are thinking about getting new headphones for work or school.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi LizandroR, thanks for your review!
We're honored that you chose the WH-1000XM5 as an upgrade from your previous AirPods and that you don't regret the change. It's great to hear that the sound quality is excellent and the design is comfortable to wear.
We developed the WH-1000XM5 to deliver powerful sound with an elegant design, making them the perfect companion for work or school, just as you mentioned. We appreciate your recommendation!
Thank you for choosing Sony!
Best regards,
Gus, Sony Social Media Team
Good Sony
||Posted . Owned for 1 year when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.These headphones are probably the best noise canceling from Sony. Better bass than the XM4s and battery life.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi NASH,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! It’s great to hear you’re impressed with the WH1000XM5 headphones, especially the improved bass and battery life. Thank you for choosing Sony! Enjoy! -Maria
Great choice
||Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.This headset is a great headset. The sound quality is great The noise cancellation is just beautiful and the controls are awesome. The quality of the headset build is great. It feels good if you put them back in the case that it comes with, which is nice they will stay nice for a long time if you don’t, you can expect scratches dents in the plastic and even they can break because they are made out of plastic still a very nice headset gotta pay to play. The battery of life is very nice on these the sound quality. Can be very relaxing. We can connectivity is pretty nice too.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Brayden, Thank you very much for your thorough review! We are delighted to know that the amazing features of your Sony XM5 headphones have made such a positive impression on you. We appreciate your choice of Sony, and we look forward to many years of exceptional listening experiences with your headphones! -Maria
Amazing
||Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are exceptional. Their lightweight design and plush materials make them extremely comfortable, even during extended listening sessions. I’ve worn them for hours without any discomfort. The sound quality is outstanding, with clear, balanced audio that enhances my music experience. Additionally, the noise-canceling feature effectively blocks out ambient noise, allowing for complete immersion.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi SylviaV, Thank you for your review! While your feedback appears to focus on the Bose model, we greatly appreciate your insights. If you have any specific comments regarding the Sony WH-1000XM5, we would be eager to hear them as well, as it would help us better understand how the two models compare in your experience. Best regards, -Craig
Perfect Headphones on the mid-high end!
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Sounds great, battery is amazing, looks amazing, light and comfy, I like the touch button on the right side. TURN OFF SPEAK TO CHAT (swipe forward on the right cup twice and the place two finger down for a sec or two and it will tell you it's off).
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi JoelH, Amazing! We're delighted to hear that you like the sound, battery life, and features. We appreciate your feedback and thank you for choosing Sony. Erin
Finally Great Noise Cancellation on Airplanes
||Posted . Owned for 5 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.After a very loud and long flight from Texas to Florida woth two misbehaved loud kids in front of me, a screaming crying baby in front and behind me, and my Apple AirPod pro 2’s not doing a great job of cancelling out the noise, I looked into what options there were. These headphones are SOLID. I was on a flight after that experience to Hawaii over the summer and there were plenty of kids on that flight. I forgot kids were around me while watching in flight entertainment and listening to movies. I really love that you can pause the ANC by placing your palm on the right ear cup so you can listen to what’s going on around you or the flight attendant announcements. They were very comfortable on 6 hours of continuous use. One comment is during take off, the loud engines seem to confuse the ANC, but then once you take off ground, it regularizes itself and is good from there on out. They’re pretty pricey, but they’re so worth it. Highly recommend.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi chigaimaging,
Awesome! We're glad to hear that you found the best noise canceling headphones that perfectly suits your needs and expectations. The WH1000XM5 is definitely one of the best travel headphones. The WH-1000XM5 headphones have 2 processors that control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation and exceptional call quality. With a newly developed 30mm driver, DSEE – Extreme and Hi-Res audio support they provide awe-inspiring audio quality. Our Voice Pickup Technology uses 4 microphones that are calibrated to only pick up your voice, resulting in crystal clear calls. The automatic Speak to Chat feature will stop your music once you start talking and let in the ambient sound. With up to 30 hours of battery life and a quick charge feature. The new lightweight WH-1000XM5 headphones provide all day comfort in an elegant design. Thanks for the recommendation and for choosing Sony! - Kris
A fine upgrade from the XM3s with some caveats
||Posted . Owned for 5 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Upgraded from the XM3 to the XM5. Not fond of the disconnections that tend to happen occasionally in the background, but I can tolerate it given the value of being able to stay connected to mobile and PC and swap between the two. I would only say that the mobile app can be slow to start up, and there's no alternative way to manage the connections outside this app that I know of.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Drazard, Excellent upgrade! We're sorry if they tend to disconnect occasionally, please ensure the software is updated. Resetting and Initializing the headphones is also a recommendation.
