jbl tour one vs sony wh 1000xm5

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Sony WH-1000XM5 vs JBL Tour One M2 Review

All major audio brands look to the Sony WH-1000XM5 as the gold standard when designing their flagship wireless headphones. (You can read our review of the Sony WH-1000XM5 here .) The JBL Tour One M2 sells for a $100 less than the XM5. Can it come close to the performance and design of the XM5? Or could it even be better?

Look and Feel

The our One M2 is a little heavier than the XM5, though both are equally sleek in their appearance. Since it seems to have fewer parts and more sturdy material, the XM5 appears to be the more durable of the two. I found the fit equally comfortable on both headphone models, and neither felt obtrusive or fatiguing after extended listening sessions.

Design and Functionality

Both, the XM5 and Tour One M2 have only 30 hours of playtime with the ANC on. But with the ANC turned off, The Tour One will give you 50 hours of charge. And charging the Tour One M2 for only ten minutes will provide a 5 hours of play. With the XM5’s ANC off, you can get 40 plus hours of battery usage.

The Tour One M2 offers Bluetooth 5.3 LE, which is the latest version, guaranteeing a reliable connection. Pairing both headphones is easy, and they connect almost immediately. The XM5 is equipped with Bluetooth version 5.2, which, while not the latest version, still provides a highly reliable connection. And during listening sessions, I never encountered any interruptions.

Neither headphone offers many hi-res codecs (AAC, SBC), though the XM5 also supports Sony’s LDAC.  

ANC (Active Noise Cancellation)

I was surprised to find that the Tour One M2 had slightly more powerful ANC than the XM5. It just seemed to kill more office hum and drown out higher frequencies.

Call Clarity

The Sony WH-1000XM5 had far superior call quality to the Tour One M2. The voice was brighter, crisper and more forward. But I experienced no dropouts or interruptions with either headphones.

Extra Features

Both headphones come with accompanying apps that give you complete control over your equalizer settings. In addition, both apps will allow you to adjust Ambient/ANC Modes. In fact, Sony’s app has so many adjustable controls, it may be too much to list here.   But JBL also has some interesting features as well, including Person-Fi, which conducts a hearing test to optimize the sound specifically for your ears to customize the sound.

Sound Impressions

The sense of space is more expansive on the Tour One. It displays more dimension in terms of height, width and depth and because the separation is superior and the mids slightly more forwards, the instrument placement feels more precise. So, the Tour One’s soundstage is the more colorful of the two.

The low-end is a bit more aggressive on the XM5. But the bass on the Tour One is tighter and cleaner. The bass on the XM5 has a somewhat veiled quality and it bleeds a little in the higher frequencies. In contrast, the bass on the Tour One sounds clear and always stays in its lane, never overpowering the higher frequencies.  

Generally, the mids feel cleaner on the Tour One than they do on the XM5. Again, the XM5 has a slightly veiled character in the mids. And given that the upper mids are brighter and more prominent on the Tour One, the whole profile feels more dynamic better delineated. In contrast the XM5 presents a softer, more lush mix. But, in terms of resolution, the Tour One M2 seems to have the upper hand in this range.

The Tour Oe M2 offers more sparkle in the highs, giving shine to percussion and a lightness and glow to vocals. The XM5, on the other had, has a darker profile with more rolled-off highs. So, the Tour One delivers more in this range. That being said, those who have a particular sensitivity to high frequencies may find the XM5 a more forgiving listen.  

In terms of sound quality, the JBL Tour One M2 seems to offer better resolution. It has a cleaner sound with more revealings mids and highs. It also has slightly more powerful ANC. On the flip side, the sound signature on the XM5 is super warm and easy on the ears, while the build quality feels a little more solid. The Sony app also offers tons of features, and has superior call clarity. All that being said, if you’re looking for the best bang for you buck, the JBL Tour One M2 is hard to beat.

You can buy the Sony WH-1000XM5 and JBL Tour One M2 at Audio 46.

Compare the ranking of various headphones, earbuds and in-ear monitors using our tools .

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JBL Tour One M2 vs Sony WH-1000XM5: Which Noise Cancelling Headphone Worth Your Money?

Last Updated on May 19, 2024 by Rifthy

Noise cancelling headphones have become increasingly popular over the past few years, with more and more options hitting the market. Two of the most popular models right now are the JBL Tour One M2 and Sony WH-1000XM5 . But which one is actually worth your hard-earned money?

In this in-depth comparison review, we’ll look at the key features, design, sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life, app support, and more to help you decide which premium noise cancelling headphones are the better buy.

Discussed Topics

Overview of JBL Tour One M2 vs Sony WH-1000XM5

Noise cancellation performance.

One of the main reasons anyone buys premium noise cancelling headphones is for the ANC performance. Both JBL and Sony deliver excellent active noise cancellation, but Sony still has a slight edge.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 features industry-leading noise cancellation powered by their new QN1 processor and eight microphones that can detect and cancel out more ambient sounds. Sony’s ANC algorithm automatically adapts based on your activity as well – whether sitting, walking, on transport, etc.

In our testing, the Sony cans suppressed low, mid and high frequencies just a bit better than the JBL, letting in less ambient noise overall. They have great noise blocking capabilities even in noisy environments like busy cafes or traffic.

• Sony ANC rating:  Tier S

The JBL Tour One M2 aren’t far behind though, using their Smart Active Noise Cancellation with four mics to adaptively adjust the ANC strength based on your surroundings. JBL’s adaptive tech works quite well to block constant noises like airplane engines.

In direct comparisons, the JBL allowed in a little more ambient sound across the frequency range than the Sony. But it’s not a huge difference, and overall the JBL still provides great noise cancellation.

• JBL ANC rating:  Tier A

Both pairs also offer useful transparency/ambient sound modes. JBL has TalkThru to let in voices and sounds for quick conversations. Sony’s Ambient Sound Control lets you adjust how much external sound gets through.

For the most effective real-world noise cancelling though, the Sony WH-1000XM5 take the win. But the JBL aren’t far off for $100 less.

Design and Comfort

In terms of design and wearing comfort, both the Sony and JBL deliver.

The JBL Tour One M2 feature oval shaped ear cups inspired by Bose, using soft padding that feels comfortable for long listening sessions. The headband is nicely cushioned as well.

They have a very sturdy yet flexible build, with smooth ratchets on the headband for adjustment. The headphones are foldable too, great for packing them up in the included hard shell travel case.

We like the tactile, easy to press power and pairing button on the JBL. The touch controls work okay, but can sometimes get accidental taps which is annoying.

• JBL comfort rating:  Excellent

The Sony WH-1000XM5 have a sleek, lightweight design with well-padded circular earcups that are super soft. The synthetic leather stays cool even during longer use.

The headband uses a gapless structure with less clamping force, and smooth slides for adjustment. Sony improved the earcup and headband padding on these compared to the XM4.

While not foldable, the Sony still come with a sturdy carrying case to protect them. The touch controls work flawlessly and you can disable them if needed.

• Sony comfort rating:  Excellent

For comfort, both deliver premium experiences and should be great for long listening sessions. The JBL foldability gives them a small advantage for portability.

Call Quality Performance

Call quality is another important consideration, especially if you’ll be using these headphones for phone calls often.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 have excellent call quality thanks to Precise Voice Pickup technology using four mics and AI processing. Noise reduction works very well, leaving your voice clear and natural sounding for the other person.

In head-to-head tests, Sony’s mic quality resulted in better clarity compared to the JBL. Wind noise handling was stellar too.

• Sony call quality rating:  Tier S

The JBL Tour One M2 also use four microphones to block out ambient noise during calls, along with noise and echo cancelling tech.

While noise reduction is decent, in our tests JBL’s mic quality was a bit more muffled compared to the Sony. It worked fine, but your voice didn’t come through quite as clear.

• JBL call quality rating:  Tier A

For best in class call performance, the Sony WH-1000XM5 deliver noticeably better results. But the JBL aren’t bad for phone calls by any means.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is subjective, but here’s how these two pairs of premium headphones compare:

The JBL Tour One M2 have a lively, brighter default sound signature right out of the box. The higher frequencies like cymbals have nice sparkle and clarity.

Acoustic guitars sound spacious, with decent separation from the mids and smooth non-overbearing bass. It’s a fun, energetic sound.

JBL includes several EQ presets and custom options like Personi-Fi hearing calibration for more personalized sound.

• JBL sound rating:  Lively, clear

The Sony WH-1000XM5 have a more neutral-leaning default sound, not as bright as the JBLs. The mids and highs are very clear, but Sony does put some extra emphasis on the lower frequencies.

Bass has nice sub-bass extension while voices are smooth and natural. Hi-res LDAC support makes the highs sound crisper.

Sony provides way more sound customization via EQ presets, Clear Bass slider, and 360 Spatial Audio.

• Sony sound rating:  Clear, bass prominent

Overall, the JBL wins out for pure sound quality, providing great clarity across mids and highs. But Sony gives you more ways to tweak the sound to your liking. Both deliver great audio that can be customized to suit your preferences.

Battery Life

Battery performance is crucial for wireless headphones you’ll be using on the go. Both models deliver excellent battery life.

The JBL Tour One M2 is rated for 30 hours of listening time with ANC turned on. In our real-world tests we got close to 41 hours of playtime at medium volumes before needing to recharge.

That’s an insane amount of usage before needing to top up the battery. Even heavy users can go days without plugging these in.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are officially rated for 30 hours as well with ANC on. In testing we managed to achieve around 32 hours of listening with ANC enabled before the battery depleted.

While not as long as the JBL, that’s still an excellent result that translates to full work weeks of use before recharging.

Quick charging is fast on both too – 10 minutes gives you around 4+ hours of listening time.

For battery performance, the JBL Tour One M2 are the clear winners, with almost 10 extra hours of playtime than Sony in real-world usage.

App Support and Connectivity

The companion apps for each headphones unlock adjustable features and settings beyond basic operation.

The JBL Headphones app provides a user-friendly experience, with all key settings accessible from a single page. Handy options include:

• Noise cancelling modes
• Ambient Aware and TalkThru
• Touch control customization
• Virtual Assistant access
• Sound EQ presets
• Personi-Fi hearing calibration
• Max volume limiter
• Firmware updates

Bluetooth multipoint is supported for easy switching between two devices. The pairing process is quick and simple.

