Customer Ratings & Reviews
- Model:
- WH1000XM5/S
- SKU:
- 12202383
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
Customers are saying
Customers frequently mention the exceptional sound quality, comfort, and impressive battery life as major strengths of the product. They also appreciate its lightweight design and effective active noise cancellation. However, some customers note concerns regarding its portability, price, and occasional connectivity issues.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
Sony headphones
||Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Sony headphones have great bass . Very user-friendly
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Biggie,
Thank you for the review and we're glad you like the bass sound quality and friendly user-interface of the 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. Thank you for choosing Sony!
Regards,
David
Not the greatest
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Owned 4 pairs of the XM4. So much is said about the XM5 being improved over the XM4. In my opinion it is not. ANC is great but sound feels “smaller” and lacks depth compared to the XM4. Fit was awkward on my head; all day comfort with no need to adjust often with the XM4. Purchased twice, first almost immediately upon release and again in Jan 24, wanting to try again & see if I was mistaken. Returned both purchases within 72 hours. XM4 & Bose QC Ultra are better picks for this price range.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi mike, we regret to hear that the headphones did not meet your expectations and had to be returned. This is definitely not the experience we'd like you to have. We have some recommendations to troubleshoot audio/sound related concerns available on the Help Guide. For future reference, please check our support website or the link below:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/index.html
Your feedback matters to us as it helps us improve our products.
We are sorry for the inconvenience and we hope that you'll consider Sony in your future purchase.
Regards,
Erin
- Pros mentioned:Sound quality
Sony Headphone
||Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.It is really awesome really nice and clear sound & bass/trible & nice app too. I already loveing it and definitely recommend to others
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi AWSaeed, Gret! We're glad that you are enjoying the sound quality of your 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. Erin
??
||Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I think my xm4’s and xm3s are better theae keep on disconnecting for no reason randomly brought it be back to the store got new pair same story waiting for a firmware update or something to stop this
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi ImcraZycy, We are sorry to hear that the headphones keep disconnecting. This is definitely not the experience we'd like you to have. We'd love to help you troubleshoot your problem and turn this into a better experience.
Please ensure the software is updated. If your headset has the latest software, a notification will appear on the screen of the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app. Update the headset software following the on-screen instructions. Install the latest headset software to enjoy new functions or to resolve a certain number of issues with the headset. Always use the headset with the latest software installed.
For additional steps, please check the Help Guide below.
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/contents/TP1000534701.html
If this does not help, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:
Name:
BBY Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
Sincerely,
Erin
- Pros mentioned:Sound quality
Awesome noise canceling feature
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I bought these headphones specifically for the noise-canceling and they are really good! I need that for my relaxation sessions.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Tony, Great choice! We are glad to hear that you are enjoying your new WH-1000XM5 headphones! These lightweight headphones are beautifully finished in newly developed soft fit leather. This material fits snugly around the head with less pressure on the ears while keeping out external sounds. Our noiseless design with stepless slider, seamless swivel and hanger, and silent joints, makes WH-1000XM5 a pleasure to wear. Thank you for choosing Sony! -Carl
FIRST GO TO YOUTUBE AND PUT HINGE BROKE
Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.This product is extremely poorly made ! Go to YT!!
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi jlacen19, We're sorry to hear about your headphones. It is unfortunate that you are having issues with the hinges of your headphones. This is definitely not the experience we wanted you to have with our premium headphones.
Unfortunately, the limited warranty of your WH1000XM5 does not cover any kind of accidental or physical damage. You may contact our authorized service center (United Radio Service Inc.) for repair options. Please refer to this link:
https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/service?language=en_US&cpint=spt-subfooter_prodrepair
In case you need further assistance, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:
Name:
Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
Or contact our product support team via phone call or chat through this link:
https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/support-contact?language=en_US&category=headphones
Sincerely,
-Craig
Great but!
||Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.These are good headphones dont get me wrong! My issue is that they don't seamlessly switch between my iPhone and mac which is really annoying
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi LaurenS, Thank you for writing your review. We're glad that you like the WH1000XM5. We're also sorry if you're having issues switching from your phone and mac. To troubleshoot the problem, please check the links below:
https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00249936
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/contents/TP1000541784.html
If this does not help, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:
Name:
Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
Sincerely, Erin
I want my XM3's.....
||Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I sold my XM3's to pick these up. Big mistake. I really wish I could get my old pair of XM3's back but had to buy a pair off ebay. The noise canceling in these XM5's is horrible compared to the XM3. Takes forever to cancel the noise because of the adaptive feature and even when it starts you can still hear people talking that I didn't hear in my XM3's. Used these on a plane last week and was so disappointed. Oh, and even when they work, don't yawn or move your head because then the noise canceling shuts off and it takes time for it to kick back in. Not sure if they will fix in a firmware update but I am not taking a chance. Heading back to Best Buy today to return these.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi TheB,
We're sorry to hear you are not satisfied with the noise cancellation and you're considering to return the product. If the Noise Canceling effect on the WH-1000XM5 headphones changes automatically, it is because of the Auto NC Optimizer feature (optimizing the Noise Canceling function automatically), the Noise Canceling effect may change depending on the conditions or how you are wearing the headphones.
For example, the following may cause the Noise Canceling effect to change:
• Going down the stairs, eating, drinking, or speaking loudly
• Touching the headphones
• The headphones move or slip slightly
Additionally, when the Adaptive Sound Control on the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app is turned on, the wearer's actions, like walking or running, are detected. The noise canceling function is automatically adjusted and the Ambient Sound Mode may be activated according to these actions.
To make the most of the noise canceling function, turn off the Adaptive Sound Control, and try to turn on the noise canceling function manually when you need it.
If the effect of noise canceling is not sufficient, please refer to the steps and guidelines from this link: https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/contents/TP1000534745.html
Should you need further assistance regarding your concern and you still have the unit, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:
Name:
Best Buy Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
Sincerely,
Jess
- Pros mentioned:Sound quality
Best headphones for the price.
||Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Sound great even with my iPhone. I can’t go back to regular headphones now. I was let down by the 360 audio support.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Trucksenpai, Awesome! We are so glad to hear that you are happy with your new WH-1000XM5 headphones! These lightweight headphones are beautifully finished in newly developed soft fit leather. This material fits snugly around the head with less pressure on the ears while keeping out external sounds. Our noiseless design with stepless slider, seamless swivel and hanger, and silent joints, makes WH-1000XM5 a pleasure to wear. Thank you for choosing Sony! -Carl
Headband absolutely not comfortable
||Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.The sound quality is great, 360 reality sound is great (although it has very few use-cases) they look nice, Apple supports Atmos, which sounds great in movies, but these headphones don’t support it. Atmos is a well established standard, 360 reality is a niche. So no use of 3D audio on apple devices in movies. So I won’t buy them on a proprietary standard. ANC seems to be good. However, since the headband is very thin and stiff, it is a very uncomfortable on the top of the head. It starts hurting after 5 minutes. That is a major design flaw. ANC removes annoying plane engine sounds, but you get physical pain on your head instead.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Buso, while we are glad that you like the sound quality and noise canceling function, we're sorry if Atmos isn't supported and starts hurting after 5 minutes. This is definitely not the experience we'd like you to have. Allow us to help and turn this into a better experience.
There are reasons why your ears may hurt when putting on or wearing headphones, please check the article below.
https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/articles/00015243
Please also ensure you have downloaded the headphones connect app; it has an EQ setting that can be used to customize to fine-tune your music.
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/contents/TP1000534533.html
Should you need further assistance, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:
Name:
Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
Sincerely,
Erin
Bad experience
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I can't pair it with my phone(doesn't appear on my Bluetooth list) and the Best Buy branch asked a 40$ price( I returned to the branch next morning after purchase) to fix the issue!! Worst experience ever.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Soren,
We're sorry to hear about your experience. Not being able to pair your headphones right after purchase is definitely frustrating, and the charge mentioned is concerning. This isn't the level of service we aim for.
To address this concern, please reset them by following the instructions in the link below:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/contents/TP1000541012.html
Then, perform factory reset. The steps are in the link below:
https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/contents/TP1000541013.html
Additionally, make sure they have the latest firmware version installed. Check this out for more details: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/software/00278246
We hope this helps. Thanks for considering Sony Products.
-Eliab
Noise canceling not good for calls
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.The sound often shuts off during workouts. The noise canceling isn't very good.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi YoneaqueS,
Thanks for reaching out about your WH-1000XM5 headphones. We're sorry to hear you've been running into some issues. We want to get this sorted out for you.
