4.3 based on 1,347 customer reviews
173
80
37
122
Excellent
Good
Good
Please note: Product reviews may include product variations. Some product variations, services and/or features mentioned within Product Reviews may not be available in all countries.
Perfect gift
WH-1000XM5 28/12/2025 by Ragg (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Highly recommended The sound is great and ANC is really good
Excellent
Good
Excellent
Failed after 18 months
WH-1000XM5 10/04/2024 by b00541 (United Kingdom)
I love these headphones, they are fantastic but they died after only 18 months. For a premium product that is terrible. The right speaker has stopped working and from looking online it seems to be a common problem with this model.
Excellent
Poor
Excellent
1,480 Customer Reviews
I can hear tv clearly now
WH-1000XM5 29/04/2026 by Granny Lesley (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Absolutely new to headphones so was concerned about value to cost. Sought advice with Richer Sounds (in store). Amazed that other stores would not let me try before buying (£200 +)! I understand health issues especially with earbuds but headphones!! Anyway these are exactly what I needed - comfortable, clear and easy to operate and understand instructions.
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Solid but ANC mid
WH-1000XM5 29/04/2026 by tiwivsj (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
sound quality is good with the equaliser. however the noise cancelling is disappointing. it has the possibility to be good but only activates effectively in noisy conditions which means in a quiet library i can still hear whispers because the device doesn't activate the noise cancelling. would be 5 star if the noise cancelling was manual rather than automatic so i could turn it up to the max even in quiet areas.
Excellent
Good
Good
Hi,
Thank you for your feedback.
We're happy to hear that you're enjoying your WH-1000XM5, and happy with the sound quality we always aim to deliver! Yet, we're sorry to learn that you're facing difficulties with the noise cancelling function.
You can enhance the noise cancelling of your headset by following the steps here: https://cutt.ly/mtL5JRDf
Additionally, you can adjust the noise cancelling function and ambient sound mode to your desired options, following the steps here: https://cutt.ly/0tL5K3fB
Furthermore, if you need any further assistance, feel free to contact us using the details here: https://cutt.ly/heoRCkdW (Please copy and paste the links into your browser).
Menna @Sony Support UK
AMAZING HEADPHONES!
WH-1000XM5 26/04/2026 by Janodix (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Bought these a couple weeks ago as I am now commuting for work. The noise cancelling quality is fantastic and completely blocks out the noise on public transport. Sound quality is superb and there are so many great features such as they stop playing music if I speak and the sound adapts to the environment etc. Would 100% recommend!!!
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
A winner
WH-1000XM5 26/04/2026 by Chris 777 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Typical Sony good excellent sound quality,headphones well made and comfortable
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Avoid this product
WH-1000XM5 24/04/2026 by rmunir (United Kingdom)
I bought these in July 2025, expecting "industry-leading" quality for a premium price. Less than a year later, the slider arm has already snapped during normal use. What’s most frustrating is that I have a pair of "budget" brand headphones that have lasted years and feel significantly sturdier than these. After doing some research, it’s clear this is a common design flaw with the WH-1000XM5. The plastic swivel point is far too fragile for daily wear and tear. The noise canceling and sound are great, but it doesn't matter how good they sound if they are held together by tape within a few months. If you are looking for durability, look elsewhere—or at least look at the previous XM4 model which has a much more reliable hinge. Very disappointed in Sony's build quality on this flagship model.
Excellent
Poor
Poor
Hinge issue (> 4 months of use)
WH1000XM5/B 22/04/2026 by Disappointed7273 (USA)
Had them for 4 months if even and the hinge broke. Sony refuses to fix them through the warranty as they call it a user error. This issue is such a big issue that there is a lawsuit against them for it. If you have the same issues i definitely recommend submitting a claim for it. Sony wants to charge me $99 (+ tax I believe) to fix them. That is 1/3 of the cost of just getting a new pair. If they only lasted 4 months, then I wouldn’t be surprised that they will break once again after repairs.
Good
Average
Fair
Fair
Thank you for review, Disappointed7273.
We understand your frustration, especially when physical damage is involved and the warranty results aren't what you expected. Please know that we take all feedback regarding product durability and our repair costs seriously, as it helps us evaluate our service policies and future designs.
We regret that we couldn't provide a more favorable resolution for your WH-1000XM5 at this time. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
Best regards,
Gus, Sony Social Media Team
Great features easy to use and connect
WH-1000XM5 20/04/2026 by Gazza62 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Headphones are great wish I’d bought them sooner. Would definitely recommend
Excellent
Good
Excellent
The best noise cancelling headphones I've tried
WH-1000XM5 18/04/2026 by Snue (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
I got these headphones because I'm autistic and needed the full noise cancelling option. I haven't quite learnt how to work them properly yet (I'm not tech minded) but I love the fact you can cover one side with your hand whilst in noise cancelling mode to hear something without taking the headphones off. The sound quality is really good for music. It's a shame there's no paper instructions as like I said I'm not very good at technology. I have tried to find instructions but even so I would definitely recommend these headphones so far. A little pricey but worth it just for the freedom I now have to go in our garden or to a busy cafe etc... I do wish there was a way to make them wireless for when you can't connect to Bluetooth. Maybe there is bur I just haven't worked it out yet 🤷♀️
Excellent
Good
Average
Hi,
Thank you for your feedback.
