We asked if your Sony WH-1000XM5s have failed: Nearly half of you said yes

Last week, I wrote about a glaring issue with the Sony WH-1000XM5: durability—specifically, the weak hinge construction and deteriorating ear padding. I also asked you—the readers—to weigh in with your own experiences.

Over 2,000 people have responded so far, and the results paint a concerning picture:

• 53% of users report their XM5s are still working perfectly.
• 47% have experienced some form of failure, with the headband/hinge breaking being the most common issue (24%).
• 11% said their ear padding wore out over time.
• 12% reported experiencing multiple issues beyond just the hinge or padding.

A near 50/50 split isn’t a good look

While it’s reassuring that just over half of XM5 users haven’t encountered problems, the fact that nearly one in four owners had their headphones break at the hinge is a major red flag. For a $400 premium headset, durability should be a given—not a gamble.

These results reinforce what I originally argued: the XM5’s build quality is a clear Achilles’ heel. Even if Sony’s use of recycled plastics is an eco-conscious choice, it shouldn’t come at the cost of longevity.

What you had to say

The poll results alone were telling, but some of your personal experiences drive the point home even further:

• “The hinges on my XM3 broke after 2 years, then I bought an XM5 and those broke after 3 months… won’t buy Sony ever again.” — Graziano von Allmen
• “Hinge broke on mine just 4 months after buying them. Sony weren’t interested in replacing, so I got the hinge replaced by an independent company. Shame on Sony for such a common defect on an expensive pair of headphones.” — Dan C
• “Absolute design flaw… I bought 2 of them for my twins, and both broke at the hinge just a few days after the one-year warranty. Sony’s service center wanted more money for repairs than a new pair of headphones. Totally disappointed.” — Sajan Nair
• “They should not have abandoned the folding design of previous iterations. Love my XM3s—will not upgrade until they restore this essential feature. The reason the 5s are failing is the ‘long lever’ weak point.” — D Smith

Can the WH-1000XM6 fix this?

Fortunately, leaked FCC filings suggest that Sony might be redesigning the hinge mechanism for the WH-1000XM6. But will it be enough? A sturdier hinge is a step in the right direction, but better materials, improved padding longevity, and an extended warranty would go a long way in restoring confidence.

For now, these poll results and reader experiences confirm what many of us have suspected all along: Sony makes great headphones, but they need to step up their durability game. Let’s hope the XM6 delivers.

If your XM5s have broken, how did it happen? Did you get them repaired or replaced? Let’s keep the conversation going.