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WH-1000XM5

2022

The all-rounder king of noise-cancelling over-ears.

Launch price $399Today $328

Then vs. now

9180

The frontier has moved: down 11 points since 2022.

SoundNoise cancellingComfortBatteryFeaturesValue
At launch (2022)Today
View as table
DimensionAt launchToday
Sound9185
Noise cancelling9680
Comfort9086
Battery9078
Features9476
Value8474

Today-scores are recomputed against the current market frontier. How scoring works

Our verdict

The all-rounder king — the best blend of noise cancelling, sound and features in a wireless over-ear, with LDAC for hi-res.

Pros

  • Excellent adaptive noise cancelling
  • Balanced, detailed sound with LDAC
  • 30-hour battery and fast charge

Cons

  • No longer folds flat for travel
  • Touch controls can be finicky
  • Premium price

Best for: Anyone who wants the best-balanced premium ANC headphone.

Specifications

Audio

Driver
30 mm carbon-fibre
ANC
8 mics, Auto NC Optimizer
Codecs
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Multipoint
Yes, 2 devices

Practical

Battery
30 h ANC on
Weight
250 g
Charging
USB-C, 3 min = 3 h
Folding
Flat only

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