We're happy to hear that you're enjoying your WH-1000XM5, and happy with the quality we always aim to deliver! We hope you continue to enjoy it for years to come!
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that Sony is complying with new EU regulations along with our Road to Zero approach to cut down on paper waste: https://cutt.ly/Fru5mz1q
However, you can reach the same manual by using our online help guide, as it's really comprehensive and thorough, and you can use the search bar in it to learn more about the WH-1000XM5 settings and features: https://cutt.ly/QtJTuhLo
Furthermore, if you need any further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us using the details here: https://cutt.ly/heoRCkdW (Please copy and paste the links into your browser).
Menna @Sony Support UK
Really Great
WH1000XM5/B 17/04/2026 by MWeb (USA)
Yesterday I biked into a railing on a highway overpass and the headphones launched off my head and I watched terrified as they soared and landed on the shoulder. I managed to retrieve them and besides very minimal scuffing, they are still performing excellently.
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Hi there,
We are elated to hear that your headphones survived such a harrowing fall and are still performing excellently for you. It is a testament to the premium build quality of the WH-1000XM5 that they could endure such an impact and continue to deliver industry-leading noise cancellation and exceptional audio clarity without missing a beat. We are relieved that you were able to retrieve them safely and that their durable design kept your music playing despite the accident.
Thank you for trusting Sony to keep up with your active lifestyle!
Regards,
Dominick
Super headphones, quality
WH-1000XM5 14/04/2026 by Belles22 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Awesome, sound is great, comfortable to wear, as well as listening to music generally, it’s helping my barbershop chorus rehearsal as I can hear the different parts so clearly. Can switch settings so aware of surroundings, very impressed. Fabulous quality headphones, would recommend, farewell fiddly earbuds, am a headphone girl!
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
okay
WH-1000XM5 12/04/2026 by GPXia (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Great sound quality but it turns off randomly too often. Could get better headphones for a cheaper price
Excellent
Average
Average
Hi,
Thank you for your feedback.
We're happy to hear that you're enjoying the sound quality of your WH-1000XM5. Yet, we're sorry to learn that you're experiencing a power issue with your headset.
Please try the steps at this link and test again: https://cutt.ly/EtGdvjmY
If the issue remains, try the steps below:
1. Update the headset to the latest version using this link: https://cutt.ly/KtGaWymB
2. Reset the headset by following the steps here: https://cutt.ly/ntGaQCU5
3. Initialise the headset to the factory settings, following the steps here: https://cutt.ly/StGaWWbx
Furthermore, if you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us using the details here: https://cutt.ly/heoRCkdW (Please copy and paste the links into your browser).
Ismail @Sony Support UK
Just perfect
WH-1000XM5 12/04/2026 by Demers (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
I bought these because of the comfort reviews and so glad I did. Never had a pair as good as this. The sound quality has blown me away.
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Just all round brilliant headphones, for me.
WH-1000XM5 10/04/2026 by AbiO (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Excellent headphones, far better than I could have imagined; very happy with my purchase. A friend advised my buying these headphones. I purchased for the 'ambient, adaptive sound control' of my surroundings. And these 'ambient, adaptive sound controls' are brilliant. And then to discover music sounds absolutly fab' too! Plus I find the headphones very comfortable. And the 'Sound Connect App' very useful and helpful.
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Faulty buttons
WH-1000XM5 07/04/2026 by Poor headphones (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Bought four different pairs as each one had faulty buttons (touch functions to pause etc not working) before I eventually gave up on Sony and went for Bose instead. Very disappointed as it meant a lot of effort was spent trying to get them. Had seen good reviews so kept trying but am likely to avoid Sony after this experience
Excellent
Poor
Poor
Hi,
Thank you for your feedback.
We are truly sorry to hear about the repeated issues you experienced with the touch controls on the WH-1000XM5. This is certainly not the experience we aim to provide, as we continuously strive to deliver the best possible quality.
If you face a similar issue in the future, we recommend following the instructions here and test again: https://cutt.ly/MtD3znSW
If the issue remains, please follow the below steps:
1- Ensure that the headset is updated: https://cutt.ly/XrxmulV8
2- Reset your headset by following the steps here: https://cutt.ly/wrxmrOSK
3- Initialize your headset: https://cutt.ly/TrxmtOpA
If you need any further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us using the details provided in the following link: https://cutt.ly/heoRCkdW (Please copy and paste links into your browser)
Nadine @Sony Support UK
Amazing sound
WH-1000XM5 06/04/2026 by Marabout Fox (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Best headphones on market. Amazing sound and great noise cancelling.
