Sony WH-1000XM5 hits Cyber Monday low: $248 — great value vs the XM6

Cyber Monday has brought the Sony WH-1000XM5 down to about $248, roughly $152 off its regular $400 price and close to its record low. While Sony’s newest flagship, the WH-1000XM6, improves on sound and noise cancellation, the XM5 remains an outstanding buy for most listeners at this discounted price.

We originally scored the WH-1000XM5 very highly for comfort, sound quality and ANC. The headphones offer around 30 hours of battery life, deep immersive sound with punchy bass, and upgraded ANC compared with older models thanks to additional microphones and processors.

Why the XM5 is still a great pick

• Comfort: Lightweight design and soft earcups make long listening sessions easy.
• Noise cancellation: Excellent ANC that blocks a wide range of frequencies, including many human voices.
• Battery life: About 30 hours per charge — plenty for travel and daily use.
• Value at $248: Nearly matches the XM5’s all‑time low and offers most of the flagship experience for significantly less than the XM6.

XM5 vs XM6 — quick comparison

The WH-1000XM6 brings incremental upgrades in sound tuning and ANC performance, but at a higher price (XM6 often sells for ~$398+ on sale). If you prize the absolute latest tuning and slightly better noise suppression, the XM6 may be worth the extra cost. For budget-conscious buyers who want top-tier comfort and noise canceling, the XM5 at $248 is the smarter value.

Where to buy

Check major retailers for the best Cyber Monday price — for convenience, search here: Sony WH-1000XM5 on Amazon. You can also compare prices at Sony’s store and other electronics retailers to confirm warranty and return policies.

Buying tips: If you choose the XM5, double‑check seller authenticity and return windows. If you prefer the XM6, weigh the price premium against the marginal performance gains for your use case (travel, office noise, critical listening).

Discussion: Would you buy the WH-1000XM5 at $248, or pay up for the XM6? Tell us your listening priorities (travel, commuting, home office, or audiophile) and we’ll recommend the best pick.