Verdict: Still one of the best noise-cancelling headphones for travel and daily listening, and better value since the XM6 arrived. The main trade-off is that it doesn’t fold.
Good for
- Flights and commutes: excellent noise cancelling and up to 30 hours with ANC on
- Android users who want LDAC hi-res Bluetooth
- Using one pair with a phone and a laptop (multipoint)
- Wired gaming: no lag with the included 3.5 mm cable
Skip it if
- You need headphones that fold small; the XM5 only lies flat (the XM6 folds)
- You want low-latency wireless gaming or a mic that works over the cable
Key specs
| Battery | Up to 30 hours with noise cancelling on |
|---|---|
| Weight | About 250 g |
| Bluetooth | 5.2; SBC, AAC and LDAC codecs; multipoint |
| Wired | 3.5 mm cable included (headset mic doesn’t work over the cable) |
| Design | Lies flat, doesn’t fold |
| Released | 2022 |
How it compares
- Sony WH-1000XM6: newer, folds, adds LC3/LE Audio; costs more
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen): rival flagship known for comfort and strong ANC
Featured in: Best noise-cancelling over-ear headphones 2026 · Are the Sony XM5 and XM6 good for gaming?
Specs come from the manufacturer’s published specifications (Sony WH-1000XM5 specifications); iTech Level has not tested this product hands-on. How we choose products.
