Yes, the Sony WH-1000XM5 sale is legitimate, but “$100 off” understates the currently verified discount. On August 18, 2026, Sony’s U.S. store listed the black model at $248, down from $399.99, while Best Buy listed it at $248 versus $398. Those displayed comparisons equal savings of $151.99 and $150, respectively—about 38% off. Prices, colors, inventory and seller status can change without notice.
Where the $248 deal is listed
| Retailer | Model and condition | Observed price | Displayed comparison | Displayed saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Electronics | Black WH-1000XM5; verify the checkout condition and fulfillment details | $248 | $399.99 | $151.99 |
| Best Buy | Black WH1000XM5/B; listing identifies the unit as sold by Best Buy | $248 | $398 | $150 |
These are U.S. listings accessed August 18, 2026. A retailer can show a different price by color, ZIP code, account, store or delivery method. Taxes and shipping are added at checkout. The “was” figure is a retailer or manufacturer comparison price, not proof that the headphones sold continuously at that amount or that $248 is an all-time low.
How to verify you are getting the deal advertised
- Open the exact product page rather than a search-results page and confirm the model is WH-1000XM5 (black model WH1000XM5/B at Best Buy).
- Check that the seller is Sony or the named major retailer—not a marketplace seller—and that the condition says new, not refurbished, open-box or used.
- Confirm the color, delivery or pickup method, return window and manufacturer-warranty eligibility before paying.
- Compare the final cart total, since taxes, shipping and location-based fulfillment can change the amount.
What you get for $248
The WH-1000XM5 is an older flagship, launched in May 2022, but it still covers the features most travelers and remote workers seek. Sony advertises active noise cancellation, hands-free call quality and up to 30 hours of battery life. The headphones support Bluetooth wireless and wired listening, multipoint pairing and audio customization through Sony’s companion app. Best Buy lists two processors, eight microphones, four beamforming microphones, a maximum stated wireless range of 32.81 feet and active noise cancellation.
“Up to 30 hours” is a manufacturer claim; actual runtime varies with noise cancellation, codec, volume and use. Best Buy lists the XM5 as not water-resistant, so it is not a suitable substitute for workout or weatherproof headphones.
#1 Best Overall
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
Important compromises before buying
- Less compact travel design: The XM5 does not fold as compactly as the XM4 and lacks the newer XM6’s foldable design.
- Older hardware: Sony’s current flagship is now the WH-1000XM6.
- Durability considerations: Owner reports often discuss plastic-hinge failures, but those anecdotes do not establish a measured failure rate. Battery replacement and long-term handling are worth considering for a multi-year purchase.
- Fit and heat: Over-ear pads can feel warm during long sessions depending on climate and individual fit.
Independent comparison coverage describes the XM5 as having strong noise cancellation and detailed sound, while reporting improvements in sound and ANC with the XM6. See TechRadar’s XM5-versus-XM6 comparison.
XM5 versus the current WH-1000XM6
| Factor | WH-1000XM5 | WH-1000XM6 |
|---|---|---|
| Observed price | $248 | $398 (comparison price $458) |
| Position | Previous-generation flagship | Current flagship |
| Battery claim | Up to 30 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Folding | Less compact; not as foldable as XM4 | Foldable design |
| Processing and calls | Older processor and microphone system | Newer processing, 12 adaptive microphones and AI-based call beamforming listed by Sony/Best Buy |
| Best match | Premium ANC at the lowest price | Frequent travelers and buyers wanting the newest Sony features |
At those observed prices, the XM6 costs about $150 more. Spend the extra money if compact packing, the latest processing and current-flagship longevity matter more than price. Otherwise, the XM5 retains the core ANC, multipoint and battery features at a substantially lower entry cost. What Hi-Fi? notes that the XM5’s May 2022 launch helps explain its substantial discounts: comparison coverage.
