Save $101.99: As of Aug. 19, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are back down to their Prime Day price of $298 at Amazon. That saves you 25% on their $399.99 list price.
Throughout the year, I write and update most of Mashable's headphones content, which means I get to try the latest products from brands like Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, JBL, and Anker Soundcore, just to name a few. Yet, as I write this very post, I am wearing a pair of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, purchased with my own hard-earned money.
I purchased mine on Prime Day, and as of Aug. 19, they're back down at Amazon to the very same $298 I grabbed them for, making this a great deal that'll save you 25% on their $399.99 full price. If you're not a huge Amazon fan, you can also grab them at Best Buy for $299.99.
Even though these headphones are now a couple years old, I picked them up because I was looking for something with high-end noise cancelling, that sounded fantastic, had solid multipoint connection, and cost $300 or less. The XM5s checked those boxes. Considering my job allows me to test the latest in noise-cancellation, I can say confidently that though these Sonys hold up. Deputy Reviews and Shopping Editor Miller Kern had a similar take when she reviewed the headphones, saying with music on, "They completely blocked out all the normal office sounds like the AC and other people talking, but they also rendered silent the construction happening on the building next door."
I also appreciate the "Find Your Equalizer" setting, which helps your narrow down the equalizer settings you might like best while a song of your choice plays. As for how these headphones connect, I have no issues getting them to pair right on startup, or switching between devices (which I do a decent amount throughout the day) — I can't say the same for my old Bose QC 35 II's, or the newer QC Ultras.
A few of downsides — these headphones are comfortable, but not the most — the QuietComfort line still has them beat for all day wear. After about a few hours, I can start to feel the Sonys weighing down on the top of my head, which I never experienced with the Bose headphones. However, I can still wear them relatively uninterrupted for my workday, and the absolute best comfort isn't my top priority, so it's fine for me. What actually disappoints me most about the design is that the earcups don't fold in for travel, so they're a little more bulky when you're taking them on the go.
These headphones do also cost a pretty penny, even on sale. Yes, they're still cheaper than options from Bose or Apple, but if you're not ready to spend $300, the Sony ULT headphones are a much more affordable alternative.