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Design Flaw
WH1000XM5/S 05/04/2026 by AMejiaG (USA)
I got these headphones less than a year ago and the hinges have snapped out of place on both sides of the headphones. Initially i glued the hinge back into place the first time it happened and now it had happened on the other side. Extremely upset as I paid full price and anytime i speak with anyone about repairs I am told that it does not fall under the warranty. I recommend you save yourself the time and money and invest in other headphones by other companies because this design flaw appears to be common with Sony headphones. I originally enjoyed the sound quality of the project and was certain that the headphones were the ones for me but now that this has happened to both sides and I find it it has happened to many others it makes me question my overall purchase
Average
Fair
Poor
Average
Hello there,
Thank you for considering Sony products.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you have experienced with your WH-1000XM5 headphones. We understand how frustrating it must be to have the hinges snap on both sides, especially after investing in what you expected to be a durable product. Please note that the warranty generally covers manufacturing defects and does not include accidental damage or wear over time. However, to assist you further, we recommend reaching out to our authorized repair partner, Encompass, who can offer repair options that may be more affordable for you. You can find more information here: https://sony.encompass.com/item/15214669/Sony/WH1000XM5-HBR/.
We hope this helps you get back to enjoying your headphones soon. Thank you for your understanding, and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance.
Best regards,
-Fred
Sony headphones
WH-1000XM5 02/04/2026 by Tokes (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
PERFECT FOR TRAVEL, SOUND IS BANGING. GOOD FOR MOVIES TOO
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
BREAK EASILY
WH1000XM5/B 01/04/2026 by Pthib (USA)
DO NOT BUY. I strongly advise against purchasing these headphones. I bought them a few months ago and have used them only minimally. Recently, while at the gym, they unexpectedly broke—the earcup detached and was left hanging by the wire. I contacted Sony to request a replacement, but I was informed that the issue is not covered under warranty. As a result, I am left with a $300 product that is no longer usable.
Good
Good
Poor
Good
Hi Pthib,
We are sorry to hear about the issue with your WH-1000XM5 headphones. While our limited warranty does not cover physical damage, we understand your frustration. We recommend visiting a service center to explore available out-of-warranty repair options to get your headphones back in working order.
Thanks for choosing Sony.
Best regards,
Eliab
Awesome sound Quality
WH-1000XM5 01/04/2026 by Alinston (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
I’ve been using the Sony WH-1000XM5, and honestly, it feels like stepping into silence whenever I put them on. The noise cancelling is insanely good. When you’re on a bus, train, or even around people talking, it just fades everything out. It actually makes you notice how noisy your environment was before 😄 Sound-wise, it’s clean and smooth, but not perfect out of the box. I had to tweak the EQ a bit to get that punchy bass I like. After that, it sounds amazing. Comfort is where it really wins for me. I can wear it for hours without any pain or pressure. That matters more than you think.
Excellent
Good
Excellent
Good but
WH-1000XM5 30/03/2026 by HALA56 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Had these around 1 month now and I really like them, ANC is great and the app allows lost of customisation. A couple of negatives, they are large and I look like I am wearing ear defenders, they get uncomfortable eventually if you wear glasses due to the position of the speakers
Excellent
Average
Good
Hi,
Thank you for your feedback.
We're happy to hear that you're enjoying your WH-1000XM5, and happy with the sound quality we always aim to deliver! Yet, we are sorry to hear that you're facing difficulties with the comfort of the headset.
Please make sure to follow the steps at this link to wear and adjust the headset for your maximum comfort: https://cutt.ly/LtAPRlxa
Additionally, we appreciate your feedback regarding the size of the headset. Hearing from our customers helps us continuously improve our products to align with your preferences. Rest assured that we've raised it to the concerned team for future consideration.
Furthermore, if any further assistance is needed, please feel free to contact us using this link: https://cutt.ly/heoRCkdW (Please copy and paste the links into your browser).
Menna @Sony Support UK
Great Headphones
WH-1000XM5 27/03/2026 by JB8462 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Bought for long haul flihht and general music listening. Noise canceling and music range excellent. Very comfortable to wear for s long time and battery lasts ages
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Superb headphones
WH-1000XM5 26/03/2026 by Scubaemsy (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
These are soft light and comfortable over ear headphones with outstanding quality listening. Lovely colour which is stylish and unusual.
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Good headphones.
WH-1000XM5 26/03/2026 by DKT88 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Nice headphones, good sound quality and excellent noise blocking
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Very good very nice
WH-1000XM5 26/03/2026 by Ooga booga (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Very good very nice! Good sound! Very good sound!!
Peace
WH-1000XM5 25/03/2026 by Ben O (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Love the noise cancelling function. Very comfortable on the ears. It brings peace and quiet.
Beware the hinge breaking
WH1000XM5/B 24/03/2026 by SammyL (USA)
I bought these one year and three months ago and they just broke. They’re *just* outside the warranty. There is a faulty hinge mechanism on these headphones that Sony knows about (look up: sony xm5 broken hinge if you want to see all the many, many people who’ve had the same issue). Apparently even if you’re covered by warranty, they classify this as “physical damage” and won’t cover it. I would never buy these and wouldn’t recommend them because of this. They’re too expensive to have known design flaws that Sony refuses to fix.
Good
Poor
Poor
Poor
Hello SammyL,
Thank you for considering Sony products.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you have experienced with your WH1000XM5 headphones. We understand how frustrating it is to encounter a hinge issue just outside the warranty period, especially when it impacts a product you rely on. Please be advised that the Sony limited warranty covers manufacturing defects; however, damage resulting from regular use or accidental impact is generally not covered.