The Sony Headphones Connect app is more complex, with some settings buried in sub-menus. But it does enable tons of customization like:

• EQ and 360 Spatial Audio
• Ambient Mode levels
• Adaptive Sound modes
• Call quality adjustments
• Advanced features like LDAC, DSEE, and Auto Play/Pause
• Find My Headphones locating

Multipoint Bluetooth allows connection to two devices simultaneously. The pairing process involves a few extra steps.

Both apps work well to enable personalization, but Sony’s feels denser. JBL strikes a better balance of useful features without going overboard.

The Verdict: Sony WH-1000XM5 Are the Better Buy

Based on all the factors compared, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are the better buy overall:

• Their noise cancelling performance is a step above the JBL, making them the ideal choice for frequent fliers or commuters
• Call quality is simply better on the Sony too
• The sound quality provides gorgeous clarity across all frequencies
• Comfort, controls and battery life go toe-to-toe with the JBL

The main advantages of the JBL Tour One M2 are:

• The lower $299 price tag
• Lighter and more comfortable design for some
• Superb 41+ hour battery life
• Slightly better default sound tuning

At the end of the day though, the Sony WH-1000XM5 have the edge for noise cancellation effectiveness and call quality – two of the most important factors.

The $100 premium over the JBL gets you markedly better performance in those crucial areas. Plus, Sony’s sound quality and comfort hold their own against the JBL.

For those reasons, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are worth stretching your budget to buy over the JBL Tour One M2 in our opinion. They deliver a complete package befitting their flagship status.

But if you want to save $100 and don’t mind slightly worse ANC, the JBL are still a compelling option. You still get surprisingly good performance for hundreds less.

Hopefully this detailed comparison has helped you decide which of these wireless noise cancelling headphones better meets your needs and budget! Let us know if you have any other questions.

I am Rifthy Rian, a professional accountant. Frustrated by the lack of unbiased reviews for budget audio equipment, I started a blog to offer genuine feedback. In the past 8 months, I've personally tested over 75 products, aiming to help others find the perfect sound gear.

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Sony WH-1000XM4 vs JBL Tour One: Which wireless headphones should you buy?

Here's how two over-ear behemoths stack up.

Updated July 30, 2021

Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.

The XM4 are the older of the two, and while they were $350 MSRP at launch, they’re fairly widely available for closer to $300. JBL’s Tour One launched a couple of months prior to writing and start at a $299 MSRP.

The Tour One are the cheaper of the two based on MSRP, and may be more likely than the XM4 to drop below $300 in the future.

Our pick: JBL Tour One

Fit and design

Both headphones are comfortable, but the XM4 is light and cushy enough that you'll forget it's even on your head.

Both the XM4 and the Tour One are designed for comfort, and they're both stellar for short- and long-term use. However, at around 250 grams, the XM4 are the lighter of the two (by about 20 grams). They also net you some seriously cushy padding on the ear cups and headband, which—combined with that light weight—makes it easy to forget they’re even on your head.

The Tour One are plenty comfortable too, but they’re a bit heavier than the XM4, and not quite as lovingly padded. You can still wear them for hours without complaint, and the difference in pure comfort is very close, but the XM4 gets a slight edge there.

Where these two differ a bit more is in control functionality. The XM4 shy away from tactile buttons: you get a power and multi-function button but otherwise, all directives are executed via tap-and-swipe gestures on their ear cups. You can double-tap and hold, swipe left, right, up or down to control things like play/pause, raise/lower volume, activate your voice assistant, answer calls, and so on. In short, the XM4 have some of the most advanced and customizable touch controls in the biz.

The Tour One uses more button controls than Sony's touch-happy XM4.

The Tour One use more physical buttons and less touch control facility. You’re getting power, volume, and multi-function buttons, as well as a toggle-able Bluetooth switch for when you want to use them in a wired capacity. As an aside, a 3.5mm cable is included with both the XM4 and the Tour One, and both can be used in a passive, wired mode.

The Tour One do utilize touch controls on the surface of the right ear cup, but what you can do is very limited compared to the XM4. You can still tap to play/pause and tap/hold to activate a voice assistant, but you won’t get any of the XM4’s touch-enabled volume or track-scrubbing abilities.

While you might prefer the Tour One’s approach to controls if you prefer tactile feedback, there’s no denying that the XM4’s approach, while initially less intuitive, eventually makes for a very fast and technologically hip way to manage these core functions.

Our pick: Sony WH-1000XM4

Features and noise canceling

Both of these headphones stand out from the more affordable crowd in a major way because they’re stuffed with all sorts of extra features and ways to customize how they sound.

One of the XM4's coolest features is “Speak-to-Chat." This allows the XM4 to stop playing music (or a podcast, or whatever you’re listening to) when you begin to have a conversation, meaning there’s no fumbling to pause—you don’t even have to remove the headphones when you want to talk to someone. I guess you might want to turn it off if you like to sing or talk to yourself a lot.

You’re also getting multi-point Bluetooth connection, noise-canceling optimization (which measures both your ears and barometric pressure to adjust noise cancellation specifically), a full EQ, and compatibility with Sony’s proprietary spatial audio tech, 360 Reality Audio.

For both of these headphones, you'll want to use their dedicated apps to get the most out of them.

There’s also a ton of ways to customize the XM4's functionality in the app. You can swap whether the multi-function button controls ANC or transparency modes, customize the strength of those modes to the nth degree, disable the touch panel entirely, set up auto power-off, and more.

The Tour One are no slouches, either. JBL has its own app—My Headphones—and fiddling with it enables a granular and nuanced approach for controlling the Tour One. The main features are different ANC, ambient, and “smart” Bluetooth modes.

The Tour One headphones deliver two varieties of noise canceling: Adaptive, which (like the XM4) listens to your surroundings and actively cancels noise, and a less battery-intensive generalist mode. There are also two ambient/transparency modes: Ambient Aware and TalkThru. The former helps you to better hear non-repetitive noises around you, while the latter uses exterior mics to help you listen to and talk to people around you, all while music keeps playing.

The “smart” Bluetooth modes toggle between a setting that’s ideal for a non-congested home environment, while “Smart Audio” and “Smart Video” help to optimize Bluetooth quality during more congested listening situations, or specifically to sync audio with video content.

Both headphones feature robust apps full of ways to customize your listening and user experience.

The Tour One doesn’t stop there, either. Like with the XM4, you’re also getting a full EQ (with some solid presets already loaded in), the ability to customize control buttons, and a way to sync the Tour One with an alarm using the silence of noise canceling in a kind of “sleep bubble”—a feature totally unique to JBL. There's also Auto Play/Pause, Auto-off, and voice assistant selection.

As you can see, both models equate to some fully loaded nachos, but the XM4 have a slightly higher topping-to-chip ratio—it's close, but a barometric pressure setting on headphones that may find themselves on airplanes more often than not is inarguably useful.

Finally, where the XM4 undeniably trumps the Tour One is in noise-canceling performance. Both of these cancelers do a great job squashing unwanted noise and delivering you to a personal, quiet environment. Both were able to shut out droning air conditioners, traffic sounds, and unwanted nearby conversations. But Sony is simply masterful at engineering noise canceling, making it hard for anyone but Bose to match up.

Battery life

This is one area where the Tour One wins, no questions asked. Sony’s XM4 get you around 30 hours of battery life (sometimes less with constant ANC), but the Tour One average 40-45 hours even with ANC enabled, and can last as long as 50 hours when running without any noise canceling or transparency modes active.

Sound quality

This one is tough. Naturally, headphones in this price range need to sound really good to justify their price tags, and both the Tour One and the XM4 deliver on that promise. My experiences listening to both for the first time were eerily similar. I found myself impressed with the spaciousness and warm, detailed sound provided by these cans. Compared to your average headphones, they are streets ahead, and I have no complaints about either one in terms of sound quality.

While both the XM4 and Tour One sound great, the XM4 delivers a more nuanced soundstage with a more valuable array of EQ presets.

For picky listeners, however, the XM4 are going to edge out the Tour One a bit. The XM4’s bass and midrange emphasis is appreciably boosted, but in a subtler way than the Tour One, and the range of EQ presets really show off Sony’s attention to detail. On the other hand, listeners used to more bass-heavy cans might actually prefer the Tour One's sound.

As EQ presets go, the JBL has mastered the basics: one for boosting bass; one that adds sparkle to trebles; and one that brings out midrange (voice) frequencies, best for stuff like podcasts. Sony’s XM4 includes similar presets while also adding in a couple more uniquely tailored frequency responses, such as the “Relaxed” preset, which almost acts like a pass filter for louder and more sibilant sounds.

So while both default listening experiences deliver nuanced and distortion-free music, Sony has the edge when it comes to fine-tuning your listening experience in more advanced ways.

Accessories

You're getting similar accessories with both headphones.

At face value, you're getting the exact same accessories from these headphones: a USB-C charging cable, a zip-up carry case, a dual-prong airplane adapter, and a 3.5mm cable for passive listening. But while Sony includes a notably short charging cable with the XM4, the Tour One's 3.5mm cable and charging cable are the same generous length.

This means you can listen to the Tour One passively while you charge them, a convenience that rides on top of the fact that the Tour One already net you better batter life. If you use the XM4 constantly, you're going to have to remember to charge often, and whenever you're charging, you likely won't be able to use them.

And the winner is…

The lauded Sony WH-1000XM4 wins this comparison, but it’s awfully close in a lot of categories.

To summarize: Both are very comfortable headphones, but the XM4 weigh less; both are well designed, but the XM4 reach further with their commitment to touch controls. Likewise, both are excellent noise cancelers, but Sony delivers a bit more consistency in that technology. Finally, Sony offers more flexibility in terms of EQ customization.

When everything is tallied up, Sony's WH-1000XM4 are still the champs.

That doesn’t automatically make the XM4 the better choice for everyone. You might prefer the Tour One’s higher battery life, more familiar button-based control scheme, or the specifics of its software features—especially since you can regularly get them for almost $50 cheaper than the XM4.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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Sony WH-1000XM5 review: Meet the new boss

“Sony proves once again that it's the brand to beat in noise-canceling headphones.”

