December 3, 2025
Article
Why the Sony WH-1000XM5 Still Beats Most Newer Headphones in 2025 — Even Against More Expensive Models
Why the Sony WH-1000XM5 Still Beats Most Newer Headphones in 2025 — Even Against More Expensive Models
Every year, there’s a flood of new “flagship” headphones claiming slightly better ANC, slightly better drivers, slightly better microphones… but in the real world, most people don’t need a new pair.
In fact, in 2025, one of the smartest buys in the entire headphone market is actually not new at all:
The Sony WH-1000XM5.
Yes — the XM5, released in 2022.
This sounds crazy until you actually compare it to the newer models. Here’s why the XM5 still dominates — and why paying more for “newer” isn’t necessarily smarter.
1. The XM5 Still Has Some of the Best ANC in the Entire Market
Here’s the uncomfortable truth:
ANC improvements have plateaued.
Newer headphones from 2023–2025 — like Bose QuietComfort Ultra, B&O H95, AirPods Max (2024), or even Sony’s XM6 prototypes — don’t offer a massive ANC leap.
The XM5 still holds its own in:
Low-frequency rumble (planes, trains)
Office noise
Human chatter rejection
HVAC and mechanical noise
If you compare raw performance (not marketing), XM5 is still in the top 2 or 3 headphones for ANC in the world.
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM5 (Amazon)
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Sony+WH1000XM5
2. The Sound Quality Is STILL Excellent — Especially For Everyday Listening
Sony’s tuning is warm, smooth, and non-fatiguing. That hasn’t changed. And many newer headphones are still struggling with:
Harsh upper mids
Thin bass
Over-processed DSP
“Artificial clarity”
The XM5 may not have the widest stage or the most neutral mids — but it’s consistent, musical, and enjoyable for 99% of listeners.
Compared to newer models:
AirPods Max (2024) – clearer treble, worse portability
Bose QC Ultra – great ANC, less dynamic sound
B&O H95 – better detail, double the price
It’s not always about absolute technical performance — it’s about enjoyment.
3. The XM5 Is Lightweight and Extremely Comfortable
This is the part people forget:
The XM5 is one of the lightest ANC flagships, and it matters.
Newer premium models (AirPods Max 2024, B&O H95, Focal Bathys) are much heavier, which affects:
Long flights
Work-from-home sessions
Commuting
Pressure hotspots
Comfort is the real feature most companies forget to optimize.
4. Multipoint, USB-C, App Features — Still Among the Best
You get:
Excellent multipoint connection
Rock-solid Bluetooth stability
USB-C charging
Great touch controls
Speak-to-Chat (still unmatched)
Adaptive noise control
Many “newer” models still don't get all of this right.
5. Price Drops Make the XM5 One of the Best Deals in 2025
This is the killer point.
The XM5 regularly dips to $279–$329, while competing models launch at:
$499–$699 (AirPods Max, B&O, Sennheiser Momentum 4)
$349–$449 (Bose QC Ultra, Beats Studio Pro 2024)
You're getting 95% of flagship performance at a mid-range price.
Buy the Sony WH-1000XM5 (Amazon)
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Sony+WH1000XM5
6. When the XM5 Isn’t For You
Let’s be fair — it’s not perfect.
Don’t buy it if:
You need a super-warm “audiophile” signature → Try Sennheiser Momentum 4
You want the cleanest transparency mode → Get AirPods Max (2024)
You need the absolute BEST ANC → Bose QC Ultra edges it out slightly in 2025
You want the most durable build → XM5 is light, not rugged
7. So Why Are Newer Headphones Not Always Better?
Because companies are hitting physical limits.
ANC, drivers, and DSP tuning don’t change dramatically year-to-year.
So what do manufacturers do?
Rebrand old designs
Add gimmicky features
Slightly tweak bass
Increase the price
Meanwhile, the XM5 has matured into a stable, reliable, well-priced “sweet spot” product.
8. Alternatives Worth Considering (Also With Purchase Links)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Better ANC, more neutral sound, slightly less comfortable.
Buy the Bose QC Ultra (Amazon)
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Bose+QuietComfort+Ultra+Headphones
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Cleaner treble, great detail, insane battery life.
Buy the Momentum 4 (Amazon)
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Sennheiser+Momentum+4
AirPods Max (2024)
Amazing transparency, best spatial audio, worse portability.
Buy AirPods Max (Amazon)
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=AirPods+Max
9. FAQ — Real Questions People Ask
Q: Should I upgrade from XM4?
Only if you want lighter weight + better ANC + better mic quality.
Q: Is the XM5 good for the gym?
Not ideal. Try Beats Studio Pro or Bose Ultra Earbuds.
Q: Is the XM5 still worth it in 2025?
Absolutely. It’s one of the best “smart buys” in the entire ANC headphone market.
Q: Are there better-sounding headphones?
Yes, but usually with worse ANC and much higher prices.
Q: Is the XM5 good for travel?
It’s one of the best travel headphones ever made.