Save $101.99: As of August 19, Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones are back to their Prime Day price of $298 on Amazon, a 25% saving off the list price of $399.99.
Throughout the year, I write and update most of Mashable’s headphone content, which means I get to try out the latest products from a variety of brands, including Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, JBL, and Anker Soundcore. But as I write this post, I’m wearing a pair of Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones that I purchased with my own hard-earned money.
I bought it on Prime Day, and as of August 19th, it has been discounted to $298, the same price as when I bought it on Amazon, which is 25% off the list price of $399.99. If you don’t use Amazon much, you can also buy it at Best Buy for $299.99.
While these headphones are a few years old, I chose them because I was looking for a product that offered high-end noise cancellation, great sound quality, solid multi-point connectivity, and a price tag of under $300. The XM5s checked those boxes. My job requires me to test the latest in noise cancellation, and I’m confident that Sony’s headphones hold up. Miller Khan, associate editor for reviews and shopping, echoed similar sentiments in her review of the headphones, saying that while listening to music, “all the normal office sounds, like the air conditioner and other people talking, were completely blocked out, as was the construction going on in the building next door.”
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I also like the “Find Equalizer” setting, which helps you narrow down the equalizer settings you like best while playing your favorite songs. As for how these headphones connect, I have no issues pairing them right away at startup or switching between devices (which I do often throughout the day). However, the same can’t be said for the older Bose QC 35 II or the newer QC Ultra.
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There are a few drawbacks. The headphones are comfortable, but not the best. For all-day wear, the QuietComfort line is a better choice. After a few hours, the Sony headphones start to feel heavy on the top of my head, something I’ve never felt with the Bose headphones. But since I can wear them relatively uninterrupted while working, and maximum comfort isn’t my number one priority, that’s fine for me. My biggest disappointment with the design is that the ear cups don’t fold up for travel, which makes them a bit bulky to take on the go.
These headphones are pretty pricey, even on sale. Sure, they’re cheaper than the Bose and Apple offerings, but if you don’t have $300 to spend, the Sony ULT headphones are a much more affordable option.