Ref: https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/contents/TP1000534745.html
The WH-1000XM5 headphones have 2 processors that control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation and exceptional call quality. With a newly developed 30mm driver, DSEE – Extreme and Hi-Res audio support they provide awe-inspiring audio quality. Our Voice Pickup Technology uses 4 microphones that are calibrated to only pick up your voice, resulting in crystal clear calls. The automatic Speak to Chat feature will stop your music once you start talking and let in the ambient sound. With up to 30 hours of battery life and a quick charge feature. The new lightweight WH-1000XM5 headphones provide all day comfort in an elegant design. Thanks for choosing Sony. Erin
ANC is disappointing
||Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.So I ended up buying these the day they were released. First thing I noticed was they are super light weight! Once I got them connected to my iPhone the sound is fantastic, battery life is superb too! My biggest disappointment with these cans is the ANC! I took these on a flight today from Indianapolis to Las Vegas so I was on the plane for 4 hours just to find out these lack the ANC other headphones such as the airpod pro max and the Bose 700 offer. I own the AirPods max and have used a pair of Bose 700 extensively, especially on flights so hearing how the new Sony’s performed was very disappointing. If the AirPods max block out 95% of the noise I would say the Sony’s are 70%. It’s hard to explain but if you fly a lot then expect to be disappointed. You can obviously judge for yourself but after I got back in to town I drove to Best Buy just to take them back. ANC is a huge plus for me when I buy headphones, especially for the price that Sony is charging for them I want them to perform the way I expect. Apple is still the king of ANC and it’s by a mile, once again if you don’t believe me give it a try and you’ll see for yourself. I really have no idea how the reviews on YouTube are saying they’re that much better cause they’re not. If ANC isn’t a big deal for you then the weight, battery life, soundstage and look of the headphones are definitely superb! On another note the ambient mode is better than the XM4’s and the Bose 700 but fall to the AirPods max. Also I need to add the connectivity is great for an android but it’s not going to come close to how apple connects with the air pods max. Yes there is the price difference between the two but like they said, “You get what you pay for”
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi frequentflyer247, Thank you for the feedback on your experience with your new Sony WH-1000XM5. While we're thrilled you like the fantastic sound quality, long-lasting battery life, and lightweight design of this unit, we regret to hear you feel that the effect of noise canceling is not sufficient. This is usually not the case for our industy-leading noise-canceling headphones nor the experience we want you to have.
To ensure optimal noise canceling performance on your new Sony WH-1000XM5, please follow the guidelines and troubleshooting steps on the link below:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/contents/TP1000534745.html
If you are unable to resolve your concern, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:
Name:
Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
Sincerely,
Sam
Noise cancelling is amazing but design has flaws
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I do like these headphones kind of… typically I was wearing air pod pros daily until their latest update where the noise cancellation was emphasizing the wrong sounds cause my overstimulation to get worse. I wear headphones to reduce the sound around me or help me focus on familiar things. I decided to switch to Sony over ear because they had great reviews for noise cancelling and phone calls. Both these features are great and I love that you can personal the sound (ie I can’t handle bass or lower tones and I can customize to balance those). The meh: the fit is weird sometimes it feels like it is squishing my head but when I love they fall off. Very annoying for being active or doing things like cleaning. Connectivity is hit and miss and needs improvement. They connect ok to my phone but if I want to use them I have to have the app in order to get them to connect to another device and when you get a call or alarm it does not play through the head phones just stops the sound. This is very frustrating then when you finally find your phone and click answer you have to go in and change the settings to connect to headset for a call. While I like them because they do help when I need noise canceling i do find them buggy.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Rachel, We're glad that you like the noise canceling function. We'll also take note of your feedback with regards to the fit and connectivity. Sony values the opinions of customers and is always striving to provide the best experience possible. For optimum performance, please ensure the software is updated. Please launch Headphones Connect app to check and verify the software.
The WH-1000XM5 headphones have 2 processors that control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation and exceptional call quality. With a newly developed 30mm driver, DSEE – Extreme and Hi-Res audio support they provide awe-inspiring audio quality. Our Voice Pickup Technology uses 4 microphones that are calibrated to only pick up your voice, resulting in crystal clear calls. The automatic Speak to Chat feature will stop your music once you start talking and let in the ambient sound. With up to 30 hours of battery life and a quick charge feature. The new lightweight WH-1000XM5 headphones provide all day comfort in an elegant design.
For further assistance, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com.