• Excellent sound
• Very good comfort
• Ultra-clear call quality
• Best-in-class noise canceling
• Very good battery life
• Hi-res compatible (wired/wireless)
• Hands-free voice assistant access
• Classy, modern design
• Fold-flat, but don’t fold up

If you’ve been reading up on wireless and noise-canceling headphones over the last few years, you’ve likely noted the incredible praise that’s been heaped on Sony’s flagship, the 1000X series. Since its debut with the MDR-1000X — and through three follow-up models — it has consistently offered the best overall combination of sound quality, comfort, battery life, and noise canceling. When you then take into consideration the enormous number of extras Sony has thrown in over the years, like wireless hi-res audio , hands-free voice assistant access, quick attention modes, and rapid-charging, you’re probably left with the same conclusion that we came to: These headphones absolutely crush the competition, which explains why we awarded the fourth generation WH-1000XM4 a perfect 10/10 score.

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With that kind of reception, you might think that Sony would take a breather, and maybe rest on its laurels for a while. Nope. We now have the WH-1000XM5, which Sony has decided to sell alongside the $350 XM4, but for $50 more. With a new, smaller driver design, more microphones, more powerful active noise cancellation (ANC) processing, and an elegant new shape, it’s clear that Sony thinks the XM5 offer lots of reasons to justify that extra $50. Do we agree? You betcha.

Before we get right into it, first a quick shout out to the folks responsible for Sony’s packaging. The XM5 come in the same ultra-recyclable plain cardboard containers that the company pioneered with the WF-1000XM4   wireless earbuds and then repeated with the LinkBuds . You won’t find a trace of plastic anywhere, and while buying consumer electronics might not be the best thing for the planet, at least you won’t be adding to your local landfill when you unbox your new cans.

The XM4 only had two real challengers: Bose’s $399 Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 , and Apple’s $549 AirPods Max . Those models gave the XM4 a real run for the money in both ANC and call quality. They also featured elegant designs, with single points of contact from the headband to the earcups. Sony’s design, while tried and true with its traditional fork-based earcup pivots, started to look a little old-fashioned — dare I say, even a bit boring.

Sony has managed to make the XM5 even more comfortable than the already excellent XM4.

Sony clearly looked to Bose and Apple for its XM5 inspiration. Gone are the classic flat metal headband sliders and earcup forks, replaced by one-piece tubular sliders that terminate in pivots hidden within the earcup housings. What stays is the slightly rubberized, matte-finish in your choice of black or what Sony calls “silver” (it’s actually more a sand color). Another change: The headband is now one continuous arc with padding on both sides, once again reminiscent of Bose’s design. It’s also a little narrower than the XM5.

The result isn’t a set of headphones that look smaller on your head — I’d argue the XM4 have a lower profile — but they do look thoroughly modern, even as they echo Sony’s now-familiar design cues like the bronzy-gold Sony logo and minimalist physical controls.

The one downside to Sony’s move into modernity is that the XM5 also suffer from Bose 700 and AirPods Max’s limitations: You can fold them flat, but you can’t fold them up, so they take up more room in a backpack or purse. And, when sitting around your neck, the earcups face “up” with the hard plastic of the outer shells resting against your collarbones instead of the ear cushions.

In addition to the design changes mentioned above, the XM5 are also the teensiest bit lighter than the XM4, clocking in at 8.81 ounces vs. the XM4’s 8.95 ounces. That doesn’t sound like much — and it isn’t — but, amazingly enough, you can feel it. I’ll be darned if Sony hasn’t managed to make the XM5 even more comfortable than the already excellent XM4, despite the narrower headband. Part of the reason is balance — the XM5 feel like they distribute their weight better. Another factor is the new ear cushion design, which is at once lower profile (which helps to keep the mass of the earcups closer to your head) and yet just as cushy.

These are all good things. But you may find — especially if your noggin is as small as mine — that the XM5’s clamping force isn’t as strong as the XM4. It’s not a problem for casual use, but if you like to be active in your headphones (something Sony specifically discourages on the attached warning label that features a big “no” sign over an image of a man sweating), you’ll notice that the XM5 move around a bit more.

The bottom line is that where once I would have picked the Bose 700 as the best wireless cans for long-term comfort, it’s now a dead heat between them and the WH-1000XM5.

• 1. Sony WH-1000XM4 (left) and WH-1000XM5
• 2. Sony WH-1000XM4 (left) and WH-1000XM5
• 3. Sony WH-1000XM4 (left) and WH-1000XM5

For the XM5’s controls, Sony’s mantra is “If it ain’t broke …” They’re identical to the XM4, with two dedicated power/Bluetooth and ANC/multifunction buttons on the left earcup, and a touch-sensitive panel on the outer surface of the right earcup. As before, they’re easy, accurate, and intuitive to use, and Sony has kept the awesome quick-attention feature which instantly replaces ANC with transparency mode when you cover the right earcup with your hand. The built-in wear sensor gives you fast and responsive auto-pause and resume for music, and it can be disabled in the app if you don’t need it.

As for music genres, take your pick. There aren’t any that won’t be an absolute joy to listen to.

I would have preferred if Sony had found a way to power up/down the headphones without needing a long-press of the power button, but there is some bittersweet news on that front. Sony heard from customers that the XM4’s spoken voice prompts were making actions like powering up and ANC mode switching too time consuming, so it has replaced some of them with just short audible tones. Unfortunately, if you liked the voice feedback, there’s no option to add them back in. That’s a pity because even after one week of use, I still find the tones harder to decipher. Voice feedback remains for low-power warnings and Bluetooth pairing.

The XM5 are equipped with Bluetooth 5.2, and as you’d expect, the wireless connection is rock-solid all the way up to its theoretical 32-foot range. With Google Fast Pair, they set up on Android devices in a flash, and even on an iPhone it’s pretty easy. You get Bluetooth multipoint for simultaneous connections to a phone and a computer (or any other two Bluetooth devices), but it’s worth noting that if you want that phone connection to use Sony’s LDAC codec — the highest quality wireless link you can get — you’ll need to forego the second device. Apparently LDAC and multipoint are mutually exclusive.

It’s unusual for a premium set of headphones to boast smaller drivers than its predecessor, but that’s what Sony decided to do. The XM5 are equipped with carbon-fiber-based 30mm dynamic transducers which are 25% smaller than the ones used in the XM4. The change allows for the lower weight of the XM5, but Sony claims they sound even better, too. And I agree. Mostly.

No beating around the bush: The WH-1000XM5 are the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy right now.

It all depends on how you define “better.” There’s no question in my mind that the XM5 exhibit greater subtlety and finer details, and the frequencies are beautifully balanced. At the same time, bass response is expertly managed, with a low end that does what low ends should do: Provide the thump, groove, and resonance that completes the musical picture, without dominating the other frequencies. The soundstage is open and airy and has the kind of precision that lets you build a map of the players and their instruments in your mind’s eye.

As for music genres, take your pick. I can’t think of any that won’t be an absolute joy to listen to. In short, they sound fantastic, especially when you engage the LDAC codec (Android only, sorry Apple users) and feed these cans high-quality content like lossless , hi-res audio from Apple Music , Tidal , Amazon Music , or your own ripped music.

But (you knew there was a “but …” coming), in delivering such a detailed and nuanced performance, Sony has taken a bit of a step back from the WH-1000XM4’s power and bass-forward signature. Like the drivers inside them, these two great headphones deliver two different sonic experiences. The XM5 will appeal most to those who seek a more neutral sound and who may have found Sony’s previous efforts too bombastic, while the XM4 continue to be the right choice for folks who like their tunes with a little extra punch.

As always, the Sony Headphones app gives you full manual EQ control should you wish to alter the factory tuning, and Sony provides several useful presets along with an independent bass boost adjustment. I like the default settings so much, I left these tweaks alone.

No beating around the bush: The WH-1000XM5 are the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy right now. Thanks to the new eight-mic arrangement and dual-chip processing which enables real-time adaptive changes, the XM5 doesn’t just reduce some external noises — it erases them. It does this more effectively than the XM4, the Bose 900, and even the AirPods Max, which is really saying something, considering how good those other models are. You’ll hear the difference in a variety of situations, but the biggest improvement from the XM4 is the management of higher frequencies.

The degree to which the on-board processors are able to separate your voice from background noise is remarkable.

Sony says it’s especially helpful for dealing with voices, like the din in a coffee shop or restaurant, but I found it worked in almost every scenario I tried. The roar of a turboprop airplane engine was reduced to a whisper; Manhattan’s signature mix of traffic, construction, loud voices, and perpetual car horns were diminished to the point where my nerves weren’t frayed (my hometown of Toronto isn’t exactly quiet, but c’mon, nothing else is NYC). And these were the benefits when I wasn’t playing any music at all. Add some tunes — even at moderate volumes — and you might just convince yourself those external sounds aren’t there at all.

Sony has automated the process of optimizing ANC on the XM5 — on the XM4 it was done manually — so if you change the way you wear the headphones (adding or removing eyeglasses; changing hairstyles) or there’s an alteration in atmospheric pressure, there’s nothing you need to do. And you still have the option of using the Sony Headphones app to track your activity and locations to make changes to ANC and transparency as you switch up your day from sitting to walking to running, etc.

Transparency mode is also excellent, though if there’s one area where Apple maintains a slight edge, this is it. You’ll have an easy time hearing everything that matters, and the optional voice-enhancement mode does exactly what it purports to do. But somehow, the AirPod Max manage to convince you you’re not wearing headphones — something the XM5 fall just shy of achieving.

Switching between the two modes is fast and easy, whether you use the dedicated button for longer periods or the quick-attention gesture for short interactions.

This is the other area where the XM5 handily outshines its predecessor and arguably the other competitors I’ve mentioned throughout this review. The degree to which the on-board processors are able to separate your voice from background noise — even when it’s very loud — is remarkable. They pull this off without the compression and muddiness that often accompanies this kind of algorithmic magic, and there’s only the slightest hint of harshness when the system is pushed to its limits.

Digital Trends Editor-at-large Caleb Denison and I both recorded voice samples in busy urban locations and we both experienced the same thing: Sounds that were super intrusive on our end, were seemingly non-existent when we listened to the recordings. Meanwhile, our voices sounded natural, with a pleasant, warm, tone. The only headphones that come even close are the JBL Tour One .

Sony claims almost the same numbers for both the XM4 and XM5 — 30 hours of continuous playback with ANC on, and 38 (XM4) or 40 (XM5) when it’s off. From what I can tell, those numbers seem bang-on accurate. Sony doesn’t indicate how much of a hit these numbers will take when using LDAC, but based on my experience, you can expect it to eat up to 40%.

Either way, these stats are more than adequate for even the longest of flights. However, if you happen to own a USB Power Delivery (PD) charger , you’ll be able to quick-charge the XM5 with an extra three hours of playtime in a ludicrously fast three minutes. Yes, one minute equals one hour.

