Sony's half-off WH-1000XM5 are probably the best over-ear headphones you can buy today

By Adrian Diaconescu

Published: Aug 30, 2026, 10:14 AM

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The undeniably elegant WH-1000XM5 come with an equally stylish carrying case. | Image by PhoneArena

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If you thought the exceptionally well-reviewed Sony WH-1000XM5 were a must-buy at a $152 discount just last week (which they absolutely were) but for some reason have yet to pull the trigger on the 2024-released headphones, Amazon is ready to make you an even more tempting offer.

Whether or not you can refuse the opportunity to save $200 might depend on what you think about the Sony WH-1000XM6, which are obviously newer and better than the half-off WH-1000XM5 but also way costlier, normally fetching $459.99 a pair and very rarely dropping more than 60 bucks below their list price in the six months or so since their commercial debut.

If you want to spend even less on an only slightly inferior pair of over-ear headphones, Apple's Beats Studio Pro can be yours at a killer $200 discount right now.

$200 off (50%)

Sony's best over-ear headphones... from 2024 are still great in 2026, especially at a 50 percent discount in three color options with state-of-the-art active noise cancellation, excellent overall audio performance, 30-hour battery life, crystal clear calling quality, and an ultra-premium and ultra-comfortable design with soft fit leather.

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Basically, the WH-1000XM5 are twice as affordable as their successors at the time of this writing, and despite Sony's bombastic marketing claims for the WH-1000XM6, those are definitely not twice as good as their forerunners. Of course, there are other great over-ear headphones on the market to consider (like Apple's AirPods Max and AirPods Max 2 or the Bose QuietComfort), but none are quite as cheap as the Sony WH-1000XM5 at this latest discount from their regular price of $399.99.

Because all good things in life eventually come to an end and the truly great things often come to a premature end, this sensational new Amazon deal is only scheduled to run for 24 hours. And the 50 percent discount is only good for Smoky Pink, Black, and Silver colorways.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are just as big and as powerful as you think. | Image by PhoneArena

Of course, that should be more than enough chromatic choice and more than enough time for audiophiles on a tight budget to get set up for the new school year or their daily commutes to work for the next couple of years.

If you're worried about the advanced age of these deeply discounted bad boys... well, don't be, as they used to headline our list of the best high-end Bluetooth wireless headphones around in 2024 and now... they're still on that list, albeit a few places down. The active noise cancellation is still great, the overall audio quality perhaps even better, and the 30-hour battery life is actually unsurpassed by the WH-1000XM6. What more could you possibly want.. at that hugely reduced price?

$90

$210

$120 off (57%)

Mint Mobile is now allowing you to get whichever plan you like for either three, six, or 12 months for just $15/mo. If you go for the six-month unlimited service, for instance, you'll now have to pay just $90 upfront instead of $210.

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Adrian, a mobile technology enthusiast since the Nokia 3310 era, has been a dynamic presence in the tech journalism field, contributing to Android Authority, Digital Trends, and Pocketnow before joining PhoneArena in 2018. His expertise spans across various platforms, with a particular fondness for the diversity of the Android ecosystem. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time parenthood with his work, Adrian's passion for tech trends, running, and movies keeps him energized. His commitment to mid-range smartphones has led to an eclectic collection of devices, saved from personal bankruptcy by his preference for 'adequate' over 'overpriced'.

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