Sony WH-1000XM5 drop to $248 for Black Friday — excellent ANC at a record low

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones are on sale for $248 this Black Friday, roughly $152 off their list price — matching or edging the all-time low we saw on Prime Day. While Sony has since introduced the WH-1000XM6 as its newer flagship, the XM5 remains an excellent pick for most listeners thanks to strong noise cancellation, comfort and battery life.

Our original review praised the XM5 for its redesigned fit, immersive sound and powerful ANC. The headphones deliver around 30 hours of battery life, a punchy, well-balanced sound signature and improved ANC performance — especially at attenuating higher-frequency noises like voices — thanks to additional microphones and processors.

Why consider the WH-1000XM5 at this price

• Value: $248 is a record-low price for a model that earned widespread acclaim for sound, comfort and ANC.
• Comfort: Redesigned headband and ear cups make long listening sessions easy.
• Performance: Strong ANC and clear, immersive audio with good bass impact.
• Battery: About 30 hours per charge — ample for travel and daily use.

How the XM5 stacks up vs XM6

The WH-1000XM6 improves on the XM5 in a few areas — slightly better ANC and refined sound — but the XM6 currently sells for around $398 on sale, so the XM5 at $248 represents much better value for many buyers. If you want the absolute latest flagship performance and can afford the premium, the XM6 is worth considering; otherwise the XM5 is a bargain.

Buying tips

• Check whether your retailer includes warranty and returns — some third-party sellers vary on coverage.
• Compare the XM5 sale to the XM6 sale price to decide whether the extra spend is justified for you.
• If ANC in very loud environments is your priority, read recent user reports on XM6 improvements before deciding.

Shop the Sony WH-1000XM5 on Amazon (affiliate link, opens in a new tab): Sony WH-1000XM5 on Amazon. For official specs and support, see Sony’s site (opens in a new tab): sony.com.

Discussion: Are you grabbing the XM5 at $248, upgrading to the XM6, or waiting for a different headphone deal? What matters most to you — ANC, sound signature, comfort or battery life?