Regarding the sound shutting off, it is usually caused by a couple of the headphones' built-in smart features, like "Automatic Power Off" and "Pauses when headphones are removed," which can sometimes be triggered by all the movement during a workout.
You can turn both of these off in the Sony | Sound Connect app. Just head to Device Settings > System, find the Automatic Power Off setting, and select "Do not turn off." It’s also a good idea to check and disable the Pauses feature there if it's on.
If the issue persists, try initializing the headphones as a last resort. Find detailed instructions here: https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/contents/TP1000541013.html
As for the noise canceling, it is most effective at blocking constant, low-frequency sounds; things like the hum of an air conditioner or a bus engine. It's naturally less effective on sudden, higher-pitched noises, such as people talking or gym equipment clatter.
You'll also want to make sure the earpads have a nice, secure fit over your ears, as a good seal is crucial for the best performance. Finally, a great step is to check the Sony | Sound Connect app for any available firmware updates, as these can often improve noise canceling over time.
If you run into any more trouble or need a deeper dive into these settings, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team at https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/support-contact?language=en_US&category=headphones
Thanks for considering Sony products. We apologize for your experience.
Warm regards,
Estefany
- Pros mentioned:Sound quality
Overhyped
||Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Vegan leather feels cheap, sound qualiyy is good, noise cancelling is meh. Returned. Wouldnt buy again.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Protian, Thanks for sharing your experience with us. We're sorry that you are not impressed with the headphones. We appreciate the feedback as it can help us improve in the future. We hope you'd still consider our products in your next purchases. Thanks and regards, -Craig
I wish I could keep it, but...
||Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.A fantastic noise canceling headset with a fatal flaw. For my use case, which is plane travel, the lack of foldability and the HUGE rigid case makes it impossible to keep. Even though it is the best NC.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi OliverUWS, we glad that you like the noise canceling function. We appreciate all of your feedback as it helps us improve our products. 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
Big step down in almost every way
||Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I've been a huge fan of both the wh-1000xm3s and wh-1000xm4s, but the wh-1000xm5 are a massive step down from both of those on every front. The sound quality is worse. The ANC is close to ineffective. And above all, they are extremely, EXTREMELY uncomfortable to wear. They no longer fold (no real reason, just change for the sake of change), meaning that the fit is also less customized. They're just rigid and hard and hot, and that's it. The ear cups are also now inexplicably super-long and narrow, so they rub against the sides of your ears constantly but also do not provide any support whatsoever, nor do they actually even close over your ears, hence the gigantic drop in ANC capabilities. Then the headband is massively thicker than past models and is positioned in a way that forces it against the top of your head incredibly hard--and because those ear cups are twice the length of a normal ear and only about 1/2 as wide, they do nothing to stop the super-hard headband from angrily digging into your scalp. I can wear the wh-1000xm4 for hours at a time without discomfort, even all day sometimes, but these things HURT very badly after about 5 minutes. I really do not understand what Sony was going for here, since my head and ears are normal and human-shaped, not like whatever monstrous lake creature these are designed for. And Sony, how are you STILL so bad at touch control, after how many generations now? It gets triggered when it shouldn't and doesn't work when it should. And even if you TURN OFF touch control, anytime you touch them--like, say, you need to constantly adjust the heinous fit--these stupid things makes a "BING" "BING" "BING" noise over and over again until you want to take them off and smash them to bits with a hammer. And you'll be adjusting them constantly because, again, they are SO INCREDIBLY UNCOMFORTABLE to wear. I'm so disappointed by these. I was excited to get the next iteration after the 4s, but they are possibly the worst earphones I've ever bought (aside from Sony's equally disastrously designed and uncomfortable WF-1000XM3 earbuds. What is going on over there?) Color me baffled by the rave reviews these things are getting because they are THE. WORST.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi tscoot, we are sorry to hear that the WH-1000XM5 did not meet your expectations. We'd love to help and troubleshoot the issues that you are experiencing and make this a better experience for you. In the meantime, ff the effect of noise canceling is not sufficient, please try the steps on our Help Guide link: https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/contents/TP1000534745.html?search=comfort
For the sound quality, https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/contents/TP1000534519.html
May we contact you to help and provide further assistance? If so, please email the below information to socialsupport@am.sony.com
Apologies if you disclosed some of this information in your review and to customer service, we just want to ensure that we have your accurate details at the time of communication.