To assist you further, we recommend contacting our authorized service partner, Encompass, who offers specialized repair services with genuine parts that may provide a more affordable option: https://sony.encompass.com/item/15214669/Sony/WH1000XM5-HBR/.
We have also forwarded your feedback regarding product durability and support accessibility to our quality assurance team for review. We truly value your input as it helps us improve our products and services.
Best regards,
-Fred
Operation during an RV trip.
WH1000XM5/B 23/03/2026 by JV0410 (USA)
I bought mine a year ago. On a recent RV trip, I used it to listen to XM on my phone and have noise cancellation from our very noisy RV. Battery had to be recharged after just a couple hours and during the recharge, the noise cancellation and music were inoperative. A battery replacement option would have been a good feature.
Hi JV0410,
We’re sorry to hear about the battery performance you’ve experienced with your WH-1000XM5. While these headphones typically offer up to 30 hours of battery life, performance can vary based on settings like Noise Canceling and Speak-to-Chat. We recommend ensuring the firmware is up to date via the Sony Headphones Connect app and trying a different USB-C cable for a full charge.
Thanks for choosing Sony.
Best regards,
Eliab
Good sound quality but not comfortable.
WH-1000XM5 23/03/2026 by JennApp (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Sound quality and noise cancelling is great. Ambient sound is good. But they're uncomfortable to wear. After only 10 minutes they start hurting on the head strap and after 30 mins they also start to feel uncomfortable on the ears. Considering the price, I expected to be able to wear them all day and still be comfortable.
Hi,
Thank you for your feedback.
We're happy to hear that you're enjoying your WH-1000XM5, and happy with the sound quality we always aim to deliver! Yet, we are sorry to learn that you're facing difficulties with the comfort of your headset.
Please make sure to follow the steps at this link to wear and adjust the headset for your maximum comfort: https://cutt.ly/3tPfUG8D
Furthermore, if any further assistance is needed, feel free to contact us using this link: https://cutt.ly/heoRCkdW (Copy and paste the links in your browser).
Menna @Sony Support UK
AVOID AVOID HORRIBLE DESIGN
WH1000XM5/B 22/03/2026 by avoidtheWH1000XM5 (USA)
Horrible design. Left hinge broke due to manufacturers defect. Did not even last 7 months. Sony said not covered under waranty
Excellent
Poor
Poor
Poor
Hello there,
Thank you for considering Sony products.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the issue with your WH-1000XM5 headphones. We understand how frustrating it is to experience a problem with the left hinge in less than seven months.
Please be advised that the Sony limited warranty covers manufacturing defects; however, damage resulting from regular use or accidental impact is generally not covered. To assist you further, we recommend contacting our authorized service partner, Encompass, who offers specialized repair services with genuine parts that may provide a more affordable option: https://sony.encompass.com/item/15214669/Sony/WH1000XM5-HBR/.
Additionally, we have forwarded your feedback regarding product durability and support accessibility to our quality assurance team for review. We truly value your input as it helps us improve our products and services.
Best regards,
-Fred
Terrible product
WH1000XM5/S 21/03/2026 by Nunya223 (USA)
This product sucks. I got it for my birthday, app is trash. Attempted to make a Sony account, not actually allowed to. Do not buy.
Hi Nunya223,
Happy belated birthday! We are truly sorry to hear that your experience with your new WH-1000XM5 has been frustrating so far. We want to ensure you can fully enjoy your gift, and we would like to offer you personalized assistance with the application setup for your headphones.
Our team is ready to help you navigate the setup process step-by-step to ensure everything is working correctly for you. Please contact us directly through the link below so we can assist you:
Contact Sony Support:
https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/support-contact?language=en_US&category=headphones
Thank you for considering Sony!
Regards,
Dominick
Great sound
WH-1000XM5 21/03/2026 by Davie G (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
This is my 4th set of Sony headphones throughout the years and in terms of sound quality they are the best yet. I use headphones mostly for TV and movies at night and for music. The XM5’s are a good all rounder and are comfortable for longer periods than my previous headphones. Got them for a bargain price and hopefully they will last a good few years until the XM6’s are heavily discounted as well. Great buy.
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Awful Customer Servive- breach consumer rights
WH-1000XM5 19/03/2026 by Ollz96 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Headphones are great customer service is a JOKE. Case for the headphones broke on first use. Sent an email to customer support, they accused me of being heavy handed and said I had misused the product. Don’t know how if the zip broke on first use. Basically refused to handle my complaint. Will never buy a Sony product again. From other reviews this is clearly how Sony operate.
Excellent
Poor
Poor
Hi,
Thank you for your feedback.
We’re sorry for the inconvenience caused! This is certainly not the experience we aim to provide, as we continuously strive to deliver the best possible quality.
Please contact us using the details provided at the following link for assistance. We would be happy to provide the necessary support: https://cutt.ly/heoRCkdW (Copy and paste the link into your browser)
Nadine @Sony Support UK
Will break just over the warranty
WH1000XM5/B 18/03/2026 by LaurenF (USA)
Do not buy. Way to expensive for such a short lifespan. The plastic casing of the swivel hinge broke 1 year and 2 months in and Sony would not honor the warranty. Once it breaks the headphone will not properly secure to your ear making them ultimately useless. i never worked out in them walked in them. i use them at my desk to listen to music while i work. Don't waste your money.
