Why everyone is talking about it
Sony’s 1000X line has been the noise-cancelling benchmark for years, so every new model kicks off a wave of “Sony vs Bose vs AirPods Max” comparison videos.
What the reviews agree on
Expert Reviews called them Sony’s finest headphones yet, and What Hi-Fi called them sensational. TechRadar praised the noise cancelling and comfort. Tom’s Guide and RTINGS were more measured, describing a refinement rather than a big leap. Common complaints: the price, no water resistance, and inconsistent smart features.
Volt’s take
If you’re buying your first premium noise-cancelling headphones, these are among the safest picks. If you own the XM5, the improvements are real but small, so look for the older model on sale instead if you’re on a budget.
Last updated: 14 October 2026
