Sony WH-1000XM5 weeks later

The cold hard truth: the honeymoon phase is over, but the substance remains

After weeks of heavy use, the Sony WH-1000XM5 no longer feel like a revelation. The noise cancellation is still impressive, but it’s no longer magical. The audio remains balanced, though not every music genre benefits equally. What becomes clear is that these headphones aren’t perfect, but they remain among the best for those seeking a balance between performance and comfort.

The real difference now? We use them without thinking. They’re no longer a novelty but a reliable tool. And that, perhaps, is the best review they could get.

What still works every day: the strengths that hold up

Noise cancellation is still the standout feature of the WH-1000XM5. In noisy environments like trains or open-plan offices, the V1 processor eliminates up to 90% of background noise without introducing audible artifacts. Even after hours of use, we don’t feel the pressure that some ANC headphones can cause.

The audio quality remains precise, with deep but controlled bass and crystal-clear highs. The sound signature is slightly warm, making them ideal for genres like jazz, pop, and rock. If you mostly listen to electronic or classical music, you might find the bass a bit too prominent, but the overall balance is one of the most versatile on the market.

The advertised battery life is 30 hours, but in practice, we get about 25-27 hours with ANC on and medium volume. It’s not the absolute best, but it’s more than enough for a week of use without recharging. The quick charge feature (5 minutes for 3 hours of playback) is a lifesaver when you’re in a hurry.

The flaws that emerge over time: annoyances you can’t ignore

Comfort is subjective, but after several hours of use, the WH-1000XM5 can become slightly uncomfortable. The synthetic leather ear pads are soft, but in summer or warm environments, they can make your ears sweat. It’s not a problem for everyone, but if you have sensitive skin or live in a humid climate, it might be a dealbreaker.

Another issue that becomes noticeable over time is call quality in very noisy environments. Despite the V1 processor and integrated microphones, the other person’s voice can sound muffled if there’s wind or loud background noise. It’s not a problem for calls in the office or at home, but on the street or in the subway, the quality drops significantly.

Finally, the lightweight build (250 grams) is an advantage for comfort, but the plastic materials feel less durable. We haven’t had any breakage issues, but the headband articulation seems less robust compared to pricier models like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.

Maintenance, hidden costs, and what it takes to keep them running

The WH-1000XM5 don’t require much maintenance, but there are a few things to keep in mind. The synthetic leather ear pads get dirty easily and need regular cleaning with a damp cloth. Sony doesn’t sell official replacement pads, but compatible ones are available online for around €20-30.

The battery is sealed and not user-replaceable. After 2-3 years of heavy use, the battery life will likely degrade, but Sony offers a paid battery replacement service (around €50-70). It’s not cheap, but it’s an option to extend the headphones’ lifespan.

One hidden cost is accessories. The 3.5mm audio cable isn’t included, and if you want to use the headphones in wired mode (e.g., on a plane), you’ll need to buy it separately (around €20). Additionally, the included case is soft and doesn’t offer optimal protection for travel.

We’d buy them again if…

• You spend many hours a day with headphones and want long-lasting comfort without sacrificing audio quality.
• You travel often and need reliable noise cancellation for trains, planes, and noisy offices.
• You listen to music on the go and want balanced sound without constantly adjusting the equalizer.

We wouldn’t buy them again if…

• You have very sensitive ears or sweat easily: the ear pad material might become uncomfortable after a few hours.
• You make a lot of calls in noisy outdoor environments: call quality drops significantly with wind or heavy traffic.

Today’s verdict: 8.7/10, but not for everyone

The Sony WH-1000XM5 remain one of the best choices for wireless headphones with high-quality noise cancellation. The overall score is 8.7/10, with top marks for noise cancellation (9.5/10) and audio quality (9/10), but some compromises on long-term comfort (7.5/10) and call quality in tough environments (7/10).

At the current price of €239.93, they’re a justified investment only if you fully utilize their features. If you’re looking for something more affordable, the Sony WH-CH720N (€64) offer good noise cancellation and better battery life, but with less refined audio. If you want the best in comfort and performance, consider the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (around €450), though they come at a much higher price.

In short: the WH-1000XM5 are still a benchmark, but they’re no longer the only valid option on the market. If your budget allows and you don’t have specific needs they don’t meet, they’re a safe and durable choice.