Excellent
Poor
Poor
Excellent
Hello LaurenF,
Thank you for considering Sony products.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you’ve experienced with your WH1000XM5 headphones. We completely empathize with your frustration regarding the breakage of the plastic casing on the swivel hinge after just over a year of use. While the warranty typically covers manufacturing defects and not damage from wear over time, we want to support you as much as possible.
To assist you further, we recommend contacting our authorized repair partner, Encompass, who can provide repair options that might be more affordable. You can find more information and service options here: https://sony.encompass.com/item/15214669/Sony/WH1000XM5-HBR/.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need further assistance.
Best regards,
-Fred
Excellent at what they do, apart from the food!
WH-1000XM5 17/03/2026 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Very good. I upgraded from the older 510 series headphones that have no noise cancellation. The NC on the XM5 is excellent and just what I wanted. Minus points - occasionally the band hurts the top of my head and I have to move it after a while. The mechanism - this is well documented and not a major issue as I knew about this when I bought them - but the lack of being able to fold them up is annoying- turn in to fold onto your chest would suffice but they only fold OUTWARDS! So they clasp your neck like a winter jumper. Come on Sony, do better. Sound quality is good, and I look forward to using them each time.
Excellent
Fair
Average
Hi,
Thank you for your feedback.
We’re happy to hear that you're enjoying the sound quality of your WH-1000XM5. Yet, we're sorry to learn that the design didn't meet your expectations; this is not the norm, as we strive to deliver the best quality possible.
However, it's worth mentioning that the XM5 is built with high‑quality, lightweight materials, including the soft fit leather ear pads and a flexible band, designed to provide long‑term comfort and reliability during everyday use.
We recommend checking the following link to learn how to wear the headset properly to prevent any discomfort here: https://cutt.ly/trxZ9hYu
Additionally, you can find the precautions here: https://cutt.ly/Kr3CtGvP
Moreover, we appreciate your feedback regarding the foldable design. Hearing from our customers helps us continuously improve our products to align with your preferences. Rest assured that we've raised it to the concerned team for future consideration.
If you need any further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us using the details provided in the following link: https://cutt.ly/heoRCkdW (Copy and paste the link into your browser)
Nadine @Sony Support UK
Sony WH-1000XM5 Review
WH-1000XM5 17/03/2026 by StaticDave (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
I've had these headphones for around three weeks now. Bought these, as fed up with pods falling out. Great clarity of sound and suitably solid bass, which I like. Online reviews suggested they would be better than Bose and very pleased I made the choice I did. Great value for money, as price was discounted and I have a Blue Light card. I would definitely recommend these headphones.
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Great product
WH-1000XM5 17/03/2026 by Kush007 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
No issues till now. But, it's still early, a week. Amazing sound, great noise cancellation, and comfortable. Just one issue, can't wear on neck for a minute when I am talking to others. I have to take it off completely. Maybe because of it's size.
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
WH-1000XM5 16/03/2026 by Hegs (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
I bought these to replace a set of Airbuds for comfort and sound quality. Still adjusting the sound quality to suit myself and adapting to using them. Controls great comfort good and sound on calls or meetings great.
Average
Good
Good
Hi,
Thank you for your feedback.
We're happy to hear that you are enjoying your WH-1000XM5, and happy with the quality we always aim to deliver! We hope you continue to enjoy it for years to come!
To adjust your sound quality please check the information in the following article to guide you: https://cutt.ly/AtUI7uK8
Furthermore, if you need any assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us using the details here: https://cutt.ly/heoRCkdW (Copy and paste the links in your browser).
Ismail @Sony Support UK
Love it
WH-1000XM5 16/03/2026 by ElyM (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
I been looking for a proper headphones as I keep dropping ear buds. Finally bought Sony XM5. Really pleased and enjoyed using it. Comfortable and it icancelled noise efficiently
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Nice headphones,but ultimately returned
WH-1000XM5 13/03/2026 by Gpoore3 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Good headphones,returned due to them feeling like they could very easily be broken due to them just not feeling strong enough.
Good
Average
Good
Hi,
Thank you for your feedback.
We’re glad you enjoyed the performance of the WH-1000XM5. Yet, we're sorry to hear that the design didn't meet your expectations, which led to the return of your product.
However, it's worth mentioning that the XM5 is built with high‑quality, lightweight materials, including the soft fit leather ear pads and a flexible band, designed to provide long‑term comfort and reliability during everyday use.
Please contact us using the details provided at the following link for assistance. We would be happy to provide the necessary support: https://cutt.ly/heoRCkdW (Copy and paste the link into your browser)
Nadine @Sony Support UK
Great headphones
WH-1000XM5 13/03/2026 by KatKt3 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Bought for my daughter, she loves them and has hardly taken them off
Sony
WH-1000XM5 13/03/2026 by Kit2008 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Ttyghgg. WH-1000XM5 YY2954 ggggyyyhyy. Yyyyyy and the kids are going for the weekend
Best of the Best
WH-1000XM5 07/03/2026 by Sheriffu (United Kingdom)
he Sony WH‑1000XM5 (WH-1000XM5) are premium wireless headphones offering industry-leading noise cancellation, high-resolution sound quality, and strong comfort for everyday use such as travel, work, gym, and entertainment. This version is identical to the standard model but comes with a soft carrying case instead of a hard case. Key highlights include advanced noise cancellation with eight microphones, 30-hour battery life with quick charging, clear call quality using AI voice pickup, and multipoint Bluetooth connection for two devices. The headphones also provide soft-fit leather ear pads for long-term comfort, plus smart features through the **Sony | Sound Connect app, such as adaptive sound control, customizable EQ, and voice assistant support.
