Sony WH-1000XM5 Black
Score: 87/100
Sony ULT WEAR with ANC
Score: 80/100Rankings
The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers premium ANC, 30 hours of battery life, and LDAC Hi-Res audio in a wireless over-ear design. Its relatively heavy build and longer charging time may affect comfort during extended wear. Geared toward travelers and audiophiles who value top-tier noise cancellation and sound quality.
The Sony ULT WEAR (WHULT900N) delivers powerful bass, adaptive ANC with up to -22.9 dB attenuation, and up to 44 hours of battery life. Its bass-heavy tuning and inability to use LDAC while multipoint are notable trade-offs. It targets bass enthusiasts and travelers who prioritize long endurance and strong noise cancellation.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
30 hoursbest | — | |
30 mm | 40 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 250 gbest | 255 g |
48 Ωbest | — | |
102 dB SPLbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 210 minutes | 144 minutesbest |
10 mbest | 10 mbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 30 hours | 30, 44.1 hours |
Charging Time (minutes) | 210 minutes | 144 minutes |
Audio(5) | ||
Frequency Response | 20-20000 | 5-20000 Hz (Wired), 20-20000 Hz (Bluetooth) |
Driver Size (mm) | 30 mm | 40 mm |
Impedance (Ω) | 48 Ω | 314 Ω (On), 32 Ω (Off) Ω |
Sensitivity (dB SPL) | 102 dB SPL | 110 dB/mW (On), 100 dB/mW (Off) dB SPL |
Microphone Type | beamforming | Beamforming |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 250 g | 255 g |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 263x77x225 mm | 262 x 219 x 302 mm mm |
Ear Cushion Material | soft leather | Thermo‑foamed |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the WH-1000XM5 a benchmark in active-noise-cancellation and audio fidelity, highlighting its sophisticated 8-mic, dual-processor system, long battery life, and premium driver design. Comfort is enhanced by a friction-rod headband, though the 250 g weight and potential LDAC-related dropouts are noted as drawbacks.
Professional reviewers commend the ULT WEAR for its comfortable fit, impressive ANC attenuation, and exceptional battery endurance, while highlighting the bass-forward tuning that can mask vocals and the inability to use LDAC alongside multipoint as notable drawbacks.
Everyday users echo the professional praise for comfort, long battery life, and effective noise cancellation, but many express frustration with the default bass-heavy sound signature and the limitation of not being able to listen while the headphones charge.
