Sony WH-1000XM5: What to Know Before You Buy

The WH-1000XM5 remain the reference point for noise cancelling, and little has changed that. On a plane or in an open office, engine drone and background chatter simply fall away. Battery life comfortably clears 24 hours, and call quality is genuinely good.

The trade-offs are worth knowing before you spend. Unlike the XM4, these do not fold flat, so the case is bulkier than travellers expect. The plastic build feels less premium than the price suggests, and the touch controls can misfire with cold or gloved hands.

Sound is warm and slightly bass-forward out of the box — pleasant for most music, less neutral than rivals. The app lets you correct that.

Who they suit: commuters, frequent flyers and anyone working in noise. If you already own the XM4 and travel light, the older folding design may still serve you better.