Excellent
Excellent
Good
Great features
WH-1000XM5 02/03/2026 by FTSk54 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Works well and great sound. Would recommend. Źzzzzzz
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
great
WH-1000XM5 26/02/2026 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
really good quality, good build and great sounding
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Poor Build Quality
WH-1000XM5 26/02/2026 by MailannaW (United Kingdom)
Bought mine August 2024. I work from home, so I thought these would be excellent to block out some noise. I got a year and a half out of them before they broke. Pros: Noise-cancelling technology, weight, sound, clamping pressure. Cons: Six months before my extended warranty expired, my headset snapped. If you look at the extendable arms, there is a horizontal line where the ear cup can swivel. Just under this line is a piece of angled plastic (with the Sony name printed on it) that connects to the cup itself. This bit is where my product broke. All I was doing was taking them off my head like a normal person. Two hands, slightly open them, and take them off. I have a small head, so I am on the smallest adjustment of the headset, and they don't need to open far for them to come on and off. I heard a snap as I took them off, only to be met with a nasty crack that destroyed the ear clamping potential. The sound was still working fine, but the product had instantly become useless with the snap. I sent in a support email with a picture of the snap. I was told: "Kindly note that this is considered a physical damage that voids the warranty terms and conditions. Therefore, we can only proceed with a chargeable service." This is a physical issue with the design. With enough time and pressure, that angled piece of plastic has a hard time dealing with normal daily stress, and ends up snapping. I know this after visiting several forums, seeing my EXACT same crack on many other customer headsets. I don't actually travel with this headset at all, since I work from home. This headset is taken off, and set into its case on my side table each and every day. It lives a very boring life. I don't take it off with one hand and slap it around like a pool noodle. I thought I'd have a better experience with support, but the response I received only reinforced every negative comment about Sony in the forums over this same structural problem. It's quite disheartening to see so many others with my same issue. It's irritating that this isn't classified as a known issue, either. I didn't even get two years with these things. On top of that, I had swapped from Bose TO Sony for noise-cancelling. This product is far too expensive and lacks the structural integrity of daily use for me to want to purchase from this line or brand again.
Excellent
Poor
Excellent
Hi,
Thank you for your feedback.
We’re truly sorry to hear that your WH‑1000XM5 sustained this kind of structural failure despite being handled with care. We fully understand how disappointing it is. This is certainly not the experience we aim to provide, as we continuously strive to deliver the best possible quality.
Please contact us using the details provided at the following link for assistance. We would be happy to provide the necessary support: https://cutt.ly/heoRCkdW (Copy and paste the link into your browser)
Nadine @Sony Support UK
Bad Hinges
WH1000XM5/B 22/02/2026 by Blaket43 (USA)
Headphone broke on hinge, customer support was no help and after further research saw that these headphones have the same issues with the hinges, sad to have to write a bad review of a sony product as i expected higher quality.
Excellent
Good
Poor
Excellent
Thank you for your feedback.
We are truly sorry to hear about the hinge on your WH-1000XM5. As someone who expects Sony quality, hearing that a premium pair of headphones didn't hold up is the last thing we want to hear. We also sincerely apologize that your initial experience with our support team left you feeling unheard—that’s not the level of service we aim for.
While we understand that physical damage is often classified as a non-warranty repair, we take reports regarding build consistency very seriously. Your feedback about the hinge is being shared directly with our quality and design teams to ensure we are meeting the durability standards our customers expect.
We truly value your loyalty to the Sony brand over the years and regret that we missed the mark this time. Thank you for holding us to a higher standard.
Best regards,
Gus, Sony Social Media Team
Great product
WH-1000XM5 21/02/2026 by Jacksrus (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
The headpiece slips down but the quality is immaculate
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Hi,
Thank you for your feedback.
We're happy to hear that you're enjoying your WH-1000XM5, and happy with the quality we always aim to deliver! We hope you continue to enjoy it for years to come!
Additionally, you can follow the steps here to adjust the headset for your head size and maximum comfort: https://cutt.ly/VtWe5EeM
Furthermore, if any further assistance is needed, please feel free to contact us using this link: https://cutt.ly/heoRCkdW (Copy and paste the links in your browser).
Menna @Sony Support UK
Ok so far
WH-1000XM5 20/02/2026 by pmm10 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Once you get used to connecting them via bluetooth, they work fine. A lot of features to get used to. Never owned headphones before so not able to compare them. I do find them a little uncomfortable to wear as I have spectacles.
Hi,
Thank you for your feedback.
We’re happy to learn that you're enjoying your WH-1000XM5. Yet, we're sorry to learn that you're facing difficulties when wearing them.
