Sony's Flagship-tier Contender
Priced at $229.99, the Sony WH-1000XM5 ANC Headphones Black is Sony's entry in the noise cancelling headphones category. With 1,024 buyers rating it at 4.3 stars, it currently sits at #31 of 36 in our rankings. It's not a top pick - there are higher-rated and better-value options in the category - but specific shoppers may still find it fits their needs.
Fit and Build
Headsets live or die on long-session comfort. Most users find them comfortable, though glasses-wearers and those with larger heads sometimes report pressure after a couple of hours.
By the Spec Sheet
- Brand: Sony
- Price: $229.99 (well above the $128.97 category average)
- Amazon rating: 4.3 of 5.0
- Reviews: 1,024
- Category rank: #31 of 36 in noise cancelling headphones
- Cheaper in category: 30 products
- Higher-rated in category: 23 products
- More-reviewed in category: 29 products
What 1,024 Buyers Say
A 4.3-star average from 1,024 buyers means most are happy, but a meaningful slice - roughly 15-20% - has at least some complaint. The pattern in the negative reviews matters more than the average itself.
What Else to Consider
At $229.99, the Sony WH-1000XM5 ANC Headphones Black sits well above the $128.97 category average. 30 options are cheaper and 5 are more expensive.
The category leader is the Soundcore Q30 ANC Wireless Headphones ($64.99, 4.4★, 92,730 reviews). It's $165.00 more expensive than the top pick despite ranking lower, which is a hard combination to justify unless a specific feature swings the decision.
Direct competitors at this price (±25%):
- Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones - $229.00, 4.6★ (18,518 reviews) · Better on both axes
- Sony WH-1000XM5 ANC Headphones Pink - $248.00, 4.2★ (19,042 reviews) · Roughly comparable
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds - $199.00, 3.8★ (9,754 reviews) · Cheaper
If rating alone is your filter, the highest-rated option in this category is the TAGRY ANC Wireless Headphones 100H at 5.0★. If pure price is the filter, the cheapest is the Eduiosma ANC Wireless Headphones at $18.99.
Is It For You?
Maybe. Middle-of-the-pack on rating and price, no standout strengths. If a specific feature matches your need (look at the spec list), it's reasonable. Otherwise the top picks are safer bets.
Wrap-Up
6.5/10
Below-average rating in a category with several stronger options. Hard to recommend over higher-ranked alternatives unless a specific feature seals it.