Headphones / WH-1000XM5 vs Space One Pro
WH-1000XM5 vs Space One Pro
WH-1000XM5
The value pick in the XM line now that the XM6 has launched.
Wins overall by 0.5 points
Quick Verdict
The WH-1000XM5 is the stronger all-around pick, beating the Space One Pro by 0.5 points overall. The value pick in the XM line now that the XM6 has launched.
The WH-1000XM5 and Space One Pro are both closely matched headphones, and the Space One Pro is $198 cheaper than the WH-1000XM5 ($129.99 vs $328). On noise cancelling, the WH-1000XM5 leads (9.3 vs 7.8/10) — how well ambient noise is blocked. On call & mic quality, the WH-1000XM5 leads (8.9 vs 7.6/10) — voice clarity and background noise rejection on calls. On sound quality, the WH-1000XM5 leads (9.1 vs 8.0/10) — driver performance, tuning, and detail. Overall, the WH-1000XM5 scores 8.7/10 across our 10 test categories versus 8.2/10 for the Space One Pro. Below, we break down the full spec sheet, category-by-category scores, and exactly who should buy which one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Spec | WH-1000XM5 | Space One Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $328.00 | $129.99 |
| Release Year | 2022 | 2024 |
| Battery Life (hrs) | 30 | 40✓ |
| Battery (ANC off) (hrs) | 40 | 65✓ |
| Quick Charge (min for 3hrs) | 3✓ | 5 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.3 |
| Weight (g) | 250✓ | 275 |
| Driver Size (mm) | 30 | 40 |
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Microphones (mics) | 8✓ | 6 |
| Foldable | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | None | None |
| App EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 12 months | 18 months |
| Colors | Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue | Black, Blue, White |
Category Scores
Battery Life
The WH-1000XM5 is rated for up to 30 hours with ANC on (40 hours with ANC off), while the Space One Pro is rated for up to 40 hours with ANC on (65 hours with ANC off). Quick charge gets the WH-1000XM5 roughly 3 hours of playback from a 3-minute top-up, versus a 5-minute top-up for the Space One Pro.
Noise Cancelling
On our noise cancelling score, the WH-1000XM5 rates 9.3/10 versus 7.8/10 for the Space One Pro. WH-1000XM5 carries the ANC edge overall in this matchup based on the combined scoring above — see the Scores section for the full category breakdown.
Comfort
The WH-1000XM5 weighs 250g and scores 8.8/10 for comfort; the Space One Pro weighs 275g and scores 8.1/10. Lighter weight generally means less clamp fatigue over multi-hour sessions.
Sound Quality
Sound quality scores: WH-1000XM5 9.1/10, Space One Pro 8.0/10. Driver size is 30mm on the WH-1000XM5 versus 40mm on the Space One Pro — larger drivers don't guarantee better sound, but they're one input into tuning.
Calls & Microphone
The WH-1000XM5 uses a 8-microphone array and scores 8.9/10 for calls, while the Space One Pro uses 6 microphones and scores 7.6/10.
Travel
For travel we weight battery life, ANC, and foldability together. The WH-1000XM5 scores 8.7/10 and does not fold flat; the Space One Pro scores 8.7/10 and folds flat.
Gaming
Neither model is a dedicated gaming headset, but relative gaming scores are 7.2/10 for the WH-1000XM5 and 6.9/10 for the Space One Pro. For latency-sensitive games, a wired connection is recommended for either.
Best For
Choose the WH-1000XM5 if…
- • Noise cancelling is your top priority — the WH-1000XM5 scores 9.3/10 for blocking ambient noise.
- • You're on calls constantly and need clear mic pickup with background noise rejection.
- • Sound quality matters most to you — the WH-1000XM5 is tuned for detail and clarity.
- • You want the most durable build quality for daily heavy use.
- • Your main use case is office.
Choose the Space One Pro if…
- • You want the most performance for the lowest price.
- • You want to spend less — it's $198 cheaper.
- • Your main use case is workout.
Pros & Cons
WH-1000XM5
Pros
- +Excellent ANC for the price, especially now discounted
- +Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- +Mature, reliable app ecosystem
- +Strong resale/second-hand value given how common it is
Cons
- −Does not fold flat, bulkier to pack than the XM4
- −Fewer mics than the XM6, so calls are a step behind
- −No wear-detection auto pause improvement over predecessor
Space One Pro
Pros
- +Best value in this comparison set by a wide margin
- +Long battery life with ANC on, exceptional with it off
- +22-band EQ is more granular than most flagship apps
- +18-month warranty, longer than most premium brands
Cons
- −ANC and call quality trail the $300+ flagships
- −Build materials feel noticeably cheaper
- −Smaller brand reputation for long-term durability
Shop by Need
FAQs
Is the WH-1000XM5 or Space One Pro better overall?+
Based on our 10-category scoring, the WH-1000XM5 comes out ahead overall. See the full breakdown in the scores section above — the right pick still depends on which categories matter most for your use case.
Which has better battery life, the WH-1000XM5 or the Space One Pro?+
The Space One Pro lasts longer, rated for up to 40 hours with ANC on versus 30 hours for the WH-1000XM5.
Is the WH-1000XM5 worth the price difference over the Space One Pro?+
The Space One Pro is the cheaper option at $129.99 versus $328. Whether the pricier model is "worth it" depends on how much you value its lead in noise cancelling.
Which is better for travel, the WH-1000XM5 or the Space One Pro?+
For travel, we weight battery life, ANC performance, and foldability. The WH-1000XM5 scores higher here (8.7/10).
Which has better noise cancelling?+
The WH-1000XM5 has the stronger ANC, scoring 9.3/10 versus 7.8/10.
Can I use the WH-1000XM5 and Space One Pro for gaming?+
Both support standard Bluetooth audio, but neither is purpose-built for competitive gaming latency. Between the two, the WH-1000XM5 scores better for gaming use (7.2/10). For latency-critical gaming, a wired connection is recommended for either.
Do the WH-1000XM5 and Space One Pro support multipoint Bluetooth pairing?+
Yes, the WH-1000XM5 supports multipoint. Yes, the Space One Pro supports multipoint too.
Which is more comfortable for long listening sessions?+
The WH-1000XM5 scores higher on comfort (8.8/10), largely due to clamp force, padding, and weight — the WH-1000XM5 weighs 250g and the Space One Pro weighs 275g.
What's the warranty on the WH-1000XM5 vs the Space One Pro?+
The WH-1000XM5 ships with a 12-month warranty; the Space One Pro ships with a 18-month warranty. Always confirm current terms on the manufacturer's site before buying.
Should I wait for the next model instead of buying either of these?+
If either model is more than two years old, a successor may be close — check the "Latest Model" link on each product page. Otherwise, both are current, well-supported options and there's no strong reason to wait.
Premium Option
QC Ultra Headphones — $429.00