However, it's worth mentioning that the XM5 is built with high‑quality, lightweight materials, including the soft fit leather ear pads and a flexible band, designed to provide long‑term comfort and reliability during everyday use.
You can find how to wear the headset correctly to prevent any discomfort here: https://cutt.ly/trxZ9hYu
Additionally, you can find the precautions here: https://cutt.ly/Kr3CtGvP
If you need any further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us using the details provided in the following link: https://cutt.ly/heoRCkdW (Copy and paste the link into your browser)
Nadine @Sony Support UK
Best noice cancelling,
WH-1000XM5 19/02/2026 by Iyule M (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
I bought this earphones two weeks ago before I travel to the Caribbean, I just love it.i have just use it during my flight. Best noice cancellation. Perfect sound and long lasting battery life.
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
WH-1000XM5 18/02/2026 by The Choco (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Perform even better than expected. Light, amazing ANC. Brilliant buy.
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Better than Bose
WH-1000XM5 18/02/2026 by Djbimage (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
I brought the Bose ultra NC to try, I had the wh-1000xm5 before but wanted to try something different. The Sony is 100% better so I took the Bose back and got the Sony again👍🏼
Horrible. Broke twice within two years.
WH1000XM5/S 14/02/2026 by Florangel (USA)
I bought these headphones in October of 2024. The left hinge broke in April of 2025. I got it fixed through the official repair center that Sony offers and paid 90 dollars. When I got it back from the repair center, it randomly started turning off while in use. In February of 2026 the same hinge on the same side breaks again. Its not like I'm being rough wuth my headphones. I am very careful with them. If they're so expensive, why do they break so easily? This seems to be a common issue with many people as well. This issue should definitely be addressed.
Average
Poor
Poor
Fair
Hi Florangel,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience with us. We are sorry to hear about the repeated issues you’ve encountered with the hinge of your WH-1000XM5 headphones, especially following a previous repair.
While we take your feedback seriously as it helps us identify areas for improvement, it is important to clarify that our limited warranty is designed to cover internal manufacturing defects. A broken hinge is classified as physical damage, which falls outside the scope of the standard warranty coverage.
We sincerely appreciate you sharing these observations with us. Your comments have been noted and shared with our product development team for future consideration.
Thank you for considering Sony!
Best regards,
Dominick
Good audio marred by awful interface
WH1000XM5/B 10/02/2026 by frustrateduser123 (USA)
I bought based on the Wirecutter review. First off: Sound quality and noise cancellation: excellent. So why 2 stars? Everything else about these is extremely frustrating. Can't use while charging. Unintuitive and confusing buttons to turn on, connect to bluetooth, and adjust noise cancellation - after year, I still don't know how to use them (I gave up long ago). "Smart features" are very dumb and auto-enabled: I clear my throat at my desk and music pauses. My default use is plugged in with a wire, no noise cancellation, because the UX of these is so frustrating and continues to frustrate me a year later. Perhaps someone who enjoys tinkering with smart features in an app would enjoy these, but they've been the most frustrating experience I've ever had with headphones and I regret not returning them after getting them.
Excellent
Poor
Poor
Hi there,
Thanks so much for taking the time to share this detailed review and for calling out the excellent sound quality and noise cancellation on your WH-1000XM5. We’re really glad those parts are working well for you.
We’re also very sorry to hear how frustrating the rest of the experience has been. That’s not what we want for anyone using our products.
About not being able to use the headphones while they are charging: this is by design. It helps protect the battery and supports long term performance and safety, which is why audio playback is disabled during charging.
The issue where your music pauses when you clear your throat is most likely caused by the Speak‑to‑Chat feature. This listens for your voice so it can pause audio when you start talking. You can turn this feature off, or change how sensitive it is, in the Sony | Sound Connect app. You can also control Speak‑to‑Chat using the touch sensors on the headphones if that’s easier for you.
For more details, please see this link: https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/contents/TP1000536742.html
For the Bluetooth connection and noise cancelling controls, our technical support team can walk you through the settings step by step and help you set things up in a simpler way that suits how you use the headphones. Please reach out to them here: https://www.sony.net/support-contact
We really appreciate you giving Sony a try and letting us know about your experience.
Warm regards,
Estefany
Amazing headphones
WH-1000XM5 10/02/2026 by LP18 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
I bought these headphones about a month ago and I have zero complaints. Audio is near perfect with noise cancellation being the best I have ever tried. Transparency mode is good and comfortability is also super. Overall these are fantastic headphones and well rounded with only one room for improvement: the physical design. Still portable in their case but foldability would be ideal on noise cancelling headphones meant for portability.
meh
WH1000XM5/B 09/02/2026 by emeb (USA)
Sounds fine. Not the best noise canceling. if you are trying to make calls, don’t buy these - the microphone does not function at all. the automatic turn off stopped working and battery power time shortened about six months in so they die constantly if you don’t remember to turn them off immediately.
Average
Fair
Average
Fair
Hello Emeb,
Thank you for considering Sony products.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you've experienced with your WH1000XM5 headphones, particularly regarding the microphone functionality during calls, the automatic turn-off feature, and the reduced battery life. We’re glad to hear that the sound quality is good.
