Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones
When comparing the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones and JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones, the clear leader is the Sony WH-1000XM5. It offers top-tier active noise cancellation with a frequency response of 4 Hz to 40 kHz, which gives you superior sound clarity compared to JBL's range of 10 Hz to 22 kHz with ANC on. In real-world usage, the battery life makes a significant difference. While the Sony WH-1000XM5 lasts up to 30 hours with active noise cancellation, the JBL Tour One M2 boasts an impressive 50 hours without ANC and 30 hours with it. So, if battery longevity is your priority, the JBL might be appealing, but the sound quality of the Sony is hard to ignore. Key specs: Weight: 8.82 oz vs 9.81 oz and Battery: 30h vs 50h (ANC On).
Why compare these? The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones (premium flagship) and JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones (high-end) represent different approaches to headphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Sony WH-1000XM5 | JBL Tour |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.2★ (18,670 reviews) | 4.2★ (685 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC) | Excellent battery life (50 hours standard, 30 hours with ANC) |
| Main Drawback | Non-foldable design reduces portability | No high-resolution codecs at launch (no LDAC or aptX) |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Premium |
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Over-ear (closed, dynamic)
Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack)
5.2
SBC, AAC, LDAC
JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones
Over-ear (Closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio ready); 3.5 mm Analog Input (Passive)
5.3
SBC, AAC (LC3 via future firmware update)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones | JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon | ★4.2(685)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) | Over-ear (Closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) | Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio ready); 3.5 mm Analog Input (Passive) |
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.3 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC (LC3 via future firmware update) |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) | Yes (True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with 4 sensing mics) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Smart Ambient: Ambient Aware + TalkThru) |
Drivers | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit | 40 mm dynamic drivers |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) | 10 Hz – 40 kHz (Passive) / 10 Hz – 22 kHz (Active) |
Microphones | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) | 7 microphones total (4 dedicated to calls with VoiceAware) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off) | Up to 50 hours (ANC Off) / Up to 30 hours (ANC On) |
Battery Life | N/A (Headphones only) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD) | USB-C (Fast Charge: 10 min = 5 hours playback) |
Multipoint | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) | Yes (Connect two devices simultaneously) |
Low Latency Mode | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) | Yes (via 'Video Mode' in JBL Headphones App) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm cable included) | Yes (3.5 mm to 2.5 mm cable included; Audio only – microphone does not work in wired mode) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 250 g (approx.) | 278 g (9.8 oz) |
Controls | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) | Touch controls (Right ear cup) + Physical buttons (Power/Pairing, Volume, ANC mode) |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | JBL Headphones App (10-band Custom EQ, Personi-Fi 2.0, Spatial Sound) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer | JBL Spatial Sound; Smart Talk (auto-pause/transparency on voice detect); SilentNow (ANC only without Bluetooth); Google Fast Pair; Microsoft Swift Pair |
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Over-ear (closed, dynamic)
Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack)
5.2
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation)
Yes (Ambient Sound Mode)
Pros
- Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
- Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
Cons
- Non-foldable design reduces portability
- Price increase compared to previous generation
JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones
Over-ear (Closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio ready); 3.5 mm Analog Input (Passive)
5.3
SBC, AAC (LC3 via future firmware update)
Yes (True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with 4 sensing mics)
Yes (Smart Ambient: Ambient Aware + TalkThru)
Pros
- Excellent battery life (50 hours standard, 30 hours with ANC)
- Comprehensive app features (Personi-Fi 2.0, Spatial Sound, deep EQ)
Cons
- No high-resolution codecs at launch (no LDAC or aptX)
- Microphone does not function in wired mode
Which one is better?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the better buy for most people - its market-leading noise cancellation crushes the JBL Tour One M2.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones if: you want the best noise cancellation, need clear call quality for work, or prefer superior sound clarity. (8.82 oz weight)
Choose the JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones if: you want a longer battery life for extended use, enjoy customizable sound profiles, or need a similar-weight option for portability. (9.81 oz weight)
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 18,670 reviews vs 685
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM5
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM5
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose JBL Tour
Market-leading active noise Priority
Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM5
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: Both products share a 4.2★ rating, making this comparison particularly close. Your decision should come down to which specific features matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones or JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the better choice if you prioritize market-leading active noise cancellation (anc). JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones wins if you value excellent battery life (50 hours standard, 30 hours with anc). Both are rated highly (4.2★ vs 4.2★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones and JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Key differences: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones offers market-leading active noise cancellation (anc), while JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones stands out with excellent battery life (50 hours standard, 30 hours with anc). Consider that Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones non-foldable design reduces portability. Meanwhile, JBL Tour One M2 True Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones no high-resolution codecs at launch (no ldac or aptx). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: February 12, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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