Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: Still the ANC King in 2025?
Two years on, Sony's noise-cancelling champion still rules our noisy commutes. But should you buy new or save with the XM4?
In a world of ANC headphones that seem to multiply monthly, the Sony WH-1000XM5 maintains its crown with quiet confidence — much like the noise cancellation it delivers. At AED 1,099 from First Souq (down from AED 1,399 at launch), the question isn't whether these headphones are good — they're exceptional — but whether they're still worth it. ## Build & Comfort The XM5's streamlined design, while missing the XM4's foldability, feels more premium. The ear cups are larger and more breathable — a meaningful improvement for UAE's climate where sweat during commutes is a real concern. We wore them for 6-hour sessions without discomfort. ## Active Noise Cancellation Sony's 8-microphone system and QN1 HD chip still deliver class-leading ANC. During our testing on the Dubai Metro's Red Line from Deira to Expo City, construction noise outside the train was reduced to a whisper. Airplane mode (no pun intended) cuts aircraft engine roar to near silence. Multipoint connection — connecting to iPhone and Mac simultaneously — works flawlessly: incoming calls switch instantly. ## Sound Quality The 30mm carbon fiber composite drivers deliver Sony's signature warm sound signature. Vocals on Arabic music are richly rendered; bass is full without overwhelming. LDAC support brings near-lossless audio from Tidal Masters or Apple Music Lossless. ## Battery Life 30 hours with ANC on, 40 hours without. In our month of testing (daily 2-hour commutes), we charged approximately twice per week. A 3-minute quick charge provides 3 hours of playback. ## The Verdict The Sony WH-1000XM5 at AED 1,099 is the best value premium ANC headphone available in the UAE. The Apple AirPods Max (AED 2,499) sound slightly better but cost more than double. The Bose QuietComfort 45 offers comparable ANC at a similar price but inferior audio quality. **Buy these headphones.** You won't regret it. **Rating: 9.0/10**