Sony WH-1000XM5: The Headphones Putting Rivals on Notice in 2025

Music lovers across the UK keep searching for the latest on the Sony WH-1000XM5. These headphones shot to the top of Google’s trending charts thanks to their unbeatable battery life, comfort, and advanced noise cancelling. But are they truly the best money can buy? How do they fare against the Bose QuietComfort Ultra? Let’s break it down, including must-know tips for connecting your headphones and a detailed look at all specs and features.

Full Feature and Specification Details

*Sony supports LDAC up to 40,000Hz for high-res audio over Bluetooth.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Versus Sony WH-1000XM5: Which Is Best for You?

Competition between Bose and Sony remains fierce in 2025. UK customers demand the best audio experience whether on crowded trains or walking busy city streets. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra impresses with its immersive audio, two dedicated sound modes, and leading-edge noise cancelling. However, its battery life and some features lag just behind Sony’s flagship model.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 steps up with a longer battery life of up to 30 hours on a single charge, class-leading call quality, and more advanced convenience features. You can switch quickly between devices, adjust settings through touch controls, and even enjoy high-resolution audio with LDAC Bluetooth codec support. While Bose includes aptX Adaptive for improved quality, only the WH-1000XM5 delivers Sony’s proprietary DSEE Extreme upscaling and more user-friendly controls.

Bose might slightly edge out Sony in noise cancellation, especially in tough environments like the London Underground. But the WH-1000XM5 sounds richer and offers better clarity for calls, making it the favourite among city professionals and commuters.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless: Outstanding ANC & Customization, Minor Comfort Tradeoffs

The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless headphones, released in mid-2022, are a significant evolution of Sony’s flagship over-ear series, boasting a sleeker design largely made from recycled materials. Highlight features include industry-leading adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC) that excels at dampening ambient office and travel noise, 27-hour battery life with ANC active, and ecosystem-agnostic multi-device pairing. Audio performance is marked by accurate, warm sound reproduction and effective custom tuning thanks to Sony’s companion app, which offers EQ, presets, and 360 Reality Audio support. The headphones have good microphone performance for calls, though the sound lacks some fullness and may generate faint interference or echo.

While lightweight and adjustable, long-term comfort isn’t the XM5’s standout—users with smaller heads or those wearing glasses may find the headband pressure uncomfortable over extended periods. The build, while sturdy, is a step down from its predecessor and some competitors, with occasional reports of hinge durability issues. Wired use provides near-zero latency, but disables the mic. The WH-1000XM5 excel at isolating a wide range of noise but are less effective against very low bass and wind. A solid choice for commuting, travel, and office use, the XM5 stands out for its ANC capabilities, customizable sound, and smart ecosystem features.

How to Connect the Sony WH-1000XM5 to a New Device

Many UK users want the simplest way to pair their Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones with new gadgets. The good news is you only need a few steps. Here’s how to do it quickly:

• Start with your headphones powered off.
• Press and hold the power button for five seconds. Wait until the LED indicator blinks blue.
• The headphones are now in pairing mode and say “Pairing” in your ear.
• Open Bluetooth settings on your phone, tablet, laptop, or PC.
• Look for “WH-1000XM5” in available devices and select it.
• You’ll hear a sound once you’re connected.
• The headphones remember up to eight devices, and multipoint features let you switch between two at once.

Use the Sony Headphones Connect app for customisation, firmware updates and advanced controls. It’s available on both iOS and Android.

Does the Sony WH-1000XM5 Have a Microphone?

This is a top question trending among UK shoppers. The answer is yes, and the mic performance is a major highlight of the Sony WH-1000XM5. The WH-1000XM5 comes with four beamforming microphones and advanced audio signal processing. This technology means your voice gets picked up clearly even on busy streets or windy platforms. Noise reduction ensures the person on the other end hears you without distractions. These mics work well for calls, virtual meetings, and voice assistants, keeping your hands free and your conversations crystal clear.

Why the Sony WH-1000XM5 Dominates UK Headlines Right Now

Search trends show UK customers constantly looking for versatile audio gear. The Sony WH-1000XM5 tops the wish list for everyone from business travellers to remote workers thanks to:

• Outstanding noise cancelling that adapts to any setting.
• Longest battery life in its segment, perfect for long commutes and flights.
• Exceptional call quality with advanced microphones built for the UK city lifestyle.
• Simple, intuitive controls, combined with fast and reliable Bluetooth pairing.
• Durable yet lightweight build, stylish enough for any setting.

This winning blend of sound, comfort, features, and adaptability cements the Sony WH-1000XM5 as a leader on Google’s search trends and UK media reviews in 2025. If you want headphones that set the standard for quality and innovation, these should be at the top of your shortlist.