Sony - WH-1000XM5

Thanks very much for this detailed writeup! I reached many of the same conclusions about the XM5s that you wrote above. There were also other things that I liked more about the XM3s and XM4s. One is their slightly wider, flatter headband that was more comfortable for me to wear on an extended basis. I also preferred how the XM3/XM4 earcups attached to the frame. They felt and looked more solid to me as well as permitting those headphones to be folded down. Finally, I think the mechanical design of the XM3/XM4 earcup attachment just leads to a stronger, more modern, and more pleasing visual aesthetic in my eyes. The XM5s just look a bit more fragile and retro to my eyes.

For me, the xm5 was  a step below the ultras. This was because I wear glasses and the thinner pads can't block noise as well, for me. The ultras has been excellent.  I heard the xm6 is better than the xm5, but they still have a thinish ear pads. 

I have had five pairs in two years. Each one has had similar issue. The right side goes out or there is popping sounds. These are not made for heavy use and the same failure over and over shows that to me. I use them for long periods of time and they cant hold up. I am tired of having them replaced over and over again for the same issue.

5 improved the ANC and call quality though. 6 seem to be a little more durable than 5,so let's hope the next iteration will be the big Sony's comeback.

The XM5s suck. They were markedly worse than the XM4s and the XM6s blow them out of the water

I'm going to say no based on the following selection of headphones that I own: Dynamic: Verite Open, Focal Elegia, Beyerdynamic T5/3rd generation and HD650, Planar: DCA E3, DCA Noire, Hifiman HE1000 Stealth, Audeze LCD-2f. IEMs: FiiO FH7s, Westone Mach 40; earbuds: Galaxy Buds Pro 2, Galaxy Buds Pro 3, Jabra Elite Active 8, Sennheiser True Momentum 4, Bose QC II, Bose QC Ultra and ANC headphones Bose NC700, Bose QC Ultra, Sony XM5 and B&W Px8.

To be clear no "wired" headphone has ANC capabilities but almost all bluetooth headphones have wired abilities. Your pick for best in show ANC should come down to XM6 (stay away from the hinge issue with the XM5 unless you get the three year warranty), or the Bose QC Ultra. Step in price would be the Airpod MAX. And I think that studies have shown that for blocking out upper range noise (like crying) the XM6 is the best headphone although the differences are quite modest between it the Bose and the Apple.

Might wanna check the Sony subreddit first Had XM5s until they broke 6 months later Went on the subreddit to see its the most common thing ever and they know about it but just dont care

Hiya! Sorry to ask so late but i wonder if you end up choosing any headphone? I have the same problem with you, got Sennheiser M4 but had headache even when turn off the ANC, i like XM5 but it ended up broken bc of hinge problem

I got the Bose QC Ultras, and while they are solid, I'd still rather have the Sony XM5s

I've had mine since about a week before official release, currently using them now. I've abused the hell out of them and they've stood the test of time. No blemishes. Skipped out on XM6, maybe I'll see what XM8 has to offer