Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the flagship option here, offering industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and superb call quality with 8 microphones. Meanwhile, the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) is a solid mid-range choice, boasting an impressive 50-hour battery life with ANC enabled, perfect for long listening sessions without charging anxiety. In real-world use, the numbers tell a compelling story. The Sony WH-1000XM5 provides 30 hours of battery life, but if you’re someone who values less frequent charging, the Sennheiser’s 50 hours is a game changer. So, if you’re looking for the best audio experience, the Sony makes sense, but for sheer endurance, consider the Sennheiser.
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
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 Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones | Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon | ★4.1(1,285)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) | Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C (Audio/Charging) + 2.5mm Jack (Analog input on earcup) |
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™, AAC, SBC, mSBC, CVSD |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) | Yes (Adaptive Hybrid ANC) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
Drivers | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit | 37mm dynamic drivers (Angled) |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) | 10 Hz – 22,000 Hz |
Microphones | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) | 2 beamforming microphones (Speech) + ANC microphones |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off) | Up to 50 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) |
Battery Life | N/A (Headphones only) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD) | USB-C; ~3.5 hours full charge; 10 min rapid charge = 5 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) | Yes (via aptX Adaptive) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm cable included) | Yes (USB-C Digital Audio + Analog via included 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 250 g (approx.) | 8.0 oz (227 g) |
Controls | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) | Touch pad (Right earcup: Volume, Play/Pause, Skip, ANC toggle) + Physical Power/Pairing button |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | Sennheiser Smart Control app (5-band EQ, Sound Personalization, Sound Zones) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer | Smart Pause (Wear detection); Wind Noise Reduction; Carrying case included; 3.9' USB-C cable & 4.2' audio cable |
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
- • Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
- • Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- • Fast charging (3 min for 3 hours playback)
- • Multipoint connection works seamlessly
✗ Cons:
- • Non-foldable design reduces portability
- • Price increase compared to previous generation
- • No IP water resistance rating
- • Auto NC Optimizer cannot be manually forced to max
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Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black)
✓ Pros:
- • Impressive 50-hour battery life with ANC enabled reduces charging anxiety
- • Sound Personalization feature creates a custom audio profile for your hearing
- • Supports high-resolution wired audio via USB-C (plug-and-play with PC/phones)
- • Includes a robust carrying case (unlike the standard Accentum model)
- • Touch controls are responsive and intuitive for playback/volume adjustments
✗ Cons:
- • Earcup input is 2.5mm (sub-standard size), making replacement cables harder to find
- • Clamp force can feel slightly tight on larger heads due to the compact headband
- • Lacks an official IP rating for water or sweat resistance
- • Design does not fold completely for compact storage (earcups swivel flat only)
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Which one is better?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the better buy for most people - its 8-microphone system crushes the Sennheiser's 2, ensuring top-notch call quality. That said, grab the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) if you need a whopping 50 hours of battery life - it's perfect for long trips.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones if: you need market-leading ANC, want exceptional call clarity with eight microphones, or value a premium sound experience. (8.82 oz weight)
Choose the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) if: you require 50 hours of battery life, prefer customizable sound profiles, or are looking for a lighter option at 8.0oz.
Conclusion
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones and Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones excels if you value market-leading active noise cancellation (anc). Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus (Black) is better if you prioritize impressive 50-hour battery life with anc enabled reduces charging anxiety. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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