Full Name:
Best Buy Username:
Telephone Number:
Model Number:
Issue:
Regards,
Carl
Good
||Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Satisfied with the noise-cancelling quality and comfort, but occasionally the headphones will shut off when I am actively using them.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hello NikaM,
While we're happy that you are satisfied with the noise canceling feature and comfortability of our XM5, we're sorry to hear that you are having issues like the unit shuts off by itself while using it. This is not the news we want to hear. Please allow us to help. If the headphone shuts off in the middle of using it, you may not be wearing it properly.
Here are some troubleshooting steps that you can check:
- When you wear the headset over a cap, cloth, a scarf, hair, etc., wearing detection may not work properly. The automatic power off function may trigger and the headset may be turned off automatically. Wear the headset so that your ears are inside the earpads.
- When the automatic power off function is set to [Do not turn off] on the [System] tab of the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app, wearing detection will continue to work and the symptom may be improved.
- Make sure the battery is fully charged.
Should you need further assistance, please email us at socialsupport@am.sony.com with the following details:
Name:
Username:
Model Number:
Issue:
Telephone Number:
We are more than happy to assist you.
Regards,
Marco
Superbe Sound, Cheap Build
||Posted . Owned for 1 year when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Sony will always do well by me with sound quality, but I loved the previous gen's build quality and foldability. Hopefully the next headphone is much better.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Andrew, Thanks for your feedback and insights. Sony values the opinions of customers and is always striving to provide the best experience possible. 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
Steer clear, want quality? Go for Bose or Apple
||Posted . Owned for 1 year when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Stay away, build quality is poor, quality control bad and customer service even worse. My headphones barely lasted me a year of very minimal use. Within a few months I started having issues with the headphones automatically playing tracks, forwarding tracks, ending calls, muting me, etc. once it got a little heated. By the end of the year, the headphones wouldn’t last 15mins before the issues started happening. I had purchased the headphones in May, 2022 and reached out to customer service in June 2023. I was told that my headphones are out of warranty but as a courtesy, they’ll give me an exchange. I got an email to upload the receipt which I did, and the next day I got the email that my warranty has expired. The build quality of these headphones is absolutely terrible, and I wouldn’t want to deal with customer service that tells you different things altogether. Bye bye Sony, not falling down this trap again and will not recommend anyone to do so either.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Waqas,
Thank you for your time this review. We are very sorry to hear what happened on the headphones. This is definitely not the experience we want you to have with our products. We always aim to deliver a great experience, and we are gutted when don't meet expectations. We'd like to help and do the best possible for you.
May we contact you and get more information? If so, please email the below information to socialsupport@am.sony.com:
Name:
Best Buy Username:
Telephone Number:
Model Number:
Issue:
We are sorry for the inconvenience and hope to speak to you to resolve this matter. - Kris
Overall good. But loses connection often.
||Posted . Owned for 3 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Great sound quality. Great battery life. Great active noise cancellation. Very comfortable. But all that is thwarted by the issue I and many other users have with the connectivity. It will often drop the connection to my phone, PC, Mac, tablet, or whatever other device I have it paired to. I’ve tried resetting it and unpairing it from every device I own so that the only device the headphones can pair to is the one I’m currently using. Still disconnects. Many great features but I can’t use any of them. I’m returning these.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi Zzza, While we are glad to hear that you are happy with the sound quality, battery life and noise canceling feature of your WH-1000XM5, we are sorry to hear that you are experiencing issues with the connection. If you still have the headphones, we'd love to troubleshoot the issue and make this a better experience for you. In the meantime, please follow our help guide link to troubleshoot. https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/contents/TP1000534702.html
May we contact you to help? If so, please email the below information to socialsupport@am.sony.com
Apologies if you disclosed some of this information in your review and to customer service, we just want to ensure that we have your accurate details at the time of communication.
Full Name:
Best Buy Username:
Telephone Number:
Model Number:
Issue:
Regards,
Carl
- Pros mentioned:Sound quality
Love the noise canceling feature
||Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.We love the noise canceling feature and the 360 audio is cool too.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from SonyListens
Posted .Hi h2opolo214, we're happy to hear that you are enjoying your new 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. Erin