Sony’s latest noise-canceling flagship headphones come at a $50 premium over their predecessors, but the WH-1000XM5 justify that extra cost with a lot of extra performance and a slick new design. Do you need them? Probably not. Will you love them? Absolutely.

Is there a better alternative?

No. The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 cost the same amount, but can’t keep up with the XM5’s incredible sound, ANC, call quality and battery life, despite being very comfortable and a generally decent set of wireless cans. Apple’s pricey AirPods Max can go toe-to-toe on things like call quality, ANC, and transparency, but they’re heavy, have much lower battery life, and lack the amazing levels of detail and nuance you’ll get from the XM5, especially when LDAC is used.

That leaves the older WH-1000XM4 . At $50 less, they’re still a good set of cans, but if you can find them cheaper — as I suspect you will over the coming months — they could prove to be a fantastic value. With a bigger, bolder sound signature, you might even prefer them to the XM5.

How long will they last?

Always a tough question, but Sony builds excellent products, and the WH-1000XM5 look like they will stand up to some pretty heavy use. I recommend keeping them away from sweat and rain as they don’t have any kind of IPX rating . If you do so, I expect you’ll still be enjoying them many years from now. Sony backs the WH-1000XM5 with a standard one-year warranty.

Should you buy them?

Yes. Sony charges a premium price for the WH-1000XM5, but you get a product that’s premium in every way, and for now, they’re the best wireless headphones you can buy.

Editors' Recommendations

• New Sonos Ace wireless headphones look amazing, but some fans may be disappointed
• Sony WH-1000XM6: the design and features we want Sony’s next headphones to deliver
• Best Sony WH-1000XM5 deals: Save $70 on the wireless headphones
• Best noise-canceling earbuds for 2023: from Sony, Soundcore, Jabra, and more
• Astell&Kern’s new headphone DAC is PlayStation-ready
• Headphone Reviews

Dali's latest wireless headphones, the Dali IO-12, will cost $1,299 when they hit retail later this month. That's a huge jump up from the company's previous offering, the $500 Dali IO-6, and it might even be a new record price for a set of wireless headphones, but Dali says the new noise-canceling cans are worth it because of the unusual technology that has been used to create the headphones' 50mm drivers.

The Danish company claims the IO-12 are the world's first to use a Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) magnet system -- the same tech that Dali patented and used in its acclaimed floor-standing speakers. The primary benefit to SMC is a reduction of hysteresis -- distortion that can be caused by resistance to the voice coil in traditional magnet systems. Reducing hysteresis can lower uneven harmonic distortion "drastically," according to Dali.

Livies (yep, that's what Olivia Rodrigo's fans are called) have something new to get excited about. The 20-year-old singer-songwriter sensation has partnered with Sony to release a limited edition of the company's LinkBuds S wireless, noise-canceling earbuds in a very Rodrigo shade of violet. Sony won't tell us how many of the LinkBuds S x Olivia Rodrigo will be made, but we know they're priced the same ($200) as the regular LinksBuds S. They're available for preorder starting September 26.

Rodrigo's recently announced world tour for her 2023 sophomore album Guts has been seeing incredible demand, with some ticket resellers commanding prices in excess of $5,000 -- reminiscent of the kind of enthusiasm shown for Taylor Swift's currently touring Eras shows. Guts is the follow-up to Rodrigo's hugely popular debut solo album, 2021's Sour.

Sennheiser's new Accentum wireless noise-canceling headphones look a lot like its top-of-the-line $380 Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones. And while they have similar features, the Accentum are priced at $180 and can do something the Momentum 4 can't: they accept lossless digital audio via their USB-C port. The black version is up for preorder on September 25 and is expected to ship starting on October 4, while the white version begins shipping in late November. Both models will be available at select retailers and at sennheiser-hearing.com.

The Accentum are the successors to Sennheiser's 2020 HD 450 BT, and the company's approach to this more affordable product line remains the same -- preserve as many features from the Momentum line as possible while keeping the price under $200. Needless to say, you can't do this without some trade-offs. The Accentum don't come with a carry case or any kind of analog input. They use only physical controls, not touch controls, and they don't have wear sensors for auto-pausing your tunes when you remove them.

Jbl Tour One Vs. Sony Wh 1000Xm5 Review

Sony WH 1000XM5

Reasons why you might like the Sony WH 1000XM5

Overall Score 6.8 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

• Weight of 250 g

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Anc)

• Battery Life of 30 hours

Can Be Used Wirelessly

Has ambient sound mode.

JBL Tour ONE

Reasons why you might like the JBL Tour ONE

Overall Score 5.8 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

• Weight of 268 g
• Battery Life of 50 hours

Related Reviews

Jbl tour one vs. sony wh 1000xm5 review in summary, jbl tour one vs. sony wh 1000xm5 review in detail.

The JBL Tour ONE have a weight of 268g, these weigh below 320g, which we consider as the highest average a headphone should weigh for comfort during long use. We prefer a lower weight best for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to move with. The Sony WH 1000XM5 , at 250g are lighter than the JBL Tour ONE with a difference -18g

Has A Detachable Cable

Detachable cables are cables that have connectors on both ends. One end goes into your headphone earpieces, while the other end is inserted into a source device. Some new headphones, and not just the expensive ones, are coming with detachable cables, JBL Tour ONE are one of those. With a detachable cable, Sony WH 1000XM5 too can use alternative cables and if the cable is pulled, it will pop out instead of breaking.

Can Be Folded

JBL Tour ONE are foldable, which makes them more portable. Foldable headphones are easier to transport and take up less storage space.

Has A Tangle Free Cable

Twisted headphone cables can be a great source of annoyance and inconvenience, JBL Tour ONE 's cable is designed to minimize tangling. Constant twisting of the cables can also lead to microfractures in the copper wires, affecting sound quality, or rendering your headphones defective. Sony WH 1000XM5 too have a cable designed to help prevent tangles.

Cable Length

A long cable ensures more freedom of movement, but remember that every cable based on the conducting material used has a certain amount of parasitic resistance, inductance, and capacitance. How much depends on the length and construction. Sony WH 1000XM5 comes with a 1.2meters cable.

Has An Over-The-Ear Foam

Over-ear headphones have larger earpads that fit around your entire ear JBL Tour ONE have a comfortable full-size form with earcups that fully enclose your ears. This design is loved for its increased sound isolation and the fact that it won't leak sound to your neighbors. Sony WH 1000XM5 with this design offer potential for maximum bass and loudness levels.

Has Stereo Speakers

JBL Tour ONE have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience. The Sony WH 1000XM5 also have stereo speakers

Sound Quality

Active noise cancellation uses more advanced technology to actively counter noise. How it works, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and then inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 outside (noise from your surrounding) and adding -1 inside (counter sound within the device) to make zero hence "diluting" the noise. JBL Tour ONE allow you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the volume to overcome background noise. Sony WH 1000XM5 too have active noise cancellation making both devices ideal for plane rides and morning commutes. Each may work with different noise cancellation modes, pick the setting, mode, or noise cancellation type that you prefer for commute or that enhances your relaxation time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Passive Noise Cancellation uses well-designed ear cups to seal out unwanted noise. This is used for both in-ear earphones and over-ear headphones where the headphone itself will keep surrounding noise out. The JBL Tour ONE sits tightly in place, creating an acoustic seal that reduces background noise and prevents your music from leaking out. Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which means that also the Sony WH 1000XM5 isolates you from ambient noise instead of actively using technology to cancel it out.

Lowest Frequency

Low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio device reproduces low audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it. JBL Tour ONE 's lowest frequency is at 10Hz, the lower the low-frequency response, the stronger and juicier the bass. Sony WH 1000XM5 's lowest frequency is at 4Hz, this means that JBL Tour ONE got a juicier bass than the Sony WH 1000XM5

Highest Frequency

High frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio component reproduces high audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal on the way through. JBL Tour ONE 's highest frequency is at 40,000Hz, the higher the high-frequency response, the clearer and crispier the treble. Sony WH 1000XM5 's highest frequency is at 40,000Hz, this means that both devices produce equal treble

Sound Pressure Level

Sound pressure is the average variation in atmospheric pressure caused by the sound, the sound level .i.e how loud something is can be perceived differently by different people so we need to have a way of getting an objective measurement of sound level expressed in numerical terms. The sound pressure level, SPL, is the pressure level of a sound, measured in decibels, dB, JBL Tour ONE 's measurement is 95dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source. Sony WH 1000XM5 's sound pressure level measurement is 102dB/mW.

Driver Unit Size

The driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the device, its size dictates the loudness of the headphone. JBL Tour ONE driver unit is 40mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful and can produce better bass. Sony WH 1000XM5 driver unit is 30mm in diameter, which means that they have a smaller driver unit than that of JBL Tour ONE by 10mm , as many tend to believe that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality. However, large drivers usually have difficulty reproducing high frequencies so it's true that, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not mean that they produce better sound.

Impedance is the device's resistance to the electromagnetic current, when electricity flows through a conductor, it faces electrical resistance that counters the flow of current. The resistance of a conductor is measured in ohms. JBL Tour ONE 's impedance is 32Ohms, the lower the impedance, the easier it is to get higher volume and requires less power. Sony WH 1000XM5 's impedance is 48Ohms. The impedance of earbuds is the electrical resistance of the driver unit present on the inside.

Has A Neodymium Magnet

Neodymium magnets if used in audio devices produce a higher sensitivity and substantial sound output while using less power. They can help produce music at quite a high sound pressure level, SPL, with the use of high magnetic flux. The Sony WH 1000XM5 have this type of magnet.

Battery Life

If your headphones play wirelessly, cancel ambient noise, or enhance your listening experience with active features, their battery life will reduce over time. The device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often. JBL Tour ONE 's battery life is 50 hours Sony WH 1000XM5 's battery life is 30 hours. Each time you recharge your headphones, they get a little less listening time. The effect is barely noticeable at first. But over a few years, you may find that your device, no longer plays for long like it used to.

Charge Time

It takes 2 hours to fully charge the JBL Tour ONE 's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the headphones for the first time or when they have been unused for extended periods. Sony WH 1000XM5 takes 3.5 hours to fully charge the battery

Has A Battery Level Indicator

JBL Tour ONE have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights show the charging status of your headphones. Sony WH 1000XM5 too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you to determine the charging state of your headphones, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low.

