Sony WH-1000XM5 review
The WH-1000XM5 by the numbers: what changed from the XM4 on battery, weight, codecs and price.
Published Sep 10, 2026. Product page: Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 is Sony’s 2022 flagship over-ear, released on 20 May 2022 at $399.99. This review sticks to the numbers we hold: battery, weight, codecs and the manufacturer’s published specs, with the XM4 alongside for context.
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Specs
| Spec | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver size(mm) | 30 | 40 |
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Battery (ANC on)(h) | 30 | 30 |
| Weight(g) | 250 | 254 |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Price tier | Premium | Premium |
Noise cancelling
Both the XM5 and the XM4 are marked as active noise cancelling. Our schema ranks ANC as a yes/no spec, so it is a table win for both and cannot separate them. We do not hold a measured attenuation figure for either, so we do not publish one.
Sound
The two differ on driver size: 30 mm on the XM5 against 40 mm on the XM4. Driver size is listed for reference and is not ranked, so neither wins that row. The Bluetooth codecs are identical on both: SBC, AAC and LDAC.
Battery and comfort
Sony rates both headphones at 30 hours with ANC on, the figure we hold for each. The XM5 weighs 250 g against the XM4’s 254 g. For context, the Bose QuietComfort 45 is lighter than both at 240 g.
Pros
- Rated for 30 hours with ANC on, level with the XM4
- Lighter than the XM4: 250 g against 254 g
- LDAC support, same as the XM4
Cons
- Launched at $399.99, $50 above the XM4
- A 30 mm driver against the XM4's 40 mm, and driver size is not a ranked spec
The XM5's case over the XM4 is weight, not battery: both are rated at 30 hours with ANC on and both support LDAC, while the XM5 is 4 g lighter and launched $50 dearer.
If you already own the XM4, the published numbers do not give you a reason to upgrade on battery or codecs: they are a wash. The XM5’s edge is the 4 g saved and a slightly newer release; the XM4’s edge is the lower launch price and the larger, unranked driver.
Where to buy
No current retailer prices yet. Prices update nightly.
- Launch price $399.99 At release, May 20, 2022