Rank #2
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
Other prices worth checking
Best Buy’s comparison module showed these signals; they are retailer listings, not independent test results, and can change:
| Model | Observed price | Consider it if… | Potential drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra | $329.99 | You prefer Bose’s comfort, ANC presentation and immersive-audio features | Costs more and differs in app and multipoint priorities |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless | $212.99 | You want a lower price and long-battery-life positioning | ANC, sound and app experience may not suit you |
| Sony WH-CH720N | $99.99 | You want inexpensive Sony ANC | Lower-tier build, sound and features |
| Beats Studio Pro | $159.99 | You want a cheaper mainstream option, especially for Apple-oriented use | Not a direct premium-ANC replacement for the XM5 |
Who should buy now?
Buy the XM5 at $248 if
- Premium Sony noise cancellation is your priority.
- You want to save roughly $150 versus the observed XM6 price.
- You do not need the most compact folding design, water resistance or newest processing.
Choose the XM6 instead if
- You travel frequently and pack headphones in tight spaces.
- You want Sony’s current flagship, newer microphone processing and latest ANC system.
- You expect to keep the headphones for many years and accept the higher price.
Wait or skip if
- You already own a functioning XM5 and do not need a replacement.
- You are willing to monitor promotions, since earlier coverage documented prices such as $243 and $248 but does not prove a record low. See TechRadar’s earlier sale report.
- Your main use is exercise or wet-weather commuting, where the XM5’s lack of water resistance is a deal-breaker.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: The verified U.S. price is $248, not merely $100 off. That is a strong value for premium ANC if you are comfortable with an older, non-water-resistant design. Pay about $150 more for the XM6 when foldability and the newest Sony hardware matter more than savings.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Revolutionary noise cancellation: The Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones set a new standard with industry-leading noise canceling, powered by 2 advanced processors and 8 microphones, offering an immersive sound experience. Ideal for audiophiles and professionals, these sony headphones deliver unparalleled quietness in any environment, enhancing focus whether you're working in a bustling office or relaxing on a noisy flight.
- Immersive sound, uncompromised clarity: Experience exceptional audio fidelity with newly developed drivers Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones and DSEE Extreme technology that upscales compressed music files in real-time. With Hi-Res audio support, these headphones deliver stunning sound quality, allowing music lovers and audiophiles to enjoy tracks as the artists intended, capturing every detail and nuance for a truly engaging listening experience.
- Effortless multitasking and communication: Stay seamlessly connected with multipoint connection and crystal-clear hands-free calling, allowing you to switch between devices without missing a beat. Whether you're a busy professional or a music enthusiast, the intuitive touch controls and Speak-to-Chat feature offer quick access to ambient sound, ensuring you never miss an important conversation or cue in your environment.
- All-day comfort and convenience: Designed for prolonged use, the WH-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over Ear Headphones feature a lightweight, ultra-comfortable design with soft-fit leather that conforms to your ears. With up to 30 hours of battery life and quick charging capability, they are perfect for frequent travelers and daily commuters. The redesigned collapsible case provides easy storage, while Quick Access lets you tap into Spotify effortlessly.
- Bundle Includes: Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones (Black) + 6Ave Microfiber Cleaning Cloth + P-Bank Battery + Headphone / Headset Stand
Rank #4
- This Certified Refurbished product is manufacturer refurbished, shows limited or no wear, and includes all original accessories plus a 90-day limited hardware warranty.
- Precision-engineered to deliver exceptional High-Resolution Audio quality. Our Precise Voice Pickup Technology with newly developed wind noise reduction will also ensure you can hear and be heard clearly when taking calls on these noise cancelling headphones.
- Smart, intuitive, and intelligent. Adaptive Sound Control automatically adjusts the sound settings based on your environment and activity, and Speak-to-Chat automatically pauses the music when you want to have a conversation, without you having to remove the over ear headphones!
- For total convenience, these Bluetooth headphones can be paired with two devices at the same time. Fast Pair will help you locate the WH-1000XM5B if you can't find them and Swift Pair makes pairing with your PC or tablet simple.
- With up to a huge 30 hours of battery life, you’ll have enough power, even for long trips! A collapsible case is included with these Sony headphones for easy storage and travel.
Rank #3
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).(USB Type-C Cable included)
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