Battery Power

Battery power, or battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store. Sony WH 1000XM5 's battery power is 1,200mAh, more battery power can be an indication of longer battery life.

Has A Rechargeable Battery

A rechargeable battery is a type of electrical battery that can be charged, discharged into a load, and recharged many times, as opposed to a disposable or primary battery, which is supplied fully charged and discarded after use. JBL Tour ONE 's battery can be recharged and used over again. The Sony WH 1000XM5 too have a rechargeable battery.

Connectivity

JBL Tour ONE can be used wirelessly, wireless devices allow you more freedom of movement. The Sony WH 1000XM5 also can be used wirelessly

Uses 2.4Ghz Wireless

2.4GHz wireless is used for devices such as headsets such as the Sony WH 1000XM5 , keyboards, and mice similar to Bluetooth but with a proprietary radio frequency. It typically offers better performance than Bluetooth, with low latency and good stability.

Bluetooth Version

Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. JBL Tour ONE has a v5 Sony WH 1000XM5 has a Bluetooth version of v5.2. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Has Usb Type-C

JBL Tour ONE support USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power on a single cable. The USB-C plug is now part and parcel of most current laptops, phones, and tablets, it features reversible plug orientation and cable direction. Sony WH 1000XM5 too have USB TYPE-C

Sony WH 1000XM5 support LDAC, a codec developed by Sony which allows streaming high-resolution audio over Bluetooth connections at up to 990 kbps at 32 bit/96 kHz. It is capable of a very high bitrate of 990kbps, which provides high-resolution audio.

Sony WH 1000XM5 support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that is used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances. The JBL Tour ONE can connect at a 10meters distance via Bluetooth or infrared to another device. The Sony WH 1000XM5 can connect at a 10meters distance via Bluetooth

Has A 3.5Mm Male Connector

Being an industry standard audio plug, a standard 3.5mm male connector is suitable for use with all MP3 players and computer sound cards. This means that it is commonly used in stereo headphones to your phone or connecting your phone to an external amplifier, sound bars, your car radio, etc. JBL Tour ONE has this connector giving it a wider range of connectivity with most of the sound devices out there. All plugs have at least a tip and sleeve with the number of rings that stand as a differentiating factor. Sony WH 1000XM5 too have this kind of connector

Number Of Microphones

JBL Tour ONE have only 4 microphones, more microphones result in better sound quality and enable the device to filter out background noise. The Sony WH 1000XM5 microphones are only 8.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

JBL Tour ONE use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out background noise from the desired sound. Especially useful in noisy environments. The Sony WH 1000XM5 too use a noise-canceling type of microphone.

JBL Tour ONE support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient noises so that they can still be heard. It’s useful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of what’s happening around you, for example when you’re having a jog but would still want to be able to hear traffic. The Sony WH 1000XM5 support ambient sound mode as well allowing you to hear the ambient sound even while wearing them.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

JBL Tour ONE support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when they are removed from your ears so that the music is paused, saving battery life and improving your listening experience while at it. The Sony WH 1000XM5 support in/on-ear detection, pause your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears

Has A Mute Function

JBL Tour ONE have a mute function, they have an option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the microphone, but you can still hear the other party's voice. The Sony WH 1000XM5 too have a mute function.

Multipoint Count

Sony WH 1000XM5 support multipoint, which allows you to link to more Bluetooth devices and switch between them. For example, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

There is a control panel on the JBL Tour ONE body, so you can easily access the volume control or remote without having to interact with a cable or another device it's connected to. The Sony WH 1000XM5 too have a control panel on them.

Can Be Used As A Headset

JBL Tour ONE can be used as a headset. A headset is one headphone or pair with a built-in microphone. Headsets can be used for apps that require communication i.e. Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, games with voice chat, mobile phones, etc. Sony WH 1000XM5 can be used as a headset. since they have a built-in microphone

Warranty Period

The period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use that has followed instruction manuals. When covered under the manufacturer’s warranty it is possible to get a replacement in the case of a malfunction. JBL Tour ONE have a warranty period of 1 years

Travel Bag Is Included

Carrying headphones without a case, or putting them in bags without a casing can easily put them at risk of getting damaged. The JBL Tour ONE come with their own special case or pouch, which is useful for safe transportation. Sony WH 1000XM5 too have a travel bag or case included.

Watch CBS News

The 5 best headphones with spatial audio let you bathe in all the sounds

By Jason R. Rich

Edited By Leslie Gornstein

Updated on: April 23, 2024 / 3:07 PM EDT / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

The best wireless headphones are comfy for extended listening sessions and offer a mobile app that lets you to customize your listening. They also offer two other key features -- noise canceling technology and spatial audio support. While noise cancellation allows you to reduce or eliminate ambient noise from the real world, it's the spatial audio that makes music, audio from TV shows and movies, as well as sound from games, truly immersive -- as if the audio is surrounding you.

Best spatial audio headphones overall : Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Best spacial audio headphones for apple users : airpods max, best spatial audio headphones from sony : wh-1000xm5.

• Best spatial audio headphones for gaming : SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3

Best spatial audio headphones for everyday use : Beats Studio Pro

Spatial audio will make you feel like you have the best seat in the house at a live concert, as opposed to just hearing that music in basic stereo. Some audio brands have made spatial audio even richer by supporting dynamic head tracking and Hi-Res Audio. With dynamic head tracking, the spatial audio automatically adjusts whenever you move your head. And Hi-Res audio makes whatever you're listening to sound even clearer. In fact, what you're listening to will sound better than CD-quality audio.

Are headphones with spatial audio capabilities worth it?

If you listen to music -- or use the headphones to watch TV or movies -- the answer is unequivocally yes!  Headphones with spatial audio (or spatial audio with dynamic head tracking) make the content sound more immersive, as if whatever you're listening to is emanating from all around you. 

Our in-house team of tech experts has curated this roundup of what are currently the best wireless headphones that support spatial audio. For those who'd prefer wireless earbuds that provide spatial audio and noise cancelation, be sure to check out our coverage of the six best wireless earbuds with spatial audio in 2024 . We've also curated roundups of the  six best wireless earbuds for 2024  and the  six best noise canceling headphones of 2024 , so whatever your audio listening needs and budget, we've got you covered with the latest headphone information you need.

Battery Life : Up to 24 hours |  Weight : 0.56 pounds |  Driver Size : Not disclosed by Bose |  Microphones : 12 |  Case:  Included |  Special Features : Supports Bluetooth 5.3; Features superior noice cancellation; Customizable sound via Bose Music app  

With the launch of its QuietComfort Ultra headphones, Bose has raised the bar on its already-impressive noise cancellation technology. This model also makes audio more customizable via the Bose Music mobile app. And now, for the first time, Bose headphones now support spatial audio. 

We also like how the plush ear cups and headband make these headphones very comfy, even for extended listening sessions. Battery life is up to 24 hours. Plus, there's a quick-charge feature, so a 15-minute charge adds up to two hours of listening time with the immersive audio feature turned on. 

The QuietComfort Ultra headphones work with any Bluetooth-compatible smartphone, tablet or computer. It will also pair with any of Bose's TV soundbars and allow for private TV viewing or listening. Bose's proprietary noise-cancellation technology has been combined with spatial audio support to create more immersive and lifelike listening.

These headphones fold up and fit into a custom-made hardshell case that's included. The QuietComfort Ultras come in your choice of three colors -- black, sandstone or white smoke.

Battery Life : Up to 20 hours |  Weight : 13.6 ounces |  Driver Size : 40mm |  Microphones : 8 |  Case:  Covers just the ear cups |  Special Features : Auto pairs with all Apple devices; Supports spatial audio with dynamic head tracking; Can be located using Apple's Find My service  

If you can get past the hefty price tag, you'll be rewarded with superior audio that takes full advantage of adaptive noise cancellation and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. This allows for a very impressive and immersive listening experience. The spatial audio automatically adjusts whenever your move your head.

Whether you use these headphones to hear Apple Music tunes, watch Apple TV+ shows, listen to podcasts via Apple Podcasts, or play games via Apple Arcade, your audio will be clear and robust. In fact, this is the case with any audio you listen to using these headphones (from virtually any source).

The AirPods Max are relatively lightweight and comfortable. But it's the spatial audio with dynamic head tracking -- when supported -- that makes these headphones truly stand out. It works particularly well for movies or TV shows. These headphones also support Apple's Find My feature and will automatically pair with whichever Apple device you're using, such as an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook, or iMac.

The AirPods Max headphones offer a wide range of features exclusively for Apple users, while providing high-quality audio, excellent noise cancellation and spatial audio that makes what you're listening to sound very lifelike. We also like how well they handle hands-free phone calls. These headphones typically cost $549, but they go on sale often, so don't pay full price for them.

For additional help deciding which AirPods model is best for you, check out our comprehensive Apple AirPods buyer's guide .

Battery Life : Up to 30 hours |  Weight : 8.82 ounces |  Driver Size : 30mm |  Microphones : 8 |  Case:  Included |  Special Features : Supports Bluetooth 5.2; DSEE Extreme support; Hi-Res Audio support; Integrated touch sensors for volume control

The WH-1000XM5s are currently Sony's top-of-the-line consumer headphones, providing superior noise cancellation and up to a 30-hour battery life. They can also generate Hi-Res Audio and make hands-free calls sound crystal clear.

Keep in mind, while the WH-1000XM5 headphones support spatial audio (which the company calls "360 Reality Audio"), this feature works only with a supported streaming service (such as Amazon Music Unlimited or Tidal); Sony PlayStation games; a "360 Reality Audio Certified Smartphone" (like the Sony Xperia 1 V), or a compatible Sony TV. You also need to use a Sony app to customize your listening.

One feature we love about these headphones is their support for DSEE Extreme. This tech upscales compressed digital audio files in real time to restore sounds that would otherwise be lost to compression. These headphones also support multipoint connectivity and Google's Fast Pair feature. 

The WH-1000XM5 headphones offer superior sound quality and use the company's own noise-cancellation technology to eliminate unwanted ambient noise. When supported, the "360 Reality Audio" sounds incredible.

Best spatial audio headphones for gaming: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4

Battery Life : Up to 36 hours |  Weight : 0.55 pounds |  Driver Size : 40mm |  Microphones : 1 |  Case:  Not included |  Special Features : AI powered noise cancellation; Easy access onboard controls; Low latency support when used for PC gaming or with a console gaming system; Integrated RGB lighting; Customize audio when gaming using Parametric EQ

These relatively low-cost gaming headphones offer impressive noise cancellation and 360-degree spatial audio, along with integrated RGB lighting. They're compatible with all popular gaming systems, including Windows PCs, Macs, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, and most smartphones.