Thanks for choosing Sony. Erin
Missing the noise cancellation slider
||Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.These are a vast improvement upon the 3rd gen I had, they fit comfortably for my head, but I can see how the new less forgiving band could be less comfortable for others. Love the new touch controls and the minimalist profile altogether. Only thing I miss is the noise cancellation slider in the app. Liked being able to adjust that to a personal preference. The adaptive noise cancellation is fine though. The spatial audio and genral sound quality imporvements make it a worthy sacrifice.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi PepperoniThief, We're glad that you are enjoying you new headphones. We sincerely value feedback from our customers for better improvement in our product. The WH-1000XM5 headphones have 2 processors that control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation and exceptional call quality. With a newly developed 30mm driver, DSEE – Extreme and Hi-Res audio support they provide awe-inspiring audio quality. Our Voice Pickup Technology uses 4 microphones that are calibrated to only pick up your voice, resulting in crystal clear calls. The automatic Speak to Chat feature will stop your music once you start talking and let in the ambient sound. With up to 30 hours of battery life and a quick charge feature. The new lightweight WH-1000XM5 headphones provide all day comfort in an elegant design. Thanks for choosing Sony. Erin
Noise cancelling headphones.
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Lightweight, quality is great. I bought two pair, one for my daughter and one for myself.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hello Redcable,
Thank you for choosing Sony!
We're excited to hear that you're enjoying the lightweight design and great quality of your WH1000XM5 headphones. It’s wonderful to know you chose a pair for both yourself and your daughter—sharing that experience makes it even more special. Thank you for your feedback!
Best regards,
-Fred
Comfortable and Sounds Better than Expected
||Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Comfortable to wear, and sounds great. Lightweight too!
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi CRache, thank you so much for the fantastic 5 star review! We're happy to hear that you are enjoying our industry-leading noise cancelling WH-1000XM5 headphones. They have been engineered to perfection to deliver magnificent sound and comfort, we really hope this continues to be a pleasant experience for you! Thanks for choosing Sony, regards. -Dominick
So much better than the xm4s
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.The headphones charge much faster, they sound better, and are lighter than their predecessor. I remember when these first came out and most reviewers were dinging them for not being collapsible. Which always struck me as odd because: why not just wear earbuds if you're concerned about space?
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Consumption, incredible! We're glad you are enjoying our industry-leading noise canceling headphones! The WH-1000XM5 headphones have 2 processors that control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation and exceptional call quality. With a newly developed 30mm driver, DSEE – Extreme and Hi-Res audio support they provide awe-inspiring audio quality. Our Voice Pickup Technology uses 4 microphones that are calibrated to only pick up your voice, resulting in crystal clear calls. The automatic Speak to Chat feature will stop your music once you start talking and let in the ambient sound. With up to 30 hours of battery life and a quick charge feature. The new lightweight WH-1000XM5 headphones provide all day comfort in an elegant design. Thanks for choosing Sony. ~Earl
Buy Sony Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I love this product, best noise cancelling product out there for sure. I work in a very loud environment and when I am on the people with people they can’t even hear my background at all. Easy to use lite weight multiple noise cancelling options. I actually love this headphones so much I brought the earbuds too.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hello JamarioB,
Thank you for choosing Sony!
We're thrilled to hear that you find them to be the best noise-cancelling product available. It's fantastic that they effectively block out background noise in your loud work environment, allowing for clear communication. We're also glad you appreciate the lightweight design and the variety of noise-cancelling options. It's wonderful to hear that you loved the WH1000XM5 so much that you decided to get the earbuds as well!
Best regards,
-Fred
outstanding, beautiful headset
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.First and foremost, I’m no audiophile. With that said, I do like the headset. The noise canceling is excellent. The sound is nice, clean and enjoyable, as expected from Sony. I notice that sometimes, it feels warm on my ears after prolonged use (less than two hours). I do love the design. Very modern and classy. It’s light, does not make you feel threatened with headache. I did return it though. The price made me think twice. Also I don’t like that I needed to use Sony app to use it.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi deedee, Thank you for your honest review. While we are glad to hear that you are happy with the noise cancelling and sound quality of the WH-1000XM5, we are sorry to hear that it had to be returned. The Sony Headphones Connect app is not a requirement to use the headphones, if you change the settings of the headphones using the app, it will keep the settings even without the use of the app unless the headphones are initialized back to default settings. We hope that you consider Sony again in your future purchases. Regards, Carl
I bought 2 for me and my wife
||Posted . Owned for 7 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Best in the game, I was comparing these to a bunch of other options, but Sony for the price, gives great quality, amazing battery life and makes it the best travel companion.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hello NikhilS,
Thank you for choosing Sony!
We're honored to hear your glowing review of the WH1000XM5 headphones. Knowing that you consider them the best in the game, especially after comparing them to other options, means a lot to us. We're so glad you're enjoying the great sound quality, amazing battery life, and that they've become your go-to travel companion. Thank you for sharing your feedback!
Best regards,
-Fred