The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are kind of a big deal in the audio world. Though it’s been four years since they first hit stores, they remain my pick for the best headphones you can buy. Why? Well, they’re just that impressive.
My team and I have reviewed many excellent wireless headphones since the XM5s launched, but Sony’s versatile cans still deliver my favorite combination of sound quality, handy features, comfort, active noise cancellation (ANC) strength, and overall value for the money. Whenever they’re discounted, they sell out quickly, which speaks volumes about their continued popularity. And that’s why I recommend grabbing this latest WH-1000XM5 deal while you can.
Right now, you can get the Sony WH-1000XM5 for 43% off at Amazon and the Sony online store, bringing them down to $228 from $400. That’s close to their all-time low of $198, and I doubt we’ll see a better price until Black Friday rolls around. Multiple colorways are on sale, so if one sells out, be sure to check if the others are still in stock.
Sony also sells a newer, more expensive pair of headphones, the WH-1000XM6, which have upgraded ANC and a few other enhancements. But given the price difference, the WH-1000XM5 are still the better buy for most people. You can learn more in our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review.
The WH-1000XM5 are one of Sony’s top over-ear headphones. They boast excellent noise-canceling performance along with great audio quality and a truckload of convenient features.
What we like
What we don’t like
Why we keep recommending the Sony WH-1000XM5
Simply put, the XM5s deliver great sound quality for the money. They have a clean, balanced sound profile that complements a wide range of genres, which can help reveal new details in all your favorite tracks. Like a lot of wireless over-ear headphones, the bass is a bit heavy using the default settings, but Sony’s mobile app makes it easy to adjust the EQ to match your preferences.
Read more A pair of big-name, macro portfolio managers are out at ExodusPoint less than a year after joining
The XM5s also have a comfortable design, which makes them great for long listening sessions and commutes. They feature soft, padded earcups and a lightweight build, along with effective touch controls on each earcup, so you can adjust volume and playback without pulling out your phone.
Active noise cancellation is also great in a variety of situations. The XM5s do an excellent job of quieting engine drone and everyday distractions while out and about, without introducing irritating white noise. However, the XM5s don’t have the absolute best noise cancellation on the market. They’ve been surpassed by newer models — like Sony’s XM6s and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen — but you’ll have to spend around $200 more to get a pair that beats them.
You also get a healthy assortment of features and quality-of-life perks, like Bluetooth multipoint, good call quality, and an intuitive app. It is a bummer that this model can’t fold up for easier storage (something the older XM4s and newer XM6s can), but that’s far from a dealbreaker, given how much the WH-1000XM5 headphones get right.
Looking for more recommendations? Check out our guides to the best over-ear headphones and best noise-canceling headphones.
Read more Sony Bravia 7 II deal: My favorite RGB LED TV is up to $800 off right now
About the Author