One unique feature: "Sonar," which allows you to pinpoint an enemy's location using sound -- before you can see them on the screen. This feature requires a free software download and only works with supported games.

You also get a retractible, ClearCast Gen 2 boom microphone that takes advantage of bidirectional noise cancelling. And from the headphone's onboard controls, it's easy to adjust the volume, mute the microphone and turn on the RGB lighting. 

These headsets make audio much more immersive for gamers -- as if the action is happening all around them. You get a lot of audio technology packed into headphones that are very affordable.

Battery Life : Up to 40 hours |  Weight : 9.17 ounces |  Driver Size : 40mm |  Microphones : 1 |  Case:  Included |  Special Features : Enhanced drivers (compared to previous models); Integrated active noise cancellation; Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) offers high-fidelity lossless audio via a USB Type-C wired connection; Supports Apple's Find My service

One impressive feature of the Beats Studio Pro is their personalized 360-degree spatial audio function that supports Dolby Atmos. The folks at Beats describe the listening experience as "like being surrounded by 64 speakers at once."

The Studio Pro headphones are available in four colors. They typically cost $350, but we've been seeing them on sale for as low as $200 on Amazon. They offer all of the features you could want from headphones, including excellent noise cancellation, high-end sound and the ability to use them wired or wirelessly. You also get up to 40 hours of continuous listening per battery charge, as well as Lossless Audio when the headphones are connected via the supplied USB cable.

When you use them with an Apple device, you get integrated Siri support and automatic pairing, but these headphones work nicely with a Windows PC or Android mobile device as well. They come with a six-month subscription to Apple Music.

Thanks to the combination of features, the Beats Studio Pros can be used for enjoying any type of audio content. They also do a nice job handling hands-free phone calls.

What is spatial audio?

Spatial audio creates an immersive, theater-like listening experience that makes sound seem like it's coming from all around your head. Music, audio from TV shows and movies, sound from games, podcasts and audiobooks are all starting to adopt spatial audio to make sound more lifelike. 

If you're listening to a live recording of a concert, spatial audio makes you feel as if you're sitting in the middle of a theater or arena. Likewise, if you're watching an action movie or playing a video game with a fight scene, it sounds like you're in the middle of that battle, with the lifelike fighting happening all around you.

Does spatial audio cost extra in headphones or earbuds?

When you're shopping for wireless headphones or earbuds with an active or adaptive noise-canceling feature, you'll often find the latest models also support spatial audio. This does not typically impact price. While not all audio supports spatial audio and this feature does not work with hands-free calling, it does create a more compelling listening experience.

For even more advice on choosing the best  tablet ,  Android tablet ,  Apple iPad ,  tablet for kids ,  desktop computer ,  laptop computer ,  budget-friendly laptop computer ,  Chromebook ,  Android smartphone  or  cell phone , be sure to check out our extensive and continuously updated  tech coverage .

Jason R. Rich ( www.JasonRich.com ) is an internationally recognized consumer technology expert with more than 30 years' writing experience. He's also an accomplished author and photographer. One of his most recently published books, The Remote Worker's Handbook: How to Effectively Work From Anywhere ($24.99, Entrepreneur Books) is now available from Amazon and wherever books are sold.

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The best Black Friday headphone and earbud deals for 2022

Several of our favorite noise-cancelling and true wireless headphones are as cheap as they've ever been..

Black Friday is typically a great time of year to pick up a new set of headphones, and this year is no exception. Many pairs we like, including several of the top picks in our guides to the best wireless headphones and best true wireless earbuds , are down to their lowest prices to date. Below we've rounded up the best Black Friday headphone deals we could find thus far, covering models from Apple, Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, Anker and more. We have a few discounts on speakers we like, too. We'll be sure to add more deals of note if they arise over the course of the day.

Apple AirPods Pro

The latest AirPods Pro are down to $200 at multiple retailers, which is an all-time low. This is $50 off Apple's MSRP and roughly $40 off the noise-cancelling earphones' street price since launching in September. We gave the AirPods Pro a review score of 88 and currently list them as the "best for iOS" pick in our guide to the best wireless earbuds . Their battery life is just average, but their sound quality and active noise cancellation (ANC) are among the better options on the market, their transparency mode is superb and, per usual, they're particularly convenient to use with other Apple devices.

Buy AirPods Pro at Amazon - $200

Apple AirPods

The second-generation version of Apple's standard AirPods are available for $79, while the third-gen model is down to $140. Both of those match the lowest prices we've seen and sit roughly $25 below the earbuds' respective street prices over the last few months. We gave the third-gen AirPods a review score of 88 last year and the second-gen pair a score of 84 back in 2019.

You'd consider one of these two if you're an iPhone owner who wants the easy pairing and tight iOS integration of any Apple headphone, but prefer an unsealed design that doesn't completely block out external noise. The third-gen AirPods in particular are one of the better-sounding unsealed wireless earbuds you can buy. Their designs still won't fit everyone, though, and there's little reason to consider either pair if you use Android.

Buy AirPods (2nd gen) at Walmart - $79 Buy AirPods (3rd gen) at Walmart - $140

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's top-of-the-line WH-1000XM5 headphones are down to $348 this Black Friday, which is $50 off their normal going rate. While that's not a massive discount, it does match the lowest price we've tracked. The XM5s are the top pick in our guide to the best wireless headphones . We gave them a review score of 95 earlier this year, praising their light and comfortable fit, powerful ANC that's particularly effective with high- and mid-range frequencies (think human voices), 30+ hours of battery life, bass-forward (but customizable) sound, improved call quality and plethora of useful bonus features.

Buy Sony WH-1000XM5 at Amazon - $348

Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's predecessor to the XM5s, the WH-1000XM4 , are also on sale at $228, which matches their all-time low and comes in about $100 off their typical street price. We still prefer the XM5 for those who can afford it, as the XM4 feels a bit bulkier on the head, has worse mic performance and doesn't sound as good out of the box (though it's similarly customizable via Sony's app). Unlike the XM5, though, the XM4's design can fold up for easier storage. Its battery life and feature set are essentially the same, too, and though its ANC isn't as adept at negating higher-frequency noises, it's still plenty effective on the whole. The XM5 also rely on an automatic ANC adjustment system, which some may prefer to avoid. We gave the XM4 a score of 94 in 2020; if you want to save some cash, it's still a good value when it's discounted to this extent.

Buy Sony WH-1000XM4 at Amazon - $228

Bose QuietComfort 45

Bose's QuietComfort 45 headphones are available for $249, which is $20 more than their all-time low but still roughly $60 off their average street price. This is an alternative pick in our guide to the best wireless headphones : Sony's models are more customizable, last longer and perform better on the whole, but the QC 45s have a more neutral sound out of the box, still-capable ANC and a design that's about as comfortable as the WH-1000XM5 without sacrificing the ability to fold up. They also use physical buttons instead of touch controls. We gave the QuietComfort 45 a review score of 86 last year.

Buy Bose QuietComfort 45 at Amazon - $249

Sony WF-1000XM4

Sony WF-1000XM4 earphones are down to $178, which matches the lowest price we've tracked and sits about $70 below the pair's usual going rate. We gave the WF-1000XM4s a review score of 86 last year, and they are currently the top pick in our guide to the best wireless earbuds .

The strengths here are similar to those of Sony's over-ear models above: upper-tier ANC, solid sound quality that can be customized, good battery life (about 8-10 hours per charge), and useful extras like wireless charging and "Speak to Chat," which can automatically pause your music while you're speaking to somebody else. Their active noise cancellation is a step behind Bose's QuietComfort Earbuds II , but their in-ear fit and foam ear tips isolate a ton of noise naturally. The main caveat is that the earpieces are rather large, so some may find them cumbersome to wear.

Buy Sony WF-1000XM4 at Amazon - $178

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Speaking of Bose's QuietComfort Earbuds II , that set of noise-cancelling earbuds is currently on sale for $249, which is a $50 discount and a new all-time low. This is the "best noise cancellation" pick in our wireless earbuds guide , and indeed, no true wireless pair we've tested is as adept at muting the outside world. They're a bit bulky, and their lack of multipoint connectivity and wireless charging is still disappointing at this price, but if it's top-tier ANC you're after, this is the best you can do in this form factor.

Buy Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II at Amazon - $249

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3

Sennheiser's Momentum True Wireless 3 are on sale for $200, which isn't cheap, but still $40 off the pair's usual going rate and tied for the best price we've seen. These are the wireless earphones we recommend if detailed sound quality is your chief concern — they don't have the same bundle of useful bonus features the WF-1000XM4 can provide, but their adaptive ANC is still effective, their eight-ish hours of battery life is still solid and their default sound profile should greatly satisfy if you enjoy a boosted low-end.

Buy Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 at Amazon - $200

Sony LinkBuds S

Sony's LinkBuds S earphones are on sale for $128, which is about $50 below their average street price and matches their all-time low. This pair is an honorable mention in our guide to the best wireless earbuds . The WF-1000XM4 offer a more detailed sound, better noise isolation, a couple hours of extra battery life and wireless charging, but the LinkBuds S still perform well for this deal price, and its lighter, more compact design is comfier to wear over time. It recently gained the ability to connect to multiple devices at once, too, something the XM4s are also expected to receive in the near future.

Buy Sony LinkBuds S at Amazon - $128

Jabra Elite 3

Jabra's Elite 3 is on sale for $50, coming within a couple dollars of the lowest price we've tracked and undercutting the earphones' typical street price by roughly $15. We gave this pair a review score of 88 last year, and it's currently the top budget pick in our best wireless earbuds guide . The Elite 3's mildly bass-bumped sound is pleasant for the money — and now customizable after a recent update — but its lightweight, water-resistant design is impressively comfortable for any price. Battery life is solid, too, at about seven hours per charge. There's no ANC, wireless charging, auto-pausing or multipoint connectivity, but at this deal price, the Elite 3 are good enough at the fundamentals to be worth recommending for those on a budget.

This deal comes as part of a wider sale on Jabra earbuds for Black Friday. We don't recommend most of those pairs over the other picks in this roundup, but the Elite 4 Active are worth a shout at $80 — they're effectively the same as the Elite 3, but with a (just okay) ANC feature and a higher water-resistance rating ( IP57 instead of IP55). We gave that pair a review score of 84 this past January.

