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Yes, the Sony WH-1000XM5 can play audio through its 3.5 mm-style stereo mini-jack, including with the headphones turned off. No, Sony does not support listening while the headphones are charging over USB: charging switches them off if they were on, and playback is unavailable while connected to a computer or AC outlet.
How to use the WH-1000XM5 with a wire
Connect an audio source to the headphones’ stereo mini jack using the supplied detachable, single-sided connection cable. Sony lists passive operation, so wired playback does not require the headphones to be powered on. The plug is a gold-plated, L-shaped stereo mini plug. See Sony’s WH-1000XM5 specifications.
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The headphones’ published electrical figures vary by power state: Sony lists impedance as 48 ohms at 1 kHz when on and 16 ohms when off, with sensitivity of 102 dB/mW on and 100 dB/mW off. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent measurements.
Can you listen while charging?
No. Sony’s WH-1000XM5 Help Guide says the headphones turn off automatically if charging starts while they are on. Sony also says music playback and other operations cannot be performed while they are connected to an AC outlet or computer. Treat the wired audio input and USB charging as separate functions, not a way to listen and charge simultaneously.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Compatible Models】replacement Sony headphone cable compatible with WH-1000XM6, WH-1000XM5, WH-1000XM4, WH-1000XM3, WH-1000XM2, MDR-100ABN MDR-1000X MDR-100AAP MDR-XB950N1 MDR-XB950B1 MDR-1A MDR-1ABT MDR-XB950BT MDR-1000X MDR -10R MDR-1ADAC MDR-ZX770BN WH-H900N WH-xb910n WH-H800 headphones, also perfectly fit for more other headphones with 3.5mm jack
- 【3.5mm Aux Cable】the other 3.5mm L connector is widely compatible with your Samsung Android Smartphon, MP3 MP4 player, tablet, laptop, PC and more other I/O devices with 3.5mm jack port. Perfect as a spare or replacement for damage or missing of your original cable. works with both Apple and android devices
- 【Hi-Fi Sound Quality】Made with 24K gold-plated L plug and 3.5mm jack, and oxygen-free copper wire, this headphone cord ensures lossless Hi-Res sound just like the original cable, keep the original sound, provide the best sound experience
- 【Thicker. Tougher. Better.】Engineered with oxygen-free pure copper conductors and gold-plated L plug and 3.5mm jack, this Sony headphone cord ensures pristine signal transmission and corrosion-free connectivity. Premium TPE outer jacket provides exceptional flexibility and resistance to daily wear, tangles, and pulls. Whether you're an audiophile, a casual listener, or a gamer, experience superior sound quality and lasting reliability
- 【What You Get】Package: 4.9ft replacement sony audio cable * 1 (not including earphone and other phones). 30-day return or replacement policy
Audio cable and charging cable are different
| Purpose | Connection | What to use |
|---|---|---|
| Wired audio | Stereo mini jack | Supplied detachable connection cable |
| Charging | USB Type-C | Supplied USB cable and a USB power source |
The USB Type-C cable is for charging; Sony identifies the stereo mini-jack connection cable separately in the package contents. A USB-C charging connection is not the headphones’ wired-audio input.
Charging time and power requirements
Sony estimates about 3.5 hours to charge an empty battery fully, with actual time varying according to conditions. Its Help Guide specifies a USB AC adapter capable of at least 1.5 A. Sony says USB Power Delivery may shorten charging time and recommends a 5 V/2 A or 9 V/3 A output, while cautioning that operation is not guaranteed with every USB PD device.
Rank #2
- Compatibility: This 3.5mm to 3.5mm cord is compatible with Sony WH-1000xm5, WH-1000xm4, WH-1000xm3, MDR-1A, WH-1000x, MDR-XB950BT, MDR-XB950N1, MDR-ZX770BN headphones and more headphones with 3.5mm jack. Make sure your device supports 3.5mm jack.
- High-Quality: This cord is made of high quality stripe TPE line. Touch soft with your hands, feel good and durable, and give you perfect sound performance.
- Enough Length: Cable is 1.5m(4.9ft) length，enables you to use it in more scenes.
- Sound Quality: This cable has gold plated 3.5mm pole jack,let you clear sound connection. The connector is of fine workmanship and has a black shell.
- WHAT YOU GET: 1. 1 x Cable. 2. 30 Days Worry-free replacement or refund.
You can charge from a running computer with the supplied USB cable, but Sony does not guarantee charging with all computers. The computer must stay out of sleep or hibernation while charging.
When to choose wired or wireless playback
- Choose the audio cable when you need a direct wired connection or want to listen with the headphones powered off.
- Charge separately when the battery needs power; playback is unavailable during USB charging under Sony’s instructions.
Sony’s specifications list maximum music playback of 30 hours with noise canceling on and 40 hours with it off. These are manufacturer figures, not independent test results.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatible with Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones ULT WEAR, WH1000XM6, WH1000XM5, WH1000XM4, WH1000XM3, WH1000XM2, WHCH710N, WHCH720N, MDR950BT, MDR1AM2, MDR7520
- 3.5mm(1/8") 3 poles (TRS) male plug to 3.5mm(1/8") 3 poles (TRS) male plug with 6.35mm(1/4") adapter; Twist-lock and gold-plated tips, make better connection, ensure pure and transparent sound quality, support sound-noise cancellation
- Premium PVC and copper wire, conveniently using in studio mixing and tracking, DJing, FOH, mastering, post production, personal listening
- Works with PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, MP3 players, Laptops, PC, Cellphones, Tablets, Guitar, Amplifier and other devices with 3.5mm and 6.35mm port interface
- Approx. 1.2 meters( 4 feet ), extended to 4.5 meters( 14 feet ), wire diameter is 3.5mm
Rank #4
- Compatibility: This 3.5mm to 3.5mm cord is compatible with Sony WH-1000xm5, WH-1000xm4, WH-1000xm3, MDR-1A, WH-1000x, MDR-XB950BT, MDR-XB950N1, MDR-ZX770BN headphones and more headphones with 3.5mm jack. Make sure your device supports 3.5mm jack.
- High-Quality: This cord is made of high quality stripe TPE line. Touch soft with your hands, feel good and durable, and give you perfect sound performance.
- Enough Length: Cable is 2m(6.5ft) length，enables you to use it in more scenes.
- Sound Quality: This cable has gold plated 3.5mm pole jack,let you clear sound connection. The connector is of fine workmanship and has a black shell.
- WHAT YOU GET: 1. 1 x Cable. 2. 30 Days Worry-free replacement or refund.
Rank #3
- Compatibility: This 3.5mm to 3.5mm cord is compatible with Sony WH-1000xm5, WH-1000xm4, WH-1000xm3, WH-1000xm2, WH-1000x, MDR-XB950BT, MDR-XB950N1, MDR-ZX770BN headphones and more headphones with 3.5mm jack. Make sure your device supports 3.5mm jack.
- High-Quality: This cord is made of high quality stripe TPE line. Touch soft with your hands, feel good and durable, and give you perfect sound performance.
- Enough Length: Cable is 1.5m(4.9ft) length，enables you to use it in more scenes.
- Sound Quality: This cable has gold plated 3.5mm pole jack,let you clear sound connection. The connector is of fine workmanship and has a purple shell.
- WHAT YOU GET: 1. 1 x Cable. 2. 30 Days Worry-free replacement or refund.
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