Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: Still the Standard for Noise Cancellation
Three weeks of real-world testing. The kind of review that tells you what the spec sheet never will.
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From the editors
Three weeks of real-world testing. The kind of review that tells you what the spec sheet never will.
We tested over 50 devices. Only 10 made the list. No filler, no paid placements.
Performance, battery life, build quality — a straight comparison with a clear recommendation at the end.
Latest
Excellent transparency mode and strong ANC. Battery life still lags behind rivals.
The camera is excellent. The S Pen adds genuine value. The price is still hard to justify.
Near-perfect contrast, wide viewing angles, and game-ready specs. The bar for OLED.
The laser dust detection is genuinely useful. The price premium is harder to swallow.
Amazon raises the ceiling for e-readers. Not for everyone, but exceptional for long-form readers.
Quiet clicks, precise scroll wheel, excellent build quality. Our daily driver pick.
Head to head
Which noise-cancelling headphone is right for you?
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Bose QC45 |
|---|---|---|
| ANC Quality | Excellent | Very Good |
| Battery Life | 30 hrs | 24 hrs |
| Sound Profile | Balanced | Warm & Full |
| Comfort | Very Good | Excellent |
| Price | ~£280 | ~£230 |
Our verdict
Sony WH-1000XM5 wins
Better ANC, longer battery, and richer sound for most listeners
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