Buy Jabra Elite 3 at Amazon - $50

Anker Soundcore Life Q30

Anker's Soundcore Life Q30 is back down to $60 for Amazon Prime members, which is $10 more than the all-time low but still $20 or so off the pair's usual going rate. At this price, the Q30's cushy fit, 40+ hours of battery life and competent ANC performance make it an excellent value. This is still a budget set of headphones, so call quality isn't great, the build is flimsier than more expensive options and the default sound profile goes very hard on the bass by default. Nevertheless, good noise-cancellers priced under $100 are rare, and this is one of them.

Buy Anker Soundcore Life Q30 at Amazon - $60

Anker Soundcore Space A40

Likewise, Anker's Soundcore Space A40 represents great value at its current deal price of $80, which is a $20 discount and a new all-time low. This is a compact and comfortable pair of true wireless earphones that delivers solid ANC, multi-device pairing and a strong 10 or so hours of battery life per charge. The default sound profile could use a bit more treble presence — though an EQ tool in Anker's app can help — and the noise isolation isn't quite as effective as our more premium picks above. The included touch controls are somewhat limited, too. But if you can't spend more than $100, the A40s are a great buy.

Buy Anker Soundcore Space A40 at Amazon - $80

Sennheiser Momentum 4

Another honorable mention in our guide to the best wireless headphones , Sennheiser's Momentum 4 is down to $293, which is their all-time low and about $50 off their recent street price. We gave this pair a review score of 82 this past August: Though its ANC and feature set can't match up to Sony's WH-1000XM5, it can get a stellar 60 or so hours of battery life per charge, and its sound quality is better out of the box.

Buy Sennheiser Momentum 4 at Amazon - $293

Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT

Audio-Technica's ATH-M20xBT are available for $59 this Black Friday, which is a $20 discount and the lowest price we've tracked. This is the budget pick in our best wireless headphones guide . Clunky name aside, they offer a relatively detailed and accurate sound with impressive bass depth for the money. Multipoint connectivity and a rated 60 hours of battery life help, too. The build quality is somewhat flimsy, and the Soundcore Life Q30 are a better buy if you need ANC, but if you're on a budget and care more about sound quality in your wireless headphones, the M20xBT is worth a look.

Buy Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT at Amazon - $59

Beats Fit Pro

The Beats Fit Pro are down to $160, which beats (heh) the pair's usual going rate by $30 and is only $7 more than the lowest price we've seen. We gave the Fit Pro a review score of 87 last year, and it's now the "best for workouts" pick in our wireless earbuds guide . It carries many of the same benefits as any set of AirPods — "Find My" tracking, easy pairing and fast switching with Apple devices, hands-free Siri, etc. — in a smaller, sportier, and more secure-fitting design. Their slightly bass-boosted sound profile is great, and unlike AirPods, their feature set isn't totally limited if you use an Android phone. That said, the ANC is merely serviceable by comparison, there's no wireless charging and their case is a little chunkier. There are no built-in volume controls, either.

Buy Beats Fit Pro at Amazon - $160

Beats Powerbeats Pro

The Beats Powerbeats Pro , meanwhile, are down to $150, which matches their all-time low. Typically, these earbuds retail between $180 and $200. The Powerbeats Pro launched all the way back in 2019, but if you want AirPods-style pairing and Siri control in an around-the-ear hook design, they still have value. There's no ANC, their half-sealed fit isn't ideal for audio performance and their case is comically huge, but they stay secure on the move, and their 9-11 hours of battery life is fantastic. Just note that there's no formal IP rating, so they may not be ideal for consistently intense activity.

Buy Beats Powerbeats Pro at Amazon - $150

Beats Studio Buds

Beats' Studio Buds are on sale for $90, which matches the lowest price we've tracked and is about $35-40 below their average street price. We gave these earphones a review score of 84 last year, praising their fast-pairing with Apple devices, compact and easy-to-wear design and fairly neutral sound profile. Their five-ish hours of battery life (with ANC on) is middling, though, and the included ANC and transparency modes, while fine, aren't as effective as most of the other picks above. The Soundcore Space A40s are better, but if you specifically want a more Apple-friendly pair of true wireless in-ears for less than $100, the Studio Buds aren't a bad alternative.

Buy Beats Studio Buds at Amazon - $90

Google Pixel Buds Pro

Google's Pixel Buds Pro are still down to $150, which comes in about $35 below their usual street price and ties the lowest they've been. This is the "best for Android" pick in our guide to the best wireless earbuds , as the Pixel Buds Pro offer AirPods-esque integration with their manufacturer's OS, particularly if you use one of Google's own Pixel phones. Their punchy sound and ANC are pleasing, too, though not superlative in the context of the wider true wireless market. The included transparency mode isn't great, either. Still, we gave the earphones a review score of 87 in July, and they're an easier sell at $150.

Samsung's Galaxy Buds 2 Pro , meanwhile, is an alternative pair we like that plays nicer with Samsung phones. If you have one of those, note that the Buds 2 Pro are down to $180, which isn't an all-time low but still $45 less than usual.

Buy Google Pixel Buds Pro at Amazon - $150

JLab Go Air Pop

Normally retailing around $20, JLab's Go Air Pop wireless earphones are currently down to just $10 at Walmart. We highlighted these budget buds in our recent audio gift guide . There's no ANC, they're made of cheap plastic and their audio quality can't compete with what's available in pricier buds, but you still get on-device controls, IPX4 water resistance, eight-hour battery life and perfectly passable sound, all in a colorful design. Also, they're $10! If you need a backup set of wireless earbuds, they're hard to fault.

Buy JLab Go Air Pop at Walmart - $10

JBL's Flip 6 speaker is on sale for $90 for Black Friday, which is the lowest price we've seen for it. The device earned a spot in our best Bluetooth speakers list for its overall solid sound quality, durability and volume for its size. Its cylindrical design lets you sit it lengthwise on a table, or prop it up on its end if you're pressed for space. We also like its carrying strap, which makes it easier to take around with you, and its raised, easy-to-identify buttons.

Buy JBL Flip 6 at Amazon - $90

JBL Charge 5

The Charge 5 is a worthy upgrade from JBL's Flip 6, and it's down to $120 for Black Friday. We've seen it drop this low before, but this is still an all-time low. It has a bigger sound and longer battery life than the Flip 6, plus a USB-C port with which you can charge other devices like your smartphone or tablet.

Buy JBL Charge 5 at Amazon - $120

Amazon Echo Studio

The Echo Studio is a bigger and louder version of the standard Echo smart speaker, built to deliver hi-res audio. It's usually $200 and doesn't often go on sale, but for Black Friday, it's $45 off the list price. We gave the Studio an 88 in our review , saying Amazon had finally nailed the audio element of its smart speaker lineup. With the larger build and speaker array, it's clear Amazon is trying to compete with other smart speaker manufacturers like Sonos and Bose with this one, and for the most part, it does a fine job of it.

Buy Echo Studio at Amazon - $155

Amazon Echo

Amazon has so many Echo options, it's hard to keep track. This is the latest generation of the original Echo , the first smart speaker that brought Alexa into homes to handle everything from setting timers and telling jokes to controlling smart home devices. It's usually $100, but Black Friday deals have knocked 50 percent off of it, bringing it down to only $50.

Buy Echo at Amazon - $50

Google Nest Audio

Google's competition for Amazon's Echo is the Nest Audio , and it remains one of our favorite smart speakers you can get right now. For Black Friday, you can pick one up for half off or only $50. We gave it a score of 87 when it first came out for its smooth audio quality, attractive design, tight integration with the Google Assistant and the ability to pair two together for stereo sound.

Buy Nest Audio at Walmart - $50 Buy Nest Audio at B&H - $50

Amazon Echo Dot

Like its name and appearance suggests, the Echo Dot is the smallest member of the Echo family, a speaker meant to unobtrusively bring Alexa's capabilities to more places in your home. Right now it's down to $25, which is 50 percent off its usual $50 price and a first-ever discount for the latest generation. Released last month, this model includes an upgraded speaker along with a temperature sensor that can pair up with your smart thermostat.

Buy Echo Dot at Amazon - $25

Your Cyber Week Shopping Guide: Get the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers by following @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribing to the Engadget Deals newsletter . Also, shop the top Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals on Yahoo Life. Learn about Black Friday trend s on In the Know, and our car experts at Autoblog are covering must-shop Black Friday and Cyber Monday auto deals.

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Sonos Ace vs. Sony WH-1000XM5: Which noise-canceling headphones win?

Sonos' first pair of headphones are a delight. They look superb, have great sound quality, decent noise canceling, and lengthy battery life to make them a worthy rival to several of the best wireless headphones . They offer unique Sonos features too, but how do they compare to Sony's flagship? 

• Excellent sound and noise canceling performance
• Attractive design
• Long battery life
• Strong eco credentials
• Integrates with Sonos Arc
• Lacks full integration with Sonos' ecosystem
• Price feels high compared to rivals

Sony's flagship headphones have been around since 2022 and have been a top-ranking model in several of our buying guides ever since. They sound superb, and the 30-hour battery life (with ANC) is strong. Everything from the touch controls to the Headphones app is well thought out and seamlessly integrated.

• Articulate and engaging sound
• Great control options
• Impressive noise-cancelation
• Stellar call quality
• Redesign divides opinion
• Gets hot around the ears during longer listening

This Sonos Ace vs. Sony WH-1000XM5 face-off compares Sonos' first-ever headphones to one of the world's greatest flagship models. If you're looking to decide on the  best noise-canceling headphones  money can buy, this face-off will tell you everything you need to know. 

Although not everything about Sonos' first headphones was quite what I expected , they're masterfully engineered and boast several unique features to rival the Sony flagship. The Sony XM5s have been around since May 2022, and despite strong competition from new rivals they have consistently managed to maintain their position at the top of several buying guides thanks to their great sound quality, wide features and strong noise canceling. But how do they compare to the all-new Sonos? 

In this face-off, I weigh up the pros and cons of two of the best headphone models I've tested, but which will be the market leader? Read on to discover the differences, and which are the best headphones for your needs. 

Sonos Ace vs. Sony WH-1000XM5: Specs compared

Sonos ace vs. sony wh-1000xm5: price and availability.

The Sonos Ace headphones officially went on sale on June 5, 2024, priced at $449 / £449 / AU$699 on Sonos' website  and online retailers including Best Buy , Amazon , and  Crutchfield . That feels a bit steep given the market competition and makes the Sonos Ace $50 more expensive than the Sony WH-1000XM5. They're available in matte black and soft white finishes, which also feels a bit out of step with rivals in terms of color choice options at the price.

