The Sony WH-1000XM5 are among the best AirPods Max alternatives, but they can be quite expensive. Fortunately, the over-ear headphones are back on sale this spring at major retailers like Best Buy and Amazon, with the black variant dropping to a record-low price of $249 from $399—a $150 (38%) discount.
Other color options, including Silver, Blue, and Smoky Pink, are also on sale, though with a smaller $70 (18%) discount. While not as steep, it’s still a worthwhile saving.
Why You Should Buy the Sony WH-1000XM5
This deal makes the Sony WH-1000XM5 (review) an even better choice if you’re looking for premium ANC over-ear headphones with excellent noise cancellation and audio quality—compatible with both iPhone and Android.
We praised the WH-1000XM5 for its sleeker and more refined design, featuring a thinner headband and hinge than its predecessor. Despite the changes, comfort remains excellent, though some users may need minor adjustments when switching from an older model, especially during extended listening sessions. Keep in mind: These headphones aren’t water-resistant, but that’s standard for most over-ear models.
The WH-1000XM5 deliver high-resolution audio with LDAC and DSEE Extreme codecs. While they feature smaller 30mm drivers, Sony claims they produce clearer and more precise sound than the previous generation. The headphones also have a V-shaped audio profile by default, emphasizing bass, mid-lows, and treble.
Sony’s Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on the WH-1000XM5 is among the best in its class, powered by Sony’s integrated V1 and QN1 processors. Additionally, transparency levels can be customized, allowing users to create multiple profiles for different environments. The headphones also feature multipoint pairing, customizable controls, and Spotify Tap gesture support for seamless usability.
Battery life is another strong point, offering 30 hours of playback with ANC or Transparency Mode enabled, and extending to 40 hours when these features are disabled. They charge via USB-C, but quick charging isn’t supported.
Do you like the Sony WH-1000XM5’s design? Are you planning to grab a pair at this price? Let us know in the comments!
