With each new model, Sony's noise-cancelling headphones improve upon the previous formula, giving longtime industry leader Bose a run for its money. The $399.99 Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones continue where the WH-1000XM4 left off, with top-notch ANC (active noise cancellation) and audio performance. Compared with the $329 Bose QuietComfort 45 and the $549 Apple AirPods Max, the 1000XM5 over-ear headphones offer comparable noise cancellation and arguably the best sound quality of the bunch. Throw in a comfortable, stylishly understated design—the earcups catch the light in interesting ways with their matte surfaces and sharp edges, and look even better in person than in photos—and you get a pair of high-end noise-cancelling headphones worth their equally high price. While there are still reasons to consider models from Apple and Bose, Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones earn our Editors' Choice award for audiophiles.Sony WH-1000XM5 Fit, Specs, and Controls Available in black or silver models...

Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones pair top-notch noise cancellation with class-leading audio quality in a comfortable, attractive design.

Excellent audio performance with robust bass depth and crisp highs; Top-notch active noise cancellation; Intuitive on-ear controls; App offers an adjustable EQ and other customization settings; Comfortable, stylish design

Expensive

Excellent comfort; Musical, rich audio performance; Impressively clean and natural noise cancellation; Superb Ambient Mode; Great call quality;

Don’t fold anymore; Connection can get choppy in busy areas; No water resistance; Slight jump in RRP;

Minor improvements to their predecessor keep the Sony WH-1000XM5 ahead of the chasing pack

Excellent sound quality; Smart, effective noise cancelling; Extremely comfortable;

More expensive than predecessor; Still lack water resistance; No longer foldable;

Superb sound quality; Top-drawer noise cancelling; Great new design;

Ever-so slightly less premium; Don’t fold; ‘Speak to chat’ only moderately useful;

Minor improvements to their predecessor keep the Sony WH-1000XM5 ahead of the chasing pack

Excellent sound quality; Smart, effective noise cancelling; Extremely comfortable;

More expensive than predecessor; Still lack water resistance; No longer foldable;

Our favourite noise-cancelling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5, are now at their best ever price on Amazon