Available in black, blue, or silver color options, the Sony WH-1000XM5 launched in May 2022 at $399 / £379 / AU$649, although they can regularly be found for less. In fact, we just found them discounted in headphone sales at Amazon and Walmart . 

At the time of launch, the Sony XM5 introduced a refreshed design and eco credentials, which bumped up the price by $50 over the model they replaced. See how they compare in our Sony WH-1000XM5 vs. Sony WH-1000XM4 face-off .

In terms of overall cost, the Sony headphones continue to offer a mind-bending feature set and are the more attractively priced model overall. 

Winner:   Sony WH-1000XM5

Sonos Ace vs. Sony WH-1000XM5: Design

Both headphones have strong build and design, but I prefer the sleek and luxe styling of the Sonos Ace. You're sure to get noticed wearing either of these upmarket headphones on your head or hanging around your neck when on your travels, but the Sonos Ace has more bling thanks to the metal accents to the hinge, Content Key control, and beam-forming microphones and vents. 

Just like the Sony's, the Ace headphones are a fold-flat design but have a slimmer profile. Both models come supplied with a hard carry case made using recycled materials. 

The headband on the Sonos Ace is wider and has softer padding. The sturdy aluminum frame allows the earcups to slide out or retract to get the right fit. The Ace sat comfortably on top of my head without any undue pressure and the weight was evenly distributed. Clamping force, on the other hand, was a bit higher than I'd like for long-term comfort levels, and the earcups applied too much pressure against my ears. 

The  Sony WH-1000XM5  design was updated for the 2022 launch and opted for a slimmed-down chassis, narrow synthetic leather headband, and simpler earcups. They offer good comfort levels and I like the slightly larger aperture of the earcups, which helped my ears feel more comfortable when wearing the Sonys. 

The Ace headphones are heavier at 11.4 ounces compared to the featherweight feel of the Sony WH-1000XM5 at 8.8 ounces. When swapping between the two headphones during my listening tests, my ears quickly got hot under the Sonos Ace earpads.   

It's a matter of personal taste, but both models look slightly better in their lighter finishes over the non-descript matte black versions. They also seem to wear better than black versions, and the Sonys in particular are prone to showing scuffs and sticky finger marks.

Winner: Sonos Ace

Sonos Ace vs. Sony WH-1000XM5: Controls

The Sonos Ace uses physical buttons while the Sony WH-1000XM5 integrates a mix of touch and physical controls. Both models can access voice assistants and have reliable wear detection that stops playback when they are removed from the wearer's head and then starts automatically when they're placed back on your noggin. 

The tactile Content Key on the right earcup of the Ace gives play/pause, and volume up/volume down, while a secondary button is for noise control on/off, aware mode, and voice control options. The Content Key is a neat touch, and I particularly like the degree of control it brings when adjusting the volume level. 

The Sony's touch controls are on the right earcup allowing users to navigate playback commands and volume up/down. Navigation is reliable but I found turning the volume up and down could sometimes be unresponsive via the touch control. The left earcup on the Sony has a physical button that allows you to cycle through your noise-canceling options.

Advanced mic arrays give both models excellent speech recognition and vocal capture when using the digital assistant. Firing up Alexa or Google Assistant with their wake-word phrase on the Sony was instantaneous, while on the Sonos wearers need to press and hold the button on the right earcup. Once enabled, voice commands on both headphones were addressed as quickly as they were received.

Sonos Ace vs. Sony WH-1000XM5: Sound quality

When it comes to sound delivery, the Sonos Ace and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones represent top-tier performance. Although each has its strengths and your preference for one or the other will come down to personal taste, the Sony WH-1000XM5 gives a stronger presentation across a wide range of music styles.

Sonos says the sound tuning process for the Ace headphones involved over 1,000 content creators from all kinds of music genres. It's paid off with a rewarding headphone performance that has great vocal clarity and a wide immersive soundstage experience. They have a sound that is terrifically engaging with a presentation that expands outside of the physical earcups and gets close to the kind of lively and natural sound balance I've often associated with open-back  audiophile headphones .

The sound menus for the Sonos Ace feel a bit basic compared to the Sony's comprehensive Headphones app, and when it comes to adjusting EQ you only get bass and treble controls. Not that any adjustment was needed, though.

Vocal clarity was spectacular on Elbow's "Gentle Storm," with the keyboard, drums and percussion of this stripped-back recording perfectly nuanced in the soundstage.  

Sony's Headphones control app gives you the option to manually adjust the 5-band equalizer, but the default setting is pretty nicely balanced to begin with. Listening to Christine and the Queens "Tilted" the Sony's frequency range handling sounds smooth and refined. Listening on my morning commutes put a spring in my step. Bass levels are strong, and my only criticism is that upper treble details lack a little expression. 

Nevertheless, there's exceptional layering of the upper bass and mid frequencies while listening to "La Ritournelle" by Sébastien Tellier, and the orchestral elements give a perfect sense of acoustic space with a wide and enjoyable soundstage. 

While I thoroughly enjoyed the listening experience on the Sonos Ace with their great clarity and more immersive soundstage, I felt that the Sony's delivered more warmth and had a richness to vocals that I like. In my test comparisons, I felt that the Sony WH-1000XM5 had a more relaxing sound profile, while still enabling me to hear every strand of the recording mix.

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5

Sonos Ace vs. Sony WH-1000XM5: Active Noise Cancelation

Sonos hasn't had any experience in the world of noise-canceling headphones until now, but the eight microphones are effective at neutralizing external sounds. There aren't any level adjustments to tailor the level of noise cancelation to your tastes or adaptive modes that identify your activity and adjust the level accordingly, but that's not a problem. 

The level of isolation provided by the Ace feels like a close match for the Sony WH-1000XM5. Barely any external sounds broke through during my tests. What's more, ambient mode is just as strong for situational awareness. Ambient sounds and conversations sound clear, and Sonos says the beam-forming external mics are geared for high call quality at both ends of the conversation.

As one of the top-ranking models in our best noise-canceling headphones , Sony's ANC performance is impressive. Without leaving any trace of how hard the ANC circuitry is working, the Sony WH-1000XM5 banishes pretty much all external sound and leaves a nice dark background against which your music can do its thing. 

It really is a close race between these two models, but the win goes to Sony for its additional ANC features that include Adaptive Sound Control to adjust the ambient noise levels based on your activity.    

Winner:  Sony WH-1000XM5 

Sonos Ace vs. Sony WH-1000XM5: Battery life

Both models can be charged via USB-C port and claim a battery life of 30 hours with ANC enabled. That's pretty strong when compared to other price rivals like the Apple AirPods Max (20 hours) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (24 hours). 

A 3-minute quick charge is expected to result in a 3-hour playback top-up. 

Additionally, Sony says the WH-1000XM5 are good for up to 40 hours with ANC off. The XM5 need a leisurely 3.5 hours to go from "flat" to full when charging via the USB-C input on the right earcup and can retain an hour’s-worth of power after 10 minutes or so. They are also USB-PD (Power Delivery)-compatible, and charged in this way can get three hours of power after just three minutes.

In terms of overall playback times, these two headphones are closely matched.

Winner:   Tie

Sonos Ace vs. Sony WH-1000XM5: Verdict

Rarely have I seen two headphones be so closely matched as the all-new Sonos Ace headphones and Sony's class-leading WH-1000XM5. In some ways, the newer Sonos Ace headphones outshine the popular Sony flagship in terms of the slender styling and Sonos Arc soundbar integration with personalized home theater sound. It really is a close-run thing in terms of sound quality though, and even closer in terms of noise-canceling performance. 

There's no doubt about it, the Sonos Ace noise canceling headphones are a stellar fist attempt.

Ultimately, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are the more affordable model, and what's even better is that they can be found discounted in the best headphone deals around right now. Their balanced sound continues to put a spring in my step, and I also appreciate how light they feel on my head compared to the higher clamping force when wearing the Sonos Ace. There's no doubt about it though, the Sonos Ace noise-canceling headphones are a stellar first attempt and Sony's closest rival yet.

More from Tom's Guide

• AirPods Max 2 and AirPods 4 on track for later this year
• Sonos Move 2 vs. Bose SoundLink Max
• Sonos Ace review

JBL Club One

Sony WH-1000XM5

54 facts in comparison

JBL Club One vs Sony WH-1000XM5

Why is jbl club one better than sony wh-1000xm5.

• 5 hours longer battery life ? 45 hours vs 40 hours
• 16 Ohms lower impedance ? 32 Ohms vs 48 Ohms
• 10 mm bigger driver unit ? 40 mm vs 30 mm
• Can be folded ?
• 1.5 hours shorter charge time ? 2 hours vs 3.5 hours
• 1 years more years under manufacturer's warranty ? 2 years vs 1 years
• Has a mute function ?
• Has an in-line control panel ?

Why is Sony WH-1000XM5 better than JBL Club One?

• 16 Hz lower low-frequency ? 4 Hz vs 20 Hz
• 20000 Hz higher high-frequency ? 40000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
• Has a neodymium magnet ?
• 7 dB/mW higher sound pressure level ? 102 dB/mW vs 95 dB/mW
• 128.5 g lighter ? 250 g vs 378.5 g
• 6 more microphone(s) ? 8 vs 2
• Has ambient sound mode ?

Which are the most popular comparisons?

JBL Tour One

Edifier WH950NB

Skullcandy Crusher ANC

JBL Tour One M2

Sony WH-CH720N

Anker Soundcore Space Q45

Sony WH-1000XM4

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Beats Studio Pro

JBL Club 950NC

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

JBL Tune 770NC

Apple AirPods Max

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX

Cheap alternatives

1More SonoFlow

Anker Soundcore Life Q35

Sony WH-1000XM2

Sony WH-XB910N

Wyze ANC Headphones

Shure Aonic 40

Anker Soundcore Space One

Philips Fidelio L3

User reviews

Overall rating.

Build quality

Sound quality

Value for money

Noise isolation

No reviews yet

Be the first. Use your experience to help others in the community make a decision.

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (JBL Club One)

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Sony WH-1000XM5)

Connectivity

Wireless & wired

Miscellaneous

Which are the best headphones.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

Sony WH-1000XM3

Bowers & Wilkins Px8

Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e

sony wh 1000xm5 silver

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