Audio enthusiasts need no introduction to Sony’s 1000X series. They’ve been around since 2016, improving on the previous iteration to eventually land on the Sony WH-1000XM5, the best over-ear headphones for audio your money can buy. If you’re willing to splurge, it’s a good time to do so. The WH-1000XM5 is currently $298 (originally $399.99), the lowest price they’ve ever been, according to price-checking tools.
I have been a loyal customer of the 1000X line for many years as my go-to headphones for most activities. The WH-1000XM5 came out in May of 2022 to an “outstanding” review from PCMag for its top-notch audio quality, but also for its exceptional audio when using its best-in-class active-noise canceling (ANC) (most headphones lose their audio quality when using ANC). The headphones are also well-designed to be comfortable for long sessions.
The ear controls use tapping and swiping, which aren’t my favorite, but it’s where all the modern headphones are moving toward. There is an app that comes with the headphones that lets you adjust your EQ settings to your liking, including what the swiping and tapping functions do on your headphones.
A great touch on these headphones that is often neglected is a Stereo 3.5mm connection, perfect for those who want to use a wired cable without worrying about battery life. Speaking of battery life, Sony says you can expect about 30 hours, but it will vary depending on your usage of ANC. They are compatible with AAC, LDAC and SBC codecs and have multipoint connection (you can pair them with more than one device at the same time).
If you’re looking for the best headphones for audio quality with ANC you can buy right now, the WH-1000XM5 is it. And with their current discount, you’ll be getting the best and the best price.
