(checked 2026-10-14)
The previous Sony flagship is still Wirecutter's upgrade pick for everyday Bluetooth headphones: comfortable, great at blocking voices, and about 32 hours per charge in SoundGuys' test. But it needs EQ to sound its best, has no water resistance, and Amazon owners and SoundGuys report hinges and headbands breaking.
Common Sony WH-1000XM5 problems
- Hinges and headbands that break
Amazon's summary says multiple owners report the headphones breaking easily, particularly at the hinge. SoundGuys scores build 6.7, notes owner reports of the headband or hinge giving out, and says the XM6's hinge is sturdier.
- Tight or uncomfortable for some heads
Amazon's summary says fit is mixed, with some owners finding it very tight on the head. SoundGuys quotes owners who say the cups are shallow, the headband can hurt over long sessions, and the pads aren't comfortable with glasses. Wirecutter, by contrast, calls it ultra-comfortable.
- Needs EQ, no water resistance, fixed ANC
Wirecutter says the boosted lows sound clouded out of the box until you adjust the EQ in Sony's app, there is no water resistance, and the ANC isn't adjustable. SoundGuys lists price and no IP rating as cons.
What owners like
- Excellent at blocking voices
Wirecutter says it blocks voices better than most noise-cancelling sets. SoundGuys scores isolation 9.8 and ANC 8.4.
- Comfortable and light
Wirecutter praises the lightweight build, soft memory foam and well-judged clamp, and says the pads suit most glasses.
- Long battery and good mics
SoundGuys measured 31 hours 53 minutes with ANC on, and 76% of its poll voters rated the mic 4 or 5. Wirecutter says the mics pick up speech clearly and reduce background noise.
- You will never touch an EQ app
- You need any water resistance
- You are rough on headphones (hinge breakage reports)
- Open offices and cafes (blocks voices well)
- Long trips without recharging
- Buyers who want most of the XM6 for less
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Upgrade pick in its Bluetooth headphones guide (updated 2026-09-11). Unless ANC is your top priority, the XM6 is not substantially better than the more affordable XM5.
- SoundGuys: 8.6/10. The cons are the price and no IP rating; its later notes say the XM6 beats it on battery, sound, ANC, comfort and hinge strength.
- Tom's Guide: 'Also tested' (roundup updated 2026-09-28): unseated by the XM6, but still has excellent ANC, is comfortable, and has dropped in price.