Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Choose the Nothing Headphone (1) if its longer manufacturer-rated battery life and flexible wired connections matter most. Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 if you prefer Sony’s headphone ecosystem or want the lighter model in the published comparison. Neither specification sheet establishes which sounds better, blocks more noise, or feels more comfortable to you.
At a glance
| What matters | Nothing Headphone (1) | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery with noise canceling on | Up to 35 hours, advertised by Nothing. Nothing product page | Up to 30 hours of continuous music playback, listed by Sony. Sony specifications |
| Battery with noise canceling off | Up to 80 hours, advertised by Nothing and confirmed in its support article. Nothing product page; Nothing Support | Up to 40 hours of continuous music playback, listed by Sony. Sony specifications |
| Bluetooth codecs | LDAC is listed on Nothing’s international product page. Nothing international product page | SBC, AAC and LDAC; Bluetooth 5.2. Sony specifications |
| Wired listening | USB-C audio and a 3.5 mm jack are listed by Nothing. Nothing international product page | Not stated in the cited Sony specification page. |
| Weight | Not stated in the cited product information. | Identified as the lighter option in the published comparison; exact comparative weights are not established here. Tom’s Guide comparison |
| Current price and availability | Check local retailers for current price, stock and warranty terms. | Check local retailers for current price, stock and warranty terms. |
Battery figures above are manufacturer-published maximums, not a controlled head-to-head test. Actual playback time can vary with use and settings. The 2025 comparison’s market prices are historical context, not a current quote.
Choose Nothing for battery life and wired flexibility
More advertised listening time
Nothing advertises up to 35 hours with active noise canceling enabled and up to 80 hours with it off. Sony lists up to 30 hours with noise canceling on and 40 hours off. If you often travel or dislike charging, Nothing has the stronger published battery figures; they do not, by themselves, prove how long either pair will last in your routine.
Recommended Free Tools
More connection options listed
Nothing lists both USB-C audio and a 3.5 mm jack, alongside LDAC support. Those connections offer alternatives to Bluetooth when you want a wired setup. Sony’s specification page confirms SBC, AAC and LDAC over Bluetooth, but the cited specifications do not establish a comparable wired-input option.
#1 Best Overall
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
Personalized sound and adaptive ANC features
Nothing describes Headphone (1) as acoustically engineered in partnership with KEF and says the Nothing X app offers a personal sound profile and real-time adaptive ANC. These are advertised design and software features, not independent evidence that the headphones sound better or cancel more noise than Sony’s.
Choose Sony for its ecosystem or lower listed weight
Sony’s published codec support
Sony specifies Bluetooth 5.2 and SBC, AAC and LDAC support for WH-1000XM5. If you already use Sony headphones or prefer Sony’s feature ecosystem, that familiarity may be a reason to stay with the brand. The cited product information does not establish that its app or features are a better fit for every listener.
Rank #2
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
A lighter option in the comparison
The published comparison identifies Sony as lighter, which may be relevant if you wear headphones for long sessions. The available information here does not provide exact weights for both models, and weight alone cannot predict comfort: fit and personal preference matter too.
What the published specifications cannot decide
There is no established independent head-to-head result here for sound quality, noise cancellation, transparency, microphone performance or comfort. Nothing’s KEF partnership and personalized-sound claims, and Sony’s premium noise-canceling positioning, should not be treated as comparative test results. If those qualities matter more than the listed battery or connections, try each model if possible and consult a current independent test that discloses its testing method.
Rank #3
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).(USB Type-C Cable included)
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
Check price and warranty before you buy
The comparison published in 2025 includes launch-era pricing and market context, which may no longer reflect what either headphone costs where you live. Check current local listings, stock and warranty terms for both models before deciding; there is not enough current, country-specific information here to call either one the better value.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Revolutionary noise cancellation: The Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones set a new standard with industry-leading noise canceling, powered by 2 advanced processors and 8 microphones, offering an immersive sound experience. Ideal for audiophiles and professionals, these sony headphones deliver unparalleled quietness in any environment, enhancing focus whether you're working in a bustling office or relaxing on a noisy flight.
- Immersive sound, uncompromised clarity: Experience exceptional audio fidelity with newly developed drivers Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones and DSEE Extreme technology that upscales compressed music files in real-time. With Hi-Res audio support, these headphones deliver stunning sound quality, allowing music lovers and audiophiles to enjoy tracks as the artists intended, capturing every detail and nuance for a truly engaging listening experience.
- Effortless multitasking and communication: Stay seamlessly connected with multipoint connection and crystal-clear hands-free calling, allowing you to switch between devices without missing a beat. Whether you're a busy professional or a music enthusiast, the intuitive touch controls and Speak-to-Chat feature offer quick access to ambient sound, ensuring you never miss an important conversation or cue in your environment.
- All-day comfort and convenience: Designed for prolonged use, the WH-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over Ear Headphones feature a lightweight, ultra-comfortable design with soft-fit leather that conforms to your ears. With up to 30 hours of battery life and quick charging capability, they are perfect for frequent travelers and daily commuters. The redesigned collapsible case provides easy storage, while Quick Access lets you tap into Spotify effortlessly.
- Bundle Includes: Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones (Black) + 6Ave Microfiber Cleaning Cloth + P-Bank Battery + Headphone / Headset Stand
Rank #4
- This Certified Refurbished product is manufacturer refurbished, shows limited or no wear, and includes all original accessories plus a 90-day limited hardware warranty.
- Precision-engineered to deliver exceptional High-Resolution Audio quality. Our Precise Voice Pickup Technology with newly developed wind noise reduction will also ensure you can hear and be heard clearly when taking calls on these noise cancelling headphones.
- Smart, intuitive, and intelligent. Adaptive Sound Control automatically adjusts the sound settings based on your environment and activity, and Speak-to-Chat automatically pauses the music when you want to have a conversation, without you having to remove the over ear headphones!
- For total convenience, these Bluetooth headphones can be paired with two devices at the same time. Fast Pair will help you locate the WH-1000XM5B if you can't find them and Swift Pair makes pairing with your PC or tablet simple.
- With up to a huge 30 hours of battery life, you’ll have enough power, even for long trips! A collapsible case is included with these Sony headphones for easy storage and travel.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
