The WH-1000XM5 runs two chips for noise cancelling — the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 and the Integrated Processor V1 — with four microphones on each ear cup, eight in total. The driver is a 30mm unit with a carbon fibre composite dome. The whole thing weighs about 250g, which holds up over a long day.
Key features
Two processors for noise cancelling
QN1 and V1 split the work of handling what the eight microphones pick up. Sustained low-frequency noise, such as aircraft cabins and bus interiors, is where this kind of cancellation does the most.
LDAC and High-Resolution Audio
SBC, AAC and LDAC are supported. Over LDAC, Sony states roughly three times more data is transmitted than conventional Bluetooth audio, carrying High-Resolution Audio Wireless content.
Multipoint and Speak-to-Chat
Pair with two Bluetooth devices at once and move between a phone and a laptop without re-pairing. Speak-to-Chat pauses playback and lets ambient sound in as soon as it detects you talking.
Battery and quick charge
Up to 30 hours of playback with noise cancelling on, up to 40 hours with it off, and up to 24 hours of talk time with NC on. A full charge takes about 3.5 hours, and 3 minutes on a USB-PD charger gives about 3 hours of playback.
Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Driver | 30mm, carbon fibre composite dome |
| Noise cancelling | HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 + Integrated Processor V1 |
| Microphones | Four per ear cup, eight total; four beamforming microphones for calls |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth Specification Version 5.2 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Frequency response | Wired 4 Hz – 40,000 Hz (JEITA); Bluetooth 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (44.1 kHz sampling) |
| Impedance | 48 ohm (1 kHz) powered on; 16 ohm (1 kHz) powered off |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW (1 kHz) powered on; 100 dB/mW (1 kHz) powered off |
| Playback time | Up to 30 hrs (NC on); up to 40 hrs (NC off) |
| Talk time | Up to 24 hrs (NC on); up to 32 hrs (NC off) |
| Charging time | Approx. 3.5 hrs |
| Quick charge | 3 minutes for about 3 hours of playback |
| Multipoint | Yes, two devices at once |
| Weight | Approx. 250 g |
| Colours | Black, silver, platinum, blue, pink |
Who it's for
- Long-haul flyers and daily commuters who want dependable over-ear noise cancellation.
- Android users who want LDAC's higher bitrate transmission.
- Anyone switching constantly between a phone and a computer, using multipoint.
- Who it's not for: people who need something that packs down small. The XM5 only swivels flat, it does not fold into the case the way the previous generation did, and the hard case takes more bag space than the XM4's.
Warranty and delivery
International version · 10-day exchange if faulty · 100% brand new · Viewing by appointment at our Kwun Tong shop, see the warranty policy for details.
Non-TV items are delivered by SF Express (freight collect, paid by the customer), or collected at our Kwun Tong shop (free, 11:00–19:00). For other couriers or delivery to Macau, please WhatsApp us.
FAQ
Q: Can I use them with a cable? A: Yes. In wired mode the frequency response is 4 Hz – 40,000 Hz (JEITA), with 16 ohm impedance and 100 dB/mW sensitivity when powered off.
Q: Will I always get LDAC? A: Only if the source device supports it. Most Android phones can select LDAC in developer options. iPhones do not support LDAC and will use AAC.
Q: Can they connect to a phone and a laptop at the same time? A: Yes, multipoint is supported for two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.