While the WH-1000XM6 are the top dog in Sony’s lineup, the discount for Prime Big Deal Days is relatively modest at just $21 off. If you don’t need the latest tech, though, you can save a lot more by grabbing the last-gen WH-1000XM5 in black, which are down to $250 ($150 off) at Amazon. That’s one of the lowest prices we’ve seen on the older model, and a great deal on what was our favorite pair of noise-canceling headphones until the arrival of the newer XM6 in May.
Although they’re a few years old, the Sony XM5 still have a lot to offer, like excellent noise cancellation, detail-rich sound, and enhanced voice call quality thanks to the inclusion of eight microphones. They’re also comfortable to wear over extended periods, with ear pads that are wider and offer just the right amount of cushion. And since the XM5s are mostly comprised of plastic — with some metal here and there — they’re relatively lightweight at 250 grams.
That said, if you travel a lot, the XM5’s design may be seen as a downgrade compared to the older WH-1000XM4 and newer XM6. That’s because the headphones can’t fold. Instead, only the ear cups turn to lay the headphones flat, so they’re not as easy to pack when they’re 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 is still bolstering the XM5 with new features, like audio sharing and Google’s Gemini Live conversational AI assistant. So, not only do you get great noise-canceling headphones for $149 off, but you also get new features that improve the experience compared to when they first launched. That’s a win-win.