Although the WH-1000XM6 is the best in Sony’s lineup, the Prime Big Deal Days discount is relatively modest at just $21 off. If you don’t need the latest technology, you can save a lot more by getting the latest generation. WH-1000XM5 in black, which cost $250 ($150 off) on Amazon. That’s one of the lowest prices we’ve seen on the old model, and a great deal on what was our favorite pair of noise-canceling headphones until the new XM6 arrived in May.
Although they are a few years old, the Sony XM5s still have a lot to offer, such as excellent noise cancellation, richly detailed sound, and improved voice call quality thanks to the inclusion of eight microphones. They’re also comfortable to wear for long periods of time, with ear cushions that are larger and provide just the right amount of cushion. And since the XM5s are mostly made of plastic – with some metal here and there – they are relatively light (250 grams).
That said, if you travel a lot, the XM5’s design might be considered a downgrade from the older WH-1000XM4 and the newer XM6. This is because the earphones cannot fold. Instead, only the earcups turn to lay the headphones flat, making them less easy to store while in their case. However, if you plan to primarily use the XM5 at home, this is more or less a non-issue, but it’s worth keeping in mind.
Sony continues to beef up the XM5 with new features, such as audio sharing and Google’s Gemini Live conversational AI assistant. So not only are you getting great noise-cancelling headphones for $149 off, but you’re also getting some new features that improve the experience compared to when they originally launched. It’s a win-win.