To help get your device back in working order, we suggest trying the following troubleshooting steps:
Check "Auto Power Off" Settings: Open the Sony Headphones Connect app and verify that the "Automatic Power Off" function is enabled. You can find detailed instructions here: https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/hpc/v1/en/contents/TP0002935917.html
Call Issues: For microphone and call-related problems, please follow the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide: https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/contents/TP1000534697.html
Reset the Headset: Try resetting the headphones to resolve minor glitches. Instructions are available here: https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/contents/TP1000541012.html
Initialize the Headset: If resetting doesn’t help, you can initialize the headset to restore factory settings. Learn how here: https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/wh1000xm5/v1/en/contents/TP1000541013.html
Firmware Update: Ensure your headphones are updated to Firmware Version 2.5.1, which includes important fixes. You can download the update here: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm5/software/00278246
If the issues persist after these steps, we encourage you to contact our dedicated support team for further assistance and advanced troubleshooting. You can find all contact options and resources here: https://us.esupport.sony.com/support/s/support-contact?language=en_US&category=headphones
Best regards,
-Fred
DO NOT BUY
WH-1000XM5 08/02/2026 by Drew13 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Do not buy these headphones. They end up snapping where the earcup meats the headband. Look online for the amount of people that have had this issue with this model. What already expensive headphones Sony charge you to fix them apparently instead of admitting fault and doing a recall.
Good
Poor
Good
Hi,
Thank you for your feedback.
We're sorry to hear that your WH-1000XM5 snapped. This is not the norm, as we continuously strive to deliver the best quality possible.
Please reach out to us directly using the following link so that we can provide you with the needed support: https://cutt.ly/heoRCkdW (Copy and paste the link in your browser).
Menna @Sony Support UK
Arm snapped after just over a year of light use
WH1000XM5/B 03/02/2026 (USA)
I am honestly pretty peeved about this - I paid these headphones off over a year, and as soon as I did and the warranty expired one of the arms cracked and they’re completely unwearable because they don’t fit right anymore. I had the XM3 version of these previously and actually still have them, although the noise canceling no longer works, so I’m really disappointed in the quality of these. Their build is significantly cheaper and less sturdy than their predecessor. And the only option for repair is to send to a third party - who will charge you whether or not they can fix them. I’ve been a big Sony fan for years but I will be switching companies.
Excellent
Poor
Poor
Good
Hi there,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're truly sorry to hear about the trouble with your WH-1000XM5 headphones.
Regrettably, damage like this isn’t considered normal wear and tear, so it isn’t covered under the terms of our warranty. We know this isn’t the answer you were hoping for and we're truly sorry we can’t offer a different solution.
Right now, the only way to get your headphones repaired is to send them to our parts supplier, Encompass. They’ll be able to assess the damage and let you know the repair options and costs.
We really appreciate your feedback and support of Sony over the years. We're sorry again for the situation.
Warm regards,
Estefany
Excellent features
WH-1000XM5 02/02/2026 by Aj1212 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
I was very excited to buy the Sony headphones and the colour and the comfort was very good
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Good sound quality but broke
WH1000XM5/B 02/02/2026 by K2subra (USA)
I bought this 6 months back and the ear cups broke near the rotating hinge. Its unusable now :(
Hi K2subra,
Thank you so much for sharing all the details about what happened with your headphones. We're really sorry to hear that your WH-1000XM5 broke near the hinge.
Based on the information you provided, this kind of damage isn’t considered normal wear and tear, so it isn’t covered under the terms of the warranty. We know that’s disappointing and we apologize for any inconvenience this causes.
However, we want to help. We’ve partnered with our parts supplier, Encompass, to offer a low-cost repair. This special offer is just for a broken headband on the WH-1000XM5 model and doesn’t apply to other headphone models or different types of issues.
Here is Encompass’s contact information so you can reach out to them directly for this repair:
Phone: 1-866-835-1146
Email: service@encompass.com
Hour of Operations: Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm EST
Thanks for considering Sony headphones and letting us know about this issue.
Warm regards,
Estefany
New purchase
WH-1000XM5 01/02/2026 by Brizzee (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
I found the headphones on EBay. They were a good price due to a damaged box but other than that in perfect condition. I bought them for a holiday in a few weeks. They were easy to set up and very comfortable especially as I wear glasses. The sound and noise cancelling are excellent. Really happy with my purchase
Great sound
WH-1000XM5 30/01/2026 by Sc2027 (United Kingdom) Verified Purchaser Verified
Great sound. Surprisingly not super loud at maximum volume but that's a good thing for my long term hearing. They are very big - I'd love to see a lower profile version.
Excellent
Good
Excellent
Hi,
Thank you for your feedback.
We’re happy to hear that you're enjoying your WH-1000XM5. We hope you continue to enjoy it for years to come!
Moreover, we appreciate your feedback regarding the size of the headset; hearing from our customers helps us continuously improve our products to align with your preferences. Rest assured that we've raised it to the concerned team for future consideration.
If you need any assistance, do not hesitate to contact us using the details provided in the following link: https://cutt.ly/heoRCkdW (Copy and paste the link into your browser)
Nadine @Sony Support UK